How to export cider from the UK to China

The route for cider, perry and other fermented drinks

Cider, perry and other fermented drinks fall under HS 220600. For ordinary imports, the manufacturer applies to GACC itself or through an agent; confirm the product category in GACC’s registration system. GACC Decree 280 requires overseas food manufacturer registration and allows batch registration through recognised cooperation arrangements. The food safety MoU of 29 January 2026 created the cooperation mechanism required for simplified batch registration of UK food manufacturers; confirm the available route with GACC before applying. Allow months, not weeks for approval; the Chinese authority decides.

HMRC recorded £30k of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 220600 in 2025 (2024: £48k, -37.3%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £124k. January to July 2026: £12k against £6k in the same months of 2025 (+112.1%).

The largest UK export line was 22060039, Mead and other fermented beverages and mixtures of fermented beverages, at £19k. That is a shared-code total, rather than cider sales alone. Still cider and perry have separate UK lines according to container capacity.

Price against the Chinese tariff and import VAT

Chinese tariff lines 22060010 and 22060090 both have an MFN rate of 40%. Import VAT has a standard rate of 13%, subject to statutory exceptions, and is calculated on customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. The importer’s customs broker confirms the classification, applicable VAT treatment and whether consumption tax applies to these drinks. These charges increase landed cost and shape the price an importer can offer.

Prepare the pack and fermented-drink standard review

For ordinary imports, prepackaged cider needs a compliant Chinese label naming its origin and the domestic agent’s name, address and contact details. The registered manufacturer’s China registration number, or the number approved by its home authority, must appear on the packaging. Include GB 2758-2012, the food safety standard for fermented alcoholic drinks and their preparations, in the product review before approving Chinese artwork.

Arrange the UK declaration and excise movement

Classify the cider before exporting. Exports from England, Wales or Scotland need a GB EORI; the declaration requires the commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing list references. The carrier needs the invoice and any applicable export licences or certificates. Excise Notice 196 identifies goods for export among goods that will not bear UK excise duty; confirm the consignment’s movement and declaration arrangements with your excise adviser.

Consider cross-border retail for personal-use sales

The cross-border e-commerce retail import list includes 22060010, rice wine, and 22060090, other fermented beverages. Listed goods entering through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 channels are supervised as personal-use articles, with first-import licence, registration and filing requirements disapplied, subject to the stated suspension and emergency-risk exceptions.

The overseas seller retains the main quality and safety responsibility and must appoint a mainland-registered company for customs registration, truthful declarations and shared civil liability. Consumers must accept a risk notice before ordering: the goods may lack a Chinese label, a Chinese electronic label is available online, and purchases are for personal use and cannot be resold.

Find and check a Chinese cider importer

Check how a prospective importer will handle its local customs filing, the overseas exporter’s GACC filing, classification and Chinese artwork before agreeing a shipment. If an importer has already approached your brand, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.

Through our export-to-China service, we prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The importer of record and any required cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed-partner roles in China; the brand’s own filings stay the brand’s. We check with licensed partners.