China Export Readiness Score

Free • 3 minutes • Instant results

What do you grow or produce?

Select everything you export or plan to export to China — your score and HS codes depend on it.

Step 1 of 8 — Your products

What do you grow or produce for export?

Select all that apply. Your highest-risk category determines your GACC registration pathway and filters questions relevant to your products only.

Select all that apply — at least one required

Step 2 of 8 — DALRRD registration

Are you registered as a Food Business Operator (FBO)?

An FBO code is your first credential in the SA export system. PPECB cannot inspect or certify your products without it, and GACC/CIFER registration links directly to your FBO code. Register at fbo.daff.gov.za — allow 5–15 business days.

Step 3 of 8 — Production unit codes

Do you have a Production Unit Code (PUC) or Pack House Code (PHC)?

Your PUC identifies your farm; your PHC identifies your packhouse. Both must appear on all export certificates and your GACC dossier. Mismatched codes across documents trigger CIFER rejection.

Step 4 of 8 — PPECB certification

Is your farm or packhouse PPECB-certified?

PPECB issues three export passports: an export certificate, a food safety certificate (SA-GAP), and a pre-cooling certificate. All three are required for every agricultural shipment to China. Without them, goods cannot legally leave South Africa.

Step 5 of 8 — Digital certification

Are you registered on DALRRD's eCert platform?

eCert is DALRRD's digital phytosanitary certificate system. China requires phytosanitary certificates for all agricultural imports. Manual paper applications are being discontinued — eCert is now effectively mandatory. Register at ecert.dalrrd.gov.za.

Step 6 of 8 — Cold chain infrastructure

Do you have PPECB-verified cold chain infrastructure?

Cold chain verification is required for your product category. Chinese ports require 24-hour temperature monitoring logs for the full 30–40 day sea voyage. Failure to maintain the cold chain results in port detention or destruction of the consignment.

Step 8 — Decree 280 labelling

Does your packaging include Simplified Chinese labelling?

Decree 280 (effective 1 June 2026) mandates all food imports carry Simplified Chinese labels with: legal product name, GACC registration number, storage temperature, batch codes, and a PRC destination declaration. Non-compliant labels result in port detention or destruction.

Step 9 — Export experience

What is your current export experience?

This shapes your recommended support level. New exporters receive step-by-step onboarding. Experienced exporters focus on compliance upgrades for the China corridor specifically.

0 out of 100

Recommended pathway

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✉️ Check your inbox Your score has been recorded. If you entered your email, expect your personalised gap analysis shortly. A Rhino Haulink team member will follow up within 2 business days to let you know if you’ve been accepted into the beta cohort. The sign-up link for the platform will be shared in that email.

Your compliance gap analysis

Your HS code mapping

Harmonised System codes for your selected products — SA-China corridor

6-digit HS codes are used globally. China applies additional 2-digit suffixes (8-digit CIQ codes) for import classification. Your freight forwarder and GACC registration will reference these codes for every shipment declaration.

INCOTERMS decoder — for information

This decoder is provided as a free educational resource. Understanding delivery terms helps you communicate clearly with Chinese buyers and freight forwarders. INCOTERMS selection does not affect your readiness score — it is part of your commercial negotiation.

FOB CIF CFR CIP DAP EXW

What happens next

1

Your report arrives by email in a few minutes

Your gap analysis and HS code mapping is sent via our automated system. Check your spam folder if you don't see it. Contact hello@rhinohaulink.com if it hasn't arrived within 30 minutes.

2

A Rhino Haulink specialist reviews your profile

Within 2 business days we confirm your product eligibility and explain your compliance pathway in plain language.

3

You join the founding beta cohort — limited seats

Founding beta members receive free concierge onboarding, priority dossier preparation, and a case study feature. First cohort closes once seats are full.

4

Your GACC dossier is prepared

Our AI-assisted workflow guides you through every document, every field, every CIFER submission — so your goods arrive in China, not at a detention facility.

Disclaimer: This China Export Readiness Score is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or compliance advice. GACC regulations, DALRRD requirements, HS code classifications, and Decree 280 specifications are subject to change without notice. Rhino Haulink endeavours to keep this tool current but cannot guarantee completeness or accuracy at all times. Always verify current requirements with DALRRD, PPECB, SARS Customs, and a qualified trade compliance advisor before making export decisions. Rhino Haulink accepts no liability for decisions made solely on the basis of this score.

Saving your results...

⚠ Beta cohort seats are filling up. A Rhino Haulink specialist will contact you within 2 business days to confirm your place.

Decree 280 is now in effect. Know your China export readiness in 3 minutes.