The tool covers six major violation categories, with non-compliance fines reaching RMB 50,000 (约 $7,000 USD) per infraction under Article 125 of the Food Safety Law. Since GB 7718 was first issued in 2004 and revised in 2011, enforcement has tightened across all 31 provinces and import channels. In 2023 alone, customs authorities in Shanghai and Guangzhou rejected over 1,200 food shipments due to label defects, representing a 15% increase from the previous year.
How the Compliance Checker Works
The checker follows a three-phase audit workflow designed to mirror the customs inspection process. Phase 1 scans the label for all 13 mandatory elements required under GB 7718-2011. Phase 2 verifies that each element meets format and content specifications, including font size, language placement, and unit conversion. Phase 3 cross-checks claims such as “organic,” “low sugar,” or “high fiber” against the corresponding GB standards.
Each checkpoint is assigned one of three statuses: Pass, Warning, or Fail. A Fail status on any of the 5 critical checkpoints — such as missing Chinese language translation or incorrect net weight unit — automatically flags the label for revision before submission. The tool generates a downloadable compliance report that lists each checkpoint, its status, and the specific regulation reference. The entire audit takes approximately 15 minutes per label for experienced users.
The 13 Mandatory Label Elements — A Complete Checklist
The 13 mandatory elements represent the foundation of every compliant food label in China. Missing even one element guarantees customs rejection. Below is the full checklist used by the Compliance Checker.
| No. | Mandatory Element | Chinese Term (中文) | Requirement Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Product Name | 产品名称 (chǎnpǐn míngchēng) | Must reflect true nature of the food; no misleading names |
| 2 | Ingredient List | 配料表 (pèiliào biǎo) | Listed in descending order by weight |
| 3 | Net Content | 净含量 (jìng hánliàng) | Must use metric units (g, ml, L); dual unit optional |
| 4 | Producer/Importer Info | 生产者/进口商信息 (shēngchǎn zhě/jìnkǒu shāng xìnxī) | Name, address, and contact details in Chinese |
| 5 | Date Marking | 日期标示 (rìqī biāoshì) | Production date + shelf life; format: YYYY-MM-DD |
| 6 | Storage Conditions | 贮存条件 (zhùcún tiáojiàn) | Must match product stability requirements |
| 7 | Food Additives | 食品添加剂 (shípǐn tiānjiājì) | Listed by approved CNS/INS codes or names |
| 8 | Nutrition Facts Table | 营养成分表 (yíngyǎng chéngfèn biǎo) | Per GB 28050-2011 format; energy, protein, fat, carbs, sodium mandatory |
| 9 | Allergen Information | 过敏原信息 (guòmǐnyuán xìnxī) | 8 major allergens must be declared |
| 10 | Country of Origin | 原产国 (yuán chǎn guó) | Must be clearly stated in Chinese |
| 11 | Approval/Record Number | 批准/备案号 (pīzhǔn/bèi’àn hào) | For imported foods: CIQ registration number |
| 12 | Product Standard Code | 产品标准代号 (chǎnpǐn biāozhǔn dàihào) | Must reference applicable GB or QB standard |
| 13 | Language Compliance | 语言合规 (yǔyán hégui) | All mandatory text must appear in simplified Chinese; foreign language may accompany |
Each of the 13 elements is checked against format, placement, and content rules. For example, the Nutrition Facts Table must follow the exact “1+4” format — energy plus protein, fat, carbohydrates, and sodium — with optional additional nutrients listed in a prescribed order. The font size for Chinese characters must be no smaller than 1.8 mm in height, a requirement that causes frequent Warnings during audits.
Common Label Violations and Their Consequences
The Compliance Checker categorizes violations into six groups: language errors, format inconsistencies, missing data, incorrect claims, unit conversion errors, and additive labeling omissions. According to import records from 2023, over 40% of detained food shipments involved at least one label violation, with language errors alone accounting for 22% of all rejections.
Fines for non-compliance range from RMB 5,000 to RMB 50,000 per infraction under Article 125 of the Food Safety Law. Repeat violations can lead to suspension of import registration for up to six months. The total cost of a single label rejection — including storage, re-labeling, and re-inspection — typically exceeds RMB 20,000 (约 $2,800 USD) per shipment.
The 47 checkpoints in the tool are weighted by severity. Critical checkpoints, such as missing Chinese language text or incorrect allergen declaration, trigger an automatic Fail. Non-critical checkpoints, such as font size falling slightly below the recommended 1.8 mm height, receive a Warning and can often be corrected during production without full re-labeling. Checkpoint severity levels are derived directly from customs enforcement data collected across 12 major Chinese ports.
