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Exporting Cocoa Beans from Africa to China: GACC Registration Requirements

China has opened its market to eligible cocoa bean suppliers from African countries that have diplomatic relations with China. Under General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) Announcement No. 147 of 2026, overseas producers and processors must meet the applicable registration and phytosanitary requirements before exporting cocoa beans to China.

The announcement was issued on October 15, 2026, and will take effect on December 15, 2026.

For African cocoa suppliers seeking to enter the Chinese market, understanding these requirements is essential.

1. Which Cocoa Beans Are Eligible?

Announcement No. 147 covers qualifying unroasted cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.) grown and processed in eligible African countries. The beans must undergo relevant procedures, including pod and pulp removal, fermentation, drying and screening.

Roasted cocoa beans, cocoa powder, cocoa butter and other processed cocoa products should not automatically be assumed to fall within the same scope. Their eligibility must be assessed separately.

Cocoa beans from São Tomé and Príncipe remain subject to the existing requirements under GACC Announcement No. 120 of 2024.

2. GACC Registration for Overseas Establishments

Overseas cocoa bean production and processing establishments must complete the required registration process.

The exporting country’s competent authority must review eligible establishments and submit the relevant list to GACC. Following review and approval, GACC will publish the approved establishments on its official website.

A company cannot export cocoa beans to China solely because its country is eligible. Its establishment must also obtain the required GACC approval.

Suppliers should contact their national competent authority to confirm the registration procedure and required documentation.

3. Plantation and Processing Requirements

Exporters must establish effective quality management, pest control and traceability systems.

Key requirements include:

* Implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and integrated pest management.

* Monitoring quarantine pests of concern to China and maintaining pest control records for at least two years.

* Avoiding pesticides prohibited by China.

* Ensuring processing facilities maintain appropriate hygiene and operational separation.

* Sorting and cleaning cocoa beans to remove mouldy or insect-damaged beans, live insects, soil, weed seeds and other foreign materials.

* Maintaining traceability from exported cocoa beans back to their plantations.

These measures help ensure product quality and compliance with China’s phytosanitary requirements.

4. Packaging, Labelling and Phytosanitary Certificates

Packaging and shipment documentation must meet the requirements specified in the announcement.

Packaging and labelling

* Use clean, hygienic and new packaging materials.

* Ensure wooden packaging complies with ISPM 15.

* Identify the product, country of origin and processing establishment on each package.

* Mark each package and pallet with “Exported to the People’s Republic of China” or “输往中华人民共和国”.

Shipment requirements

Transport vehicles and containers must be inspected before loading, and container seals must remain intact upon arrival in China.

Each shipment must be accompanied by an official phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country’s competent authority. The certificate must identify the processing establishment and include the following additional declaration:

“This consignment complies with Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Cocoa Beans from Africa to China, and is free from quarantine pests of concern to China.”

The exporting country’s competent authority must also provide a specimen phytosanitary certificate to the Chinese authorities for confirmation and filing before trade begins.

5. Inspection and Non-Compliance Risks

During the first two years of trade, the exporting country’s competent authority must conduct sampling inspections at a rate of at least 2% for each batch exported to China. If no phytosanitary issues occur during this period, the rate may be reduced to at least 1%.

Shipments found to contain quarantine pests of concern to China, plant residues or soil during pre-export inspection must not be exported.

At the Chinese port of entry, customs authorities will verify the phytosanitary certificate, packaging markings and compliance with applicable inspection and quarantine requirements.

Shipments from unregistered establishments or those lacking valid phytosanitary certificates may be returned or destroyed. Other non-compliant shipments may be subject to appropriate treatment or other regulatory measures.

6. How Can Cocoa Suppliers Prepare?

Companies planning to export cocoa beans to China should take the following steps:

1. Confirm product eligibility under Announcement No. 147.

2. Verify GACC registration procedures with the competent authority in the exporting country.

3. Establish traceability and pest control systems and maintain the required records.

4. Review processing, packaging and labelling procedures against China’s requirements.

5. Prepare export documentation and confirm phytosanitary inspection arrangements before shipment.

Conclusion

GACC Announcement No. 147 of 2026 creates new opportunities for eligible African cocoa suppliers seeking access to the Chinese market.

However, successful market entry requires more than finding Chinese buyers. Overseas establishments must obtain the required GACC approval, maintain traceability and pest control systems, meet packaging standards and provide valid phytosanitary certificates.

The announcement takes effect on December 15, 2026. Suppliers should begin reviewing their registration status and export procedures in advance.

Our team provides GACC registration consulting, document preparation and compliance support for overseas establishments seeking to enter the Chinese market.

Contact us to discuss your cocoa bean export plans and registration requirements.

Regulatory reference: GACC Announcement No. 147 of 2026, Phytosanitary Requirements for the Import of Cocoa Beans from African Countries.