As an important feed and pet food consumption market, the United States has a complex regulatory framework for market access. With multiple submission pathways—including FAP, GRAS, AFIC, and SRIS—many exporting companies find it difficult to determine the most appropriate route. To help companies address compliance challenges when entering the U.S. market, CIRS Group provided an in-depth overview of the U.S. feed regulatory framework, requirements for each submission pathway and a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the four major pathways.

Navigating the regulatory landscape for exporting food and feed ingredients to the United States requires a clear understanding of the FDA compliance pathways, safety assessments, and procedures. Backed by U.S.-based toxicologists and a 100% success rate, CIRS Group provides comprehensive global regulatory submissions for GRAS, NDI, and novel food ingredients.

China’s SAMR has released Q&As on the implementation of the Administrative Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Entrusted Food Production (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures"), further clarifying the requirements for entrusted food production. Notably, the production of health foods cannot be outsourced in stages (split-stage production). The Measures will take effect on December 1, 2026; enterprises should prepare for compliance in advance.

Recently, CIRS Group has received numerous inquiries from health food companies regarding the registration of overseas manufacturing enterprises in China. Many companies have reported that when applying to the General Administration of Customs for registration in China, they are required to submit the registration certificate/filing certificate for health food; some companies have also reported that health foods imported through cross-border e-commerce are also required by customs to submit the registration certificate in China. In response to this question, CIRS Group has conducted extensive verification

On March 18, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released the Q&A on the Registration of Foods for Special Medical Purposes under the New National Standards. The document aims to guide enterprises in conducting compliant applications and efficient registration in accordance with two national food safety standards: General Principles for Foods for Special Medical Purposes (GB 29922—2025) and Foods for Special Medical Purposes for Tumor Complete Nutrition (GB 31662—2025), thereby ensuring a smooth and orderly market supply transition.

Recently, China’s Food Evaluation Center of the State Administration for Market Regulation released answers to frequently asked questions about infant formula product formulation.

In our previous articles, we have translated the frequently asked questions regarding the health food acceptance and the application of infant formula products in China. Today, we will continue with the FAQs on the application of food for special medical purposes in China.

To accurately address the common questions frequently encountered in the acceptance of special foods and related administrative licenses, and to effectively improve applicants’ efficiency and experience, the Food Review Center of the State Administration for Market Regulation issued the “Summary of Common Issues on the Acceptance Work” on October 28, 2025.

To accurately address the common questions frequently encountered in the acceptance of special foods and related administrative licenses, and to effectively improve applicants’ efficiency and experience, the Food Review Center of the State Administration for Market Regulation issued the “Summary of Common Issues on the Acceptance Work” on October 28, 2025.

FAQs on the Replacement of Health Food Registration Certificate in China (Vol. 4)