Once the sample is made, run it through a mass-production checklist before you start production

Cost

A few hundred CNY for a small trial run. Then a few hours to work out these items: the yield (how many of 100 pieces can be sold), the supplier's minimum order and payment terms, how much money inventory will tie up, packaging and logistics, certification and permits, and trademark. The hard part is holding back from skipping this step and starting production.

What you get

The difference between one sample and a thousand pieces is where the money is tied up. Yield decides the real cost, and yield is the share of a batch that passes and can be sold. The least a supplier requires you to order at a time (minimum order) and how long after shipping you get paid (payment terms) decide how much you must advance first. Inventory decides when the money comes back. A product on the compulsory product certification catalog must pass certification first and carry the certification mark before it can leave the factory and be sold. Leaving the factory and selling without certification is punished under the Regulations on Certification and Accreditation (认证认可条例). Making food for a restaurant or selling food requires a food business license (nationwide)

Notes

The checklist itself is a rule of thumb from experience, and the legal parts were checked against the original texts. Before production, check the trademark search system of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (国家知识产权局) for similar registered marks, and then apply for your own trademark. For the red lines on using other people's trademarks and images, see §12.20, §12.21 (keep receipts for stock bought, make your own images or buy a license). The compulsory certification catalog follows the latest one published by the State Administration for Market Regulation (市场监管总局).

Evidence grade

C : The author's experience or common practice, without direct literature.

Sources

1. 质检总局 (2009). 强制性产品认证管理规定（质检总局令第 117 号，第二、四十九条）. http://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2010/content_1533513.htm
2. 市场监管总局 (2023). 食品经营许可和备案管理办法（市场监管总局令第 78 号，第四条）. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/2023/issue_10606/202307/content_6894763.html

Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 12, tip 19. This section describes legal rules, mostly mainland China’s. It is general information, not legal advice; for your own case, talk to a lawyer. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer