The basics
Whether you need a Food Operation License or a Food Production License depends on the type of food business. Once your specific application needs are confirmed, Hongda will assist you in obtaining the necessary documents.
| Type of business | Which licence applies |
|---|---|
| Small catering outlets, where local rules allow filing instead of a licence | Filing and recordation with the local Administration for Market Regulation |
| Other restaurants and central kitchens | Food Operation License |
| Pre-packed food only | Registration process (from 29th April 2021) |
| Catering management companies | No Food Operation License |
| Food production enterprises | Food Production License; may need an additional food operation license if also selling directly, such as online |
Food Operation License
To apply for a Food Operation License, your company must be legally registered in China. It can be formed either as a WFOE or a joint venture if you have a Chinese business partner. Food operation-related activities must be included in its business scope.
Your company needs to have a permanent place of business. However, not all properties and locations will qualify for a Food Operation License application, as your premises must meet local food safety and hygiene standards. If you're uncertain about how to choose a suitable registration and business address, you can use our affiliated registration address service, which provides address consultation.
Your operation location must be equipped with compliant food handling and storage facilities. A robust management framework should be established covering all sections, including storage, processing, and sales of food, which is crucial for passing the on-site inspection.
To ensure food quality and safety and prevent contamination, it's typically required to provide health certificates for your staff and ensure they have undergone food safety training. This helps guarantee that personnel are working in a state of good health.
Process
Hongda will review the information and conduct an eligibility examination of your company, ensuring that it meets the essential requirements for a Food Operation License Application. In cases where your company does not fully satisfy certain requirements, Hongda will also be willing to provide company information modification services to meet legal requirements. Meanwhile, all necessary documents and certifications will be prepared for the following application process.
After receiving the complete food operation license materials, the local Market Supervision Administration will arrange an on-site inspection to your business premises. They will inspect whether your place meets the standards regarding food safety and hygiene. The qualifications of your employees to work in the food industry will also be examined during the process.
After obtaining your Food Operation License, your company will still need to adhere to a series of regulatory requirements throughout your operations. For example, this may include undergoing regular inspections by the health and market supervision authorities, maintaining high-quality food safety management records, and organizing periodic personnel training. In addition, you will need to apply for the renewal of your Food Operation License before its expiration, where the compliance records will directly affect the result.
Timing
The time required to apply for a Food Operation License may vary in different cities and regions. A schedule is confirmed with you once the location, premises and documents are known.
Support
When applying for a Food Operation License for a restaurant in China, it is necessary not only to coordinate with the local administration for a site inspection but also to complete the overall restaurant design in advance, with particular attention given to food hygiene, kitchen layout, and dining area requirements, as each has distinct regulations. This helps avoid costly renovations if the initial setup does not meet government standards.
We offer full-process support from initial consultation to post-approval compliance.
Back to Food Operation License / Food Production License selection.
Food Production License
For food production enterprises.
FAQ
When applying for a Food Operation License, you first need to ensure that your business premises meet basic food safety and hygiene requirements. This means that your premises must have clearly defined zones to prevent cross-contamination, such as separate areas for food storage, processing, and sales. Additionally, the premises should be equipped with hygiene facilities, including handwashing stations, disinfection equipment, and waste disposal systems. If your premises do not meet these requirements, it is advisable to carry out necessary modifications before applying to ensure they comply with local food safety standards.
If, during the application process, it is found that your premises do not meet food safety requirements, you will need to make adjustments. Common rectification tasks include redesigning the layout of the premises to ensure the independence of different areas, such as separating raw material storage from finished product storage to avoid cross-contamination. You may also need to add necessary facilities, such as proper handwashing stations, disinfection equipment, and improving ventilation systems. Once the modifications are completed, you must provide relevant proof and resubmit the application to ensure the rectified premises comply with food safety standards.
The on-site inspection is a crucial part of the food business license application process. Inspectors will visit your premises to verify whether it complies with food safety requirements. The inspection typically includes several aspects: first, the overall cleanliness of the premises, including floors, walls, and equipment; second, the compliance of facilities with food safety standards, such as whether refrigeration equipment is functioning properly and whether storage facilities are clean and meet standards; third, whether your food safety management practices are in place, such as having a designated food safety manager, ensuring staff have received food safety training, and maintaining records and monitoring systems. Lastly, inspectors will also check the product labeling to ensure that information like production dates, expiry dates, and other essential details are properly displayed.
If you are asked to provide additional documents or if your application is rejected, it is usually due to incomplete documentation or failure to meet specific requirements for your premises. In such cases, you should carefully review the reasons for rejection and address the issues raised. Commonly requested documents might include employee training records, a more detailed explanation of your food safety management system, or improvements to your facilities. If there are issues with your premises, you may need to make adjustments and provide a rectification report. Timely submission of the required documents and ensuring that all your paperwork meets the regulatory department’s requirements will usually resolve the issue.
Food Operation License typically have an expiration date, and you need to apply for a renewal before it expires. When applying for renewal, you must submit relevant documents, such as reports on your company’s operations and food safety compliance. The renewal process is similar to the initial application, but it requires you to provide a compliance report for the period since your last application, including health inspection records and employee training logs. In some cases, an on-site inspection may also be required to verify that your premises still meet food safety standards.
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