(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
In 2025, cross-border trade compliance in China has reached a new level of scrutiny, with real-name tax reporting, mandatory customs registration for high-volume sellers, and streamlined yet strict bonded logistics rules reshaping how overseas brands operate. Non-compliance can lead to shipment seizures, tax rebates denials, or even platform bans, costing millions in lost opportunities. This guide equips you with the key frameworks to navigate these changes seamlessly and turn regulatory hurdles into competitive advantages.
1. Real-Name Tax Filing Under STA Announcement No.17
1.1 End of Third-Party Document Loopholes Mandatory Verification: All export declarations must now use the actual seller’s real-name information, eliminating the practice of buying third-party export documents. Impact on Sellers: Cross-border e-commerce platforms and logistics providers like YunExpress must integrate real-time data matching for orders, payments, and shipments to qualify for tax rebates.
1.2 Timing for Foreign Exchange Receipts Rebate Eligibility: Ensure foreign exchange inflows match export declarations within 90 days to avoid rebate denials under the new data-driven supervision system.
2. Customs Registration and Product Compliance
2.1 E-Commerce Law 2025 Threshold Sales Threshold: Overseas brands exceeding ¥1M in annual sales must register directly with Chinese customs, including detailed product listings and traceability codes. Green Channel for Categories: Cosmetics and health supplements benefit from faster approvals if they meet “clean beauty” or “blue hat” standards, reducing filing time by 50%.
2.2 Positive List and HS Code Accuracy Annual Updates: Adhere to the refreshed Positive List for CBEC imports, with 63 new categories added in 2025—misclassification triggers penalties up to 200% of duties.
3. Bonded Warehousing and Logistics Models
3.1 9610 vs. 9810 Efficiency Bonded Model (9610): Stock inventory in one of 150+ pilot zones for 9.1% tax rates and next-day delivery, but requires pre-clearance inventory audits. Direct Shipping (9810): Ideal for low-volume testing, with pre-departure customs filings from origin countries to minimize delays.
3.2 Returns and Quality Control 30-Day Policy: Leverage platform-mediated returns within bonded zones to avoid re-import duties, while implementing strict IP monitoring to prevent counterfeits.
4. Cross-Border Data and Payment Compliance
4.1 PIPL Integration for Transactions Consent Requirements: Collect granular user consent for payment data processing under PIPL, using local gateways like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Tax Withholding Duties: Platforms must report and withhold taxes on cross-border transactions, with overseas sellers liable for accurate VAT declarations.
Case Study: How a Canadian Health Supplement Brand Avoided Rebate Losses
A premium Canadian health supplement brand was on the brink of losing 2.5 million RMB in tax rebates due to mismatched third-party declarations under the new STA rules. We swiftly migrated to real-name filing, integrated their ERP with YunExpress for automated data matching, registered for blue-hat certification via the green channel, and pre-positioned stock in Shanghai’s bonded zone under the 9610 model. The brand not only secured full rebates but boosted Q1 2025 sales by 250% through compliant, faster deliveries.
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!
