I.How to Choose a Reliable Imported Wine Supplier?

When screening suppliers,focus on three core dimensions:Appellation Certification,Quality Control SystemandTerms of Cooperation.It is recommended to prioritize suppliers with the following qualifications:

• EUPDO/PGIcertification(forOldWorldregions)
• HACCPFoodSafetyManagementSystemCertification
• Providecompletetraceabilitydocuments(includingvineyardplotcertification).
• Accept30%deposit+70%againstbillofladingpaymentterms

II.What qualifications are required for importing red wine?

According to the latest requirements for 2025,importers need to prepare the following:

• BusinessLicense(withalcoholicbeverageimportincludedinthebusinessscope)
• FoodBusinessLicense
• Record-filingofImportedFoodConsignor
• LiquorCirculationLicense(abolishedinsomeregions)
• CertificateofBrightnessandHygiene

III.What are the latest changes in the customs declaration process?

After the implementation of the "two-step declaration" reform by the customs in 2025,the process was simplified to:

• Step1:Aftersubmittingthemanifestinformation,declarethe11basicelements.
• Step2:Submitacompletesupplementarydeclarationwithin14days(includingcomponentanalysis,etc.)
• SpecialNote:Forcountrieswithfree-tradeagreementssuchasChileandNewZealand,theelectroniccertificateoforiginmustbeverified.

IV.What shipping details should be paid attention to for red wine?

Based on our experience handling 200+ containers,we recommend:

• Useatemperature-controlledcontainer(temperaturemaintainedat12–18°C).
• PurchaseAll-RiskCargoInsurance(specificallyincludingtheBreakageClause)
• WoodencratepackagingmustbeartheIPPCfumigationmark.
• Bookthesailingschedule30daysinadvance(avoidthesummershippingpeak).

V.How to determine the market positioning of imported red wine?

It is recommended to conduct a three-dimensional analysis:

• Price-bandpositioning:
  • Entry-level(50–100RMB)accountsfor65%ofthemarketshare.
  • Mid-to-high-end(RMB200–500):18%annualgrowthrate
• Channel selection: The food-service channel offers a 32 % profit margin,but the payment cycle is long.
• Brand Story: Multilingual back-label copy (including award information) needs to be prepared.

VI.How can the payment method balance risk and cost?

It is recommended to choose based on the purchase amount:

• Smallorders(USD50,000):100%TTinadvance
• Medium-sizedorders(USD50,000–200,000):LC90daysdeferred
• Largeorders(＞USD200,000):DP(DocumentsagainstPayment)

VII.How to Respond to Policy Risks?

Focus on three categories of risk points:

• Anti-dumpinginvestigations(e.g.tarifffluctuationsonAustralianredwine)
• Tariffquotaadjustment(theordinarytaxratewillstillbe14%in2025)
• LabelingRegulationChanges(NewAllergenLabelingRequirementsAddedin2024)

VIII.What tax incentives can be leveraged?

Still enjoyable in 2025:

• TariffreductionsforcountrieswithfreetradeagreementssuchasChile/NewZealand
• ComprehensivePilotZoneVATRebate
• BondedWarehousePoliciesinSpecialEconomicZones

IX.What are the common fatal mistakes in agency imports?

Based on the dispute cases we have handled,the top three categories of issues account for 78% of the total losses:

• Underestimatedlogisticscosts(actualcostsare15–20%higherthanquoted)
• TheChinesebacklabelfailedpre-approval(resultingindemurragecharges).
• Blindlyimportingwinesfromnicheregions(lowmarketacceptance)