F&B: New Decree on Registration of Overseas Food Manufacturers
Issuing agency: General Administration of Customs (GACC)
On 14 October 2025, China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) published the Decree 280 on Registration of Overseas Food Manufacturers. that will replace Decree 248. The new decree will come into force on 1 June 2026. Integrating some recent simplifications, Decree 280 will facilitate the registration process for most European companies.
Further implementing details will be published at a later date, including a « Catalog of Imported Foods Requiring Official Recommendation » (article 6), likely to include products considered “high risk” in Decree 248. A major improvement is the (quasi) automatic renewal, after 5 years, of the product registration for many products, in particular those who used to be classified « low risk ». Read the full text of Decree 280 in Chinese >
Notice on the Implementation of Domestic Product Standards and Related Policies in Government Procurement
Issuing agency: State Council
The Notice introduces a five-year framework for developing product standards, followed by a three-to-five-year transition period. It adds a fair-competition clause prohibiting discrimination by brand, registration or ownership, supporting fair access for foreign-invested firms. However, the inclusion of a 20 per cent price preference for domestic products could disadvantage foreign competitors and raise trade concerns. Read full text in Chinese >
Measures for the Certification of Personal Information Outbound Transfers
Issuing agencies: Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR)
The Measures, to come into effect on 1 January 2026, complete the framework of the 2021 Personal Information Protection Law, and set detailed rules for certifying cross-border transfers of personal data. They specify eligibility criteria for processors, introduces thresholds for applicability, and obligations such as user consent and impact assessments. Accredited agencies will issue three-year certificates and must monitor and report on compliance. Read full text in Chinese >
