The classification screen

4 questions before you choose the route.

This page identifies the right question and evidence. It does not determine the legal outcome on a reader’s facts.

01

Prepackaged food in scope?

Category.

Cat
02

GB label version current?

Standard.

GB
03

Importer particulars correct?

Who.

Who
04

CBEC vs general trade?

Channel.

Channel

Working rule: Prepackaged food labelling is governed by food-safety law and GB labelling standards covering names, ingredients, dates, origin and restricted claims.

What changes the answer

The signal ledger.

These facts move the question beyond a label and into a product, money-flow and control analysis.

Signal
Ask the operating question
Why it changes the route
Health miracle claims
Ads + food rules.
Stop.
English-only specialty import
Label risk.
Fix.
Ignore date format rules
Common finding.
Check GB.
Prepare before you escalate

Bring a compact evidence docket—not a pitch deck.

Give a compliance team or counsel the operating facts that reveal the perimeter.

01Chinese label artworkContent.
02Formula/ingredient listMatch.
03Import/CIQ recordsHistory.
Common confusions

Questions people ask before they build.

Short answers for orientation. The right result can change with the service model and current rules.

Do restaurant menus need GB labels?

Different rules than prepackaged retail food. This page is prepackaged focus.

Where is general labelling?

Use the linked specialist resource when Food Labelling in China turns on detailed evidence, procedure or risk assessment.

Primary authorities

Reviewed sources support orientation, not a fact-specific assessment.

SAMR
National laws database (NPC)
NMPA (devices/cosmetics where relevant)
General Administration of Customs (GACC)