Expanding your food product globally is one of the most rewarding and challenging steps a brand can take. But in the race to go international, there’s one common pitfall that can stall even the most promising product: labeling compliance. The US, EU, and UK each have their own detailed labeling laws, and even small mistakes can lead to rejections at customs, product recalls, or consumer mistrust. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create a single label (or label system) that satisfies regulators, builds consumer trust, and helps you grow across borders with confidence. Whether you’re a startup entering e-commerce or a legacy brand expanding into new regions, this article is your roadmap. Why Global Food Label Compliance Matters Getting your labeling right isn’t just about checking a box — it’s about building a reputation. When your label is non-compliant, you could face: But when your label is done right? In short, label compliance is no longer a side task. It’s a growth lever. What’s Common Across All Markets Despite the regional differences in rules, there’s a shared global foundation every label must follow. These common elements help ensure that your product is clear, traceable, and informative no matter where it’s sold: Universal Labeling Elements: These elements form the core compliance block. But each region adds its own flavor. Regional Breakdown: US vs EU vs UK Labeling Rules Understanding the key regulatory bodies and what they require is the first step to global readiness. United States (FDA) European Union (EFSA Rules) United Kingdom (Post-Brexit) Comparison Table: US vs EU vs UK Feature USA (FDA) EU (EFSA) UK (FSA) Nutrition Panel “Nutrition Facts” black-and-white Tabular with energy + nutrients EU format (for now) Allergen Display Listed separately in plain terms Emphasized in ingredient list Same as EU Additives Naming Name + function (no E-code) Class + E-number + name Same as EU Font Size 1/16 inch (~1.6 mm) 1.2 mm or 0.9 mm Same as EU Units Imperial (optional metric) Metric only Both metric and imperial allowed Language English only Local language required English only Health Claims Pre-approved or qualified EFSA-approved only UK-specific version of EFSA list Best Practices for Creating a Globally Compliant Label Instead of building 3 entirely separate labels, the key is to create a flexible, modular design that works across regions with minor changes. 1. Use Dual Units Always include both metric and imperial — e.g., “Net Wt: 12 oz (340 g)” — to instantly cover US, EU, and UK without confusion. 2. Highlight Allergens Visibly Bold, underline, or colorize allergens in the ingredient list. This satisfies EU/UK rules and is helpful for US consumers too. 3. List Additives with Both Name and Code Example: “Citric Acid (E330)” — acceptable across all markets and adds trust. 4. Include QR Codes for Smart Labeling QR codes are a powerful way to provide extended or localized information: 5. Standardize Layout Across SKUs Design templates where core elements stay fixed, and you simply swap out: 6. Don’t Overpromise Avoid unsubstantiated claims like “superfood,” “cures fatigue,” or “boosts immunity” — unless explicitly allowed. 7. Use a Compliance Tool Early Manual label creation invites error. Use AI-based tools to automate compliance checks and formatting. Common Labeling Mistakes to Avoid Even experienced teams get tripped up by: Bonus: Platform-Specific Requirements Platform Region(s) Labeling Must-Haves Amazon Global Clear nutrition, allergens, country of origin Walmart US UPC, FDA label, manufacturer address Whole Foods US “Clean label” policies — no artificial additives Tesco UK Compliant UK address and allergen format Carrefour EU Multilingual label and EFSA-approved claims Want to sell on these platforms? Start with your label. FoodCompli Can Help You Get It Right At FoodCompli, we’ve built tools designed for modern food businesses who don’t want to spend weeks decoding regulatory PDFs. Here’s how we help: All powered by AI. No guesswork. No regulatory jargon. Create Your Label → Conclusion: Labels That Build Trust & Get You Listed Food labeling is no longer just about regulation — it’s about consumer experience, brand trust, and global readiness. With accurate and region-specific labels: Whether you’re launching in Whole Foods, shipping to Europe, or selling across multiple online marketplaces — FoodCompli makes global labeling simple. Don’t leave compliance to chance. Make it your edge. FAQs Q: Can I use the same label for all countries? A: Not exactly — but you can use a modular format where you keep 80–90% consistent and adjust the claims, addresses, and formatting for each region. Q: Are QR codes allowed or recommended? A: Absolutely. QR codes are now widely accepted and encouraged — especially in multilingual, small-format, or e-commerce packaging. Q: What happens if I sell a product with a non-compliant label? A: You could face customs delays, import bans, fines, or product recalls. It also damages consumer and retailer trust. Want peace of mind? Use FoodCompli’s AI tools to stay ahead of global compliance. Try FoodComli AI Tools →
How to Apply for FSSAI Registration Online (2025) – Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction Whether you’re launching a home-based snack venture, running a small café, or exporting gourmet pickles overseas, obtaining your FSSAI registration is the very first—and non-negotiable—step toward building a credible, compliant food business in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) serves as the national watchdog for all things edible: from raw ingredients and additives to packaged products and catering services. Without the proper registration or license, you not only risk hefty penalties and legal hassles but also lose out on consumer trust and market access. Why FSSAI Registration Matters What You’ll Learn in This Guide By the end of this step-by-step walkthrough, you’ll have the confidence—and the complete checklist—to submit a flawless FSSAI application online. Let’s dive in! What Is FSSAI Registration? Before you begin the online application, it’s crucial to understand what you’re applying for—and which category fits your business. FSSAI issues two main types of authorizations: Registration vs. License: What’s the Difference? Aspect Basic Registration State License Central License Annual Turnover ≤ ₹12 lakh ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore > ₹20 crore Application Fee ₹100/year ₹2,000–₹5,000/year (state-wise) ₹7,500–₹75,000/year (slab-based) Validity 1–5 years 1–5 years 1–5 years Inspection Required Generally no Possible state-level audit Mandatory central-level audit Risk Profile Low Medium High Tip: If you’re just starting and fall under the basic-registration criteria, go for the ₹100-per-year option to dip your toes in compliance without a heavy financial commitment. You can always upgrade to a state or central license as your business scales. Why Choose the Right Category? Eligibility & Documents Required Before you log into the FoSCoS portal, ensure you have the right documents on hand and that you meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen category. Gathering and preparing these files in advance will save you time—and reduce the risk of application rejections. 1. Eligibility Criteria Recap 2. Master Document Checklist Document Who Needs It File Format & Size Form A / Form B All applicants PDF; ≤ 2 MB Proof of Identity(Owner/Partners/Directors) All applicants PDF/Image (JPG/PNG); ≤ 1 MB Proof of Address(Premises & Applicant) All applicants PDF/Image; ≤ 1 MB Photo of Food Business Premises All applicants JPG/PNG; ≥ 500×500 px; ≤ 1 MB List of Food Products All applicants PDF; plain text list Blueprint / Layout Plan of Premises State & Central License only PDF; architect’s drawing Food Safety Management Plan (FSMS) State & Central License only PDF; HACCP or ISO 22000 plan Proof of Turnover(CA Certificate / ITR) State & Central License only PDF; current financial year Partnership Deed / MOA & AOA Partnership firms / Companies PDF; registered document Authority Letter In case of consultant filing on your behalf PDF; signed by proprietor/director Affidavit (if applicable) When premises is rented or consent needed PDF; notarized 3. How to Prepare & Organize Your Files 4. Final Pre-Submission Checklist With these documents organized and verified, you’re now ready to create your FoSCoS account and begin the step-by-step application. Step 1: Setting Up Your FoSCoS Account The Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal—https://foscos.fssai.gov.in your one-stop gateway for all FSSAI registrations and licenses. Follow these steps to create your account and lock in your user credentials. 1. Navigate to the Portal & Choose “New User Registration” 2. Fill in Kind of Business (KoB) First of all you’ll have to select your Kind of business from the list given on the Portal Upon selecting the KoB, on the next page you’ll automatically see which kind of registration or license (State/Central) your business is eligible to apply for. 3. Fill in the Application Form and Upload Documents You’ll get to the page with the required form you’d need to submit, automatically depending your KoB. Just fill in the details about your business, products & upload the required docs. 5. Review & Submit Initial Registration You should see a confirmation screen saying “Registration Successful” along with your FoSCoS User ID. Note this down—the system will also email it to you. 6. Logging In for the First Time You’re now inside the FoSCoS dashboard, ready to start your application under “My Applications”. Step 2: Tracking Your Application & Common Troubleshooting After submitting, your application enters the review queue of the relevant Food Safety Authority. Here’s how to track its progress and what to do if you hit a snag. 1. Monitoring Application Status Tip: If your application remains in “Under Process” beyond the average window, prepare to follow up proactively (see troubleshooting below). 2. Responding to “Additional Info Required” If the authority flags missing or incorrect information, you’ll see your status change to “Additional Info Required”, along with a comment. Here’s how to handle it: 3. Common Issues & Fixes Issue Cause Solution OTP Not Received Network/SMS filter issues Resend OTP; try a different mobile number if issue persists. Invalid File Type / Size Error Wrong format or oversized document Convert to PDF/JPEG; compress with Smallpdf or similar. Mismatch in Name/Address Details on application don’t match documents Upload an affidavit or explanatory letter; correct fields via “Additional Info.” Payment Status Stuck on “Pending” Bank challan delay; gateway glitch Wait 48 hours for challan; contact support if online payment failed. Login Failure After Registration Incorrect credentials / expired link Use “Forgot Password”; check email for activation link. Application Rejection Without Clear Reason Rare system glitch or incomplete remark File a grievance via the portal’s “Contact Us” or write to state FSSAI authority with your Reference No. Pro Tip: Keep a log (spreadsheet or simple doc) of each action you take—date of upload, remarks, and follow-up dates—so you can reference it in any escalation. 4. Downloading Your Certificate Once your application status shows “Approved,” you can download your FSSAI certificate: Reminder: Your certificate will show the Validity Period (e.g., 01-JAN-2025 to 31-DEC-2027). Note this for timely renewal. 5. Renewal & Amendments Step 3: Key Takeaways & Printable Checklist To recap, here are the essential milestones for your FSSAI online registration journey—print this and keep it by your desk as you work through each step: ✅ Task Details /