Companies operating in China’s food industry must obtain specific licenses depending on their activities. There are three distinct license types: the Food Production License, the Food Catering License, and the Food Distribution License. Each is administered by a different regulatory body and carries its own requirements.
Three Types of Food Licenses
- Food Production License — Required for manufacturing food products. Administered by AQSIQ.
- Food Catering License — Required for restaurants and catering service providers. Administered by CFDA.
- Food Distribution License — Required for wholesale and retail sale of food. Administered by AIC.
Food Production License
Enterprises engaged in food manufacturing must obtain a Food Production License from AQSIQ (General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine). Local Quality and Technical Supervision Bureaus (QTSBs) administer applications within their respective regions. The application process begins after the enterprise name has been pre-approved by the Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC).
Requirements
- Adequate means for processing food and maintaining facility cleanliness
- CFDA-approved food safety training for all staff
- Systems for food product safety and cross-contamination prevention
- Health inspection system
- Purchasing and pre-delivery inspection records
- Comprehensive food safety management systems
Application Materials
- Facility layout plans
- Equipment checklists
- Process workflow charts
- Food safety standards documentation
Inspection and Validity
Food Catering License
Catering service providers must obtain this license before commencing business operations. The license covers restaurants and group meal delivery services but does not apply to food stalls or semi-finished food products. It is administered by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA).
Application Materials
- Business license or enterprise name pre-approval notice
- Premises layout diagram
- Food safety management system description
Key Points
- Separate licenses are required for each business location
- CFDA conducts a site inspection as part of the approval process
- The license must be displayed in a clearly visible location
Timeline and Validity
Food Distribution License
A Food Distribution License is required for businesses engaged in the retail or wholesale sale of pre-packaged and bulk food products. This license is administered by the Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC). Each branch location requires its own separate license.
Exemptions
- Food producers selling directly at their production premises
- Catering providers selling food at their service venue
Note
The prerequisites and application process for the Food Distribution License are broadly similar to those of the Food Catering License, including the requirement for a business license or name pre-approval, premises documentation, and a food safety management plan.
