How to export Liqueurs from the UK to China

Start with the manufacturer and the import route

Liqueurs and cordials fall under HS 220870, with Chinese tariff line 22087000. For ordinary imports, the overseas manufacturer needs GACC registration. The manufacturer applies itself or through an agent, without an exporting-country authority recommendation for this category. Confirm the product category in GACC’s registration system before relying on that route.

GACC Decree 280 also provides for batch registration through recognised food safety systems and cooperation agreements. The UK-China food safety MoU took effect on 29 January 2026, creating the required cooperation mechanism. Registration planning should allow months, not weeks; the Chinese authority decides the application. Once registered, the manufacturer must put its China registration number, or its home authority’s approved number, on the packaging.

HMRC recorded £517k of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 220870 in 2025 (2024: £453k, +14%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £134k. January to July 2026: £65k against £162k in the same months of 2025 (-59.6%).

Price against the Chinese border taxes

Chinese tariff line 22087000 has a 10% MFN rate. The standard import VAT rate is 13%; its base is the customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. The importer’s customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to these liqueurs. Border taxes add to landed cost and therefore shape the price an importer can offer your brand.

Prepare the Chinese label and check the spirit standard

For ordinary imports, prepackaged liqueurs must carry a compliant Chinese label. It must name the place of origin and the domestic agent’s name, address and contact details; Chinese instructions are also required where applicable. Share the artwork with your importer before committing to packaging.

Check the formulation against GB 2757-2012, the food safety standard for distilled spirits and their formulated drinks. Labels designed now should be checked against current requirements and GB 7718-2025, which takes effect on 16 March 2027. Resolve the applicable standard and artwork with the importer before producing the shipment.

Classify the bottles and arrange the UK declaration

The UK export lines distinguish containers holding no more than 2 litres, 22087010, from those holding more than 2 litres, 22087090. The largest line was 22087010, with £508k of UK exports to China under HS 220870 in 2025. Have the declarant confirm the line for your bottle size.

For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, the declarant needs an EORI number, commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing list references. HMRC Excise Notice 196 includes goods for export among goods that will not bear UK excise duty. Agree the movement and declaration arrangements with your excise adviser before dispatch.

Consider cross-border retail separately

Chinese code 22087000 appears on the cross-border e-commerce retail import list. Through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 channels, listed goods are supervised as personal-use articles, with first-import licence, registration and filing requirements not applied, subject to the specified suspension and emergency risk exceptions. This route serves consumers buying for personal use; they may not resell the goods.

The overseas business must appoint a mainland-registered company to register with customs, declare truthfully and share civil liability. Before ordering, consumers must accept a risk notice explaining possible differences from Chinese standards and the possible absence of a Chinese label, with a Chinese electronic label available online. Discuss this retail model separately from supplying a distributor.

Find an importer and check the company

Ask a prospective importer how it will handle your liqueurs’ registration number, Chinese artwork and landed-cost calculation. Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached you, our staff check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed. See our export support.

We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The importer of record and, for cross-border retail, the cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed partners’ regulated roles in China. Your brand’s own filings stay your brand’s.