China - Labeling/Marking Requirements

The labeling of products is critical in ensuring compliance with regulations in China. Import inspection authorities within the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have consistently identified labeling discrepancies as a significant cause of noncompliance reports. It is essential for all products sold in the PRC to incorporate labels in the Chinese language, adhering to the specific requirements set forth by different industry authorities.

Jiamei Labels offers a professional and reliable service in ensuring adherence to these labeling laws.

Additionally, Chinese authorities mandate that food products—specifically those being imported or exported (excluding domestic goods)—such as candy, wine, nuts, canned food, and cheese, must have their labels verified. Moreover, these products are subjected to quality testing before they can be traded internationally.

Furthermore, many products that enter the Chinese market require a China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark, which is obtained through a thorough application and testing process. This certification must be visibly applied to the products prior to their sale in China. Electronics are among the categories that frequently necessitate the CCC mark. To gain more insights regarding the CCC mark, refer to the 'Standards for Trade' section below.

As per the Food Labeling Standards of China (GB-), imported food items must display distinct markings that specify the country of origin. This requirement is alongside providing the name and address of the registered general distributor in the country, among other essential information. It’s important to highlight that labeling standards can differ based on the type of food product being imported. The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) Decree 249, which came into effect on January 1, details these regulations and is summarized in a report by the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

Under the PRC's Food Safety Law, pre-packaged food products are also obligated to have labels that convey specific information, including:

• Name, specification, net content, and production date
• Ingredients or formulation list
• Producer’s name, address, and contact details
• Shelf life
• Applicable product standard codes
• Storage instructions
• Generic names of food additives, in line with national standards
• Production License Number
• Additional information required by relevant regulations and food safety laws.

Labels for staple foods and supplementary foods designed for infants and other specialized demographics must also specify the main nutritional components and their respective amounts. National food safety standards have been established to guide product labeling further. For example:

Recently, the China Food and Drug Administration, now part of the State Administration for Market Regulation, has mandated that producers of infant formula powder conduct thorough reviews of their labels to ensure compliance with existing laws, regulations, and standards. For further details, consult the Infant Formula segment in the FAS FAIRS Country Report.

The labeling of agricultural biotech products falls under the regulation of the Administrative Measures for Agricultural GMO, which is elaborated on in Section VII of the FAS FAIRS Country Report.