Cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) in China has specific regulatory requirements to ensure that imported goods meet safety and quality standards. When considering TikTok (known as Douyin in China) for CBEC, the following regulations and requirements come into play:
- Positive Lists: The Chinese government has introduced “positive lists” for CBEC retail imports. Only products on these lists are permitted for sale via CBEC.
- Registered Business Entity: While a company doesn’t necessarily need a physical presence in China, it’s required to register an e-commerce business entity within China or work with a Chinese partner who has one.
- Customs Clearance: Goods sold via CBEC must go through designated customs ports equipped to handle e-commerce imports. Proper documentation is vital for swift customs clearance.
- CBEC Platforms: Companies should sell through approved CBEC platforms, which might require collaborating with local partners or third-party platforms that have the required permissions.
- Licensing and Certification: Depending on the product type, additional licenses or certifications may be necessary. For instance, beauty products or health supplements might need specific licenses to be sold in China.
- Labeling and Packaging: Products need to comply with Chinese labeling standards, which might differ significantly from Western regulations. This includes information in Mandarin, adhering to stipulated font sizes, and specific disclaimers where required.
- Taxes and Tariffs: While CBEC often enjoys preferential tax rates, companies should stay updated with the latest tax and tariff regulations. Duties, taxes, and fees vary depending on the product category.
- Data Localization: According to Chinese cybersecurity regulations, companies operating in China must store data related to Chinese citizens within the country.
- Product Returns: Companies should have a clear policy for product returns, exchanges, and refunds, keeping in mind local consumer protection laws.
- Payment Solutions: Integration with popular Chinese payment gateways, like Alipay and WeChat Pay, is crucial for seamless transactions.
- Consumer Rights Protection: Ensure adherence to the Chinese Consumer Protection Law, which emphasizes the protection of consumer rights, especially in the context of online and distance sales.
- IP Protection: Brands should register their intellectual property rights in China to prevent counterfeiting or unauthorized sales. China follows a “first-to-file” system, so brands must be proactive in registration.
Staying compliant requires ongoing monitoring of regulatory changes and adapting business practices accordingly. Given the dynamic nature of regulations, it’s advantageous for foreign companies to partner with experts or agencies familiar with the Chinese CBEC landscape.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, Tiktok, Tmall, Baidu and other well-known Chinese internet e-commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us and we will help you find the best China e-commerce platform for you. Search pltfrm for a free consultation！
