Food & Catering Licenses in China

Companies operating in the food industry must apply for various food licenses. Food production licenses ensure companies meet the requirements regarding their manufacturing capabilities and environment. Meanwhile, food distribution licenses are required for engaging in the sale of food. Catering companies also require an additional license called the catering license.

These licenses must be renewed and updated periodically to ensure full compliance with China’s food safety laws; failure to meet the safety standards can result in fines and even criminal charges.

To engage in food production in China, enterprises must obtain a Food Production License. The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ) is responsible for the nationwide administration of food production licensing, while local Quality and Technical Supervision Bureaus (QTSBs) are responsible for administrating the scheme within their respective administrative regions. Applicants should apply for a Food Production License after obtaining enterprise name pre-approval from the AIC (unless the applicant is an existing enterprise).

In terms of requirements, the enterprise must possess the means for processing the specified type and volume of food products and maintaining facilities’ cleanliness. All staff involved in food service must undergo China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA)-approved safety training, and a system must be in place for ensuring food product safety, including the prevention of cross-contamination. These requirements also apply to the Food Distribution and Catering Licenses discussed below.

Applicants for a Food Production License should also set up a health inspection and inspection records system or other health management systems for their personnel, establish a goods purchasing and pre-delivery inspection records system, and other food safety management systems for essential food ingredients inspections and manufacturing processes.

The AQSIQ will conduct site inspections by two to four inspectors at the food production venue, and a product sample inspection will be required. Food Production Licenses are valid for three years, and renewal applications should be submitted six months before expiry. Enterprises receiving a Food Production License will be listed and searchable on the CFDA’s website.

Catering service providers (individuals or organizations) must obtain a Catering License prior to engaging in business operations. This applies to group meal delivery service providers but not food stall operators or providers of semi-finished food products. The licensing system is administered by CFDA and its local iterations. License application materials include:

An entity providing catering services at various locations must apply for separate licenses. The application process entails a site inspection conducted by the CFDA. The CFDA is charged with issuing a decision within 20 business days of accepting an application, but may extend this deadline by an additional 10 days if needed. The applicant should receive a License within 10 business days of approval. Following approval, Licenses must be displayed in a visible location on the business premises. Licenses are valid for three years; licenses for the provision of temporary catering services may not exceed six months’ validity. Reapplication should be made 30 days prior to expiry with the original issuing body.

Operators (individuals or organizations) engaged in food distribution (including retail and wholesale distribution of pre-packaged food or bulk food) are required to obtain a Food Distribution License. In certain cases, the requirement to obtain a Distribution License can be worked around, such as when a food producer who has obtained a Food Production License sells food products on their premises of production, or when a catering service provider who has obtained a relevant license sells food products at its venue.

Food Distribution licensing is administrated by the Administration of Industry and Commerce. The pre-requisites, application materials, validity period, and time frame for processing applications and renewals for food distribution operators are similar to those stipulated for catering service providers. If an entity has branches engaged in food distribution, each branch should apply for a separate Food Distribution License. A site inspection may be conducted if deemed necessary by the authorities.