Importing Into China Compliance: Frequently Asked Questions

Businesses shipping goods into China often have the same questions about which rules apply and where to start. Here are straightforward answers to the most common ones.

What does "importing into China compliance" actually cover?

Importing into China compliance means meeting the technical and safety standards that apply to your product category before it reaches Chinese customers or retailers. This can include electronics, food, and general consumer goods, each governed by different rules. The specific standards that apply depend entirely on what you're importing.

What is China RoHS?

China RoHS, formally SJ/T 11364-2014, restricts hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. If you import EEE products into China, this standard is one of the first things to check. It sets out requirements for marking and disclosing hazardous substances in these products.

What are China GB Standards?

GB Standards are China's compulsory national standards, covering a wide range of product categories. If a GB standard applies to your product, meeting it isn't optional — it's a mandatory part of importing into China compliance. Because GB standards span many industries, the exact requirements depend on the specific product you're bringing in.

Does China have food-specific rules?

Yes. The China Food Safety Law, as revised in 2021, sets out requirements for food products sold in China, including imported food. Anyone importing food products into China needs to understand how this law applies to their specific goods.

Do all imported products need to meet GB Standards?

Not every product falls under a compulsory GB standard, but many consumer goods do. The safest approach is to check whether a GB standard exists for your specific product category rather than assuming it doesn't apply.

How do China RoHS and GB Standards relate to each other?

They can overlap. An electronic product might need to meet both China RoHS requirements for hazardous substances and a relevant GB standard covering other aspects of safety or performance. Checking both separately is part of doing importing into China compliance properly.

Where can I check which regulations apply to my product?

A good starting point is a regulation index that lists standards by category, so you can see which ones might apply to your product type. From there, you can look into the specific requirements of each relevant standard.

If you're trying to work out which China regulations apply to your product, Complyra's [regulation index](/resources/regulation-index) is a good place to start looking.