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China introduces new import regulation: what it means for Chilean fruit exporters
VU
Frutas de Chile says the industry is following implementation of China’s new decree carefully.
China’s new food safety regulation set to take effect on 1 June 2026 is drawing close attention from Chile’s fresh produce industry, as exporters assess possible implications for registration and phytosanitary compliance requirements in the Chinese market, according to Frutas de Chile.
The regulation, known as Decree 280, will replace China’s current Decree 248 framework governing the registration and supervision of overseas food manufacturers exporting to the country. The measure was recently published by China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC).
The issue was discussed during a seminar organised by Chile’s Undersecretariat for International Economic Relations (Subrei), with participation from Frutas de Chile, Chilealimentos, and other industry organisations.
Frutas de Chile secretary general Rodrigo Gallardo said the new regulation does not currently have a direct effect on fresh fruit exports, as it is mainly focused on processed and minimally processed foods. However, he warned the industry must closely monitor implementation because the list of covered product categories will remain “dynamic”.
Gallardo noted that Chilean fruit exporters already comply with registration and audit systems for exports to China, although these are managed by a different customs division. If fresh fruit products are later incorporated into the new system, exporters and processors would need to complete additional registrations through a separate platform before shipment.
China remains Chile’s largest fresh fruit market by value. Frutas de Chile said exports to China exceeded US$3.4 billion FOB in 2025, representing 50.6% of the total value of Chilean fresh fruit exports worldwide. Chile is also currently the only country with approval for all of its fresh fruit categories to enter the Chinese market and the first in Latin America to achieve fully online phytosanitary certification through the e-Phyto system.
source and photo: frutasdechile.cl
