Seller Onboarding Requirements for Food and Beverages
Food and beverage products require an invite-only onboarding via the TikTok Shop Seller Centre (often under Qualification Centre or when attempting to list in the category).
Key required documentation typically includes:
- Food Business Operator (FBO) Registration: Mandatory under UK law. Register your business with your local council (free, at least 28 days before selling). Provide the confirmation PDF or reference. Valid FSA hygiene ratings are also accepted as proof. For details, visit the UK Government Guidance on food business registration.
- HACCP Plan or Awareness: Manufacturers/processors often need to demonstrate Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles for identifying and controlling hazards (biological, chemical, physical). TikTok may request evidence, especially for processed or higher-risk items.
To strengthen your application and demonstrate compliance:
- Complete recognised food hygiene training (e.g., Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene and Safety).
- Add HACCP-specific certification for better approval chances.
- Skilltopia offers UK-recognised, online courses to help:
- Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2 – Minimum standard for most food handlers.
- Food Hygiene and Safety Level 3 – Ideal for supervisors, owners, or higher-risk setups.
- HACCP Level 2 – Essential for understanding safety management plans.
- HACCP Level 3 – Advanced for manufacturing oversight.
- Level 2 Food Handler Bundle – Includes hygiene + allergy awareness.
- Level 3 Food Supervisor Bundle – Comprehensive for business leaders.
UK Food Regulations Overview
Since 1 January 2021, the UK has applied an amended version of the EU Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation under the Food (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/529. Rules differ slightly between Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) and Northern Ireland.
For distance selling (online like TikTok Shop):
- Mandatory food information must be available at the point of sale (product page via text, images, attributes) and at delivery (on packaging or accompanying docs).
Scope: “Food” includes any consumable substance (processed or unprocessed). Pre-packed foods (sealed before sale, contents unalterable without opening) have strict labelling rules.
Mandatory Labelling for Pre-Packed Products
Information must be in English, clear, legible, and meet font size rules. Provide on the product detail page and physical label:
On Product Detail Page (and Physical Label):
- Legal name of the food
- Net quantity (weight/volume)
- Durability: “Best before” (longer shelf life) or “Use by” (perishable/high-risk)
- UK-based FBO name and address
- Full ingredients list
- Allergen information (or statement if none)
- Country of origin (mandatory for certain foods like beef, honey, fish)
- Quantitative Ingredient Declaration (QUID) where needed
- Storage/usage instructions, warnings
- Nutritional information
Allergen Labelling: Highlight the 14 major allergens (from Annex II of Regulation 1169/2011) in the ingredients list (e.g., bold/uppercase):
- Cereals containing gluten (wheat, rye, etc.)
- Crustaceans
- Eggs
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Soybeans
- Milk
- Tree nuts
- Celery
- Mustard
- Sesame
- Sulphur dioxide/sulphites (>10mg/kg)
- Lupin
- Molluscs
Use “N/A” only if truly none present. Comply with Natasha’s Law for pre-packed direct sale foods.
Country of Origin:
- Mandatory for unprocessed meats, honey, etc.
- Disclose if misleading (e.g., primary ingredient from elsewhere).
- Accurate on the physical label.
Claims: Follow retained EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. No misleading claims on quality, benefits, or health. Prohibited: disease treatment/prevention claims. Nutrition claims (e.g., “low fat”) and health claims must meet strict conditions.
Product Detail Page Requirements
- Clear front/back packaging images (consistent with text)
- Text/attributes: ingredients, allergens (or non-applicable statement), HFSS status
- Upload actual product labels/photos – digitally rendered images rejected.
- For non-alcoholic drinks: ABV ≤0.5%; specific labelling rules for “Non-alcoholic”, “Alcohol-Free”, etc.
Unsupported/Restricted Food & Beverage Products
TikTok Shop prohibits:
- Alcoholic drinks (>0.5% ABV)
- Baby formula (powdered/liquid)
- Certain additives (e.g., potassium bromate, olestra)
- Other high-risk or non-compliant items
Check the full TikTok Shop Restricted Products Policy or contact your Account Manager.
Final Tips for Compliance
- Start with FBO registration and food hygiene/HACCP training.
- Ensure allergen declarations are prominent to avoid enforcement issues.
- Review TikTok’s Food and Beverage Listing Guidelines regularly.
- Use Skilltopia courses to build strong documentation for faster approvals.
Selling food on TikTok Shop can be rewarding, but compliance is key to avoiding rejections or removals. Get certified today and focus on growing your business!
Important Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. As a seller on TikTok Shop, you are fully responsible for ensuring your food product listings comply with current UK regulations (including retained EU laws like Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 and related amendments). Regulations can change, so regularly check official sources such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA), UK Government guidance, and TikTok Shop’s Seller Centre. We strongly recommend consulting legal counsel or a food compliance expert for your specific situation.
TikTok Shop has become a popular platform for selling food and beverages in the UK, from snacks and chocolates to supplements and non-alcoholic drinks. However, food & beverage items are classified as ‘Invite Only Products’, meaning you must complete an approval process before listing them. TikTok enforces strict rules to align with UK food safety laws, protect consumers, and avoid issues like those highlighted in recent BBC reports on missing allergen information.
