What are the key EU food labeling requirements?

Under EU Regulation 1169/2011, food labels must include: • The legal name of the food • Ingredient list with allergen emphasis • Nutritional information per 100g or 100ml • Net quantity in metric units • Best-before or use-by date • Country of origin (where required) • Name and address of the EU-based Food Business Operator (FBO) We help you update labels for multi-country compliance and translation.

What is EFSA’s role in food import regulation?

EFSA provides the scientific basis for EU food safety standards, including ingredient limits, additive approval, and hygiene practices. While EFSA doesn’t conduct inspections, its guidance defines what’s legally allowed in EU markets.

Can I import food into the EU without a local entity?

No. You must appoint an Importer of Record (IoR) to take responsibility for customs and regulatory compliance. We act as your IoR across all EU countries.

What documentation do I need for customs clearance in Europe?

Typical required documents include: • Commercial invoice and packing list • Certificate of origin or EUR.1 • Customs declaration (SAD form) • Health certificates (for POAO) • Tariff classification codes (CN codes) We prepare and review all required documentation for smooth border entry.

What types of food require additional certification?

High-risk categories like meat, dairy, seafood, and composite products may require veterinary or sanitary documentation, CHED forms, and TRACES NT processing. We guide you through it.

What happens if a food or beverage product is not compliant with EU regulations?

• EU Border Control Post (BCP) may reject or detain shipments • Regulatory agencies may issue fines or require product re-labeling • Non-compliant products may face costly recalls or removal from shelves • Reformulation or additional documentation may be required

How do I import organic food into the EU?

To import organic food into the EU, you must: • Obtain EU organic certification approved under Regulation (EU) 2018/848 • Ensure compliance with organic production and labeling standards • Verify approved organic supply chains and import documentation • Meet additional customs and SPS checks for organic imports

Import Food to the EU: Compliance & Logistics Guide

Importing food into the EU

Importing food and beverage products into the European Union (EU) requires compliance with EU food safety regulations, labelling laws and customs requirements to ensure market approval and prevent shipment delays. The EU enforces strict food import rules under Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 and EFSA food safety frameworks.

Without full compliance, your shipment could face:

Border detentions and delays at customs
Rejection due to incorrect labels or health certifications
Retail refusal or distributor rejection
Loss of market access or regulatory penalties

Key regulations for food, beverage and supplement imports

1. General Food Law Regulation (EC) No 178/2002

This regulation establishes the principles of food safety in the EU, including traceability, risk analysis and the responsibilities of food businesses.

2. Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Applies to foods not consumed to a significant degree in the EU before 15 May 1997. A pre-market authorisation is required for these products.

3. Food Supplements Directive 2002/46/EC

Regulates vitamin and mineral supplements, requiring permitted ingredient lists, proper labelling and safety evaluations.

4. Food Information to Consumers Regulation (EU) 1169/2011

Sets the labelling rules accepted across all EU countries, including the ingredient list, allergen declarations and the nutrition table per 100g or 100ml.

How to import food into the EU

Step 1: Classify your product

Determine whether your product is a conventional food, beverage, supplement or novel food.

Step 2: Check ingredient compliance

Verify that all ingredients are approved for use in the EU. Ingredients not previously consumed may require a novel food application.

Step 3: Ensure proper labelling

Labels must be in the language of the target market and include:

Name of the product
Ingredient list
Allergen information
Nutrition information (if required)
Country of origin (where required)

Step 4: Appoint an EU-based importer

Foreign brands without an EU entity must appoint an Importer of Record to legally import regulated goods. For supplements, an EU-based responsible person must ensure product compliance.

Step 5: Check national requirements

Some countries (e.g. Italy, France) require food supplements to be notified to the national authority before market entry.

Step 6: Customs and logistics

Obtain an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number and work with experienced customs brokers and freight forwarders. Typical customs paperwork includes:

Commercial invoice, packing list and customs codes
CHED-D or CHED-P health documentation (if applicable)
Certificate of origin, EUR

1 or movement certificates.

High-risk and organic foods

Certain organic products and high-risk foods require additional documentation and safety verification before import approval:

Health certification for meat, dairy and seafood imports
CHED submission and TRACES NT system support
Monitoring of the EU high-risk food list and required documentation
Pre-import approval for restricted or regulated food products

How Global Import Agent can help

We help you navigate EU food and supplement regulations so your products meet legal, safety and documentation standards before entering any of the 27 EU member states. We support:

EU Importer of Record (IoR) services
EU food and supplement labelling compliance (Regulation 1169/2011)
Multilingual label formatting for cross-border sales
EFSA ingredient and additive assessment
CHED/health certificate preparation for high-risk foods
EU customs documentation and CN code classification
Ongoing label monitoring and regulatory change updates
Market entry support for Amazon EU, retailers and distributors

Our service: EU food and beverage import support

Import Food to the EU: Complete Compliance & Logistics Guide