Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the benefits of the Advance Release Arrangement for local food manufacturers?
A1: The Advance Release Arrangement can further enhance the safety of food exported from Hong Kong to the Mainland. For food products requiring sampling inspection, Mainland Customs will release the goods immediately after sampling without waiting for the test results, thereby reducing clearance time.
Q2: Why is the Advance Release Arrangement initially targeted at three major categories of food?
A2: This proposal was made after consultation with the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and consideration of the opinions from the General Administration of Customs. In the first phase, the Advance Release Arrangement will be applied to three major categories of Hong Kong-Manufactured food products. Once the measures are proven to be effective, the arrangement may be extended to other food categories.
Q3: How are the food categories defined?
A3: Food classification is based on the Chinese HS code and the Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) code. Relevant information can be found in the Application Guide for "Advance Release Permission".
Q4: Does the Advance Release Arrangement cover snowy mooncakes? Please provide the relevant Chinese HS code and Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) code.
A4: After confirmation with the General Administration of Customs, the Advance Release Arrangement is applicable to snowy mooncakes. They fall under the food category “biscuits, pastries and bread”. The corresponding Chinese HS code and Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) code combination are 1902200000 and 101, respectively.
Q5: Which Mainland ports are the Advance Release Arrangement applicable to?
A5: The Mainland ports implementing the Advance Release Arrangement are those under the jurisdiction of Shenzhen Customs, Gongbei Customs, and Huangpu Customs. The main ports under the jurisdiction of the relevant customs districts include:
| Customs District | Sea Ports | Land Ports |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen Customs | Shekou |
Wenjindu |
| Gongbei Customs |
Gaolan |
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge |
| Huangpu Customs |
Huangpu New Port |
Fenggang |
Q6: Is it necessary for food manufacturers exporting the three major categories of food to the Mainland under the Advance Release Arrangement to register with the General Administration of Customs?
A6: According to Decree No. 248 Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Registration and Administration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC), all overseas manufacturers that export foods to Chinese Mainland (including food factories in Hong Kong) are required to register with the GACC. Food manufacturers of the three major categories of food covered in the first phase of the Advance Release Arrangement can apply for registration with the GACC through the China International Trade Single Window.
Q7: What are the national standards and testing requirements for the three categories of food covered by the Advance Release Arrangement?
A7: Information on the national food safety standards can be found on the website of the National Health Commission. As for food testing parameters, they generally include testing on quality, food additives, pesticides, contaminants, microorganisms, and biotoxins, etc. For more details, please refer to the Application Guide for Advance Release Permission.
Q8: How can food manufacturers choose accredited institutions to test their food?
A8: Food manufacturers may make reference to institutions and laboratories accredited under the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) for food testing services. They may also consider other organisations and laboratories which are the Mutual Recognition Arrangement Partners of HOKLAS, such as the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS).
Q9: Which types of food require the “Health Certificate for Foods of Animal Origin” or the “Food Inspection Certificate”?
A9: Generally, foods containing animal-derived ingredients, such as mooncakes and ice cream, require the “Health Certificate for Foods of Animal Origin”, while foods without animal-derived ingredients, such as beverages, biscuits, bread, and candies, require the “Food Inspection Certificate”.
Q10: What is the difference between applying for the “Health Certificate for Foods of Animal Origin” or the “Food Inspection Certificate” under the Advance Release Permission as compared to the general application process?
A10: Food manufacturers using the Advance Release Arrangement must ensure that the relevant food complies with Chinese national standards. To this end, during the application process for the “Health Certificate for Foods of Animal Origin” or the “Food Inspection Certificate”, the Centre for Food Safety may require food manufacturers to submit test certificates with relevant test reports issued by a recognized third-party institute for specific consignments of food products. Food manufacturers need to make appropriate arrangements for the relevant sampling and testing requirements and cooperate with the Centre for Food Safety in monitoring the sampling process.
Q11: Under the Advance Release Arrangement, can food products that have been sampled and released by Mainland Customs be immediately sent to retail outlets for sale?
A11: According to the Advance Release Arrangement, for food products requiring sampling inspection, Mainland Customs will directly release the food products after sampling. After confirmation with the GACC, Mainland Customs will also issue a “Certification of Inspection and Quarantine of Entry Goods” upon release of the food products. Importers can proceed with the food products according to their own needs after receiving this certificate.
Q12: After the implementation of the Advance Release Arrangement measures, must food manufacturers use the Advance Release Arrangement to export the three major categories of food to the Mainland?
A12: Food manufacturers can decide for themselves whether to use the Advance Release Arrangement. Those who do not participate can still export food products to the Mainland using their existing methods.