Mandatory Administrative Approvals
- Food Production License (SC): Required for domestic food production.
- Export Registration: Mandatory when selling products for export.
Voluntary Certifications
- ISO 9000 Certification: A basic quality management certification adopted by most companies.
- ISO 22000 Certification: A food safety management system, generally adopted by medium to large enterprises.
- HACCP Certification: Based on principles similar to ISO 22000, widely recognized internationally, especially in the food industry.
- ISO 14001 Certification: Environmental management system for companies concerned with environmental impact.
- ISO 45001 Certification: Occupational health and safety management system for companies prioritizing employee well-being.
- GMP Certification: Not mandatory in the food industry but can be pursued by qualified companies.
- BRC Certification: Required by overseas buyers (especially in the UK and EU).
- FSSC 22000 Certification: Required by international clients; complies with GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) standards.
- IFS Certification: Required by EU buyers; a GFSI-recognized food safety standard.
- GLOBAL G.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices): Often required for agricultural product exports to the EU and other international markets.
- HALAL Certification: Required for Muslim markets; ensures compliance with Islamic dietary laws.
- China Organic Certification: Required for selling organic products domestically in China.
- Green Food Certification: A Chinese-specific quality certification, adopted by companies based on market needs.
Management System Certifications
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point)
- Applicable Regions: Globally accepted (especially in the U.S., EU, and Canada).
- Requirement: A risk control system focused on food safety; mandatory in many countries.
ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management System
- Combines ISO 9001’s management framework with Codex Alimentarius HACCP principles.
- Specifies universal food safety management requirements.
- Applicable to: Food manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.
BRC – British Retail Consortium Global Standard
- A GFSI-recognized food safety standard.
- Applicable to: Food manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers.
- Covers food safety, product quality, environmental sustainability, and corporate social responsibility.
IFS – International Featured Standards
- Another GFSI-recognized food safety standard.
- Applicable to: Food manufacturers and retailers.
- Ensures the quality and safety of food production and processing, including infrastructure, personnel, and quality systems.
FSSC 22000 – Food Safety System Certification
- Based on ISO 22000, combined with additional sector-specific requirements.
- Applicable to: Food production, processing, packaging, storage, and transportation enterprises.
- Helps companies meet GFSI expectations and improve food safety systems.
Product Certifications
USDA Organic Certification
- Issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- One of the most authoritative organic certification systems globally.
- Requires strict control over all production stages, from raw material sourcing to processing.
- Emphasizes sustainability and environmental friendliness.
China Organic Certification
- Based on GB/T 19630 standards for organic production, processing, labeling, and management.
- Ensures no use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or preservatives, and adherence to ecological principles.
Green Food Certification (China)
- A Chinese quality certification distinguishing between Grade A and AA levels.
- Requires strict control over agrochemical use.
- Promotes sustainable agricultural development and food quality assurance.
Pollution-Free Agricultural Product Certification
- A mandatory certification in China issued by government authorities.
- Ensures minimal use of agrochemicals and compliance with safety standards for agricultural products.
HALAL Certification
- Ensures that food complies with Islamic dietary laws.
- Covers raw materials, production processes, and packaging.
- Required for products exported to Muslim-majority regions.