An awareness session on “Agricultural Product Exports to China through GACC Registration” was successfully conducted recently at the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) premises, as a follow-up action to the 25th Exporters’ Forum.
The session was jointly organized by the EDB and the National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS), with the objective of educating Sri Lankan exporters about the mandatory GACC (General Administration of Customs of China) registration process required for exporting agricultural products to the Chinese market.
This initiative was prompted by the issues raised by the Spices & Allied Products Traders' Association (SAPPTA) during the 24th Exporters’ Forum, which highlighted exporters’ lack of familiarity with the complex registration procedures under GACC.
According to NPQS, GACC registration is mandatory for a wide range of commodities, including food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, cosmetics, and agricultural products. For agricultural exports, exporters must comply with three critical criteria: food safety, plant health, and traceability. NPQS has already facilitated the registration of 188 firms, including their growing fields, under this program.
The session witnessed the participation of over 100 stakeholders, reflecting strong interest and engagement from the export community. The event featured insightful presentations by Mrs. G.G.D. Lalani, Additional Director and Head of NPPO at NPQS, and Mr. M.F.M. Rizwan, Head of the Plant Quarantine Operation Division at NPQS. Their expert guidance provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the GACC registration framework and the practical steps required for compliance.
This awareness session served as a key platform to strengthen the export readiness of Sri Lankan agricultural producers and ensure smoother access to the Chinese market through alignment with international regulatory standards.
