Compliance is the gate, not the fine print
The fastest way to lose a China launch is to ship product that cannot clear customs. China ties market access to product-specific certificates, and the right certificate depends on your category and your import model (cross-border 1210 vs. general trade 0110).
This guide maps the certificates overseas brands meet most often. Treat it as a starting checklist, not legal advice — confirm against your HS code and category with a licensed broker.
The big three
1. CCC — China Compulsory Certification
CCC is the safety certification mark for a long list of electrical, electronic and consumer products (power adapters, IT equipment, toys with electronics, many appliances). If your product is on the CCC catalogue:
- It cannot be imported or sold in China without the mark.
- You need a Chinese entity or agent to apply; testing is done by authorised labs.
- Cross-border retail imports may be exempt for personal-use quantities, but domestic distribution is not.
2. NMPA — National Medical Products Administration
NMPA regulates cosmetics, skincare, medical devices and health-adjacent products. For most cosmetics:
- General cosmetics require NMPA filing (备案).
- Special-use cosmetics (e.g. sunscreen, hair dye, whitening claims) require full registration.
- Ingredient and labelling rules are strict; claims must be substantiated.
Skincare and supplement brands should budget NMPA lead time into their launch plan.
3. Food & health licences
Food, beverage, health food and supplements face the toughest regime:
- Importers must be registered; overseas manufacturers need export registration with Chinese authorities.
- Label compliance (Chinese nutrition labels, claims limits) is enforced at the border.
- Some products are simply outside the cross-border positive list.
| Certificate | Covers | Typical for |
|---|---|---|
| CCC | Mandatory safety mark | Electronics, appliances, toys, IT equipment |
| NMPA filing/registration | Cosmetics & devices | Skincare, makeup, sunscreens, devices |
| Food import registration | Overseas manufacturer + label | Food, beverage, health food, supplements |
| CIQ / customs clearance | Border inspection & declaration | All imported goods |
Cross-border (1210) vs. general trade
A crucial nuance: cross-border retail imports (1210) often follow a simplified, positive-list regime — lighter than the full general-trade requirements. But the moment you move to a domestic Tmall/JD store (general trade 0110), the full certificate set usually applies.
This is another reason brands test via 1210 first: lighter compliance, lower risk, then upgrade certification as volume justifies it.
How GOODSINFINITE de-risks compliance
- We flag the certificate set for your category before you ship — not after a hold at the border.
- Our customs team handles declaration and CIQ coordination through bonded zones in Tianjin, Shanghai, Ningbo, Guangzhou and Qingdao.
- We map the 1210 vs. general-trade compliance gap so you know what scaling to a domestic store will require.
The question is never "is China hard to import into?" — it is "what exactly does my product need?" Answered early, compliance becomes a schedule item, not a crisis.
FAQ
Do 1210 imports need the same certificates as general trade? Usually a lighter set under the cross-border positive list; domestic-store (general trade) sales typically require the full certificates.
What does NMPA regulate? Cosmetics, skincare, medical devices and health-related products — most need filing or registration before sale.
Who confirms exactly what my product needs? A licensed Chinese broker against your HS code and category. GOODSINFINITE flags the likely set during the entry plan so there are no border surprises.