China Food Labelling Regulation Sets New Compliance Measures for 2027

China food labelling regulations have been updated with new compliance measures set for 2027 following confirmation by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). SAMR announced the "Food Labelling Supervision and Management Measures" (the Labelling Measures) on March 14, 2025 by Order No. 100 and the new Measures will be effective from March 16, 2027. The Labelling Measures introduces specific and enforceable requirements for the display of food production and expiry dates, prohibited label content, and formatting standards. International food manufacturers must prepare to align their packaging and labelling practices with the new rules to ensure market access and compliance within the transition period.

Key Content of the Labelling Measures

Key contents of the Labelling Measures includes:

Addressing the "Missing" Food Dates: The Labelling Measures stipulate that the production date and expiry date of prepackaged food must be specifically marked in a dedicated area on the packaging. If this dedicated area is not located on the principal display panel, the packaging must indicate "see a specific part of the packaging" on the principal display panel to help consumers easily locate this key information.
Addressing the "Illegible" Food Dates: To ensure food dates are clearly visible, the Labelling Measures require the use of high-contrast formats, such as black text on a white background, for marking production and expiry dates. Moreover, the minimum font height varies depending on the maximum surface area of the packaging. For example, if the maximum surface area exceeds 35 square centimeters, the minimum font height is increased to 3.0 millimeters.
Addressing the "Hard-to-Calculate" Food Dates: Previously, consumers often had to calculate the expiry date of food themselves, which was not only inconvenient but also prone to errors. The Labelling Measures specify that prepackaged food must directly indicate the expiry date in the order of year, month, and day, making it clear at a glance for consumers.
Enhancing Overall Labelling Requirements: Food labelling must be clear, conspicuous, and easy for consumers to recognize and read. Compulsory labelling items on prepackaged food labels should be marked with text, symbols, numbers, and patterns that contrast sharply with the background color. Additionally, the font height is adjusted according to the package size to ensure the clarity of the information.
Clarifying Prohibited Content in Food Labelling: The Labelling Measures explicitly state that food labelling must not include claims related to disease prevention or treatment functions. It is also prohibited to make false descriptions in a deceptive, misleading, or exaggerated manner. Other prohibitions include violating scientific common sense, social norms, promoting feudal superstition, or claiming "special supply," "exclusive supply," or "internal supply" to party and government agencies or the military.
Strengthening the Primary Responsibility of Food Businesses: Food business operators must be responsible for the authenticity, accuracy, and legality of the food labelling they provide. They should designate specific institutions or personnel to review and control the labelling. If food packaging uses QR codes or other IT means to display label content, this content must align with the label on the packaging.

Integration of the Labelling Measures with the Existing Regulatory Framework

The introduction of the Labelling Measures reflects the continuous improvement of China's food safety supervision system. It complements existing laws and regulations, such as the "Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" and its implementing regulations, by refining the supervision requirements for food labelling. This helps protect consumer rights and promotes the healthy development of the food industry.

Impact on International Manufacturers and Response Strategies

Clear Compliance Requirements: For international manufacturers, the implementation of the Labelling Measures means they need to review their product labelling strategies in the Chinese market. All food products entering China must meet these new labelling requirements to avoid market access barriers.
Enhancing Consumer Trust: Compliance with the Labelling Measures not only helps avoid legal risks but also builds trust with Chinese consumers. Clear and accurate food labelling enables consumers to better understand product information and make wiser purchasing decisions.
Seeking Professional Assistance: Cisema, as a professional compliance service provider, offers comprehensive compliance evaluation and solutions for international manufacturers. We can support you with label review and production during food imports to ensure alignment with the new regulations.

Specific Points for International Manufacturers to Note

Transition Period Arrangements: The Labelling Measures will be officially implemented on March 16, 2027. International manufacturers are advised to closely monitor the transition period arrangements, prioritize high-stock product labelling, and initiate new rounds of product label compliance assessments as soon as possible. Combine these efforts with the new regulations to optimize product layouts.
Language and Character Requirements: Compulsory labelling items on prepackaged food labels must be in standard Chinese characters. Simultaneous use of traditional Chinese characters, pinyin, and foreign languages is allowed, provided that the size of the traditional characters, pinyin, and foreign languages does not exceed that of the standard Chinese characters.
Special Food Labelling: Labelling requirements for special foods, such as health foods and infant formula, are stricter. For instance, infant formula for babies aged 0 – 6 months must not include content or functional claims on the label.

The implementation of the "Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Food Labelling" brings new standards and requirements to China's food market regulation. For international manufacturers, understanding and complying with these regulations is essential for successfully entering the Chinese market. With its professional compliance expertise and extensive industry experience, Cisema is well–placed to provide comprehensive support to international manufacturers and help them achieve success in China.

Further Information

To read the original announcement about the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Food Labelling released by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), please click here.

If you are a food manufacturer with questions about how to comply with China's 2027 food labelling regulation, please contact Cisema.