تاريخ النشر · Jordan

China Food Safety Law Revision Opens for Public Comment: What Foreign Founders Should Know

China's market regulator has released a draft revision of the Food Safety Law for public comment through November 10, 2026. Foreign founders in food, beverage, import and distribution should note the deadline and the three channels for submitting feedback.

China Opens Public Comment on Draft Food Safety Law Revision

China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has published a draft revision of the Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China and is inviting comments from the public. The announcement, dated October 10, 2026, was issued by SAMR's Food Coordination Department. For foreign founders building or running food-related businesses in China, this is a timely opportunity to understand the direction of food safety regulation and, if relevant, to participate in the consultation process.

According to the notice, the draft was prepared to implement the guiding principles on food safety known as the "four strictest" requirements, and to protect public health and safety. The consultation is open to all interested parties, including companies and individuals. The deadline for submitting feedback is November 10, 2026.

Why This Matters for Foreign Founders

Food safety compliance sits at the core of any food, beverage, import, retail or distribution business in China. A revision to the Food Safety Law can affect how products are registered, how supply chains are managed, and what obligations apply to operators. Even at the draft stage, the consultation signals where regulators are focusing attention.

Foreign founders do not need to wait for the final text to take the process seriously. There are practical reasons to engage now:

• Timing: The comment window closes on November 10, 2026. Any feedback must be submitted before that date through the official channels.
• Scope: The consultation covers the draft revision itself and an accompanying explanatory note on the proposed changes, both listed as attachments to the announcement.
• Procedure: Submissions are made directly to SAMR, not through local bureaus, which means the process is centralized and time-bound.

For companies that import, manufacture, distribute or sell food products in China, reviewing the draft and its explanatory materials is a sensible first step. Founders with operations in China may also want their local compliance teams to assess whether any proposed change touches their product categories or business model.

How to Submit Comments: Three Official Channels

SAMR has set out three ways to provide feedback. Each requires attention to formatting so that submissions are properly identified and processed.

1. Online Submission via the SAMR Website

Comments can be submitted through the official SAMR website at http://www.samr.gov.cn. On the homepage, users should go to the "Interaction" section and then to the "Solicitation Survey" area to file their comments. This is likely the most accessible route for foreign founders and their China-based teams.

2. Submission by Email

Feedback may be sent by email to [email protected]. The notice asks that the subject line of the email clearly state that the message concerns the public consultation on the draft revision of the Food Safety Law. Using the exact subject wording requested helps ensure the submission is routed correctly.

3. Submission by Post

Written comments can be mailed to the Food Coordination Department of SAMR at No. 9 Madian East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Postal Code 100088. The envelope should be marked to indicate that it contains comments on the public consultation for the draft revision of the Food Safety Law. Founders using this route should allow for delivery time before the November 10 deadline.

What the Announcement Includes

The notice lists two attachments: the draft revision of the Food Safety Law (consultation version) and an explanatory document describing the proposed revisions. Together, these materials form the basis for the consultation. Foreign founders considering a submission should review both, since the explanatory note typically sets out the rationale and scope of the changes.

The announcement was published on October 10, 2026, giving interested parties roughly one month to review the materials and prepare comments. That is a short window for larger organizations, so internal review should begin promptly.

Practical Steps for Foreign Founders

Based on the notice alone, founders can take several concrete steps:

• Confirm relevance: Determine whether your business activities in China fall within the food sector, including import, production, distribution or retail.
• Download and review the attachments: Read the draft revision and the explanatory note referenced in the announcement.
• Prepare comments: If you identify provisions that affect your operations, draft clear, specific feedback. The notice invites modification suggestions from companies and individuals.
• Choose a channel and submit before the deadline: Use the website, email or postal address above, and follow the required subject line or envelope marking.
• Keep records: Retain copies of submissions and delivery confirmations, particularly for postal or email routes.

It is important to note that the announcement does not itself change any legal obligations. It opens a consultation on a draft. The final content of any revision, and its effective date, will be determined through the official process. Founders should treat the draft as an indicator of regulatory direction rather than as binding law.

Watching the Process

Foreign founders operating in China's food sector should monitor SAMR's website for the outcome of the consultation and any subsequent publication of a final revision. Because the notice is issued by the central regulator, updates are likely to appear through the same official channels. Companies with China-based compliance or government affairs functions may wish to assign responsibility for tracking developments.

For founders still planning market entry, the consultation is also a useful reminder that food safety regulation in China is actively evolving. Building compliance review into the early stages of company setup, product registration and supply chain design can reduce friction later.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Need help registering or operating a company in China? Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp or WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for practical support with company registration and ongoing operations in China.