What license do I need for a food company in China?
In Simon’s previous blog, we introduced the basic licenses for operating food business in China.
On this service page, Simon will guide you to a deeper understanding of when you need to apply for a Food Business License or Food Production License as a participant in the food business industry. Once your specific application requirements are confirmed, Simon will be happy to assist you in obtaining the necessary documents!
Catering service provider
Whether a catering service provider needs to obtain a Food Business License depends on the size and operating area of the restaurant. For small restaurants with an area of less than 50 square meters, they only need to register with the local market supervision bureau, and their food business license is not a mandatory license. However, for large and medium-sized restaurants and central kitchen enterprises with a business area exceeding 50 square meters, they still need to obtain a Food Business License.
Sales of pre packaged food
Starting from April 29, 2021, food operators who only operate pre packaged food are no longer required to apply for a food business license. You only need to complete the registration process now to sell pre packaged foods, including health foods, special medical use foods, infant formula milk powder, other infant formula foods, beverages and alcoholic beverages, as well as alcohol.
Catering management company
A catering management company refers to a food operator who manages self-service restaurants or provides entrusted management services to other catering service operators according to contracts. In addition, it also includes companies that own certain chain restaurants. Due to the fact that catering management companies only engage in marketing and management consulting activities and do not directly provide catering services to consumers, they do not need to obtain a Food Business License. For example, although KFC restaurants directly provide food to consumers, they require a food business license, namely Yum! Having a KFC brand is not necessary.
Food production enterprises
Unlike the aforementioned types of food operators, food production enterprises need to obtain a Food Production License. The discussion here only covers situations where your business only involves production and does not directly sell to consumers. If your food production enterprise also sells directly to end consumers, such as through online sales platforms, you may need to apply for an additional food business license.
Choose the correct license to apply for!
We believe that through the above detailed introduction, you now know whether your food enterprise needs a food business license or a food production license. Next, Simon will explain how we can assist you in applying for these two types of food industry licenses. You can click on the title below to obtain specific information about the application process for a food business license or food production license.
Please click on the link below to select the correct license type. If you are still unsure, please feel free to schedule a meeting with us at any time!
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