China Food Operation License / Food Production License Application

What License Do I Need for My Food Business in China?

In Hongda’s previous blog, we introduced the essential licenses to run your food operation business in China (click here to read more). 

On this service page, Hongda will guide you to a deeper understanding of when you, as a participant in the food business industry, need to apply for a Food Business License or Food Production License. Once your specific application needs are confirmed, Hongda will be willing to assist you in obtaining the necessary documents!

Fig 1. Food Operation Industry Classification and Licenses Required for Operation

Catering Service Providers

Whether a catering service provider needs to obtain a Food Operation License depends on the size and operation area of the restaurant. For micro restaurants whose areas are smaller then 50 m2, only filing and recordation with the local Administration for Market Regulation is required, and Food Operation License is not a compulsory permit for them. However, for medium to large-sized restaurants and central kitchen enterprises with a business area greater than 50m², a Food Operation License is still required.

Sales of Pre-packed Food

From 29th April 2021, food operators dealing only in pre-packed foods are no longer required to apply for a Food Operation License. You now only need to complete a registration process to sell pre-packed foods including health food, food for special medical purposes, infant and baby formula milk powder, other infant and baby formula foods, beverages and alcoholic beverages, and alcohols.

Catering Management Companies

Catering management companies refer to food operators that manage cafeterias under contract or provide entrusted management services to other catering service operators. In addition, they also include companies owning certain restaurant chains. Since catering management companies engage only in activities like marketing and management consulting, and do not directly provide catering services to consumers, they do not need to obtain a Food Operation License. For example, while a KFC restaurant, which directly serves food to consumers, requires a food operation license, Yum! Brands, which owns KFC, does not need one.

Food Production Enterprises

Unlike the aforementioned types of food business operators, food production enterprises need to obtain a Food Production License. The discussion here only covers situations where your business is involved solely in production and does not sell directly to consumers. If your food production enterprise also sells directly to end consumers, such as through an online sales platform, you may need to apply for an additional food operation license.

We believe that with the detailed introduction above, you now know whether your food business requires a food operation license or a food production license. Next, Hongda will explain how we can assist you in applying for these two types of food industry licenses. You can click on the titles below to get specific information about the application process for a food operation license or a food production license.

I need to apply for ……. (please click to choose)

• a Food Operation License;
• a Food Production License;