According to a new announcement from China's General Administration of Customs (GACC), 2,589 products across 20 agricultural categories must have a confirmation letter and enterprise registration to be exported to China. This extensive list covers: fruits, fresh vegetables, tea, coffee, grains, seedlings, medicinal herbs, and plant-based spices like dried chili, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and perilla leaves.
Authorities state that this new requirement is not an import restriction, but rather a tightening of documentation procedures. When completing import formalities, businesses must accurately declare the foreign manufacturer's Chinese registration code on the customs declaration. If a shipment contains multiple different items, the registration code must be declared separately for each product and associated enterprise. This regulation takes effect from 15/12/2025.
According to the Vietnam SPS Office, the product list was developed based on quarantine risk assessment and aligns with international practices. China has also made public an inquiry channel for businesses to verify registration status and product information.
For Vietnamese businesses, especially those exporting high-seasonality items like spices, fresh fruits, and tea, this requirement means reviewing all registration codes and legal documents. Any errors or missing information in the declaration could prolong customs clearance, increasing storage costs and quality risks.
As China increasingly raises its quarantine and traceability standards, this move is seen as a further step in standardizing imports. For exporting businesses, the challenge is no longer just about selling goods, but about fully and accurately meeting every technical requirement, starting from the documentation phase.
Statistics from the Customs Department indicate that total fruit and vegetable export turnover for the entire year reached over USD 8,56 billion, an increase of nearly 20% compared to 2024. The Chinese market alone contributed approximately USD 5,5 billion, accounting for over 64% of the total export value and becoming a decisive driver for the industry's overall growth.
Compared to the previous year, fruit and vegetable exports to China increased by nearly 19%, equivalent to over USD 870 million. This marks the highest increase to date, both in absolute terms and proportional contribution.
Thi Ha
