Page 63 - FoodFocusThailand No.247 November_December 2026

STRENGTHEN
STRENGTHEN THE PACKAGING THE PACKAGING

EQUIPPING THAI FOOD EXPORTERS

FOR CHINA’S NEW LABELING

REGULATIONS IN 2027

China is Thailand’s leading food export market. In the first eight months of 2026, Thai food exports to China
reached THB 263,860 million (USD 7.85 billion), accounting for 26% of Thailand’s total food exports. More
than 1,500 Thai food exporters of various sizes supply the Chinese market with key products, including
fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly durians, tapioca products, coconuts and coconut products, and
frozen shrimp. China’s evolving food regulations are therefore expected to significantly affect Thai food
exporters and the broader food export sector.

Thai Exporters Prepare for Changes in Chinese Labels Are Not Just About Translation
Chinese Labeling Regulations Exporters should recognize that translating Thai or English information
China’s food regulatory framework is undergoing a major into Chinese alone is insufficient to meet the new requirements.
transformation in 2026–2027. Under GACC Decree Label information must be accurate, reflect the product’s true nature,
280, which took effect on June 1, 2026, foreign food and align with supporting documentation, including any additional
producers are required to register with the General documents required under Chinese law, such as allergen declarations.
Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic Manufacturers must provide comprehensive information in Chinese,
of China (GACC). Other key regulatory changes even when certain details are not required on labels in the country
include the new food labeling standards GB 7718-2025 of origin. Exporters should ensure consistency across original
and GB 28050-2025, as well as labeling regulations labels, Chinese labels, formulation labels, and export documents
introduced by the State Administration for Market by adopting a “mirror declaration” approach that harmonizes
Regulation (SAMR). These new labeling requirements information across all formats, platforms, systems, and documents.
are scheduled to take effect on March 16, 2027. Chinese labels should be reviewed and revised whenever
During this transition, prepackaged food products formulations, ingredients, raw materials, raw material producers, or
must continue to comply with the existing standards, shelf life change. Close collaboration among R&D, QA/QC, legal,
namely GB 7718-2011 and GB 28050-2011, through and packaging teams is essential to ensure regulatory compliance
March 15, 2027. The new standards will take effect on and consistency with final product specifications, thereby minimizing
March 16, 2027. These updated regulatory measures discrepancies across related documents and platforms.
aim to improve the accuracy and clarity of information
on food labels, including manufacturing location, Manufacturing and Expiry Dates:
manufacturing date, expiry date, font size and Key Considerations for Artwork Revision
style, language, allergen declarations, nutritional Exporters should pay close attention to the display of manufacturing
information, and product claims. They also introduce and expiry dates on food labels, which must be clearly visible,
stricter controls on misleading claims. easy to read, and unambiguous, allowing consumers to verify
Adapting to these requirements involves more them conveniently.
than checking labels for mandatory information; it also The displayed dates must comply with the new regulations in
requires accurate, clear, and consistent data across terms of format, position, font size, and clarity. Expiry dates must
labels, products, manufacturing facilities, and follow the year-month-day format.
export documents. This year is therefore a pivotal time These requirements may necessitate adjustments to the original
for food entrepreneurs to verify their GACC registration, artwork, especially for packaging with limited space for label
review product information, and revise labels in advance. information. Exporters should therefore review and revise their
These measures can help prevent errors, minimize artwork before the new regulations take effect to minimize the risk
subsequent label and document revisions, and avoid of last-minute packaging revisions.
potential delays in exports to China.
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