What compliance points should be noted when naming imported food for agency services?
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Talk to a Trade ExpertI'm new to imported food agency services. Previously, I named an imported nut product with a Chinese name, but was complained by the domestic trademark holder, and the goods are still stuck at the port.
Now I want to rename it and don't know what to pay attention to. For example, do I need to check the trademark first? Are there any regulations from customs on Chinese names?
Can the English name of a foreign brand be directly translated and used? Are there any restrictions on naming foods with special ingredients? Please tell me the specific steps to avoid further problems.
AlexanderYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Trade AdvisorStart a Chat
The essence of your previous problem is that you didn't avoid the three core red lines in naming imported food for agency services. Let's first analyze the chain reactions of common mistakes:
Mistake 1: Directly translating foreign brand names → If the English name hasn't registered a Chinese translation version in China，it's highly likely to infringe. At best，you'll receive complaints and be forced to take the product off shelves，at worst，customs will detain the goods due to trademark disputes (in 2026，customs have accessed the national trademark database，and declarations will automatically compare Chinese names). Mistake 2: Not registering the self-created name in all categories → If category 35 (sales category) is squatting，it's still an infringement. Mistake3: Using words like "imported" without filing → In 2026，market supervision requires origin country certificates for such words，failure to file will result in penalties.
Risk isolation measures: First，**conduct dual verification of trademark and customs name before declaration** — use the "Cross-border Food Name Query System" launched by the Trademark Office in 2026，and compare with the "Imported Food Chinese Name Filing Database" of the General Administration of Customs. Second，require the foreign brand to issue a "Chinese Name Authorization Letter" to clarify the scope of use. Finally，the name should include "origin country + core ingredient + category" and avoid non-compliant words.
Loss mitigation tips: If goods have been detained，immediately submit a "Non-infringement Statement + Authorization Letter + Query Screenshot"，and supplement the market supervision filing. In 2026，customs will reduce or waive 50% of port detention fees for first-time violations where proof can be provided.
DavidYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business Development AdvisorStart a Chat
When declaring imported food for agency services, the Chinese name must match the standard name corresponding to the customs commodity code. For example, imported olive oil cannot be called "imported oil"; it must be declared as "virgin olive oil" under code 1509.
In 2026, customs will implement the "Name-Code Intelligent Matching System"; if there is no match, the declaration will be returned, and a consistency statement must be resubmitted. Pre-packaged food needs to upload label photos simultaneously; if there is a mismatch, inspection will be triggered, and goods will be detained at the port for 3-7 days.
SarahYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat
Naming imported food must consider the consistency between the logistics bill of lading and the warehouse receipt — the English name on the bill of lading must clearly correspond to the Chinese name (e.g., "Thai Durian Chips" on the bill of lading corresponds to "Thai Durian Crisps").
If there is no correspondence, the warehouse will refuse to accept the goods, and the shipping company will charge a 150-300 USD document amendment fee (prices increased in 2026). For high-value goods, it is recommended to note the abbreviation of the Chinese name on the bill of lading to avoid disputes over cargo ownership transfer.
OliviaYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Customs AdvisorStart a Chat
Naming imported food is related to tax costs: Words like "organic" require certification; otherwise, you cannot enjoy the 0 tariff for ASEAN organic food (2026 policy). Matching the name to the detailed commodity code can enjoy a lower tax rate.
For example, "virgin olive oil" (15091000) has a 9% VAT rate, while ordinary vegetable oil has a 13% rate. If there is no match, the highest tax rate will be applied, increasing costs by 10%-20%.
DanielYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Legal AdvisorStart a Chat
The name must be consistent with the foreign exchange collection/payment contract and invoice; otherwise, the foreign exchange bureau will not pass the verification, and you cannot settle foreign exchange.
In 2026, the foreign exchange bureau will implement the "Three Consistencies" verification; inconsistencies will be marked as abnormal, and the foreign exchange settlement quota will be frozen for 30 days. Cross-border RMB settlement must be consistent with the CIPS message name; otherwise, the message will be returned, and funds will be delayed by 7 days to arrive.
CharlotteYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Currency Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat
A trademark authorization agreement must be signed to clarify the scope of use of the Chinese name, including a liability clause for infringement (the brand party is responsible).
After the revision of the Trademark Law in 2026, unregistered translation versions of well-known brands are protected, and using unregistered translations may still lead to lawsuits. It is recommended to query the trademark status and notarize after naming to keep evidence for disputes.
EllaYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Financial AdvisorStart a Chat
Customs inspection focuses on checking the "consistency between the Chinese name and the actual goods and labels". If inconsistent, it is judged as false declaration of the product name; at best, a fine of 5%-10% of the goods value is imposed, and at worst, the goods are detained.
In 2026, AI image recognition will be used to compare labels, and differences will be marked immediately. For foods with special ingredients, a test report must be provided; otherwise, inspection will be extended by 15 days for testing.
SophiaYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Customs AdvisorStart a Chat
The Chinese name must be marked on the smallest sales package, in compliance with GB 7718-2026 (the latest general rules for pre-packaged labels) — the font height is ≥2mm and the position is prominent.
Failure to mark or non-compliance will result in unqualified packaging and inability to clear customs. The name of fragile food must include the "fragile" label; otherwise, the insurance company will refuse compensation (2026 insurance clause requirement).
RobertYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Warehouse Management AdvisorStart a Chat
The name of re-exported food must be consistent with the export declaration form and tax refund declaration form; otherwise, the tax refund review will not pass, and you cannot enjoy the maximum 13% tax refund rate (2026 policy).
If it is inconsistent with the input invoice, the four flows (goods, invoices, funds, contracts) are inconsistent, leading to tax supplementation plus a fine of 1-3 times the tax refund amount. Before applying for tax refund, you need to check that all documents have a unified name.
WilliamYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics AdvisorStart a Chat
Naming requires unified names throughout the entire chain — from packing lists, bills of lading to customs declarations and sales orders. Otherwise, the smart supply chain system (popularized in 2026) will issue an alert, affecting order efficiency.
Multi-channel sales need to comply with the norms of each platform (e.g., e-commerce platforms require including the origin country) to avoid being taken off shelves.