How to export sauces from the UK to China

Start with the manufacturer's registration route

Sauces and condiments fall under HS 210320, 210330 and 210390. For ordinary imports, GACC Decree 280 requires overseas food manufacturers to register. The manufacturer applies itself or through an agent, without exporting-country authority recommendation for this category; confirm the exact product category in GACC's registration system before relying on that route. For another food category, see our guide to exporting malt extract to China. For trade in the other direction, see sourcing hoisin sauce from China.

The food safety MoU effective on 29 January 2026 created the cooperation mechanism required for simplified batch registration of UK food manufacturers. Confirm with the authority whether the route is available and how your manufacturer could use it before committing stock. Plan for months, not weeks: the Chinese authority decides registration. The registered manufacturer must put its China registration number, or the number approved by its home authority, on the food packaging.

HMRC recorded £911k of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 210320, 210330, 210390 in 2025 (2024: £1.6m, -43.6%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £2.3m. January to July 2026: £634k against £562k in the same months of 2025 (+12.8%).

Price against the Chinese tariff line

The Chinese tariff lines below all carry 12% MFN duty. Agree the exact line with the importer before quoting. The largest UK export line was 21039090 Sauces and preparations therefor, mixed condiments and mixed seasoning £857k, within UK exports under HS 210320/210330/210390 in 2025; this is an HS-line total.

Import VAT has a general rate of 13%, with exceptions including the 9% list and other special rules. Its base is customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. The importer's customs broker confirms the applicable VAT treatment and whether consumption tax applies to these sauces. Border taxes add to landed cost and shape the price the importer can offer.

Prepare the Chinese label for each sauce

Ordinary imports of prepackaged sauces need a compliant Chinese label stating the place of origin and the domestic agent's name, address and contact details, with Chinese instructions where required. Have the importer review the artwork before printing: prepackaged food without a compliant Chinese label may not be imported.

GB 31644-2018 covers compound seasonings; establish whether it applies to your formulation rather than treating every sauce alike. Check artwork against the current labelling rules and GB 7718-2025, which takes effect on 16 March 2027. Settle the product's standard and label requirements together before approving the packaging.

Arrange the UK export declaration

Classify the sauce under the correct UK commodity code; the Chinese tariff line does not replace that task. Exports from England, Scotland or Wales require a GB EORI and an online export declaration. Give the declarant the value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details and invoice and packing list references. The carrier needs the invoice and any applicable export licences or certificates.

Use cross-border retail only for listed lines

The cross-border e-commerce retail import list includes 21032000, 21033000 and 21039090. Do not extend that listing to 21039010 or 21039020 without checking the intended product and route. Listed goods imported through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 channels are supervised as personal-use articles, without first-import licence, registration or filing requirements, subject to the stated suspension and emergency-risk exceptions.

The overseas retail business carries the main quality and safety responsibility and must appoint a mainland-registered company to register with customs, declare truthfully and share civil liability. Consumers must accept a risk notice before ordering: standards may differ, a Chinese electronic label may replace a physical Chinese label, and the goods are for personal use and may not be resold. This route cannot supply a distributor's resale stock.

Check the importer before sending stock

Ask a prospective importer which Chinese tariff line it will use for each sauce, who will review the label and standard, and how its broker will calculate landed cost. If an importer has already approached your brand, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.

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 partners in China; the brand's own filings stay the brand's. Use our export-to-China service to arrange this work. Cambridge China Bridge's own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands.