What qualifications are required for importing beer as an agent? Be sure not to step into these pitfalls

When Craft Beer Meets the Customs Declaration Form: A Guide to Import Qualifications for Customs Clearance

Last week, a client came to me with samples of German beer and immediately wanted to order three containers. But when I asked about the qualifications, it turned out that the Food Business License had expired for three years and the import food filing had not been done at all. This scene was very much like a novice driver trying to get on the highway without a drivers license, which made my temples throb. Today, I will take you to disassemble the qualification password for beer imports. We should not only seize business opportunities but also adhere to the bottom line of compliance.

I. Qualification Certificates Are Your Customs Clearance Permits,

• Food Business License:Dont be deceived by the name! The business scope must include alcohol, and in some regions, a separate application is requiredAlcohol business license
• Import Food Filing:The electronic ID card in the General Administration of Customs system, newly added since 2025Online Verification of the Certificate of Origin and HygieneFunction
• Business License Bonus:The registered capital is recommended to start from 500,000 yuan, and the words goods should appear in the business scopeimport and exportII. Devilish Details in the Declaration Materials

Last year, an importer lacked a Chinese label

Last year, an importer faced issues due to missing Chinese labelsUnit of alcohol content marking, beer worth 800,000 was returned in batches. Have you noticed these declaration details?

Material name	Common pitfalls	correct operation
It is recommended to verify through the following methods:	The registration code of the manufacturer is not reflected	Require foreign manufacturers to provide GACC registration certificate
Test report	The detection item of plasticizer is missing	Refer to the latest standard of GB 5009.271

III. Traffic lights in the customs clearance process

• Customs release ≠ everything is okay:In 2022, a batch of Belgian beer was due toThe on - site inspection found that the yeast exceeded the standard, and the released goods were still recalled
• There are hidden mysteries in tax guarantee:Craft beer is often classified into different HS codes, and the margin may differ by 12%
• The lifeline of logistics timeliness:If the temperature record of the constant - temperature container is discontinuous, it may lead to the whole container of products being judged as deteriorated

IV. Practical guide to avoid pitfalls

A real case handled for a craft beer bar: The IPA beer they imported from the United States was due toNot marked Contains gluten - containing cereal products,Intercepted by the customs. The solution is actually very simple - add an allergen warning on the Chinese label in advance. This small change avoided a loss of 200,000.

Special Scenario Response Strategies

• Test - market in small batches:Taking theCross-border E-commercechannel may be more cost - effective
• Handling of near - expiration products:Filing with the market supervision department in advance can reduce the risk of punishment
• Craft beer customization:If the formula is changed, it must be re - handledFiling of imported food additives

Finally, highlight for everyone: In 2025, the customs will fully implementthe intelligent supervision system for imported foodThe electronicization rate of qualification documents is required to reach over 90%. Logging in to the International Trade Single Window now to conduct data migration can also enable you to take the lead and enjoy the fast - track customs clearance channel. Remember, compliance is not a cost, but the best business insurance.