Do You Need a HACCP Plan for TikTok Shop?
Yes – if you are a manufacturer or processor, TikTok Shop UK explicitly requires a HACCP plan as part of the onboarding/qualification process for food and beverage sellers. According to TikTok’s official Food and Beverage Listing Guidelines and Invite-Only Products policy:
- All food/beverage sellers must provide Food Business Operator (FBO) registration (with the local council).
- Food and beverage manufacturers must submit a HACCP plan to prove product safety from biological, chemical, and physical hazards.
This applies especially to processed, own-brand, or higher-risk items (e.g., snacks with multiple ingredients, supplements, or anything not just resold pre-packaged from certified suppliers). Resellers of shelf-stable, pre-manufactured products may sometimes get by with supplier certificates or FBO proof alone, but a HACCP plan strengthens your application and shows proactive compliance—reducing rejection risks.
TikTok enforces this to align with UK law, where most food businesses must implement HACCP-based procedures (even if not always a full formal plan for low-risk operations).
Do I Need a HACCP Certificate for TikTok Shop?
Not always a formal “certificate”, but proof of HACCP knowledge or a plan is often expected. TikTok’s policies refer to submitting a HACCP plan (for manufacturers) rather than mandating a specific certification. However:
- Many sellers report needing to upload evidence of HACCP training or certification during qualification.
- Third-party services and seller experiences (e.g., from compliance consultants) note that HACCP certification (e.g., Level 2 or 3) is “required” or highly beneficial for approval, especially to demonstrate you understand and apply HACCP principles.
- For resellers, a supplier’s HACCP certification (or link to their site) may suffice in some cases.
- TikTok may accept related proofs like ISO 22000 or food hygiene ratings, but HACCP-specific documentation stands out.
In practice, having a recognised HACCP qualification helps avoid delays—particularly after increased scrutiny on food safety (e.g., allergen issues reported in the media).
What Level of HACCP Do I Need for TikTok Shop?
TikTok does not specify an exact “level” in its public policies (requirements are assessed case-by-case via Seller Centre uploads). Based on UK standards and seller reports:
- HACCP Level 2 — The recommended starting point for most sellers. It covers understanding HACCP principles, identifying hazards, and basic implementation—sufficient for many low-to-medium risk products (e.g., snacks, non-perishables) and often enough to support your plan or approval.
- HACCP Level 3 — Better for manufacturers, supervisors, owners, or higher-risk items (e.g., processed foods, chilled products, or supplements). It includes advanced topics like developing full HACCP plans, verification, and management responsibilities—ideal if you’re producing or overseeing production.
Quick Recommendation:
- Resellers/dropshippers: Level 2 + FBO registration usually works.
- Manufacturers/own-label: Level 3 + documented plan for stronger compliance.
All Skilltopia HACCP courses are online, CPD-accredited, UK-recognised, and provide instant certificates to upload during qualification:
- HACCP Level 2 – Great entry-level training to understand and apply HACCP basics.
- HACCP Level 3 – Advanced for creating and managing effective plans.
- Pair with food hygiene for full coverage: Level 2 Food Handler Bundle or Level 3 Food Supervisor Bundle.
Other Useful Questions About HACCP for TikTok Shop
How do I create a HACCP plan? Follow the 7 Codex principles: Conduct hazard analysis, determine critical control points (CCPs), set limits, monitor, take corrective actions, verify, and record. Use FSA templates or training to build one. For low-risk reselling, a simple documented system may suffice.
What if I’m just reselling pre-packaged products? You may not need your own full plan—provide supplier HACCP proof, FBO registration, and hygiene ratings. But having personal HACCP training shows due diligence.
How long does approval take with HACCP docs? Varies, from days to weeks. Upload clear PDFs (plan summary, certificate) in the Qualification Centre. Incomplete docs lead to rejections.
Is HACCP mandatory under UK law for all food sellers? Not always a full formal plan for very low-risk (e.g., pre-packed reselling), but HACCP principles must be applied via a food safety management system (e.g., Safer Food, Better Business pack from FSA).
Can I sell supplements or non-alcoholic drinks without HACCP? Supplements often fall under stricter rules—HACCP plan/proof is commonly requested. Non-alcoholic drinks (≤0.5% ABV) follow similar requirements.
Where to check the latest requirements? Log in to TikTok Seller Centre> Qualification Centre> Attempt listing > See prompts. Refer to Food and Beverage Listing Guidelines and Invite-Only Products.
Final Tips for TikTok Shop Food Sellers
- Start with FBO registration (free via local council).
- Get HACCP training early—it’s quick, online, and boosts approval odds.
- Combine with food hygiene and allergy awareness for complete compliance.
- Upload actual documents (not templates) and ensure labels show allergens clearly.
Selling food on TikTok Shop can be lucrative, but safety comes first. Get HACCP-ready today and focus on creating viral content!
Important Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. As a TikTok Shop seller, you are responsible for ensuring full compliance with current UK food safety regulations (including retained EU laws like Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on food hygiene) and TikTok’s policies. Requirements can vary by product type, your role (e.g., reseller vs. manufacturer), and updates from TikTok or the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Always check the official TikTok Shop Seller Centre (Qualification Centre section), FSA guidance, and consult a food safety expert or legal advisor for your specific business.
TikTok Shop’s Food & Beverage category is invite-only in the UK, meaning you must get approved before listing snacks, beverages, supplements, chocolates, or similar products. A key part of this is demonstrating food safety management—often through HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
