The basics
According to China’s Catalog of Hazardous Chemicals and the UN GHS Standard issued by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, chemicals can be classified into two categories: General Chemicals and Hazardous Chemicals, subject to different management rules and business licensing.
Hazardous Chemicals are chemicals with physical hazards, health hazards, or environmental hazards that require mandatory licensing.
General Chemicals are chemicals not listed in the Catalog of Hazardous Chemicals and not meeting GHS hazard classification criteria. No mandatory licensing required, but they must comply with basic product quality and environmental regulations.
Requirements
All chemical business enterprises must hold a Business License with business scope explicitly including “chemical product operations” or similar items.
General chemical operations (non-hazardous) require no Hazardous Chemicals Business License. Products must comply with the Product Quality Law and related standards; there is no mandatory license but quality must be guaranteed.
Materials
Applying for a hazardous chemicals business license generally requires the following materials:
General chemical operators do not need to apply. Upon successful approval, you will receive the Hazardous Chemicals Business License, valid for 3 years.
How it works
Quick answer: the route runs in five steps, from company setup to starting operation. Select a step for detail.
Stage 1 of 5
Before starting the company registration process, determine the business scope and chemical types, and clarify the main products.
Stage 2 of 5
After completing company registration, apply for a corporate bank account for daily operations.
Stage 3 of 5
Apply for the Hazardous Chemicals Business License (general chemical operators do not need to apply).
Stage 4 of 5
If the company involves chemical import/export, apply for import/export rights after obtaining the Business License.
Stage 5 of 5
Start operating once the licences and registrations are in place.
General chemical operators do not need to apply for the Hazardous Chemicals Business License.
Compliance
Compliance after approval matters as much as the application.
Hazardous chemical business license approval generally takes at least one month. Validity is 3 years after approval.
To import new chemical substances not in the IECSC catalog, register them with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment before import. Standard registration, simplified registration or record filing applies depending on the substance and circumstances, and the data required and any later reporting duties follow the route that applies.
Why Hongda
Coordinate the licence with the company, banking and trade work around it, with one China-based service team.
Serving foreign companies in China since 2007, with client relationships that go back to 2008.
Company setup, banking, tax, payroll and work permits coordinated by one team.
English-language project management with a China-based team in seven locations.
We confirm the scope before work begins and say which decisions rest with authorities or banks.
Client voices
Travis Perkins
David Finch BA ACMA CMIIA CAMA
Director of Group Business Risk & Assurance, Travis Perkins PLC
With Hongda since 2008
Travis Perkins PLC (a leading builders merchant in the UK) has been using Hongda Business Services since 2008 for accounting and professional services. Throughout this time, we have found the team at Hongda to be very helpful and professional in their dealings with us. We look forward to working with the company in the future.
Sound United
Jack Peng
Vice President, Asia Pacific, Sound United
With Hongda since 2013
Sound United (a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer audio products in the US) has been using Hongda Business Services since 2013. Moving one’s operations to China is not a small task, but Hongda’s expert services helped us set up a company and deal with tax issues so we could get on with growing our business in no time at all, and that’s why we continue to use them today.
Tulip Pacific Ltd.
Erik de Waard
Director, Tulip Pacific Ltd.
With Hongda since 2012
Tulip Pacific Ltd. (Business planning and interim financial management services) has been using Hongda Business Services since 2012. Hongda has helped us set up legal entities in China/HK and takes care of our annual company audits. They are the most efficient business service provider I have worked with to-date, and their professional advice has helped me better advise my own clients and provide greater value to my overall business.
Your team
Meet the three chief consultants at Hongda, including founder Angel Ho and co-founder Bobby Lee.
Chief Consultant, CEO
Founder of Hongda in 2007. Holds Chinese Tax Agent, IPA (Australia) and IFA (UK) certificates. Provides one-stop services covering market access, company establishment, financial settlement, financial and tax consultation, and human resources management.
Chief Consultant
Co-founder of Hongda. Many years of corporate legal consultancy and involvement in managing client enterprises. Familiar with tax, personnel and project management work across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. Excellent English communication skills.
Chief Consultant
24 years in enterprise management, business development, and financial and tax compliance. Has provided financial and tax advisory services for hundreds of companies. In-depth learning and practical experience in IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards and International Taxation.
FAQ
Practical answers about approval time, revocation and new substances.
Ask your questionHazardous chemical business license approval generally takes at least one month. Validity is 3 years after approval.
Register with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment before import. Standard registration, simplified registration or record filing applies depending on the substance and circumstances, and the data required and any later reporting duties follow the route that applies.
Operating beyond licensed scope (e.g., selling hazardous chemicals under a general chemical license); failing to record hazardous chemical transactions in the traceability system; trading precursor chemicals without verifying buyer qualifications; and evading customs supervision during import/export (e.g., false product declaration, underreported values).
Contact our team
Share your plans, structure and timing. We confirm the scope with you before any work starts.
