(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
Expanding into China is a major opportunity for overseas brands—but success depends on understanding and complying with the country’s detailed regulatory environment. From corporate registration and data governance to consumer protection laws and product certification, every step must be approached with diligence. This article outlines how brands can enter China legally and efficiently, using modern tools and localized strategies to meet every requirement.
1. Setting Up Your Business Legally
1.1 Corporate Formation Options
Brands entering the Chinese market can register as a WFOE, establish a joint venture, or leverage a cross-border e-commerce channel. Each path has its own regulatory implications and access levels to local customers.
1.2 Pre-Licensing Due Diligence
Before committing, brands should consult local experts to confirm what licenses or approvals are required for their category—especially in food, health, personal care, and technology.
2. Navigating Product Approval and Import Controls
2.1 Product Registration
Depending on the category, products may require CFDA, SAMR, or AQSIQ registration. SaaS platforms can assist with compiling technical documentation, ingredient safety reports, and usage guides for submission.
2.2 Labeling and Packaging Audits
Imported products must carry standardized Chinese labels. SaaS tools now offer label templates pre-checked against industry standards to help brands stay compliant and avoid customs delays.
3. Complying with Platform and Channel Policies
3.1 Tmall and JD Entry Requirements
China’s top e-commerce platforms require valid business licenses, import documents, and category-specific approvals before activation. Each platform has internal audits that must be passed to go live.
3.2 Third-Party Storefront Rules
For brands working with TP (Tmall Partner) or JD agency stores, it’s important to define roles around compliance: who handles data hosting, logistics certifications, and consumer complaint resolution.
4. Digital Data and Cybersecurity Compliance
4.1 Hosting and Encryption Standards
Under China’s cybersecurity law, sensitive data (especially PII) must be hosted locally. Brands using global SaaS services must ensure their cloud infrastructure complies with Chinese standards.
4.2 User Data Protection Protocols
Collecting data from Chinese users via websites, apps, or WeChat Mini Programs requires clear consent and permission control. Deploy a China-adapted consent management platform to automate this process.
5. Staying Updated with Policy Shifts
5.1 Real-Time Policy Monitoring
The Chinese regulatory landscape changes rapidly. Subscribe to policy updates from government platforms and use SaaS alert services to receive real-time updates on compliance risks.
5.2 Routine Legal Reviews
Conduct quarterly compliance audits across product, labeling, digital marketing, and data handling. Work with bilingual legal teams who understand the nuances of national and regional enforcement trends.
Case Study: A Canadian Organic Food Brand’s Market Entry Playbook
A Canadian organic superfoods brand planned to enter China via both cross-border and local e-commerce channels. They started with a WFOE registration, then used SaaS compliance software to verify ingredient approvals and design proper Chinese labels. They trained their customer service team on PIPL requirements, and their WeChat Mini Program passed content pre-approval in 12 days. The brand’s first-quarter China launch exceeded forecasts by 46%, with no compliance issues.
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!
