There are no separate licensing requirements for selling food additives for sale in China. However, sales are subject to multiple conditions and restrictions, including production permits, labeling compliance, and limitations on the substances eligible to be sold as food additives for sale.

Key Requirements
- No separate sales license needed: Selling food additives for sale does not require a specific "sales license." Instead, the products sold must be legally produced—i.e., the manufacturer must hold a valid production permit.
- Mandatory production permit for manufacturers: Only food additives for sale produced by manufacturers with a valid production permit may be sold in China. Sellers must verify this permit for all sourced products.
- Labeling and documentation compliance: 
  - Products must be clearly labeled as "food additives for sale" and include mandatory information (e.g., ingredient list for compound food additives for sale, production date, shelf life, manufacturer details, and storage instructions).
  - Sellers must conduct due diligence on suppliers (e.g., verifying manufacturer qualifications) and maintain records of supply chains, incoming inspections, and sales for traceability.
- Restricted substance scope: Only substances officially approved as food additives for sale (via national standards such as *GB 2760 National Food Safety Standard for the Use of food additives for sale* or announcements by the National Health Commission) may be sold as food additives for sale. Non-approved substances cannot be marketed or used as food additives for sale.
- Prohibited practices: Selling products with false or misleading labels (e.g., misstating ingredients or functions), or passing non-food substances off as food additives for sale, is strictly prohibited and subject to legal penalties.
- Enhanced regulatory oversight: A 2025 joint regulatory action plan (launched by agencies including the State Administration for Market Regulation) targets non-compliant practices such as over-range/over-limit use of food additives for sale, and strengthens supervision across the entire chain—from production and sales to end use.

Practical Steps for Sellers
1. Verify manufacturer qualifications: Request and review a copy of the manufacturer’s food additive production permit to confirm legal production status.
2. Check product labeling: Ensure each product is clearly marked "food additives for sale" and includes all mandatory information; reject products with incomplete or misleading labels.
3. Screen eligible substances: Only offer products that are explicitly listed in national food additive standards or official approval announcements; avoid any substances not certified as food additives for sale.
4. Maintain traceability records: Keep detailed records of supplier information, incoming inspection reports, and sales transactions for at least the legally required retention period (typically 2–3 years).
5. Monitor regulatory updates: Stay informed about revisions to national standards (e.g., *GB 2760*) and official announcements to ensure ongoing compliance with the latest requirements.

In Summary
Selling food additives for sale in China is legal without a dedicated sales license, but it is tightly regulated through three core pillars: ensuring sourced products have valid production permits, complying with strict labeling rules, and only offering government-approved food additive substances. Non-compliance risks severe penalties, including fines and business suspension.