Request a Demo1. Legal framework
As the fundamental law applicable to all food products in Macao, it regulates food safety supervision, management, prevention, control, and response measures for food safety risks, as well as the handling mechanism for food safety incidents to protect public health and safety.
This law outlines the compliance requirements for food imports, including import permits, import declarations, inspections and quarantines, etc.
Enforcement Rules of The Foreign Trade Law
This Rules provides explanations and supplementary details for the Foreign Trade Law.
Subordinate regulations specifying detailed requirements for food compliance, such as:
……
2. Competent authority
Competent Authority | Responsibility |
Executive Council (GCE) | Formulate food regulations and executive instructions |
Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) |
|
3. Market access requirements
3.1 Import permit
As per the Foreign Trade Law, Macao implements a permit system for the import of certain food products. If food products fall under the categories specified in Table B (group A+infant formula in group B1) of the trade commodity list, they require an import permit before entry.
Categories specified in Table B (group A+ infant formula in group B1) include:
Meat and meat products
Aquatic products
Dairy products
Eggs
Ice cream
Edible insects
Infant formula (Group B1)
……
Importers must apply to the authority for an import permit. The competent authority must make a decision on the application within three working days, unless otherwise specified. An import permit is issued for a single use and valid for thirty days from the date of issuance, unless otherwise indicated on the permit. The permit is issued in five copies, marked as A, B, C, D, and E. After issuance, the authority retains copy A, while the importer must submit copies B, C, D, and E to customs. Customs retains copy C and forwards the remaining copies to the respective authorities specified on each. Import permits are non-transferable and cannot be traded. Any quantities exceeding the amount listed on the permit or not covered by the permit are not allowed for import.
3.2 Import declaration
For food products not subject to import permit, importers must submit an import declaration to customs. The declaration is in triplicate. After verification, customs retains copy A, provides copy B to the relevant authority, and returns copy C to the operator. The declaration is valid for ten working days. Upon the importer’s request, customs may accept alternative documentation, such as a manifest, bill of lading, airway bill, or packing list, as a substitute for the declaration. In such cases, importers must submit the declaration electronically within ten working days following the importation.
During the importation, to verify the import permit or declaration, customs may request additional documents to ensure the accuracy of the provided information. Besides, customs may sample the goods for inspections or more detailed monitoring.
3.3 Import Sanitary and Phytosanitary Control
According to the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Control, certain food products must undergo sanitary and phytosanitary assessment at the border or other designated locations upon entry into Macao. The assessment includes animal and plant quarantine, which may involve random sampling, batch testing, and/or other methods specified by the Municipal Affairs Bureau to ensure compliance with relevant standards.
Food products subject to sanitary and phytosanitary control include:
Meat and meat products
Aquatic products
Dairy products
Infant formula
Fresh fruits and vegetable
Ice cream
Pet food with animal origins
……
4. Product Compliance
4.1 product requirements
Food products exported to Macao must meet the following product requirements:
Item | Provision |
Food additives | |
Nutrients (applicable to infant formula） | |
Contaminants and toxins | Maximum Level for Heavy Metal Contamination in Food |
Microorganisms | Pathogenic Microorganisms Limits in Dairy Products |
Pesticide and veterinary drug residues | |
Prohibited substances |
4.2 Labeling
Food products exported to Macao shall comply with labeling requirements specified in the Labeling Requirements on Foods for Consumers.
Mandatory labeling items include:
Product name
Ingredients (including food additives)
Expiration date
Country of origin
Name and address of the importer
Volume
Batch number
Mandatory when applicable: special conditions for storage, instructions for use, etc.
While nutrition information and food allergens are not mandatory (except for infant formula, which must include nutritional information), it is recommended to include them for consumer’s reference.
* Global Food Compliance Service
We provide various market entry services to help stakeholders better understand exporting requirements, establish business and secure a competitive place to facilitate trade development.
Covered Countries
China, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand etc.
Our Services
Food Ingredient Review
Label Review
Product Registration
Regulatory Consultation
Monitoring, Training and customized report
Please feel free to contact us via food@chemlinked.com if you need any help.
