1. Why do feed ingredient import enterprises need to be "licensed to operate"?

As a veteran with 20 years of experience in foreign trade, I am often asked by clients: "Why do we need special approval for enterprises importing feed ingredients?" It's just like needing a passport when traveling abroad,Class I risk feed materialsDue to its unique biosafety risk attributes, customs must conduct a "health check" on relevant enterprises to ensure they meet qualified epidemic prevention conditions and regulatory capabilities.

According to the Law on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine, China implementsfull-process quarantine supervisionfor such high-risk products. Just as we wouldnt let unlicensed individuals perform surgery, customs wont allow unqualified enterprises to handle these special goods. This protects domestic agricultural security while promoting standardized business operations.

II. The Three Core Indicators of Corporate "Health Check"

Based on years assisting with applications, I summarize customs evaluation standards into three key dimensions:

• Hardware facilities must meet standards: Like hospital sterilization zones, enterprises need complete quarantine facilities including: dedicated disinfection pools (vehicle passages no less than 4 meters), specialized raw material warehouses (with refrigeration when needed), and harmless treatment facilities.
• Management systems must be soundWe often say, "Three parts equipment, seven parts management." Enterprises must establish a comprehensive epidemic prevention system, including 12 essential measures such as: an epidemic prevention leadership team, an inventory registration system, and an emergency response plan for outbreaks.
• Daily implementation must be thoroughCustoms places the highest priority on "delivering on promises," meaning every system must have corresponding execution records. For example, six major types of ledgers, such as epidemic prevention records, staff training records, and medication usage records, are required.

Animal-derived vs. plant-derived: Differences in application conditions

Just as doctors distinguish between internal medicine and surgical examinations, Customs has differentiated requirements for different types of feed material enterprises:

Key Inspection Points for Animal-Derived Feed Enterprises

• More stringent location requirements: No livestock/poultry farms within 1km radius
• More detailed zoning management: Must achieve separation of people/vehicles and raw/cooked materials
• Higher protection standards: Must be equipped with complete work uniforms, shoes, hats, gloves, etc.

"Clearance Guide" for Plant-Based Feed Enterprises

• Focus on isolation measures: Requires physical walls and dedicated transportation vehicles
• Emphasize traceability management: Establish a full-process quality and safety monitoring system
• Highlight epidemic prevention: Equip with pest monitoring facilities

Practical guide to obtaining approval within 20 working days

Based on Customs commitment to complete processing within 20 working days, I recommend enterprises follow this schedule:

• Days 1-5: Self-inspection and rectification phase. Check item by item against application requirements, focusing on improving disinfection facilities and system documents.
• Days 6-10: Material preparation phase. Note when filling the application form:
  • Use Annex 1 for animal-derived materials, Annex 2 for plant-derived materials
  • Attach supporting documents like factory layout plans and equipment lists
• Days 11-15: Online declaration phase. Submit electronic materials through the "Internet + Customs" platform, ensuring to select the correct direct customs office.
• Days 16-20: On-site evaluation cooperation. Customs experts will focus on inspecting:
  • Actual usage of disinfection facilities

V. Special Reminders from Seasoned Foreign Trade Professionals

Based on years of experience, I have identified three major "pitfalls" that most commonly lead to application failures:

• Formalism trapMany companies have prepared beautifully crafted policy documents, but on-site inspections reveal empty disinfection pools and dressing rooms that are merely for show. Remember: Customs wants "real substance," not just "window dressing."
• Details determine success: One client was required to rectify for lacking a locked medicine cabinet in the raw material warehouse. Suggest enterprises check every detail requirement against standards.
• Dynamic management awareness: Obtaining qualification isnt the endpoint—Customs conducts random inspections. Recommend establishing daily inspection mechanisms to ensure continuous compliance.

Finally, I'd like to remind everyone that all approved enterprise lists will be published on the General Administration of Customs website. This "honor roll" is not only a pass but also a testament to a company's strength, which greatly benefits expanding into international markets. If you have any further questions, feel free to call the 12360 Customs hotline for consultation or contact a professional foreign trade consultant like me.

Remember: Compliance is not a cost, but a competitive edge. Conduct a thorough "health check" in advance to go further in the arena of international trade!