Imported Beer Qualification "Checklist": Is Your Company Ready?

When a client inquires about importing beer,I usually first present this qualification list:

• The business license must include the liquor operation category.
• Food Business License (including prepackaged food)
• Import and exportGoods consignee/consignor registration
• Imported Food Importer Registration (required for first-time imports)
• Alcohol Circulation Registration (cancelled in some regions)

The "Three-Way Intersection" in the Customs Clearance Process

In one case of importing German wheat beer, the client, due to adiscrepancy in the determination of the standard of origin, had an incorrect tax rate applied, ultimately resulting in a back payment of taxes amounting to 15% of the cargo value. This reminds us to pay attention to:

• The accuracy of declaration elements
  • The correspondence between malt concentration and alcohol content
  • The process difference between importing original bottle vs. original liquid
• Key Inspection and Quarantine Points
  • Microbiological indicator testing
  • Food Additive Compliance

The "Temperature Code" of Logistics and Warehousing

A Belgian craft beer, due toa change in taste caused by temperature differences during transport, was ultimately returned as a full container. We recommend:

• Maintain temperature control between 5-25°C throughout the process
• Light-proof transportation solutions
• Stacking no more than 5 layers high
• Moisture-proof packaging must meet IP55 standards

Three common cognitive misunderstandings

According to the latest customs statistics for 2025, among cases of non-compliance for beer imports:

• 43%due to missing Chinese labels
• 28%involved expired certification documents
• 19%stemmed from non-compliant transport conditions

Recommendations for Continuous Compliance Operations

• Establish a dynamic monitoring system for shelf life
• Update Chinese label templates quarterly
• Regularly verify the registration status of overseas manufacturers
• Standardize the declaration of quantities for gifts/promotional packs

In the field of beer import agency,even a minor deviation in any link can trigger a chain reaction. Choosing a professionalforeign tradeservice provider is, in essence, buying a "fuse" for risk prevention. When you are holding a purchase contract for craft beer, you might first want to confirm whether these customs clearance codes have been fully cracked.