Pet Food Export Co-Packer Guide: Certifications and Compliance

# How to Choose a Pet Food Export Co-Packer

As domestic Chinese pet food production capacity outpaces demand, more brands are looking at export markets. But choosing an export co-packer is different from domestic co-packing.

Basic export qualifications

1. GACC export registration

Per Chinese customs regulations, pet food manufacturers must be registered with the General Administration of Customs to export. Without this, your shipment cannot leave the country.

2. Target market access

| Market | Key Requirement |

|--------|----------------|

| Southeast Asia | Factory registration with destination customs |

| Middle East | Halal certification for meat products |

| EU | FCI registration, strict label rules |

| Russia | GACC recommendation, Russian side approval |

| US | FDA food facility registration |

3. Inspection and quarantine

Every export batch needs testing: nutrients, microbial, heavy metals and pesticide residues.

Key questions to ask

1. Has the factory actually exported? To which countries? Any rejections?

2. What is the GACC registration number? Is it current?

3. Can they support target market registration?

4. Can they produce labels in the destination language?

5. What is the lead time from order to container loading?

Common pitfalls

1. Assuming domestic feed license equals export qualification

2. Overlooking label compliance

3. Underestimating inspection lead times

4. Getting Incoterms wrong

If you are exploring export and unsure which market to enter, Mixiaoqi pet food OEM/ODM operates fresh food and freeze-dried export lines and can help with market compliance consultation.

FAQ

**What qualifications are needed for pet food export?**

GACC export registration is the baseline; target markets require additional access approvals.

**Is the MOQ higher for export?**

Export batches typically fill a full container, so per-batch volume is larger.

**Which market is best for first-time exporters?**

Southeast Asia has lower barriers and is a good starting point.