Cross-border e-commerce retail import policies continue to evolve, with the 2025 positive list expanding to include new categories while tightening compliance requirements. Businesses must stay informed to maintain operational compliance and competitive advantage.

Positive List Management

Only products listed on the Cross-border E-commerce Retail Import Commodity List can be imported through this channel. The 2025 update added personal care products and certain food categories while explicitly excluding previously grey-area items. Single transaction limit remains at RMB 5,000 with annual limit of RMB 26,000.

Tax and Compliance

Cross-border retail imports benefit from zero tariff, with VAT and consumption tax at 70% of standard rates. All products must enter through supervised customs facilities, and resale of cross-border retail imports is prohibited under current regulations.