(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
China’s trade regulations touch every stage of market entry—from customs clearance and product certification to cross-border e-commerce rules and tariff optimization. In 2025, new policies on imported goods traceability, anti-dumping measures, and bonded warehouse reforms have made compliance more complex than ever. Getting it wrong means delayed shipments, millions in penalties, or total market exclusion. This guide breaks down the critical pillars every overseas brand must master.
1. Import Licensing and Commodity Inspection Requirements
1.1 CCC Certification and Mandatory Standards Scope Expansion: Over 150 product categories (toys, electronics, automotive parts, cosmetics) now require China Compulsory Certification (CCC) even for small trial shipments. Labeling Rules: All imported consumer goods must carry Chinese labels at the first point of entry—no longer acceptable to apply them after customs clearance.
1.2 CIQ Registration and Health Certificates Importer of Record: Overseas brands without a local entity must appoint a Chinese-registered company as the official importer responsible for CIQ filings. Traceability Code: Every imported food and cosmetic item now requires a unique 24-digit CIQ traceability code visible on packaging.
2. Cross-Border E-Commerce Regulations (9610 & 9810 Models)
2.1 Positive List Restrictions Annual Updates: The Cross-Border E-Commerce Retail Import Positive List was refreshed in January 2025—several health supplement categories were removed without warning. Transaction Caps: Individual consumers are limited to 5,000 RMB per transaction and 26,000 RMB annually under the tax-free policy.
2.2 Bonded Warehouse vs. Direct Shipping Bonded Stocking (9610): Allows pre-clearance and faster delivery; requires inventory in one of China’s 150+ bonded zones. Overseas Direct Shipping (9810): Launched in 2024, now fully enforced—customs declaration must be completed before the package leaves the origin country.
3. Tariff Classification and Anti-Dumping Duties
3.1 HS Code Accuracy Penalty Risk: Misclassification of HS codes can trigger retroactive duties plus 50–200% fines. Dual-Use Items: Products with both consumer and industrial applications (e.g., certain drones, lithium batteries) face additional export-control scrutiny.
3.2 Anti-Dumping & Countervailing Measures Dynamic List: Vitamins, optical fiber, and certain steel products from specific countries remain under anti-dumping duties ranging 30–120%.
4. Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing Scrutiny
4.1 Royalty & License Fee Inclusion Declared Value: Royalties paid to the overseas parent company for trademark usage must now be added to the dutiable value in most cases.
Case Study: How a New Zealand Dairy Brand Saved 18 Million RMB in Duties
A premium New Zealand dairy brand was hit with unexpected anti-dumping duties because its infant formula was incorrectly classified under an old HS code. Within 14 days we restructured the supply chain to use the 9810 direct-shipping model, applied for advance ruling on tariff classification, relocated inventory to Qingdao bonded zone, and secured CIQ pre-approval for new Chinese labels. The brand avoided duties entirely and reduced logistics time from 45 days to 9 days.
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!
