Food Supplements Registration in China - Overview
Food registration in China is regulated under the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The responsibility is shared between the state, provincial, municipal, and county-level authorities. Any new food additives, novel food ingredients, or new food contact materials that are not used or consumed in China, should be approved by the National Health Commission (NHC) and published before being used. Additionally, for imported foods, manufacturers need to follow the regulations set by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).s
China Food Product Classification
Food products in China are divided into the following two (02) categories:
- General Food.
- Special Food.
Special food 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).
- Other Food for Special Dietary Use.
Health food is categorized into the following two (02) categories:
- Functional Food (twenty-four [24] Approved Functions).
- Nutrition Supplements.
Food Product Registration and Notification
Food Registration in China is required for health foods, infant and follow-up formula, FSMP, and functional food, whereas notification is required for nutrition supplements before they are imported. China’s food import regulations require applications for the registration of imported health foods. These applications shall be handled by the respective permanent representative offices in China or by an agency entrusted to them within 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 Labeling Regulations
China food safety regulation are governed by various agencies, such as the General Administration of Customs of China, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), and the General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ). According to the guidelines, all products sold in China must have clear and accurate labels in Chinese language, including essential information such as product name, ingredients, net weight, manufacturer details, production date, and expiration date. According to Food Labeling Standards of China (GB7718-2011) all imported food items must have clear markings indicating the country of origin, as well as the name and address of the general distributor registered in the nation.
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.
Freyr experts provide different kinds of food product-related Regulatory services in China, such as China food product classification, food supplements registration, formulation/ingredient assessment, label and claims review, technical dossier compilation, and submissions to the HAs.
Food Supplements Registration in China - Freyr Expertise
- Product Classification Services
- Formulation Review or Ingredients assessment
- Safety Assessment and Toxicology Assessment Services
- Labeling Review Services
- Claims Review Services
- Claims Consultation and Substantiation Services
- Gap Analysis and Dossier Compilation Services
- Regulatory Intelligence Services
- Region-Specific Requirements Compliance / Consulting Services
- Go-to-market Regulatory Support Services
- Product Notification or Registration Support Services
Food Supplements Registration in China - Freyr Advantages
- End-to-end Regulatory consultation.
- Market-specific Regulatory consulting and advice.
- A structured and cost-effective approach ensuring speed to market.
- An extensive partnership network across the globe.
- Strong relationship with various HAs.