Food Operation License Application in China
Get Food Operation License Approved in Advance
In China, food-related businesses, including catering and food sales, require specific government approval. It’s essential to obtain a Food Operation License to ensure your business complies with Chinese food safety laws
As one of the largest food markets in the world, China offers significant opportunities, along with some challenges. Before launching your business, make sure to obtain the necessary licenses to ensure compliance.
Guided Food Operation License Application
In China, the food industry requires specific approval from government authorities before starting operations. This is enforced to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance. Whether you’re involved in food sales, catering services, or food production, obtaining the proper licenses is mandatory.
Asomerit Consulting has years of experience assisting clients with Food Operation License applications. We help streamline the approval process to ensure compliance with Chinese laws and regulations.
Not all food-related activities require a Food Operation License. According to the latest Food Operation Licensing and Filing Management Regulations, if your business is involved in the following activities, you do not need to apply for an additional Food Operation License:
- Selling edible agricultural products;
- Only selling pre-packaged food*;
- Medical institutions or pharmaceutical retail businesses selling specific nutritional formula foods for special medical purposes;
- Food producers who already hold a Food Production License, selling their products either from their production site or online.
While businesses solely involved in selling pre-packaged food are not required to apply for a Food Operation License, they must still file with the local market supervision authorities. If you would like more information on the filing process for pre-packaged food sales, feel free to leave a message with Asomerit Consulting!
Food operations can be divided into three categories:
- Food Sales: Businesses engaged in the retail and wholesale of food, including supermarkets, grocery stores, and specialty food shops.
- Catering Services: Businesses offering dining services, such as restaurants, fast food chains, cafes, and delivery services.
- Food Operation Management: Businesses engaged in food production, processing, and the overall management of food services and distribution.
To apply for a Food Operation License, businesses must meet the following basic requirements:
- Hold valid business registration documents, such as a WFOE (Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise) in China.
- Ensure your business scope covers food sales, catering services, or other relevant food operations.
- Maintain compliant business premises and trained personnel with health certifications.
Step 1: Company Registration (if needed)
If you don't yet have a business entity in China, you will first need to register a company as the operating entity (such as a WFOE). During this process, your company’s business scope must include activities such as catering services and food sales.
If you're starting from scratch, feel free to contact us for a free consultation today and choose our WFOE Registration Package. We will provide you with comprehensive company registration services to help you smoothly set up your business in China.
Step 2: Document Preparation
During the Food Operation License application process, we will assist you in reviewing and ensuring all necessary documents are complete:
- Basic Documents: Such as your company business license, legal representative’s identity proof, and premises usage proof.
- Employee Information: Including employee identity proofs and health certificates.
- Safety Management Documents: Regulations and systems in place to ensure food safety.
Step 3: Onsite Inspection
After submitting your application, government authorities may arrange an onsite inspection and evaluation of your business premises to verify compliance with regulations.
Step 4: Obtain License
The market supervision department typically makes a decision and issues the Food Operation License within 10 business days. The certificate will indicate the operator's name, business premises, operating items, etc., and is generally valid for 5 years.
Step 5: License Renewal and Maintenance
During your business operations, you will need to update and maintain your license for any changes. For example, if you change your operating location, you may need to reapply for the Food Operation License.
Frequently Asked Questions
You have Questions, and Asomerit has Answers. If we don't cover all your confusions, just let us know!
If you change your business location or ownership, you may need to update your Food Operation License. The same applies if there are changes to your business scope. It’s important to inform local authorities of these changes and update your license accordingly.
Yes, food production and food sales require separate licenses.
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Food Production License: For businesses engaged in the manufacturing or processing of food products.
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Food Operation License: For businesses engaged in food sales, catering services, or distribution.
The Food Operation License is generally valid for 5 years. Before it expires, you will need to apply for a renewal. If any significant changes occur during your operations (e.g., change of location, business scope), you may need to update your license.
Yes, if you operate an online food business (e.g., food delivery or online food sales), you still need to apply for a Food Operation License. Online businesses must comply with the same food safety regulations as physical food businesses, including ensuring that the food is properly sourced, handled, and delivered safely.
No, if your business scope does not include food-related operations, you cannot apply for a Food Operation License. In order to apply for this license, your business scope must explicitly cover activities such as food sales, catering services, or food production. If you wish to expand your business to include food-related services, you will first need to amend your business registration to include the relevant food operations, and then you can apply for the Food Operation License.
What Our Clients Say
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My first attempt to apply for a work visa with my employer in China failed due to incomplete paperwork. When Asomerit took over, they immediately provided a full material checklist and reviewed all the documents carefully before submission. Their English-speaking consultants helped both my employer and myself with a clear explanation of what needed to be done. I finally got my visa before my contract started. I was very satisfied about Asomerit's services and have recommended them to my colleagues for China work visa support.
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Asomerit Consulting got my China company registered in just 2 weeks, and I didn’t even need to fly over. Now I actually have time to find customers instead of drowning in paperwork.
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