The Chinese government has released the 2026 edition of the CBEC (cross-border e-commerce retail import) positive list, effective January 1, 2026. The updated list expands eligible product categories, adding new health supplement sub‑categories and organic skincare products. These additions bring previously excluded products under the CBEC framework, enabling sellers to use the simplified 9610 clearance process and benefit from reduced tax rates (9.1% for most categories, 19.5% for cosmetics). For cross‑border sellers, the positive list expansion opens new market opportunities and simplifies compliance. This guide explains the new categories, eligibility requirements, and practical steps for sellers to take advantage of the expanded list.
1. Positive List Expansion – What‘s New in 2026
The 2026 CBEC positive list adds over 100 new product sub‑categories across several sectors. Key additions include:
- Health supplements (major expansion): Additional vitamin and mineral formulations (e.g., vitamin K2, magnesium glycinate), herbal extracts (e.g., ashwagandha, milk thistle, echinacea), probiotics (new strains, higher CFU counts up to 100 billion), amino acid supplements (e.g., L‑theanine, taurine, beta‑alanine), and sports nutrition (protein powders, BCAAs, pre‑workout formulas). Previously, only basic vitamins and minerals were permitted.
- Organic skincare (new category): Skincare products certified organic by recognized international bodies (USDA Organic, ECOCERT, COSMOS) are now eligible. This includes organic face creams, serums, cleansers, masks, and body lotions. Products must meet China‘s cosmetic labeling and safety standards (GB standards) in addition to organic certification.
- Medical devices (limited expansion): Additional home medical devices: blood pressure monitors, glucose meters (non‑prescription), pulse oximeters, and thermometers. Prescription devices remain excluded.
- Baby food and formula (expansion): Organic baby food, gluten‑free baby cereals, and hydrolyzed protein formula (for infants with allergies).
- Pet food and supplies (new category): Organic pet food, grain‑free pet food, and natural pet treats. Previously only basic pet food was allowed.
- Household cleaning products (natural/organic): Plant‑based cleaning products, biodegradable detergents, and non‑toxic disinfectants (EPA‑registered).
The positive list is available for download on the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) website.
2. Health Supplements – Major Expansion Details
The health supplements category has seen the most significant expansion. Previously, only basic vitamins and minerals (vitamin C, D, B12, calcium, iron) were eligible. The 2026 list adds:
- Vitamin K2 (MK‑7 form): Previously prohibited, now allowed.
- Magnesium glycinate and magnesium malate: New forms of magnesium (previously only magnesium oxide permitted).
- Herbal extracts: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), elderberry (Sambucus nigra), and turmeric/curcumin (with piperine for absorption).
- Probiotics: New strains including Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium longum, and Saccharomyces boulardii. Higher CFU counts (up to 100 billion per serving).
- Amino acids: L‑theanine (for relaxation), taurine (energy), beta‑alanine (muscle endurance), and citrulline malate.
- Sports nutrition: Protein powders (whey, pea, rice), BCAAs (branched‑chain amino acids), creatine monohydrate, pre‑workout formulas (with approved ingredients).
These products are subject to the standard CBEC tax rate of 9.1% (0% duty + 9.1% VAT). No consumption tax applies to health supplements.
3. Organic Skincare – New Category, Increased Compliance
Organic skincare products are now explicitly listed on the CBEC positive list, subject to specific requirements:
- Certification requirements: Products must hold recognized organic certification from: USDA Organic (US), ECOCERT (EU), COSMOS (international), or equivalent. China‑specific organic certification is not required (but helpful).
- Ingredient disclosure: Full ingredient list in Chinese must be provided, including organic percentage. Products with ＜70% organic content cannot use the term “organic” on packaging.
- Labeling: Chinese label must include: product name, ingredients, net content, expiration date, storage conditions, and the organic certification mark.
- Testing: Products must meet China‘s cosmetic safety standards (GB 7916‑2020) for heavy metals, microbiological limits, and prohibited substances – regardless of organic certification.
- Tax rate: Organic skincare falls under the cosmetics category – tax rate reduced from 23% to 19.5% for 2026 (VAT 13% + consumption tax 6.5%).
Sellers must ensure that their organic skincare products meet both organic certification and China‘s cosmetic safety standards.
4. Eligibility Requirements – What Sellers Need to Provide
To import products under the expanded CBEC positive list, sellers must provide:
- HS code verification: Ensure your product‘s HS code is on the positive list. For health supplements, use HS codes 2106.90 (food preparations), 3004.90 (medicaments), or 2936.90 (vitamins) – depending on the specific product.
- Product registration (for cosmetics): For skincare products (including organic), NMPA filing or registration may be required depending on the product type (normal vs. special cosmetics). Organic certification does not exempt from NMPA requirements.
- Certificate of analysis (COA): For health supplements, a COA from an accredited lab showing ingredient purity and potency.
- Organic certification (for organic products): Copy of valid USDA Organic, ECOCERT, or COSMOS certificate.
- Safety data sheet (SDS) for hazardous ingredients (if any).
- Free sale certificate from the country of origin (for supplements and cosmetics).
Products that do not meet these requirements cannot use CBEC channels and must use general trade import (higher duties and longer clearance times).
5. 9610 Clearance Process for New Categories
Products added to the positive list can now use the simplified 9610 customs clearance process (B2C retail express). Key benefits:
- Simplified documentation: Only 3 data fields required (recipient name/ID, product description/HS code, declared value).
- Fast clearance (2‑4 hours): AI-powered risk assessment for low‑risk shipments.
- Reduced tax rates: Health supplements: 9.1%. Organic skincare: 19.5% (reduced from 23%).
- No NMPA pre‑approval (for most supplements and normal cosmetics): Products on the positive list do not require individual NMPA registration (except special cosmetics like whitening or sunscreen).
For sellers, the positive list expansion means faster time‑to‑market and lower compliance costs.
6. Products Still Excluded – What Remains Prohibited
Despite the expansion, many product categories remain excluded from CBEC:
- Prescription drugs: Any product requiring a doctor‘s prescription.
- Medical devices requiring prescription or installation: E.g., pacemakers, insulin pumps, CPAP machines.
- Fresh food and perishable goods: Meat, seafood, dairy, fresh produce.
- Live animals and plants.
- Hazardous chemicals.
- Weapons and ammunition.
- Products with false or misleading claims: E.g., supplements claiming to cure diseases.
- Products without Chinese labeling.
Products in these categories must use general trade import channels, which require full customs clearance, higher duties, and longer processing times.
7. Practical Roadmap for Sellers
To take advantage of the expanded CBEC positive list, follow this six‑step roadmap:
- Review the 2026 positive list (Immediate). Download the full list from MOFCOM‘s website. Check if your products are now eligible.
- For health supplement sellers, verify ingredients (Month 1). Ensure each ingredient is explicitly listed in the positive list. For herbal extracts, verify the Latin name and part used.
- For organic skincare sellers, obtain organic certification (if not already) (Month 1‑3). Apply for USDA Organic, ECOCERT, or COSMOS certification. Ensure products also meet China‘s cosmetic safety standards.
- Update product listings on e‑commerce platforms (Month 1‑2). Add new eligible products to your Tmall Global, JD Worldwide, or Kaola store.
- Verify HS codes with your customs broker (Month 2). Ensure the correct HS code is used for clearance. Mis‑classification can result in fines.
- Launch new products using 9610 clearance (Month 3). Start selling newly eligible products through CBEC channels.
Summary: The 2026 CBEC positive list adds over 100 new product sub‑categories, including health supplements (vitamin K2, ashwagandha, probiotics, sports nutrition) and organic skincare (USDA/ECOCERT certified). These products are now eligible for simplified 9610 clearance and reduced tax rates (health supplements: 9.1%; organic skincare: 19.5%). Health supplement sellers must verify ingredient eligibility and provide COAs. Organic skincare sellers must obtain recognized organic certification and meet China‘s cosmetic safety standards (NMPA compliance). Products still excluded include prescription drugs, fresh food, and hazardous goods. By reviewing the positive list, verifying ingredients or certification, updating product listings, and using 9610 clearance, sellers can expand their product offerings and reach more Chinese consumers through CBEC channels.