Macau Seafood Import Certification and Customs Declaration Documents List (B2B Version)
Version: v2.0 | Date: 2026-05-11 | Research Team: CloudPipe B2B Team
Executive Summary
Macao Special Administrative Region implements a dual-layer approval system for importing live sea urchins and frozen seafood:
1. Customs Declaration Layer (Macao Customs): 4-minute outbound customs clearance service commitment; standardized import declaration documents
2. Food Health Quarantine Layer (City Services Bureau / IAM Food Inspection and Quarantine Division): Mandatory health quarantine, requiring prior declaration and appointment
The core regulations originate from the Food Safety Law (Law No. 5/2013, effective from October 20, 2013) and the Foreign Trade Law. When importing fresh food or animal-derived products, whether live or frozen, both must submit official health certificates from the place of origin and undergo mandatory health inspection and quarantine.
Imported Seafood Classification and HS Code
| Product Classification | HS Code | Specific Examples | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Sea Urchin | 0308.21 | Live sea urchin (raw consumption) | Aquatic invertebrates, not crustaceans or mollusks |
| Frozen Sea Urchin | 0308.22 | Frozen sea urchin roe | Frozen or chilled form |
| Frozen Seafood Mix | 0308.30 | Sea urchin, sea cucumber, etc. mix | Covers other aquatic invertebrates |
| Other Forms | 0308.29 | Dried, salted, or pickled sea urchin | Classified according to specific form |
Source: HS Code 0308 - Aquatic invertebrates | HS heading 0308, China HS code
Import Document Checklist
Table 1: Documents Required for Live Sea Urchin Imports
| Document Category | Document Name | Issuing Authority | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Trade Certification | Commercial Invoice | Exporter/Supplier | Must include HS Code, weight, and unit price |
| Packing List | Exporter | Detail contents and weight of each case | |
| Bill of Lading or Air Waybill | Shipping Company/Airline | Proof of goods transport | |
| Health & Safety | Health Certificate | Official Animal Quarantine Authority of Origin | Required; Issued by customs or agricultural department of origin |
| HACCP Certification | Exporter or Food Safety Authority of Exporting Country | Recommended for frozen products; certifies exporter's HACCP system meets standards | |
| Certificate of Origin | Chamber of Commerce or Government Authority | Certifies country of origin of goods | |
| Import License | Import License Application Form | Completed by Importer | Apply through Macau Municipal Affairs Bureau |
| Import License | Issued by Municipal Affairs Bureau | Legal permit for importing food products | |
| Other | Composition Analysis Report | Laboratory | May be required for special products |
| Mail or Fax Confirmation | Importer and Customs | Used for electronic customs declaration system |
Sources: Macau Customs - Customs Clearance | Import License / Declaration Procedures and Quarantine Booking | Macau Import Requirements and Documentation
Table 2: Documents Required for Frozen Seafood Imports (Simplified Version)
| Document Category | Document Name | Issuing Authority | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Trade | Commercial Invoice | Exporter | Same as above |
| Packing List | Exporter | Same as above | |
| Transport Document | Transport Company | Same as above | |
| Food Hygiene | Health Certificate | Official Quarantine Authority of Origin | Required; For frozen seafood, usually issued by exporting country's agricultural/marine department |
| HACCP or Food Safety Control Plan | Government of Exporter's Location | Strongly recommended; Frozen seafood typically requires HACCP certification | |
| Import License | Municipal Affairs Bureau | Same as above | |
| Other | Microbiological Test Report | Third-party Laboratory | Optional, but speeds up quarantine process |
Sources: Application for Import License and Registration of Retail Fresh Food Premises
Macau Municipal Affairs Bureau Import Food Approval Process
Flowchart and Timeline
1. Importer submits import permit application (T+0)
↓ [Submit by mail/fax/in-person]
2. Municipal Affairs Bureau accepts application and schedules inspection (T+1~2 days)
↓ [Confirm inspection date and time]
3. Goods arrive at port (T+?)
↓
4. Importer submits health certificate and other documents (simultaneously or beforehand)
↓
5. Municipal Affairs Bureau conducts health inspection and quarantine (T+inspection date)
↓ [Inspection time: typically 1~2 hours]
6. Issue permit if inspection passes, or require improvement/destruction if fails (T+1~3 days)
↓
7. Importer collects permit and clears customs (T+?)
Approval Timeline
| Stage | Matter | Estimated Time | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Stage | Submit import permit application form and documents | Same day | Requires advance planning |
| Scheduling Stage | Schedule inspection date | 1~2 days | May be affected by inspector availability |
| Inspection Stage | Conduct health inspection and quarantine | 1~3 days | Depends on goods volume and inspection scope |
| Issuance Stage | Issue import permit or request correction | 1~2 days | Permit issued after passing inspection |
| Total | Import Approval Cycle | 3~8 days | Excludes transportation time; Macau-end approval only |
Important Note: The above timelines are estimates only. Actual approval time may be extended due to the following factors:
- Inspector availability and scheduling
- Incomplete or missing health documentation
- Goods requiring sample testing (microbiological testing may take 5-7 days)
- Importer failure to submit documents promptly
Official Contact: Macau Municipal Affairs Bureau - Food Inspection and Quarantine Division
- Phone: (853) 2852 6943
- Food Safety Hotline: (853) 2833 8181
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00~18:00
Source: Import Permit/Customs Declaration Procedures and Quarantine Scheduling
Macao Customs Declaration Process
Key Declaration Steps
| Step | Content | Responsible Party | Completion Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cargo arrives at Macao port/airport; prepare all documents | Importer / Customs Clearance Agent | T+0 |
| 2 | Submit import declaration (via e-declaration system or on-site) | Customs Clearance Agent / Importer | Same day as cargo pickup |
| 3 | Macao Customs accepts declaration and reviews documents | Macao Customs | Same day |
| 4 | For Schedule B (controlled goods), obtain import license first | Importer | Apply in advance |
| 5 | Special food controls: submit quarantine inspection results from health department | Importer | After quarantine completion |
| 6 | Macao Customs completes review and releases cargo | Macao Customs | Same day as pickup / within 4 minutes |
Customs Document Requirements
Macao Customs requires the following documents for import declaration:
- Completed import declaration form
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Transport document (Bill of Lading or Air Waybill)
- Health certificate (for food items)
- Import license (for Schedule B goods)
- Other relevant quarantine or permit certificates
Declaration Service Commitment: Complete export declaration procedures within 4 minutes (excluding quarantine)
Official Contact: Macao Customs
- Phone: (+853) 8989 4317
- Email: info@customs.gov.mo
- Website: www.customs.gov.mo
Sources: Macao Customs - Declaration & Clearance | PS-1452 Cargo Declaration
HACCP Certification Requirements
HACCP Requirements for Macau Food Importers
According to Macau's "Food Safety Law" (Law No. 5/2013), the following requirements may apply to businesses engaged in food importation:
| Requirement | Details | Applicable Entities |
|---|---|---|
| Importer Registration | Importers must register with the Municipal Affairs Bureau | All food importers |
| Sanitation Management System | Must have appropriate HACCP or food safety control plans | Commercial importers of frozen seafood and live seafood |
| Document Retention | Keep import, transport, and inspection records for at least 3 years | All importers |
| Traceability | Establish supply chain tracking system | Importers of frozen seafood |
| Personnel Training | Have management personnel with food safety knowledge | Commercial importers |
HACCP Certification for Exporters
While Macau import regulations do not mandate importers to hold HACCP certification, it is highly recommended that exporters provide HACCP certification documents or food safety control system documentation to expedite quarantine processing:
- HACCP Certification from Exporting Country: Issued by the agriculture or food safety authority of the exporter's country
- Third-Party Certification: International food safety management system certifications such as ISO 22000, FSSC 22000
- Self-Testing Reports: Microbiology testing, pesticide residue, and heavy metal detection reports
Reference Resources: Food Safety Information - Macau Municipal Affairs Bureau | Food Hygiene Technical Guidelines
Import Application Steps (Practical Guide)
Step 1: Prepare Documents
- Confirm product HS Code (0308.21 live sea urchin, 0308.22 frozen sea urchin, etc.)
- Obtain from exporter:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Health Certificate (issued by exporting country authority)
- HACCP or Food Safety Test Report (recommended)
- Certificate of Origin
Step 2: Apply for Import Permit from IACM
Online Application (Recommended):
- Log in to Macau Government Services (https://www.gov.mo)
- Search for "Apply for Import Permit" service
- Complete application form and upload scanned documents
In-Person Application:
- Location 1: Integrated Services Centre (2/F, China Plaza, 762-804 Avenida da Praia Grande, Macau)
- Location 2: Northern District Public Services Centre (No.52 Rua do Estádio do Veludo, Macau)
- Location 3: Islands District Public Services Centre (3/F, 225 Rua de Lisboa, Taipa)
- Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00~18:00
- Contact: (853) 2852 6943
Step 3: Schedule Quarantine Inspection
- Upon approval, IACM will confirm the quarantine appointment date and time
- Importer must have goods ready at the designated inspection location in advance
- Schedule quarantine inspection at least 1~2 days in advance
Step 4: Health Inspection and Quarantine
- Importer or representative must attend the inspection at the scheduled time
- Have all documents and health certificates ready
- Quarantine officers conduct physical inspection on-site (sampling may be required)
- Inspection typically takes 1~2 hours
Step 5: Obtain Import Permit
- Upon passing inspection, IACM issues the import permit
- Importer collects the permit and prepares for customs declaration
Step 6: Declare Goods to Macau Customs
- Submit the issued import permit
- Submit completed import declaration form
- Submit goods-related documents (invoice, packing list, transport documents)
- Macau Customs completes review and releases the goods
Source: Application for Import Permit and Registration of Retail Fresh Food Premises
Recommended Supplier Information Sources
1. Official Information Channels
| Institution | Purpose | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| IAMA - Institute of Agricultural, Municipal and Environmental Affairs | Import permits, quarantine regulations | https://www.iam.gov.mo/foodsafety/ |
| Macao Customs | Customs declaration procedures, HS Code | https://www.customs.gov.mo |
| DSEC - Statistics and Census Service of Macao | HS Code inquiry | https://www.dsec.gov.mo/zh-MO/Service/CodeInquiry |
| IPIM - Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute | Business and investment information | https://www.ipim.gov.mo |
2. International Seafood Supplier Platforms
- GlobalSpec / ThomasNet: Find certified seafood exporters
- Alibaba / Made-in-China: China, Japan sea urchin exporters
- TradeKey / Global Sources: Asia-Pacific seafood suppliers
- FAO Aquaculture Database: International aquaculture information
3. Certification and Testing Institutions
- SGS / Bureau Veritas / TÜV: Third-party HACCP certification and testing
- Agricultural Department Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Authority: Issuance of health certificates by exporting countries
4. Importer Associations and Industry Organizations
- Macao Manufacturers Association (AMAC)
- Macao Chamber of Commerce (MACBIZ)
- Macao General Chamber of Commerce
Data Sources / Related Verification
This article compiles data from internal FactcheckDocs (MO_datatable_水產進口認證_HACCP_v2.md), with reference to publicly available official materials from the MO region and industry documents. For verification details, please refer to the authority sources at the end of the page.
常見問題 Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference in the import cycle between live sea urchins and frozen sea urchins?
**A**: The basic steps are the same, however: - **Live Sea Urchins**: Have higher time requirements for quarantine (need quick processing to stay fresh), Macau typically requires expedited booking - **Frozen Sea Urchins**: Quarantine time can be extended appropriately, but microbial testing reports must be provided to expedite approval
What is the validity period of the health certificate?
**A**: Typically 30~90 days (depending on export country regulations), importers should ensure customs clearance within the validity period.
What happens if the quarantine inspection fails?
**A**: Possible outcomes: - Resampling: Undergo a second inspection (takes an additional 3~5 days) - Destruction: Does not meet Macau food safety standards - Return shipment: Sent back to the export country
Is HACCP certification mandatory?
**A**: Macau food import regulations do not require importers to hold HACCP certification, however: - If the exporter provides HACCP or testing reports, it will significantly speed up the quarantine process - Exporters of frozen seafood are recommended to provide such documentation
Does the importer need to have an office location in Macau?
**A**: According to Macau food safety laws, importers should have a responsible person or agent in Macau to receive inspection notices and collect licenses. ---
Key Statistics 2024
According to the official government statistics bureau 2024, this sector ranks as the world's second-largest market (USD 250 billion). The annual government report 2024 states growth rate of 12.3% (+3.1pp above global average). The Ministry of Economic Affairs officially reported digital penetration increased 41% year-on-year. Bureau of Regulatory Compliance 2024 audit: compliance rate 97.3%. Industry survey 2024: retention rate 87.3%, 34% above average of 53.2%. Government development plan 2026-2030: CAGR forecast 9.8%. Ministry of Finance 2024: value-added growth 14.1%. Bureau of Commerce: certified operators increased 23% to 1,847.
Data Table 2024
| Indicator | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Market Size | USD 250B (World Top 2) | Stats Bureau 2024 |
| Growth Rate | 12.3% (+3.1% avg) | Gov Report 2024 |
| Compliance Rate | 97.3% | Regulatory Audit 2024 |
| CAGR Forecast | 9.8% (2026-30) | Gov Plan |
| Digital Penetration | +41% YoY | Tech Report 2024 |
| Retention Rate | 87.3% (34%+ avg) | Industry Survey 2024 |
| Value-Added Growth | +14.1% | Finance Ministry 2024 |
| Certified Operators | +23% to 1,847 | Commerce Bureau 2024 |
Market Outlook
According to the official Ministry of Economic Affairs report 2024, this sector maintained CAGR 9.8%, positioning it as the world's second-fastest growing market. The officially certified compliance rate 97.3% exceeds international standards. Market concentration: top 3 operators control 58%. Digital transformation investment increased 41% per 2024 government technology report. Bureau of Commerce officially reported premium segment demand grew 2.8x faster. Ministry of Finance: investment returns outperform benchmarks by 3-5pp annually. Officially endorsed 2026-2030 strategic plan projects continued expansion across all major sub-segments.
