Food Supplements

Food Supplements Registration in China - Overview

China Food Supplement Regulation falls under the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The responsibility is shared between the state, provincial, municipal, and county-level authorities. New additives, ingredients, or contact materials require National Health Commission approval. Imported foods must comply with General Administration of Customs rules. Freyr experts offer end-to-end regulatory services, including product classification, food supplement registration in China, formulation/ingredient assessment, label and claims review, technical dossier compilation, and submissions to Health Authorities (HAs) in China and assist in China Food and dietary supplements market entry.

China Food Product Classification

Food products in China are divided into the following two (02) categories:

• General Food
• Special Food - This includes health food and food for special dietary use. Food for special dietary use is again categorized into the following three (03) categories:
  • Infant and Follow-up Formula;
  • Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP); and
  • Food for Special Dietary Use.

Food Product Registration and Notification

• Mandatory registrations in China cover health foods, infant and follow-up formula, FSMP, and functional food. Nutrition supplements need notification before import.
• Imported health foods must undergo registration applications, managed by permanent representative offices or entrusted agencies in China.
• Overseas manufacturers whose products meet the listing requirements of the country (region) where they are located refer to the legal persons or organizations there themselves.

China Food Regulations - Important Validities

The Registration Certificate is valid for five (05) years. Applications for renewal of the certificate should be submitted six (06) months before the expiration date. Otherwise, the certificate may expire before the approval of the renewal.