China remains a vast market with strong innovation potential, making it highly attractive to global investors. Understanding the opportunities and restrictions tied to special licenses is essential for business development. As part of the negative list for foreign investment, the government has steadily eased entry conditions, creating a more favorable environment for obtaining these licenses. For foreign enterprises, a clear grasp of industry-specific permits provides vital support for investment and operations. On this page, Tannet outlines several of the most common special licenses.
An import and export license is an official certification that allows businesses to legally trade goods across borders. It must be obtained before signing contracts or placing orders, as trading without it is prohibited.
The license details include product information, involved countries, validity period, transaction value, transportation method, trade procedures, and payment terms. This ensures compliance, smooth trade, and protection for all parties.
Tannet has extensive experience in import and export license applications and can complete the process within 1–2 weeks, ensuring seamless cross-border operations.
Businesses involved in the production, sale, use, or maintenance of medical devices are required to obtain a Medical Device Operation License. This license is divided into three categories, each designed to address different types of medical devices and their specific operational requirements. For a detailed overview of these categories and their application criteria, click here to learn more.
Drug/pharmaceuticals Business License is the compulsory license that you need to obtain before starting your drug and pharmaceuticals related operation, regulated under the National Medical Products Administration. It may take up to 36-72 months to apply for the licenses for importing and selling drugs, or 3-6 months for selling cosmetics. Due to the long period of application, please contact Tannet in advance if you want to engage in such operations!
To ensure public safety and regulatory compliance, the Chinese government requires individuals or businesses in the food industry to obtain relevant licenses, primarily the Food Production License and Food Operation License. Depending on your specific business activities, you may need one or both licenses to operate legally in China.
If your business operates in the healthcare sector—including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, or nursing facilities—you must obtain the necessary health permits in addition to your business license. Before registering your company, representatives of medical institutions need the Approval for the Formation of Medical Institutions. To officially operate, you must also secure the Practice License of Medical Institution, ensuring full compliance with Chinese regulations.
Enterprises involved in the trade or handling of hazardous chemicals—such as refined oil, crude oil, kerosene, natural gas, LPG, chemical products, coatings, paints, and resin—must comply with safety regulations before starting operations. Companies are required to submit to the Safety Supervision Bureau details of the chemicals they handle along with supporting documentation. This ensures that facilities, storage, and structures meet national safety standards. It also verifies that key personnel, including principals, managers, safety officers, and operational staff, have received professional training and hold the necessary qualifications for their roles.
The Internet Culture Permit is divided into two types: operational and non-operational. Operational activities are profit-oriented, generating revenue through online services, e-commerce, advertising, sponsorship, or other means while providing internet cultural products. Non-operational activities are non-profit, offering internet cultural products and services without commercial intent.
Companies engaging in operational internet cultural activities in China—such as online gaming or live streaming—must obtain this permit from the local Cultural and Tourism Department before starting operations. Non-operational permits can be registered with the local department after company establishment.
The ICP License, also known as the Internet Content Provider License, is issued by local authorities to operators of commercial websites. Companies offering paid online services—such as e-commerce, online payments, advertising, membership fees, and other revenue-generating activities—must obtain this license to operate legally in China.
The EDI License, formally known as the Value-Added Telecommunications Service Operation License, authorizes businesses to provide online data processing, transactions, and related services via public communication networks or the internet. If your website engages in e-commerce—such as displaying transaction information, offering product pricing online, or enabling third-party payments—you are required to obtain an EDI license to operate legally in China.
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