OTC products on Tmall (China)- Full Guide

Can you sell OTC products on Tmall- JD ? Questions of so many pharmaceutical firms.

​Yes, you can sell over-the-counter (OTC) products on Tmall Global and JD Worldwide via China’s cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) channels.

This approach offers a streamlined path to enter the Chinese market without undergoing the full domestic drug registration process.​

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✅ Selling OTC Products in China via CBEC: Key Points

1. CBEC vs. General Trade

• CBEC (Cross-Border E-Commerce):
  • Allows foreign OTC products to be sold directly to Chinese consumers through platforms like Tmall Global and JD Worldwide.
  • Bypasses the lengthy domestic marketing authorization process.
  • Ideal for products already approved and sold in their home countries.​
• General Trade:
  • Requires full registration with China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).
  • Involves a complex and time-consuming approval process.​baipharm.chemlinked.com

2. Eligibility Criteria for CBEC

To sell OTC products via CBEC, ensure:

• The product is classified as OTC in both the exporting country and China.
• It is included in China’s CBEC positive list.
• The product has valid overseas marketing authorization.
• It is intended for personal use by consumers and not for resale.​

3. Platform Requirements

• Tmall Global:
  • Requires a security deposit ranging from ¥300,000 to ¥600,000, depending on the product category.
  • Necessitates proof of global product liability insurance (minimum ¥10 million).
  • Demands first-level authorization for trademark/IP rights in China.​roolifegroup.com.au
• JD Worldwide:
  • Offers two models:
    • B2B2C: JD purchases products from the supplier and sells directly to consumers.
    • B2C: Suppliers operate their own stores on JD Worldwide.
  • Requires documentation similar to Tmall, including business licenses, product certifications, and trademark registrations.​

4. Operational Steps

1. Product Assessment:
   • Confirm that your OTC product is eligible for CBEC and included in the positive list.​
2. Documentation Preparation:
   • Gather necessary documents, including business licenses, product certifications, and trademark registrations.​
3. Platform Application:
   • Apply to open a store on Tmall Global or JD Worldwide, submitting all required documentation.​
4. Logistics Setup:
   • Decide between direct shipping or utilizing bonded warehouses in China’s Free Trade Zones for faster delivery.​
5. Marketing Strategy:
   • Develop a localized marketing plan, leveraging Chinese social media platforms and key opinion leaders (KOLs) to build brand awareness and trust.​

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📌 Conclusion

Selling OTC products in China through Tmall Global and JD Worldwide is a viable strategy for foreign brands to tap into the vast Chinese market. By utilizing the CBEC model, companies can expedite market entry, reduce regulatory hurdles, and directly reach Chinese consumers.​

If you need assistance with the application process or developing a marketing strategy tailored to the Chinese market, feel free to ask!