European Union Market Entry Support

Key Regulators

Regulatory Framework

The European Union operates under a harmonised food law framework, with EFSA providing scientific risk assessment and the European Commission enforcing standards across 27 member states.

EFSA

European Food Safety Authority — provides independent scientific advice on food safety, Novel Foods, and additive approvals.

EU FIC

Food Information to Consumers Regulation — sets mandatory labelling, allergen declarations, and nutrition display rules across the EU.

Common Failure Points

Where Exporters Often Face Delays

Novel Food authorisation — new or non-traditional ingredients require pre-approval before entering the EU market
Ethylene Oxide and contaminant thresholds — strict EU maximum residue limits (MRLs) often flagged at border inspections
Additive and flavouring restrictions — substances approved outside the EU may be banned or restricted under EU Regulation 1333/2008
Sustainability and deforestation compliance — new EUDR requirements demand traceability and due diligence for specific commodities

Labelling Rules

EU Food Information Requirements

The EU FIC Regulation (1169/2011) requires clear ingredient listings, allergen emphasis (bold/contrast), nutrition declarations, origin labelling for certain products, and legible font sizes. Country-specific language requirements may also apply.

Note: The EU is transitioning to mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling (Nutri-Score is being considered). Exporters should monitor developments and plan for phased compliance.

How We Support

Food Globalized's Role in Your EU Entry

Food Globalized helps assess market feasibility, review regulatory alignment, identify labelling and additive risks, and prepare a clearer export pathway into the EU.

Ingredient and Novel Food status review

Regulatory gap assessment against EU FIC and food safety standards

Labelling and claim compliance review

Structured next steps for a lower-risk entry pathway

EU at a Glance

Primary Regulator

EFSA — European Food Safety Authority

Key Legislation

EU FIC (1169/2011), EUDR, Novel Food Regulation

Labelling Requirement

Language of the destination country, mandatory nutrition declaration