Shanghai Launches Pilot Program for New Health and Warning Labels in December 2025

Shanghai has launched a citywide pilot program for mandatory health warning labels on alcoholic beverages, with implementation now underway across both physical retail locations and online sales platforms as of April 2026.

The Shanghai Municipal Health Commission first announced the initiative in December 2025, directing health commissions, institutes, universities, and other authorities to implement the guidelines and conduct public awareness campaigns. The pilot program is now in full swing across the city.

The guidelines apply to all alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content above 0.5% by volume, requiring all sellers to strictly follow the labeling rules when displaying warning signs.

For physical premises selling alcohol, the commission has specified that warning signage must be eye-catching and placed at approximately eye level. When mounted on walls or similar surfaces, the bottom edge of the signage must be at least 120 centimeters from the ground.

At least one warning sign must be installed at each of the following locations within a premises: cashier, order counter, alcoholic beverage shelves, open freezer area, closed refrigerator area, vending machine area, and promotional area. This requirement ensures that consumers encounter warnings at multiple points during their visit, preventing reliance on a single notice such as a menu or counter label.

Recognizing the growth of online alcohol sales, the commission has also established specific requirements for digital sellers. Online platforms must display health warning labels prominently on electronic menus and product listings, aligning with the broader goal of making warnings as immediate and effective as possible for consumers regardless of purchase channel.

Background and Policy Context

The initiative aligns with Shanghai’s broader public health strategies, including the Shanghai National Nutrition Plan and the Healthy Shanghai Action Plan, both of which run from 2019 to 2030. The health commission emphasized that the warning labels are part of ongoing efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm through informed consumer choices.

Similar pilot programs have been tested in Shanghai for sugary beverages, where red, orange, and green labels were displayed in supermarkets to indicate sugar content levels. This prior experience informed the design and rollout of the alcohol labeling system.

As of April 2026, the trial remains active, with officials monitoring compliance and public response to assess potential expansion or refinement of the policy.