5 replies to this topic

[Dalways]

Hi All 

Please can some one give me some initial advise on where to look for Main land China , South Korea and Hong Kong food safety and Food labelling regulatory information. 

 

We are a small chocolate manufacturer in UK and got an initial interest from far east for some bulk buying but I am not very sure where to start with regards to labelling regulation. If any team member at least hold a list of Ingredient and Additives which are strictly banned in these 3 country will be start so I can do NPD accordingly to start with. 

 

I am mainly interested in 

1. Do I need any special licensing / registration when planning to export South Korea, Hong Kong or Mainland China 

2. Any banned Additives and/ or Ingredients . (Currently we do use Shellac, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide, Natural flavours )

3. Does the labelling need to be in Local language for exported goods or can be in English 

 

Thanks in advance

D~

[Evans X.]

Greetings Dalways,

 

The links below are pretty straightforward.

 

Hong Kong:

https://www.cfs.gov....ood_leg_cl.html

https://www.cfs.gov....d_leg_lgfa.html

 

China (a little less helpful site  ):

https://www.sfdachin...fosort/15_1.htm

 

South Korea:

https://www.mfds.go....de011005l001.do

 

Hope it helps!

[Ryan M.]

1. Depends on the product / items.
2. Yes.
3. Yes, typically, but may depend on the product / item.

 

I've handled exports to these countries, but in each case we have a broker who helped us with all of this.  We were exporting milk at the time which is pretty heavily regulated.  I have no idea about chocolate.

[Scampi]

use a broker

 

also, check with your authority, they should be able to assist as you may need an export certificate from them

[pHruit]

I'll add to the chorus of "use a broker", or similar expert. My experience of exporting to China has been that what the regs say and what is actually expected at customs won't always align - you really do want the input of someone who knows what hoops actually need to be jumped through.

Someone like Campden or Leatherhead will be able to check / get your product and labels compliant with the regs, but that's unfortunately not always the same as actually making it through customs at the receiving end...

[HankingZhaoSolution]

For food safety and Food labelling regulatory information, check out the following:
Main Land China-GB 2760-2024 (additives), GB 7718 (labelling), GB 17403 (chocolate)
South Korea-Food Sanitation Act, Food Labelling Standards (2025), Additive Code
Hong Kong-Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W), Coloring Matter in Food Regulations

For your interest:
1. Licensing/Registration Requirements:

Mainland China

Mandatory GACC Registration: All overseas food manufacturers exporting to China must register with China Customs (GACC) under Decree 248 (2022)

South Korea

MFDS Registration: All imported food requires registration with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).

Hong Kong

Confirm your importer has completed CFS registration.

2. Banned Additives & Ingredients
Shellac (E904),Titanium Dioxide (E171),Iron Oxides (E172) and Natural flavours are all permitted to be used in Main Land China, South Korea and Hong Kong but all with limitation of dosage according to their local food regulations.

3. Labelling Language Requirements

Mainland China- Chinese(Simplified)
South Korea- Korean
Hong Kong-Either English or Chinese (traditional) or both

Best,
Hanking Zhao
Food Regulatory Affairs Consultant for China
Market China Market Access | Regulatory Compliance