China, Hong Kong Eggs

FAQs

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Where does Hong Kong, China import eggs?

China is one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of shell eggs. However, it imports processed egg products—particularly powdered eggs and pasteurized liquid eggs—to meet the needs of its food manufacturing, export-focused production, and foodservice industries.

Top sources of egg imports for China:

• United States – Supplies pasteurized egg products and shelf-stable powdered eggs, especially to multinational manufacturers and high-end foodservice.
  
• European Union (Netherlands, Germany, Spain) – Export BRCGS- and ISO-certified powdered egg and liquid egg products for bakery and export-oriented applications.
  
• Brazil & Argentina – Offer cost-effective bulk powdered eggs for large-scale production.
  
• Thailand & India – Supply competitively priced processed egg products for commodity buyers and industrial use.
  

Eggs Unlimited partners with Chinese importers, food manufacturers, and foodservice distributors to deliver certified, traceable, and regulation-compliant processed egg products for both domestic and export production.

To explore import partnerships: eusales@eggsunlimited.com

Why does China Import Eggs?

While China is largely self-sufficient in shell egg production, imported processed eggs are essential in certain sectors due to quality, format, and certification requirements.

Key reasons for importing eggs:

• Industrial manufacturing
  Processed egg ingredients are used in producing baked goods, instant noodles, sauces, meat products, and export-grade foods.
  
• Food safety and traceability
  Imports offer consistent quality, better documentation, and align with international hygiene standards required by global brands.
  
• Certifications for export production
  Many Chinese food manufacturers producing for the U.S., EU, or Japan require certified ingredients (BRCGS, Organic, Halal) to meet destination market standards.
  
• Format-specific demand
  Pasteurized liquid eggs and powdered whole eggs are needed in volume for centralized food processing plants and large QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) chains.
  
  

Egg Imports in Hong Kong

Hong Kong imports both shell eggs and processed egg products to serve its retail, foodservice, hotel, and manufacturing sectors.

Key egg import formats:

• Pasteurized liquid eggs (whole, yolk, white)
  
• Powdered eggs (whole egg, yolk, white)
  
• Organic and cage-free shell eggs
  
• Specialty eggs (e.g., quail, salted, century eggs)
  

Top sources of egg imports:

• Mainland China – Primary supplier of fresh shell eggs and salted/processed eggs.
  
• United States – Leading source of pasteurized egg products, particularly for industrial and institutional buyers.
  
• Netherlands & Spain – Supply high-quality processed and organic egg formats.
  
• Thailand, Japan, and Malaysia – Regional partners for specialty and branded eggs.
  

Primary import channels:

• Hotels, Restaurants & Catering (HoReCa)
  
• Food manufacturers (noodles, sauces, baked goods)
  
• Supermarkets and gourmet retailers
  
• Institutional buyers (airlines, schools, hospitals)
  

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Egg Exports and Re-Exports from Hong Kong

While Hong Kong does not produce eggs at scale for export, it serves as a strategic re-export platform for value-added food products and specialty ingredients, including eggs.

Key re-export destinations:

• Macau – For foodservice and casino catering
  
• Mainland China (Greater Bay Area) – For premium foodservice applications and e-commerce
  
• Singapore and Southeast Asia – Through trading intermediaries
  

Common re-export products:

• Packaged organic or specialty eggs
  
• Egg powders blended into baking and snack mixes
  
• Pasteurized liquid eggs for institutional and cross-border kitchens
  

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Egg Import Requirements in Hong Kong

Egg products imported into Hong Kong must comply with food safety regulations overseen by the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD).

Required documentation:

• Health Certificate from the exporting country
  
• Import license (required for poultry and egg products)
  
• Certificate of Origin (if applying for tariff exemptions)
  
• Certificate of Analysis (microbiological and chemical safety)
  
• Product labeling in English and/or Chinese (as applicable)
  

Labeling Requirements:

• Product name and type
  
• Country of origin
  
• Expiry or best-before date
  
• Net weight/volume
  
• Storage instructions
  
• Name and address of importer/distributor
  

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Strategic Advantages Selling Eggs in Hong Kong

• No import duties on most food products, including eggs
  
• Highly developed cold chain and logistics infrastructure
  
• Gateway to mainland China, Macau, and ASEAN markets
  
• Trusted platform for premium, certified, and specialty egg products

What makes eggs in China compliant?

China maintains strict regulations on the import of food and agricultural products. Importers must obtain appropriate permits and register all products with Chinese authorities before customs clearance.

Regulatory authorities:

• General Administration of Customs China (GACC) – Regulates food imports and issues sanitary permits for animal-origin products.
  
• Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) – Oversees veterinary and phytosanitary import controls.
  
• State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) – Responsible for product registration, food labeling, and commercial compliance.
  

Required documentation:

• Veterinary Health Certificate (endorsed by country of origin)
  
• Certificate of Origin
  
• Certificate of Analysis (microbiological and chemical)
  
• Sanitary Certificate issued or validated by GACC
  
• Pre-import registration of the manufacturer with GACC
  
• Chinese-language labeling
  
• Customs declaration documents (invoice, packing list, bill of lading)
  

Labeling Requirements (in Simplified Chinese):

• Product name and type (e.g., 巴氏杀菌蛋液 – Pasteurized Liquid Egg)
  
• Net content
  
• Country of origin
  
• Production and expiration dates
  
• Storage conditions
  
• Importer and distributor name and contact information
  
• Regulatory compliance marks (e.g., CIQ, QS if applicable)
  
• Any applicable certifications (Organic, Halal, BRCGS)

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How much do eggs cost in China?

Egg pricing in China is determined by global egg market trends, domestic supply fluctuations, tariffs, and input costs such as corn and soybean meal.

Key price factors:

• Domestic production volatility
  Disease outbreaks or regional shortages can spike local prices and increase demand for imported processed eggs.
  
• Tariffs and trade policies
  Tariffs vary depending on country of origin and whether MFN (Most Favored Nation) status or bilateral agreements apply.
  
• Certification and format
  Halal, Organic, and BRCGS-certified processed eggs, as well as pasteurized formats, carry higher value due to compliance and production costs.
  
• Freight and port logistics
  Shipping to China via key ports like Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenzhen, or Guangzhou may incur additional costs during peak seasons.
  

For container-load pricing and custom quotes: eusales@eggsunlimited.com

Common egg carton sizing in the China

Carton Size

Number of Eggs

Typical Use

4 Egg Carton	4 eggs	Small cartons designed for premium products, often organic or heritage eggs. Exotic eggs as well.
Half Dozen	6 eggs	Most commonly sold size for households. Widely available in all egg types (free-range, organic, barn, etc.).

10 Egg Carton	10 eggs	The most widely used carton size for everyday retail. Eggs are arranged in a 2×5 layout.
Dozen	12 eggs	Popular size for larger households or frequent egg users. Available in most supermarkets.

15-Pack

15 eggs

Larger size, often for families or budget-conscious buyers. Common in discount supermarkets

18-Pack

18 eggs

Sold less frequently but available at some retailers, often marketed to bulk buyers.

30-Pack (Tray)

30 eggs

Typically sold in trays, often seen in wholesale markets (e.g., Costco) or for professional use (bakeries, catering, etc.).

Eggs in China are categorized by weight rather than physical dimensions. Cartons are typically labeled with the egg size, and a single carton may include eggs of a specific size category:

Category	Weight per Egg (grams)
Extra Large (XL)	73g or more
Large (L)	63g–72g
Medium (M)	53g–62g
Small (S)	Less than 53g

Wholesale eggs or bulk egg packaging by the case

The number of eggs in a case can vary depending on the type and size of the eggs, as well as the packaging standards of the producer or distributor. The most common case sizes for chicken eggs are:

• 5-Dozen Case: There are 5 dozen (60 eggs) in a 5-dozen case.
• 10-Dozen Case: While less common, you might also find 10-dozen cases, which contain 120 eggs.
• 15-Dozen Case: Each dozen contains 12 eggs, so there are 15 dozen or 180 eggs. in a 15-dozen case.
• 30-Dozen Case: Each dozen contains 12 eggs, so there are 30 dozen or 360 eggs. in a 30-dozen case.
• 720 Egg Pallet: (24 Trays of 30 Eggs) Palletized packaging for very large buyers or distributors.

Types of Eggs

Eggs in China are categorized by production method and farming practices, with some labels catering to specific consumer preferences:

• Conventional Eggs:
  • White Eggs
  • Brown Eggs
    • Produced by caged hens in large-scale facilities. These are the most affordable and widely available.
• Egg Products
  • Used by food manufacturers, bakeries, and restaurants. Includes:
  • Liquid Eggs: Pasteurized egg whites, yolks, or whole eggs.
  • Powdered Eggs: Dehydrated eggs for long shelf life and industrial use.
  • Frozen Eggs: Used for large-scale food production.
• Free-Range Eggs: Laid by hens that roam freely outdoors or in open barns, catering to consumers who prioritize animal welfare.
• Organic Eggs: From hens fed organic feed and raised under strict organic farming guidelines. These are typically more expensive.
• Specialty Eggs

Contact Eggs Unlimited for any egg size or type of case load needed today!! eusales@eggsunlimited.com 

How to sell commercial eggs in China?

Selling commercial eggs in China requires compliance with food safety regulations, import approvals, and market demand strategies. The egg market in China is growing, with both domestic production and imports playing key roles in supply.

Selling processed egg products in China requires full regulatory alignment, collaboration with licensed importers, and an understanding of the local food industry’s structure and certification priorities.

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1. Understand Buyer Segments

Food Manufacturers
Chinese food companies use powdered and liquid eggs in large-scale production of baked goods, sauces, ready meals, and export products.

Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) and Hotel Chains
Global and domestic QSR brands, hotels, and institutional kitchens demand pasteurized liquid egg for safety, standardization, and operational convenience.

Retail & Health Food Distributors
Some retailers offer shelf-stable egg products, particularly organic, protein-rich egg powders for health-conscious consumers or functional food markets.

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2. Comply with Chinese Import Regulations

• Manufacturers must be registered with GACC (General Administration of Customs China) before export.
  
• Products must obtain a Sanitary Certificate, validated by GACC and MARA.
  
• Work with a Chinese importer licensed by SAMR and familiar with the customs declaration process.
  
• Required documentation includes:
  
  • Veterinary Health Certificate
    
  • Certificate of Origin
    
  • Certificate of Analysis
    
  • Chinese-language product label
    
  • Product registration for commercial sale
    

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3. Offer Products with Recognized Certifications

• Halal Certification – Essential for exports into Western China and Muslim-majority regions.
  
• ISO 22000 / HACCP – Required by industrial food manufacturers.
  
• BRCGS / IFS – Often requested for export-bound products and multinational food producers operating in China.
  
• USDA Organic / EU Organic – Important for premium retail and health food channels.
  
• GlobalG.A.P. – Increasingly valued by sustainability-oriented buyers and co-packers.
  

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4. Support Local Sales and Distribution

• Provide Simplified Chinese labels and technical documentation to support customs clearance and retail readiness.
  
• Offer full traceability documentation, batch tracking, and support for buyer audits.
  
• Support local importers with private label, co-branded packaging, or promotional assistance for launch or product integration.
  
• Coordinate with freight partners to ensure on-time delivery at major ports such as Shanghai, Qingdao, or Guangzhou.
  

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For importer introductions, regulatory guidance, or market readiness support in China, contact:
eusales@eggsunlimited.com
Website: www.eggsunlimited.com

WHY EGGS UNLIMITED?

Eggs Unlimited is one of the leading global suppliers of conventional eggs. We have the experience and market knowledge to help save our customers time and money. We work with some of the largest egg producers, retailers, distributors, foodservice organizations, QSRs, and processors in the US and around the world. They trust us to provide competitive prices and take care of logistics from pickup to delivery. 

We act as an extension of our customers’ procurement or sales teams, creating value, providing solutions, and delivering promptly. The company is built on family values, and we strive to work harder than anyone in the industry to service the needs of our customers.

LET’S DISCUSS YOUR chinese EGG STRATEGY!

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Call: 1-888-554-3977

E-mail: eusales@eggsunlimited.com