Ginga Logistics — Professional Dangerous Goods Freight Forwarder
China Bottled Alcohol Export Guide
HS Codes · IMDG DG Rules · Packaging
Complete guide to baijiu, whisky, wine and beer exports from China
August 2026 | Hunk Hu: +86-15692136029 | Xyla: +86-18321527277
Summary
China's alcohol exports continue to grow. Baijiu (Moutai, Wuliangye) leads globally, wine exports from Ningxia and Xinjiang are rising, and Tsingtao beer covers 80+ countries. Alcohol 24%-70% ABV with ≤250L packaging can ship as ordinary goods under IMDG SP145 — this covers virtually all bottled spirits.
1. HS Codes & Declaration Elements
| Category | HS Code | Rebate | Supervision | Key Elements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baijiu | 2208.9020 | 13% | A/B R/S | Raw materials, ABV, packaging, brand |
| Whisky | 2208.3000 | 13% | A/B R/S | Raw materials, ABV, region, vintage, cask usage |
| Wine | 2204.2100 | 13% | A/B R/S | ABV, grade, vintage, region, grape variety |
| Beer | 2203.0000 | 13% | A/B R/S | Malt-brewed, ABV, malt concentration |
All four categories: 0% export duty, 13% rebate. All require exit customs clearance and export food producer registration.
2. IMDG Classification by Alcohol Content
SP145: 24%-70% ABV with ≤250L packaging = ordinary goods (e.g. baijiu, whisky, wine).
SP247: 24%-70% ABV in 250-500L wooden barrels = DG but DG packaging certificate waived.
| ABV | UN No. | PG | Transport | DG Cert? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤24% | — | — | Ordinary | No |
| 24%-70% (≤250L) | UN3065 | III | Ordinary (SP145) | No |
| 24%-70% (wooden barrel 250-500L) | UN3065 | III | DG (SP247) | Waived |
| >70% | UN3065 | II | Full DG | Yes |
3. Glass Bottle Shipping Protection
Inner: air column bags or EPE pearl cotton per bottle
Middle: corrugated cardboard dividers between bottles
Outer: 5-layer BC-flute carton, max 15kg, 6 bottles per carton
| Category | Key Risk | Special Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Baijiu | Ceramic bottles fragile; alcohol corrodes cap seals | Custom EPE molds; cap sealing film |
| Whisky | Cork expansion leakage; gift box crushing | Invert-test seals; outer carton for gift sets |
| Wine | Temperature-sensitive (>30°C spoils) | Reefer container 18-22°C; horizontal storage |
| Beer | Pressure explosion; heat fermentation | Pressure testing; cans preferred over bottles |
4. Bulk Containers >250L
| Container | Volume | Suitable For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Barrel | 225-500L | Whisky, Brandy | High value, requires temporary import/export |
| SS Tank / IBC | 300-1000L | Baijiu bulk | Reusable, temporary import/export if returning |
| Flexitank | 16,000-24,000L | Only ≤24% ABV | Carriers prohibit DG liquids in flexitanks |
| ISO Tank | 14,000-26,000L | Baijiu bulk | Transport equipment, no separate declaration |
Oak barrels and SS tanks requiring return use temporary import/export (customs procedure 2700/2600): deposit guarantee, 6-month return period, refund after verification.
5. Brand & Trademark: OEM Compliance
OEM exporters must verify the client's trademark is not recorded in China Customs IPR system. Even fully-exported products can be detained if the mark conflicts with a recorded trademark.
1. Trademark ownership verification (check customs IPR recordation)
2. Customs recordation screening (prevent detention)
3. Destination country registration (Madrid System)
GI products (Moutai, Wuliangye) are protected under the China-EU GI Agreement. Non-origin producers cannot use GI names.
6. Destination Country Certifications
| Country | Core Certification |
|---|---|
| USA | TTB Import Permit + FDA Registration |
| EU | EU Alcohol Import License + Certificate of Origin |
| Japan | Alcohol Sales License (NTA) |
| South Korea | NTS Alcohol Import License |
| Australia | ABF Alcohol Import License |
| Singapore | Singapore Customs Alcohol Import License |
7. Export Process
- Export food producer registration + import/export consignee registration
- Determine HS code and collect declaration elements
- Classify transport type (ABV + packaging volume)
- Design three-layer protection packaging
- Prepare bilingual labels (baijiu must state "Chinese Baijiu")
- Apply for pre-declaration inspection
- Customs inspection + sampling (methanol, plasticizers)
- Customs declaration and shipment
- Destination clearance (pre-arrange certification documents)
Professional Alcohol Export Logistics
Not sure if your alcohol product needs DG declaration? Contact us for a free ABV classification assessment.
Hunk Hu: +86-15692136029 | Xyla: +86-18321527277
oversea22@gingalogistics.com / oversea33@gingalogistics.com
Suite 1107, Wanshuo Building, 198 Jingzhou Road, Shanghai