People’s Republic of China

• Labeling Requirements
• Required Documents
• Licensing
• Import Procedures
• Taxes/Tariffs
• Contacts

Current as of June 1, 2009

LABELING REQUIREMENTS

Although pre-approval is not mandatory, China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) can require pre-import analysis if warranted. All imported food is subject to inspection and must receive a clearance certificate by the Customs authority. The following information must be present on the label, in Chinese.  Labels are required to be accurate, truthful, and non-misleading. Please note that the label must meet these requirements prior to importation. The Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and its components is the responsible agency.

• Name/brand of product
• Ingredients list (Sweeteners, preservatives and added color – legal in the case of fortified wine only – must be declared) Exempt for products made of one ingredient.
• Net volume (ml): This should be marked as ‘net content xxx Ml (ml)’ for bottle sizes under a liter, or ‘net content x Liters (l)’ for bottle sizes over a liter. For packages up to (and including 200ml) the minimum print height is 3mm.  From 200ml up to and including 1 liter, the minimum print height is 4mm.  For packages greater than 1 liter the minimum print height is 6mm.
• Alcohol content (%): The alcohol statement should be in the ‘Alcoholic strength xx.x% vol’ format.
• Production date (yy/mm/dd): The date of bottling is required on Chinese labels.
• Producer/Distributor/Importer (Name and address): The name and address of the Chinese agent, importer or distributor must be shown on the label. The name and address of the producer is not mandatory, however if included does not need to be translated into Chinese characters
• Country of origin: A country of origin statement is mandatory. Importers will usually request a Certificate of Origin to confirm this claim.
• Minimum durability date: Wines with an alcohol content of 10% or less are required to include a minimum durability date.
• Product Type: (i.e. Grape Wine, ‘red’, ‘white’, ‘sparkling’, ‘semi-sparkling, ‘fortified’, ‘sweetened fortified’, etc.)
• Sugar content (g/L)

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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Commercial invoice
• Customs Value Declaration
• Freight Insurance/documents
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin
• Insurance certificate
• Health Certificate (Sanitary Certificate)

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LICENSING

The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) is the competent authority in charge of licensing for imported alcoholic products. Alcohol falls under the category of “automatic import licensing”.  The importer of record must submit an application for a “Quarantine Inspection Permit” to MOFCOM that acts like a notification of intent to import alcohol beverage products. The importer of record, holder of the Quarantine Inspection Permit has six months to complete the import transaction. After that time, they can reapply.  Though not required, you are normally asked to provide samples. The submitter supplies information regarding the content and physical characteristic, brand, volume, etc. There are no fees or wait time for approval of the notification. US exporters do not have to be registered under China’s new Food Safety Law effective June 1, 2009 as long as the importer has obtained a standard business license and has submitted the proper documentation.

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IMPORT PROCEDURES

There are various U.S. agencies in China which provide those interested in exporting to the Chinese market with useful country information.  The Agricultural Trade Office/Shanghai, one of four FAS offices located in China, provides market information, market development support and a wide variety of activities designed to strengthen distribution channels for U.S. agricultural products (e.g. wine).  ATOs are a good place for those interested in the China market to seek in-market advice.  Please refer to the Contacts Section below if you are interested in reaching any of these offices.

Import Commodity Inspection: When a shipment arrives at a Chinese port, the consignor or its agent should first declare it to the local inspection and quarantine authority (CIQ). CIQ officials will conduct on-site inspection and may take samples from each shipment for health safety measures.  The large entry points of Shanghai are more experienced and are familiar with the importation of alcohol beverage products. Beverage alcohol imported in bottles must bear Chinese labels which comply with the relevant Chinese legislation and standards.  All imported products must meet China’s Compulsory Mark (CCC). After this inspection takes place, a note will be issued by CIQ and the commodities will be released after passing the inspection. For more information contact the Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) of the Peoples Republic of China listed below.

Imported alcoholic products must have a phytosanitary/health certificate and a certificate of origin issued by the country of origin.  The government of China does not accept certifications issued by the supplier or manufacturer. The statement of origin may be issued by a State but not for phytosanitary certifications. TTB through its National Revenue Center (NRC) is the authorized US entity that issues the certifications for China. Please visit the NRC section on the TTB website for a template and assistance in processing these certificates.  The certificates are generated by the exporter and then forwarded to the NRC for processing.

You are allowed to send samples to China but they are still required to meet import labeling requirements. Alcohol beverage samples with little or no commercial value or for personal use do not need to apply for the CCC certification. Taxes and tariffs will still be collected. Organizers of trade shows and events in China normally will assist or provide guidance for the importation of samples specific to their show.

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TAXES/TARIFFS

Before finding the tariff amount for a particular product, companies need to identify the harmonized tariff schedule number for their product. The harmonized tariff schedule number can be located by using the Census Bureau's Schedule B search engine or by speaking with commodity expert at 1-800-549-0595.
After identifying the harmonized tariff number, The U.S. government provides a database that U.S. exporters may use to identify import tariffs applied by nearly 50 countries. China's tariff rates may also be found on China Tariff Schedule located on the World Trade Organization Website and Department of Commerce's Market Access and Compliance Tariff Schedule.

Tax rates for wine and distilled spirits are based on an Import tax, Value added Tax (VAT), and Consumption Tax.  Beer and malt beverage products are subject to a VAT and Consumption tax.  The rates are compiled into a formula that is used to determine the effective tax rate.

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CONTACTS

The People’s Republic of China does not have a dedicated agency that specifically monitors the alcohol industry that is similar to TTB.  It is highly recommended that U.S. exporters verify the full set of import requirements with their foreign customers, who are normally best equipped to research such matters with local authorities, before any goods are shipped.

Most of the information in this guide was obtained from direct contact with various governmental organizations and embassies, as well as online sources. The FAS Attaché reports at:

http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/attacherep/default.asp served as the primary (online) sources used for this report.

Specific USA Based Resource: http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en/

Specific China Laws and Regulations: http://www.export.gov/china/index.asp

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