China Food Business License & Pre-packaged Food Filing

≡ Key Regulatory Basis

The Food Business License and Filing Management Measures (Measures for the Administration of Food Business Licensing and Filing) were jointly issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation. The Measures came into effect on 1 December 2025, replacing the previous Food Business Licensing Administrative Measures (2015). Key changes include:

• - Simplified filing for pre-packaged food – Businesses that only sell pre-packaged food are no longer required to obtain a full food business license; a simplified filing suffices.
• - Reduced application materials – The number of required documents has been reduced, and duplicate submissions eliminated.
• - Online application option – Applications can be submitted online via the local Market Supervision Administration portal.
• - Extended validity period – The Food Business License is valid for five years (extended from three years).
• - Post-approval supervision emphasis – Increased focus on random inspections after license issuance rather than overly strict pre-approval.

≡ Food Business Operating Categories (Major Types)

• - Hot food preparation – Cooking and serving of hot meals (restaurants, canteens, food stalls).
• - Cold food preparation – Salad, cold dishes, sashimi, and other uncooked or chilled food.
• - Bakery items – Bread, cakes, pastries, and other baked goods.
• - Beverage services – Tea drinks, coffee, juice, milk tea, and other beverages.
• - Pre-packaged food sales – Selling pre-packaged food (requires simplified filing, not a full license).
• - Bulk food sales – Selling unpackaged bulk food (requires full license).
• - Food delivery – Online food delivery services (cloud kitchens, takeaway).

≡ Required Documents for Food Business License Application

• - Food Business License Application Form – Completed and signed by the legal representative or responsible person.
• - Business License and identification documents – Copy of the company's business license and identification of the legal representative.
• - Premises layout plan – Floor plan of the food operation area, including equipment placement and process flow.
• - Premises use certificate – Property ownership certificate or lease agreement for the operating premises.
• - Food safety management system – Including procurement inspection records, food safety pledge statement, and cleaning and disinfection procedures.
• - Staff health certificates – Health certificates for all food handling personnel (valid within one year).
• - Equipment list – List of food safety-related equipment and facilities (e.g., refrigeration, disinfection, pest control).
• - Water source certificate (if applicable) – For catering services, certification of water source safety.
• - Power of attorney – If the application is filed by an agent, a power of attorney and identification of the agent are required.

≡ Required Documents for Pre-packaged Food Filing

• - Pre-packaged Food Filing Form – Completed online via the Market Supervision Administration portal.
• - Business License – Copy of the company's business license.
• - Premises use certificate – Property ownership certificate or lease agreement for the operating premises.
• - Food safety pledge statement – A signed commitment to comply with food safety regulations.
• - Filing can be completed online without on-site inspection – The entire process is typically completed within 3-7 working days.

≡ Application Process

1. Step 1 – Determine the applicable category – Identify whether the business requires a full Food Business License or only a Pre-packaged Food Filing based on the operating category.
2. Step 2 – Prepare the premises and facilities – Ensure the operating premises meet food safety requirements, including layout, equipment, and hygiene conditions.
3. Step 3 – Obtain staff health certificates – All food handling personnel must undergo a health examination and obtain valid health certificates.
4. Step 4 – Prepare and submit application documents – Submit the application online (via the local Market Supervision Administration's online service platform) or in person at the service window.
5. Step 5 – On-site inspection (for Food Business License) – The Market Supervision Administration will conduct an on-site inspection of the premises to verify compliance. For pre-packaged food filing, no on-site inspection is generally required.
6. Step 6 – Receive the license or filing certificate – Upon approval, the Food Business License or Pre-packaged Food Filing Certificate will be issued. Applications that fail the initial inspection may be resubmitted after rectification.

≡ Validity Period and Renewal

• - Food Business License – Valid for five years. Renewal applications should be submitted 30 working days before the expiry date.
• - Pre-packaged Food Filing – Valid as long as the business license remains valid. No separate renewal required.
• - Renewal requirements – When renewing the Food Business License, the applicant must confirm that the operating conditions remain unchanged. If significant changes have occurred, a new on-site inspection may be required.

≡ Post-License Compliance Obligations

• - Maintain food safety records – Keep records of food procurement, inspection, sales, and cleaning and disinfection for at least two years.
• - Train food handling staff – Conduct regular food safety training for all employees.
• - Cooperate with random inspections – The Market Supervision Administration conducts unannounced random inspections of licensed food operators. Cooperate fully and maintain compliance.
• - Report changes promptly – Any changes to the company name, legal representative, business address, or operating category must be reported to the licensing authority within 30 days.
• - Display the license – The Food Business License must be displayed prominently at the business premises. For online food operators, the license information must be displayed on the e-commerce platform.

≡ Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Finerise for Food License Applications?

• + Up-to-date regulatory knowledge – Finerise stays current with the 2025 Food Business License and Filing Management Measures, ensuring your application meets the latest requirements.
• + End-to-end support – From determining the correct licence category, preparing documents, submitting the application, and following up with the authorities – we manage the process.
• + Premises readiness assessment – We help you assess whether your premises meet food safety standards before the official on-site inspection.
• + Integration with company registration – If you are establishing a new company, we can coordinate your business registration, tax registration, and food license application simultaneously.
• + Multilingual support – Our team provides English and Chinese support, making the process easier for foreign-invested companies.