With the improvement of peoples living standards, the status of pets in peoples lives has gradually increased, and the pet feed market has become increasingly prosperous. As the main food source for pets, the quality of pet feed is directly related to the health of pets. Therefore, whether it is for domestic sales or export, the production and sales of pet food are subject to strict supervision. This article will explore the qualifications that an enterprise producing pet food for export should meet, the conditions for registration, the required materials and handling procedures, as well as how to declare for the export of pet food.

Customs registration system

According to theimport and exportAccording to the Measures for the Inspection, Quarantine, Supervision and Administration of Feeds and Feed Additives, all manufacturers of export pet food must be registered with the customs to ensure that their products meet international standards. In addition, if the destination country has additional registration or record - filing requirements for imported pet food, the enterprise also needs to meet these requirements and obtain registration in the destination country.

Compliance with relevant regulations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has formulated a series of regulatory documents regarding pet feeds, such as the Measures for the Administration of Pet Feeds and the Permit Conditions for Pet Feed Manufacturers. Export pet food manufacturers should also strictly abide by these regulations to ensure the quality and safety of their products.

Feed production license

For manufacturers of pet compound feeds and pet additive premixed feeds, they also need to obtain a feed production license, which is a necessary condition for the enterprise to legally produce and export pet feeds.

Customs record - filing management

The customs implements record - filing management for export feed enterprises. Enterprises need to file with the local customs before or at the time of the first inspection. However, if the exporter and the manufacturer are the same enterprise, there is no need to file again.

Friendly reminder:If the importing country or region has no registration requirements, the enterprise may be exempt from registering with the customs.

When registering, export pet food manufacturers need to meet a series of strict conditions to ensure the quality and safety of the pet food they produce. These conditions mainly include:

Factory buildings, processes, equipment and facilities

The factory site of an enterprise should be far away from industrial pollution sources and maintain an appropriate distance from farms, slaughterhouses, and residential areas. The layout of factories and workshops should be reasonable, and the production area should be separated from the living area and office area. In addition, the enterprise should have factories, equipment, and warehousing facilities that are commensurate with its production capacity, and should be equipped with pest prevention and control facilities.

Quality management institutions and professional technical personnel

An enterprise should have a quality management organization that is commensurate with the products it produces and employ professional technical personnel to ensure product quality.

Testing capabilities

An enterprise should have a testing capacity that is commensurate with safety and hygiene control, and be able to promptly detect and handle problems that may affect product quality and safety.

Management systems

An enterprise needs to establish a complete management system, including a job responsibility system, a personnel training system, a health inspection system for employees, etc. At the same time, the enterprise also needs to establish a quality management system in accordance with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principle, implement the Standard Sanitation Operating Procedure (SSOP), and establish a number of management systems, including a supplier evaluation and acceptance system for raw materials, auxiliary materials, and packaging materials, a feed label management system, and a product traceability system.

In order to successfully complete the registration, an export pet food production enterprise needs to prepare a series of materials, including the Application Form for Inspection and Quarantine Registration of Export Feed Production, Processing, and Storage Enterprises, relevant supporting documents, a production process flowchart, a factory layout plan, a product and raw material list, etc.
For the registration process, enterprises need to submit online applications to their local customs through the Internet + Customs integrated online service platform. Customs will conduct on-site inspections within 20 working days after receiving the application and make registration decisions. The registration certificate is valid for 5 years. Enterprises can also check processing results through the Customs 12360 service hotline or online platform.

The declaration process for exporting pet food is equally important. The cargo owner or their agent needs to declare to the local customs through Chinas International Trade Single Window. Customs will conduct inspections based on the importing country/regions quarantine requirements, bilateral agreements, Chinese laws and regulations, mandatory standards, relevant quarantine requirements, and trade contracts orL/CAfter passing the on - site inspection, the customs will issue an electronic ledger and issue relevant inspection and quarantine certificates.

The export of pet food involves multiple links, and each link has strict regulations and requirements. When exporting pet food, enterprises should not only pay attention to the quality and safety of the products but also understand and abide by relevant laws and regulations, meet the requirements of the customs and the destination country, ensure the smooth export of products, and safeguard the health of pets.