Regulatory Modernization and CBEC Dominance
The regulatory environment in 2026 is a "dual-track" system managed by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The traditional "Blue Hat" (Health Food) registration remains the gold standard for brick-and-mortar retail and hospital
pharmacies, but it is no longer the only way to reach consumers.
Cross-Border E-Commerce (CBEC) has become the primary entry point for international eye health brands in 2026. Platforms like Tmall Global and Douyin (TikTok China) allow brands to sell "General Food" versions of supplements without the 2–3 year Blue Hat registration wait. However, 2026 oversight on these platforms is stricter than ever; AI-driven monitoring systems automatically flag and remove products making unauthorized "medical" claims (such as "curing" myopia), ensuring a higher level of consumer protection.