China Proposes Simplified Registration Procedures for Imported Health Foods

October 20, 2026

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has released a proposed revision to the country’s Food Safety Law that could simplify regulatory approval procedures for certain imported dietary supplements and health foods.

Released for public comment on October 10, 2026, the draft introduces changes to health food registration inspections, the review of imported products, and labeling requirements. The public consultation period closes on November 10, 2026.

According to an analysis published by HPA-Global partner CIRS Group, the proposed changes could improve registration efficiency and reduce certain regulatory barriers for international companies seeking access to China’s health food market.

Key Proposed Regulatory Changes

1. Risk-Based Registration Inspections

Under the proposed revision to Article 84, SAMR would conduct on-site registration inspections according to product risk classifications.

CIRS notes that this approach could allow lower-risk health foods, including products with relatively simple formulations and manufacturing processes, to undergo less extensive inspections.

If implemented, this could make the registration process more efficient while maintaining safety and quality requirements.

2. Simplified Registration for Certain Imported Health Foods

One of the most significant proposals concerns health foods imported into China for the first time.

Under current requirements, certain products manufactured domestically using ingredients included in China’s health food ingredient filing catalog can qualify for the simpler filing procedure. However, comparable products imported for the first time generally must undergo registration.

The proposed revision would allow simplified registration review and approval procedures for qualifying imported products containing catalog-listed ingredients, with an exception for products intended to supplement nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

For example, CIRS identifies coenzyme Q10 as an ingredient potentially affected by this change.

Importantly, the proposal would not automatically convert these imported products from registration to filing. Instead, it would allow their registration procedures to be streamlined.

3. Updated Health Food Labeling Requirements

The draft also proposes revised mandatory warning language for health food labels and instructions.

The new statement would read:

“Health foods are not drugs and cannot replace drugs in treating diseases.”

This would replace the existing warning that products cannot substitute for medicines.

If adopted, manufacturers and importers may need to revise their product labels, instructions, and supporting registration documentation to comply with the updated wording.

What This Means for the Industry

For international dietary supplement manufacturers, the proposed changes represent a potentially positive development in China’s regulatory environment.

Companies with products containing ingredients already recognized under China’s health food filing catalog could benefit from a more efficient registration pathway. Risk-based inspection requirements may also reduce unnecessary procedural burdens for qualifying products.

However, several important considerations remain.

The proposals are not yet final, and their practical impact will depend on the final legislation and subsequent implementing regulations. Companies should therefore avoid assuming that existing registration requirements have already changed.

International brands considering entry into China should review their ingredient eligibility, product classifications, registration strategies, and labeling requirements while monitoring the regulatory consultation process.

Businesses with an interest in these changes may submit comments to SAMR before the November 10 deadline.

HPA-Global will continue monitoring developments with its regulatory partners, including CIRS Group, to help international health product companies understand the potential implications for market access and compliance.

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