What Licences You Need to Operate an Adult Products Business: A Checklist
Basic Licences
A business licence is the minimum requirement, and its registered scope of business must include the relevant categories.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Business licence | Mandatory |
| Scope of business | Must include the relevant sales categories |
| Business premises | Physical stores need genuine commercial premises |
Tip: the exact wording used for scope of business varies somewhat between local market regulation authorities. Before registering, we recommend asking your local Administration for Market Regulation (市场监管局) directly, describing what you actually intend to do.
Special Categories: Additional Qualifications
Not every adult product requires only a business licence. Some categories carry extra requirements:
| Category | Additional requirement |
|---|---|
| Products registered as medical devices | Medical Device Distribution Licence (《医疗器械经营许可证》) or a filing certificate |
| Care products containing medicinal ingredients | The corresponding distribution qualification |
| Imported goods | Customs declaration, Chinese-language labeling |
| Disinfection products (some cleaning products) | Disinfection product distribution filing |
The critical move: before you buy stock, check the product's registration or filing status first, so you don't discover after selling that you lack the qualification for that category.
The Special Problem of Unattended Vending
Unattended vending stores have been a fast-growing model these past couple of years, but they come with one compliance problem that must be solved:
These products may not be sold to minors.
In an unattended setting there is no staff member to verify anyone. How is that handled?
| Approach | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Entry-point identity verification | Facial recognition / ID card reader, common in established unattended stores |
| Switch to staffed operation | A person on site during certain hours |
| Location avoidance | Keep well away from the vicinity of schools (this is mandatory, not optional) |
Location considerations: these outlets may not be sited in the vicinity of primary or secondary schools. The specific distance requirements differ by locality, so consult your local market regulation and urban management authorities.
Additional Requirements for Online Sales
| Platform | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Taobao / JD.com / Pinduoduo | Business licence required, category subject to separate review |
| Douyin / Kuaishou | Strict category restrictions; targeted access approval required |
| WeChat Mini Programs | Corporate entity required + category qualification |
| Self-hosted website | ICP filing required |
Note: platforms differ widely in how open they are to the adult products category, so confirm whether a given platform currently permits the category before you apply to join it.
What to Watch For With Imported Goods
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Customs declaration | Proves legal importation |
| Chinese-language labeling | Mandatory, covering ingredients, country of origin, and instructions for use |
| Inspection and quarantine certificate | Required for some categories |
| Product registration / filing | Medical device categories require domestic registration |
Imported goods without Chinese-language labeling may not be sold. This is a hard rule.
Common Misconceptions
| Misconception | Risk |
|---|---|
| "One business licence lets me sell every category" | Medical devices and similar categories need additional qualifications |
| "Start selling first, top up the licences later" | Operating without a licence is unlawful; the risk far outweighs the returns |
| "Online stores don't need to worry about offline rules" | The act of selling is itself regulated, regardless of channel |
| "Unattended stores don't need to worry about minors" | It is a legal requirement; an unattended model needs verification measures even more |
Recommended Sequence of Actions
`` ① Decide the list of categories you intend to sell ② Check the registration / filing status of each category ← this step is the one most often skipped ③ Apply for qualifications at the level of the most demanding category ④ Choose your premises (mind the location restrictions) ⑤ Confirm the category is open before applying to a platform ⑥ Set up a stock ledger and keep your suppliers' qualification documents on file ``
Keeping proof of purchase matters: if a product quality problem or dispute arises, a complete stock ledger and your suppliers' qualification documents are the key evidence that limits your liability.
Disclaimer
This page is a summary of general information and does not constitute legal advice. Enforcement varies by locality; for specific qualification requirements, the rules of your local market regulation authority govern.
About FeiEgg
FeiEgg is a smart adult device control app developed by Chengdu Lanchuang Wisdom Technology Co., Ltd (founded 2017). It also offers a white-label app program for manufacturers and a wholesale supply business for retailers.
If you are:
- A retailer / shop owner → see Wholesale and Wholesale Policy
- A manufacturer / brand owner → see the B2B White-Label App Program and the Partner FAQ
- Still getting oriented → see the FAQ (83 Q&A sets)