Positive List

It is a must for those wanting to sell to China online to understand the country’s Positive List – as only products that fall into one of the listed categories can be imported into China through a cross-border eCommerce model.

In April 2016, China issued the first version of “Positive List” for cross-border eCommerce (official name of the document is 跨境电子商务零售进口商品清单).

The list was updated several times. Latest extensive update to the list happened in March 2022. 23 new categories were added, 1 removed, existing categories were adjusted according to the latest changes in tax code categories, bringing the total number to 1476.

Wondering if your product is in the “Positive List”? Below tool allows you to search for your product right now. Just start typing in the box below to see what products are in the list.

Alternatively, in our “Resources” section, you can download a PDF copy of the latest version of “Positive list”.

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FAQ

  1. What is the "Positive List"?
  2. What are the benefits if my product is on the "Positive List"?
  3. When will the special registration with cosmetics and baby formulas come to effect?
  4. What if my product is not on the "Positive List"?
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "Positive List"?

China's "Positive List" is a list of product (or commodity) categories which are permitted to be imported to China using a cross-border eCommerce model. Products that do not fall into any listed category are forbidden by law to be imported in this manner. Therefore, any company interested in cross-border eCommerce in China should check whether the products they intend to import are included on this list.

The "Positive List" on "Cross-Border E-Commerce of Imported Commodities at Retail" (hereinafter referred to as the positive list) was first released on April 7, 2016 by 11 China government departments, including 1,142 commodity categories. A supplementary "Positive List" was promulgated on April 15, 2016, adding 151 more commodity categories to the list. The list was updated again in 2018, taking the total to 1,321 categories.

What are the benefits if my product is on the "Positive List"?

- Your product will enjoy a preferential tax rate (including a 30% reduction on VAT) as long as transactional value does not exceed 5000 RMB per transaction or 26,000 RMB per year.

- You can import listed products into China via either the bonded zone model or direct shipping model without applying for an import license or other import certificates.

When entering the bonded zone, the customs clearance form of online bonded commodities will be checked in accordance with traditional commodities, and it will be exempted when leaving the bonded zone.

When will the special registration with cosmetics and baby formulas come to effect?

The “Positive List” required special registration, special licenses or filings under PRC law for first-time imported cosmetics, baby formula, medical equipment and special food products (including healthcare food products), but this registration requirement has been postponed several times, and as of 2019 has now been indefinitely postponed.

What if my product is not on the "Positive List"?

Don’t worry, because your products can still be shipped directly from overseas to China via the postal and courier mode.

Keep in mind that by adapting to postal and courier models, you may expect higher tax rates and more time on customs clearance and other procedures.