Can I just use my HK company to sell into China?

For offshore B2B invoicing yes; for anything requiring mainland fapiao, platforms, hiring or permits no. If your clients are mainland entities, you will end up with a WFOE anyway.

WFOE vs Hong Kong Company: Which Do You Actually Need?

QUICK ANSWER

Different jobs. A HK company is an offshore holding/trading layer (treaty conduit if substance is real, USD operations, familiar law) — it cannot invoice in mainland China or sponsor mainland work permits. A WFOE is the onshore operating entity. Most structures need the WFOE; the HK layer is optional architecture, not a substitute.

HK company does: hold the WFOE shares, book regional sales, hold IP (with substance for treaty/royalty defense), USD invoicing for offshore trade.
HK company does not: replace mainland invoicing (fapiao), employ mainland staff legally, satisfy platform domestic-verification, or function as the local contracting party enterprises require.
Common 2026 pattern: UK/US parent → HK holdco (substance documented) → mainland WFOE. The HK layer earns its keep in treaty rates (5% dividends with ≥25% + substance) and FX flexibility — but only with real substance; conduit-only HK shells lose treaty relief under PPT/Announcement 9 tests.

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General information only — not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Rules change; verify with official sources (SAMR, STA, SAFE, MOFCOM, NIA) and licensed advisors before acting.