Keeping ahead of new regulations in China

As the global food industry continues to evolve, staying abreast of regulatory changes is crucial for businesses aiming to maintain compliance and ensure consumer safety. Recently, China has introduced significant updates to its labelling standards, which will come into force on March 16, 2027. These changes encompass a wide range of aspects, from additive declarations to allergen labelling, and will have a substantial impact on food manufacturers.

Overview of the regulatory changes

China has published updated versions of the general Labelling Standard, Nutrition Labelling Standard, and an implementing administrative regulation which lays down additional labelling requirements for prepackaged foodstuffs. Businesses can choose to adopt these new labelling requirements before the effective date if they wish.

Additive declarations

Significant updates affect additive declarations. The previous practice of stating additives by function name and International Numbering System for Food Additives (INS) number is now restricted to small packages only. Standard-sized packages no longer allow this option. The remaining additive declaration requirements remain largely consistent with the 2011 version of the General Standard for the Labelling of prepackaged foods thereby ensuring regulatory clarity.

Quantity Ingredient Declaration (QUID)

It is now mandatory to declare the quantity of an ingredient when it appears in the product name, regardless of whether the ingredient is otherwise emphasized on the label. This is a change from the 2011 version, where referencing an ingredient in the product name alone did not trigger QUID. Additionally, the new standards provide more detailed rules for the format of QUID on the label.

Allergen labelling

Recent changes make allergen labelling mandatory in China by March 2027, replacing the previous voluntary approach. While the list of allergens remains unchanged, there are now specific formatting requirements to highlight allergen information on labels, along with some new exemptions. This ensures clearer, legally-required communication for consumers and manufacturers alike.

Nutrition labelling

Saturated fats and sugar must now be declared, with omega-3 as an optional nutrient. Labels must include a warning about high fat, sugar, and salt intake for children and adolescents. The standards introduce reference servings and revise requirements for some nutrition and nutrient function claims, ensuring greater clarity for consumers.

Similar changes in other markets

Other markets are also updating labelling requirements. Singapore, for example, will implement new regulations on January 30, 2026. These include exemptions for carryover additives and processing aids, mandatory lot mark declarations, product origin disclosures, and new details for gluten-free and reduced-gluten claims and certain ingredient claims.

Recommendations for businesses

Recent regulatory changes require businesses to update allergen and nutrition labelling, revising nutrient tables and allergen formats. With compliance mandatory by March 2027, companies should promptly adapt labels and processes, using the transition period to ensure smooth, effective implementation and maintain regulatory compliance.

Join our webinar

If you’re interested in learning more about the regulatory changes happening in China and other Asian markets, and are a member of Leatherhead Food Research, join our webinar Adapting to Change: Food Regulatory Updates in China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand. Held at 14:00 BST on August 20, 2025, members can register here.

If you’re not a member of Leatherhead Food Research and would be interested in attending, please get in touch at [email protected]