Start with the positive list
China's cross-border e-commerce retail import runs on a "positive list" — only categories on the list may enter under the 1210 bonded model. If your product is not on it, you generally need general trade (0110) with the right licence. So the first compliance question is simple: is my product on the positive list?
Prohibited goods (do not ship)
These are broadly barred from cross-border retail import. Categories include:
- Drugs and controlled substances, including many prescription-only compounds without approval.
- Weapons, ammunition and imitation weapons.
- Pirated, counterfeit or infringing goods.
- Certain used, waste or对环境有害 products restricted by environmental rules.
- Items contrary to public order or morality as defined by Chinese law.
This is a general map, not a legal opinion — confirm your specific SKU against the current customs list.
Restricted goods (need a licence first)
These can enter, but only after the right filing or licence is lodged:
| Category | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Cosmetics | NMPA filing / registration |
| Health foods / supplements | NMPA approval (blue-hat) |
| Infant formula | Registration +配方 approval |
| Medical devices | NMPA device registration |
| Special foods / function foods | Food licence / approval |
| Alcohol / tobacco | Quota, licence and labelling rules |
Get the licence before you ship. Clearance holds are almost always because the filing was lodged late.
Off the positive list → general trade
If your product is not on the cross-border positive list, the route is 0110 general trade: full shipment cleared up front, product registered under a local licence holder (usually a WFOE or licensed distributor). It is slower and heavier on entity requirements, but it is the compliant path for off-list goods.
A practical compliance checklist
- Confirm whether your SKU is on the cross-border positive list.
- If restricted, identify the licence (NMPA, food, device) and lodge it early.
- Prepare Chinese-language labels that meet the category rules.
- Choose the model: 1210 (on-list) or 0110 (off-list / domestic store).
- Name a clear importer of record (HK entity or local licence holder).
How GOODSINFINITE de-risks compliance
Before any goods move, we screen your category against the positive list, flag the licences you need, and pre-lodge them under our Hong Kong importer-of-record or a local licence holder. We would rather tell you "this needs NMPA first" than have your shipment sit at the border. See also our CCC / NMPA compliance guide.
Compliance is not a final step you bolt on — it is the first filter that decides which import model you can even use.
FAQ
What is prohibited? Drugs/controlled substances, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain used/waste items, and items against public order — confirm your SKU against the current customs list.
What is restricted and needs a licence? Cosmetics (NMPA), supplements (approval), infant formula, medical devices, special foods, alcohol/tobacco — lodge the licence before shipping.
Is there a positive list? Yes — cross-border e-commerce uses a positive list; off-list products typically need general trade (0110) with the proper licence.