New Trends in the Portuguese Red Wine Import Market

In 2025, China will maintain its position as the second-largest importer of wine from the European Union, with the share of Portuguese red wine expected to exceed 8%. According to data from the Lisbon Chamber of Commerce and Industry,From January to June 2025, the total volume of Portuguese red wine imported to China increased by 12.3% year-on-year.Among them, DOC-level certified products account for 67%.

Breakdown of the Core Import Process

• Qualification Preparation Phase
  • Imported Food Registration (declared in the General Administration of Customs system)
  • Alcohol Business License (approved by the provincial-level commerce departments)
  • Origin CertificateBook (certified by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce)
• Logistics customs clearance stage
  • Design of a Constant Temperature Container Transportation Solution
  • Pre-audit of Chinese labels (in compliance with GB 7718 standard)
  • Tariff Pre-Determination Application (VAT 13% + Consumption Tax 10%)

Key points of the regulatory updates in 2025

According to the Implementing Rules of Decree No. 248 of the General Administration of Customs,For the import of Portuguese red wine, the following additional documents are required:

• DOC certification document (issued by the Lisbon Production Area Management Authority)
• Grape vineyard soil testing report (heavy metal indicators)
• Oak barrel usage record (proof of aging period)

Comparative Analysis of the Value of Agency Services

• Pain points of independent importation:
  • The average customs clearance period is 28 days (it can be shortened to 14 days through agency channels).
  • The incidence of port congestion charges is 32% (professional agents can control it within 5%).
• Advantages of professional agency services:
  • EU AEO-certified enterprises enjoy fast customs clearance
  • Bounded warehouse distribution services (reducing capital utilization)
  • Chinese Label Anti-Counterfeiting and Traceability System

The agency uses a five-dimensional model to screen candidates.

1. Qualification verification:Verify the "Agency Agreement".Import and exportBusiness License and Customs Class A Enterprise Certification
2. Supply chain network:Have at least 3 bonded warehouse nodes (East China/South China/North China)
3. Customs clearance error rate:It is required that the average error rate in the past three years be ≤0.8%.
4. Value - added services:It includes core modules such as DOC certification agency and Chinese label design
5. Cost Transparency:It is required to provide a complete cost breakdown.Maritime transportFees + Duties + Service Charges)

Market Layout Recommendations for 2025

The Port Wine Institute predicts thatChina's second- and third-tier cities will contribute 60% of the increase in Portuguese wine sales in 2025.It is recommended that importers pay special attention to the following points:

• Lightweight packaging products (with a demand increase of 18% for specifications below 750ml)
• The organic certification sub-market (with a price premium of 25-30%)
• Combined tariff planning (using the transshipment scheme of the CEPA agreement)

Choosing a professional agency can reduce the overall operating costs by 28%. It is recommended to pay special attention to this when signing the service agreementQuality Assurance TermsAndDivision of responsibility for demurrage at the portAs the negotiations on the upgrading of the China-Portugal Free Trade Agreement progress, it is expected that three new zero-tariff tariff codes will be added in 2025.