In the Chinese market, the annual consumption of imported red wine maintains a compound growth rate of over 10% (data from the General Administration of Customs). However, in 2023, 23% of imported wines were returned due to non - compliant labels. As a professional service institution with 20 years of experience in the industry, we have found that 90% of label problems stem from misunderstandings of regulations. This article will analyze the key points of Chinese label design from a practical perspective.

I. The Regulatory Foundation of Chinese Labels

1. Compulsory Legal Basis

• National Food Safety Standard - General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718 - 2011)
• Terms and Classification of Beverage Alcohol (GB/T 17204 - 2021)
• Fermented Wines and Their Blended Wines (GB 2758 - 2012)

2. Key Monitoring Items by Customs(Data in 2023)

• Completeness of the Ingredient List (Accounting for 38% of Non - compliant Cases)
• Error in Alcohol Content Labeling (±0.5%vol is the Red Line)
• Specification of Country of Origin Labeling (Needs to Be Precise to the Country/Region)

II. Six Core Elements of Label Design

Element 1: Basic Information Module

• The product name must reflect its true attributes (e.g., "Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Red Wine" is preferable to "XX Estate Special Blend").
• Example of country of origin labeling: "Country of Origin: France" (cannot be simplified as "Imported in original bottle from France").
• The Importer Information Must Be Completely Consistent with the Customs Filing

Element 2: Layout of Compulsory Content
The Net Content and Product Name Must Be on the Same Display Panel, and the Character Height ≥ 4mm

Element 3: Professional - Level Translation Specifications

• The grape variety names must use the translations from the *Chinese Grape Variety Records* (e.g., "Syrah" should be translated as "Xila" rather than "Shelazi").
• The award information must include the official translated name of the certifying organization (e.g., "Decanter" should be translated as "Decanter").

Element 4: Labeling of Special Ingredients

• When the Sulfur Dioxide Content ≥ 10mg/L, It Must Be Clearly Labeled
• Allergens Such as Egg White Need to Be Warned in Bold Characters

Element 5: Format Technical Specifications

• The Total Area of the Chinese Label ≥ 30% of the Total Display Area of the Prepackaged Product
• The expiration date must be clearly labeled (e.g., "Expiration Date: 10 years (2023/01/01-2033/01/01)").

Element 6: Application of Anti - counterfeiting Technology

• It is Recommended to Print a GS1 Barcode (Prefix 690 - 695)
• The Traceable QR Code Needs to Be Compatible with WeChat/Alipay Scanning

III. Pit - Avoidance Guide: Five High - Frequency Mistake Cases

1. Translation Disasters
An Italian winery directly translated "Reserva" as "Reserve Grade," when it should actually be labeled as "Aged Type."
(Solution: Establish a Standardized對照表 of Winemaking Terms)

2. Unit Confusion
The label "14% Vol." does not comply with the national standard; the correct format should be "14%vol".
(Compliance Key Points: All Letters in Lowercase, No Spaces)

3. Cultural Conflicts
A California Wine Using Religious Patterns Was Ordered to Make Rectifications
(Review Key Points: Patterns Need to Comply with Article 9 of the Advertising Law)

4. Confusion of Old and New Standards
Still using the outdated labeling of "Alcohol Content: 13°," which has been abolished.
Please translate the following Chinese into English: (Updated requirement: Uniformly adopt the format "13% vol")

5. Technical Omissions
Not labeled with applicable population (e.g., missing warning such as "Not suitable for pregnant women")

IV. Practical Operation Process

1. Pre - review stage(At least 45 days in advance)

• Provide high - definition foreign - language label images (above 300 dpi)
• It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Check the book against the test report

2. Compliance design(It is recommended to be carried out in three steps)

• Tick item by item in the first draft according to the Imported Food Label Verification Checklist,
• Send it to a third - party testing agency for pre - inspection (recommended SGS/BV)
• Make an electronic proof for customs pre - review

3. Physical label(Key control point)

• Give priority to removable adhesive (to avoid damaging the original label)
• Warehousing environment test (When the humidity is > 70%, anti - film - peeling treatment is required)

Conclusion

Compliant label design serves as the "invisible key" to unlocking the Chinese market. A French winery, through precise label optimization, reduced its product shelfing cycle by 40% and decreased customer complaint rates by 67%. It is recommended that importers allocate at least 60 days for label preparation prior to the initial customs declaration and establish in-depth collaboration with agencies holding AEO certification.

(Data sources of this article: General Administration of Customs of China, National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Industry White Paper)