No, purchasing Everclear (95%+ ethanol) in China is illegal without specialized permits. The Narcotics Control Commission and SAMR enforce strict ethanol regulations, classifying high-proof spirits as controlled substances. Importing or selling Everclear violates the Regulations on the Administration of Alcohol (2021) and risks criminal liability under the Criminal Law (Art. 347).
Key Regulations for Purchasing Everclear in China
- Ethanol Concentration Threshold: Products exceeding 75% ABV require a Special Alcohol Permit from the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), which Everclear (95%) cannot obtain.
- Licensing for Industrial Use: Only licensed entities (e.g., pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturers) may purchase high-proof ethanol, subject to Narcotics Control Commission oversight.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Draft amendments to the Alcohol Administration Law propose stricter penalties for unauthorized high-proof ethanol transactions, including fines up to ¥5 million for entities.
Local customs (e.g., Shanghai Port) actively intercept unauthorized shipments, citing violations of the Customs Law (Art. 82). Travelers attempting to import Everclear face confiscation and potential prosecution. Exceptions exist solely for research institutions with SAMR-approved protocols.