What we coordinate

Liquor Business License (provincial monopoly administration) versus wholesale versus…
Liquor Business License (provincial monopoly administration) versus wholesale versus retail tracks, including Economic and Trade Commission approval levels.
Sequencing Food Circulation Permit, business licence, health permits, hygiene…
Sequencing Food Circulation Permit, business licence, health permits, hygiene certificates for imports, and manufacturer or agency documentation.

Where Acadia helps

Matching registered capital and premises thresholds to wholesale versus…
Matching registered capital and premises thresholds to wholesale versus retail licence classes before you submit.
Coordinating annual implementation and three-year renewal expectations across provinces.
Coordinating annual implementation and three-year renewal expectations across provinces.

Liquor business licensing in China

If foreign investors want to import and export alcohol in the mainland, carry out wine wholesale and retail-whether liquor, red wine, or other categories-they must apply for a liquor business license before selling alcohol in the mainland. The Liquor Business License is printed by the provincial liquor monopoly management department and is the legal certificate for operating the liquor retail unit or individual.

The liquor production license shall be examined and approved by the Provincial Economic and Trade Commission; the wholesale license shall be inspected and approved by the Municipal Economic and Trade Bureau; and the county economic and trade bureaus shall handle the retail license. Application conditions for liquor licenses in mainland China shall be renewed every three years and implemented annually.

Wholesale liquor licenses

The initial application requirement for an alcoholic business license requires registered capital of more than CNY 500,000, an operating area of more than 50 square metres, and a storage area of more than 80 square metres; facilities must comply with relevant regulations.

Before applying for a liquor business license, applicants must obtain the Health Permit issued by the health administrative department. The business must also have two or more professionals with knowledge of alcoholic products and management systems to ensure operating compliance.

Supply pipeline with long-term and stable wine wholesale business.
Agreement or power of attorney between producer and seller (original; foreign-language agreement or authorization letter must be provided with Chinese translation).
Manufacturer’s business license, health permit, and alcohol production license (photocopy stamped by manufacturer or dealer providing the materials; if the agreement is signed with a distributor of the alcoholic product, the dealer’s proof materials stamped with the dealer seal).
For domestic liquor agents, provide a qualified inspection report issued by a statutory qualification institution.
For import of alcohol, provide the Hygiene Certificate issued by the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau.

Alcohol retail licensing in China

Enterprises or individuals engaged in the alcohol retail business must first obtain the Food Circulation Permit issued by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce and then apply for the Liquor Retail License from the local liquor monopoly management department. To apply for such a licence, these requirements must be met:

The business entity should be an independent legal person, partnership, or self-employed business.
Registered capital is more than 100,000 yuan and business premises are more than 20 square metres in compliance with relevant regulations.
Obtain the Food Circulation Permit issued by the administrative department for industry and commerce.
Obtain a business licence issued by the administrative department for industry and commerce.
Have more than one professional with working knowledge of alcohol regulations and commodities.

We help wine, beer, and spirits brands connect liquor monopoly licensing, circulation permits, and import documentation so wholesale and retail routes stay compliant as you scale across cities.