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Selling Beer to China

Beer Trading WFOE

Register a beer trading wholly foreign owned enterprise to sell beer to consumers and retailers in China!

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sell beer in China

Registering a Beer Trading Business in China

Foreign businesses must establish a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) with the necessary licenses to import, distribute, and sell beer in China. The registration process includes:

  • Business License:  Register with the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).
  • Import & Distribution Permits: Obtain certifications for legal beer importation.
  • Customs & CIQ Registration: Comply with China Customs (GACC) and Inspection and Quarantine (CIQ) standards.
  • Labeling & Product Registration: Ensure beer labels meet Chinese regulations.

To sell to consumers and retailers, a Food & Beverage Import License is required, along with a Food Distribution License. A Retail Liquor License allows direct sales to consumers, while a Liquor Wholesale License is needed for distribution. A properly registered WFOE grants full control over branding, pricing, and sales operations.

beer bottle

Retail Liquor License

beer tap

Wholesale Liquor License

air freight

Import/Export license

smartphone 1

Eligible for ICP license

Our Beer Trading WFOE Registration Procedure

1. Preparation

Deciding your company's structure and details.

2. Document submission

Collection and organizing your company registration application.

15 working days

3. Company registration

Application with the administration for Market Regulation (AMR). Your wholly owned foreign enterprise is registered and company chops issued.

15 working days

4. Corporate Accounts

Opening of your corporate bank account & tax accounts.

5. License applications

Application and issuance of additional licenses if applicable.

6. Post-registration support

Monthly tax & accounting reports for compliance.

Chinese Beer Market Overview

China stands as the world’s largest beer market, accounting for over 15% of global beer consumption. In 2021, the country’s beer consumption reached approximately 45.7 billion liters.

Domestic vs. Imported Beer Sales

The Chinese beer market is predominantly dominated by domestic brands, with over 90% of the market share held by regional local beers. Imported beers, while growing in popularity, still occupy a smaller segment of the market. In 2023, China’s total beer imports amounted to around 583 million U.S. dollars, with approximately 22% of all imported beer coming from Germany. (Source)

Craft Beer Market

The craft beer segment in China has been experiencing significant growth. The market size expanded from CNY 20.5 billion (approximately USD 3 billion) in 2018 to CNY 33.1 billion in 2020, reflecting a robust annual growth rate. Projections indicate that by 2026, the craft beer market in China is expected to soar to around 210 billion yuan. ​(Source)

Consumer Preferences and Growth Opportunities

Chinese consumers are increasingly gravitating towards premium and craft beer options. This shift is driven by rising disposable incomes and a growing willingness to explore diverse and high-quality beer offerings. The premiumization trend is evident, with consumers showing a preference for unique flavors and superior ingredients. Additionally, the expansion of e-commerce platforms has facilitated greater access to a variety of beer products, further fueling market growth. ​(Source)

For international beer brands, these evolving consumer preferences present substantial growth opportunities. By aligning with the premiumization trend and leveraging digital sales channels, foreign brands can effectively tap into China’s burgeoning beer market.

Types of Companies you can Register in China

Consulting WFOE

For companies providing services in or from China.

A consulting WFOE is the most simple foreign-owned legal entity to set up. No additional licenses or certificates are needed. 

Trading WFOE

For companies importing into or exporting out of China.

Trading WFOEs are essentially consulting WFOEs armed with an import/export license and other licenses for specialty products. Trading companies can take advantage of Free Trade zones in Shanghai & Guangdong.

Manufacturing WFOE

For companies conducting manufacturing operations in China.

A manufacturing Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise is a highly specialized WFOE that has passed safety and environmental government examinations in order to manufacture products in China. Ideal for assembling final or intermediate goods.

Representative Office

For companies conducting nonprofit activities.

A representative office is ideal for a nonprofit operation such as on-site customer support for existing clients, field research and/or marketing.

Joint Venture

For companies with foreign and Chinese shareholders.

A joint venture (JV) is a company with both foreign shareholders and Chinese shareholders. As of 2021, there is no % ownership limitation of any party in the JV. JVs are able to operate in more restrictive and higher liability business sectors within China.

Our Working Process

1. Consultation & Proposal

We (can) advise you on the best solution for your business model and send you our comprehensive proposal.

2. Signing & Payment

After reviewing the proposal, we sign the service contract and receive your payment.

3. Preparing Documents

We send you an application form as well as the list of documents we need from your side.

Incorporation FAQs

Foreigners can register several types of companies in China, including:

Key requirements include:

  • A unique company name (approved by the local Administration for Market Regulation).
  • Stated registered capital (varies by business type).
  • A physical office address in China.
  • Legal representatives and shareholders’ information.
  • A business scope aligned with Chinese regulations.

The entire process typically takes 1-3 months, depending on:

  • The business structure.
  • Completeness of documents.
  • Specific location and administrative efficiency.

A Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) is a legal entity fully owned by foreign investors. It’s popular because:

  • It allows full control over operations.
  • It can issue invoices (fapiao) and engage in profit-making activities.
  • It protects intellectual property.
  • It permits hiring staff directly.

China does not mandate a minimum for many industries, but having sufficient capital demonstrates financial strength.

The registered capital amount varies based on industry and business location.

  • For general consulting WFOEs, RMB 100,000 to RMB 500,000 is common.
  • For manufacturing, logistics, or trading, it can exceed RMB 1 million.

Yes, in many cases, you can delegate the process to a local firm like FDI China. However, for opening a bank account, personal presence is required.

No, you don’t need a Chinese partner to register a WFOE. However, if you opt for a Joint Venture (JV), you must collaborate with a Chinese entity.

The legal representative is the person who has the authority to act on behalf of the company. They:

  • Sign key documents.
  • Represent the company in legal and financial matters.
  • Are responsible for the company’s compliance.
    This person can be a foreigner or a Chinese citizen.

The business scope defines the activities your company is legally allowed to perform in China. For example, “import/export trade” or “IT consulting services.”


A well-defined business scope ensures compliance and prevents issues during tax filing or licensing.

Yes, a foreign company can own property in China if it is registered locally as a WFOE or JV. Representative Offices (ROs), however, cannot directly own property.

Yes, if you plan to run an e-commerce website or any profit-generating online platform, you must obtain a commercial ICP license. Non-profit websites only require a standard ICP filing.

Yes, foreign companies can hire both local and foreign employees. To hire foreign staff, the company must provide a work permit and assist with the visa process.

Once registered, a company must:

  • File taxes monthly & quarterly.
  • Maintain proper accounting and auditing.
  • Follow labor laws for employee contracts and social insurance.

Yes, a company in China can send funds overseas.

The process depends on the nature of the transaction.

Payment for Goods or Services

  • Requirements:
    • A valid contract or invoice.
    • Proof of goods received or services rendered (e.g., customs declaration, shipping documents).
    • Proper documentation for foreign exchange approval.

Dividends Repatriation

  • Requirements:
    • The company must complete annual financial audits and profit distributions.
    • Corporate income tax must be settled.
    • Submission of supporting documents, including the audited financial report, board resolution, and tax payment certificates.

Royalties and Licensing Fees

  • Requirements:
    • A licensing or technical service agreement.
    • Tax clearance or proof of withholding tax payment.
    • SAFE approval, depending on the amount.

Employee Salaries and Benefits

  • Requirements:
    • Work permits and contracts for foreign employees.
    • Tax clearance certificates.

China uses a Negative List for Foreign Investment to outline restricted and prohibited industries.

  • Restricted industries: Foreign ownership may be limited to a joint venture with Chinese partners or capped at a certain percentage.
  • Prohibited industries: Foreign investment is outright banned.

Examples include specific areas of telecommunications, education, and cultural industries. Always review the latest Negative List as it is periodically updated.