Issuance of import licenses in China: what you need to know Russian business in 2026-2027

China remains Russia’s largest trading partner, but successful foreign economic activity depends not only on the choice of a reliable supplier or carrier. One of the key stages is the correct execution of import licenses and permits.

Many entrepreneurs mistakenly believe that the responsibility for all documents lies entirely with the Chinese side. In practice, this is not always the case. The correctness of registration of licenses, certificates and permits depends on the speed of customs, the absence of fines and the possibility of unimpeded delivery of goods.

Let’s look at what import licenses exist in China, when they are needed, and how to avoid common mistakes.

What is an import license in China?

An import license is the official permission of the Chinese government to import certain categories of goods.

Most products are imported under the usual procedure without special permits. However, there is a list of goods under state control.

For such categories, licensing is mandatory.

What products require licensing

Licenses are most often required when importing:

• agricultural products;
• cereals;
• meat and dairy products;
• fertilizer;
• chemical products;
• medical equipment;
• medicines;
• certain types of industrial equipment;
• dangerous goods;
• dual-use products;
• Some raw materials.

The list is regularly updated by Chinese regulators, so it is necessary to check the current requirements before concluding a contract.

Who issues an import license

In many cases, it is the Chinese importer who receives the license.

This means that the Russian exporter must ensure in advance that his partner:

• have the right to import the relevant products;
• has the necessary permits;
• registered in the relevant state systems;
• able to pass state control procedures.

If a Chinese company does not have the necessary permits, the delivery may be delayed or not at all.

What documents are usually required

The list depends on the category of goods, but most often you will need:

• foreign trade contract;
• invoice;
• packing sheet;
• transport documents;
• Certificate of origin;
• Phytosanitary certificate (for plant products);
• veterinary certificate (for products of animal origin);
• quality certificates;
• technical documentation;
• information about the manufacturer.

For individual products, additional permits may be required from the relevant authorities of China.

Features for exporters of agricultural products

Agricultural products are under the strictest state control.

Before delivery, it is necessary to ensure that:

• The manufacturer has the right to export products to China;
• the company is registered in the necessary state registers;
• phytosanitary requirements are met;
• the necessary certificates have been issued;
• packaging complies with the requirements of Chinese law;
• The marking is translated into Chinese if necessary.

Particularly carefully Chinese services check:

• grain;
• oilseeds;
• flour;
• feed products;
• meat;
• fish;
• dairy products.

Why the license - It's not just a formality.

It is a mistake to consider obtaining a license as a normal bureaucratic procedure.

In fact, licensing is a tool for quality control and product safety.

During the inspection, the following may be assessed:

• origin of the goods;
• product safety;
• compliance with sanitary requirements;
• presence of quarantine risks;
• compliance with the declared characteristics.

If violations are detected, the cargo can be:

• detained;
• sent for additional examination;
• returned to the supplier;
• destroyed;
• prohibited from further importation.

The most common mistakes

Lack of inspection of Chinese importer

Sometimes the exporter enters into a contract with a company that does not have the right to import a particular product.

As a result, licensing becomes impossible.

Incomplete package of documents

Even the absence of one mandatory certificate can lead to a delay of several weeks.

Inconsistency of marking

China has strict requirements for packaging information.

Translation errors or lack of mandatory data may lead to refusal of importation.

Use of obsolete requirements

China’s laws are constantly changing.

Documents that were relevant a year ago may no longer meet the new requirements.

Errors in the HS codes

Incorrect classification of goods affects not only the amount of duty, but also the need to obtain a license.

Therefore, the definition of the code should be performed as accurately as possible.

How to prepare for delivery in advance

To avoid export problems, several stages of preparation are recommended.

Check the merchandise

Determine whether the product belongs to the licensed categories.

Check the importer

Make sure that a Chinese company has the right to work with this product.

Prepare documents

Get a full set of certificates and permits in advance.

Check packaging requirements

This is especially important for food and agricultural products.

Harmonize logistics

Some categories of goods can be checked only through certain checkpoints.

What changes are expected in 2026-2027

Experts predict further digitalization of foreign trade procedures.

Major trends:

• transition to electronic licenses;
• integration of customs information systems;
• automatic verification of documents;
• strengthening control over the origin of products;
• development of digital certificates;
• reducing the time of registration in the absence of violations;
• Increased requirements for traceability of goods.

For companies, this means paying even more attention to the quality of paperwork.

Conclusion

An import license in China is not just an import permit, but an important element of the state control system.

Competent preparation of documents, verification of the Chinese partner and compliance with the requirements of the legislation avoid delays, financial losses and problems during customs control.

For exporters of agricultural products, food products, industrial equipment and a number of other categories of goods, understanding the licensing procedure becomes one of the key factors for successful operation in the Chinese market.