GACC Announcement No. 136: new container suitability model for frozen food exports

Effective 1 October 2026, GACC Announcement No. 136 changes container suitability inspection for perishable and frozen food exports to an 'enterprise compliance declaration + customs review and risk sampling' model.

Carriers, stuffing units or agents must upload a Declaration of Container Suitability via the Single Window before shipment. Results are valid for 21 days; declarations are auto-validated and rejected outright if they fail.

Refrigerated containers must have verified insulation, air ducts, powered refrigeration and compliant temperatures; tank containers must additionally verify that the previous load contained no toxic or hazardous substances.

What it means for exporters

• Check the commodity codes on your orders and schedule inspection per container.
• Complete inspection three working days before stuffing to avoid mismatch with sailing schedules and the 21-day validity.
• Keep self-inspection records and documents complete for Single Window declaration.

Source：GACC Announcement No. 136