China's alcohol exports continue to grow. Baijiu (Moutai, Wuliangye) leads globally; wine exports from Ningxia and Xinjiang are rising; 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. Alcohol >24% ABV is prohibited in flexitanks; containers >250L involve China customs temporary import/export procedures.
This guide covers baijiu / whisky / wine / beer exports from China, targeting cross-border logistics operators and producer compliance staff. Structure: four categories → DG boundaries → glass bottle packaging → bulk container regulation → brand/trademark → destination certification → execution flow.
1. HS Codes & Declaration Elements
The first step is selecting the correct HS code. China distinguishes the four categories carefully:
| 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. Exported alcoholic beverages require exit customs clearance and prior registration as a food-production-for-export enterprise.
2. IMDG Classification by Alcohol Content
Whether bottled alcohol is classified as dangerous goods under maritime transport depends entirely on ABV. Per the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code:
SP145: ABV 24%-70% with packaging ≤250L = ordinary goods (e.g. baijiu, whisky, wine).
SP247: ABV 24%-70% 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 |
The vast majority of bottled spirits (35°-53° ABV, 750ml) can ship as ordinary goods under SP145 — no DG declaration, no DG packaging certificate.
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 & Customs Regulation
Exporting bulk spirits or wine for aging involves large containers. The four container types carry different customs treatment:
| Container | Volume | Suitable For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Barrel | 225-500L | Whisky, Brandy | High value, must use temporary import/export; SP247 waives DG cert |
| SS Tank / IBC | 300-1000L | Baijiu bulk, fresh whisky | Reusable; temporary import/export when returning |
| Flexitank | 16,000-24,000L | Only ≤24% ABV | Carriers prohibit DG liquids in flexitanks |
| ISO Tank | 14,000-26,000L | Baijiu / whisky bulk | Transport equipment, carrier-managed |
Oak barrels and SS tanks that return to China must declare under temporary import/export (modes 2700/2600), pay a security deposit, re-import within 6 months, then complete the cancellation to recover the deposit. Wine-filled oak barrels are exempt from IPPC marking; empty barrels / staves require quarantine treatment.
5. Brand & Trademark: OEM Compliance
When exporting OEM-labelled spirits, the contract manufacturer must verify that the client's trademark is recorded with China Customs. Even if products are entirely exported (not sold domestically), customs may detain suspected infringing goods.
1. Trademark ownership verification (China customs IP record system)
2. Customs detention risk check
3. Destination-country trademark registration (Madrid system)
Baijiu GI products (Moutai, Wuliangye, etc.) are protected under the EU-China Geographical Indications Agreement — non-originating enterprises cannot use GI names. Confirm destination-country trademark registration and customs IP status before shipment.
6. Destination-Country Certification
| Country | Core Certification | Key Reminder |
|---|---|---|
| USA | TTB import permit + FDA registration | ABV ≤14% exempts TTB COLA |
| EU | EU alcohol import permit + Certificate of Origin | GI products require Certificate of Origin |
| Japan | Liquor sales permit (NTA) | Labels must be in Japanese, include ABV |
| Korea | NTS liquor import permit | Korean labels + liquor tax filing required |
| Australia | Wine Australia permit | Wine-specific; includes GI |
| New Zealand | NZFSA import permit | Wine requires lab analysis report |
| Malaysia | Royal Customs import licence | Muslim-market label compliance |
7. Execution Flow (Nine Steps)
Steps 4-6 (Packaging & labelling): Three-layer glass bottle protection → bilingual label compliance → DG markings (if required)
Steps 7-9 (Permits & shipping): Destination certification → customs declaration & inspection → loading & sailing
Need Compliance Support for Bottled Alcohol Exports?
Ginga Logistics handles baijiu / whisky / wine / beer export compliance, China customs temporary import/export, and IMDG SP declaration. One-stop solution for cross-border food shipments.
Hunk Hu Mobile: +86-15692136029 Email: oversea22@gingalogistics.com
Xyla Mobile: +86-18321527277 Email: oversea33@gingalogistics.com