What is important to keep in mind when importing wine into China?

Imported wine is first subject to a port inspection, and then Customs clearance. Alcohol importers should present both a Health Certificate and a Certificate of Origin from the exporting country (region) in order to clear the inspection. The imported wine should also be affixed with a Chinese label in accordance with the General Standards for Food Labeling and other relevant regulations. Those that pass the inspection will be affixed with an “Imported Food Health Supervision and Inspection Mark.” Upon presentation of the requisite documents for approval, the Customs will clear the product after collecting duties and other taxes, including value-added tax and consumption tax.

According to the Administrative Rules for Importing Alcohol to the Chinese Market promulgated in 1997, a wholesale enterprise dealing in imported alcohol should possess, among other things:

• The registered capital, business venue and warehousing facilities in compliance with the relevant regulations;
• A qualified wholesale management system;
• Professionals familiar with the wine and spirits industry and its imports;
• A consolidated wholesale network;
• A health certificate issued by the Sanitation Administration Department;
• Other conditions as required by laws and regulations.