Key Points:

• To sell Shelf-Stable Food and Beverages, sellers may need to submit documentation through the Qualification Center (the portal where sellers submit documents). Requirements vary depending on your role as a seller.
• For help with the review process and rejection handling, see Your Guide to Category Qualification.

This document outlines the requirements for selling Shelf-Stable Food and Beverages on TikTok Shop. These rules are in place to ensure food safety for customers and help sellers meet important legal standards. Shelf-stable food and beverages are also subject to our Restricted Products Policy and Product Quality Policy. Sellers must comply with this document, the Restricted Products Policy, and the Product Quality Policy when listing shelf-stable food and beverages.

Shelf-Stable Food and Beverages

Shelf-stable food and beverages can be stored safely at room temperature and do not require refrigeration until after opening.
These requirements apply to the following non-exhaustive list of shelf-stable product types.
Cooking Staples

• Oils, sugar, salt, vinegar
• Beans and legumes
• Spices and herbs
• Pasta and noodles

Baking Supplies

• Flour and baking mixes
• Breadcrumbs
• Baking powder and baking soda
• Yeast
• Butter and margarine
• Condensed or evaporated milk
• Cream and creamers
• Food coloring and flavoring
• Cake decorations

Pantry Foods

• Breakfast cereals, granola, muesli, and porridge
• On-the-go and instant cereals
• Instant noodles, rice, and hotpot meals
• Canned and packaged foods
• Nut butters
• Kimchi and pickled vegetables
• Chutneys and jellies

Snacks

• Fruit and nut bars
• Protein and energy bars
• Biscuits, cookies, and crackers
• Chocolate and sweets
• Cheese and savory snacks
• Gum
• Dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and jerky
• Dried seafood or vegetables
• Popcorn and snack pastries
• Snack gift packs

Milk and Dairy Products

• Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk
• Non-dairy milk
• Dried milk solids
• Whey powder
• Freeze-dried cheese

Prohibited Products

The following food and beverage products are not allowed on TikTok Shop:

• Products containing meat from countries or facilities not approved by the US Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS)
• Infant formula
• Food additives not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Flavor enhancers
  • Colorings
  • Flavorings
  • Extracts
  • Sugar
  • Sweeteners
• Homemade food or beverage products
• Products packaged in non-durable containers, such as wrappers or carry-out boxes

Requirements To Sell Shelf-Stable Food and Beverages

Category qualification, which may require submitting documentation to demonstrate eligibility, may be required to sell shelf-stable food and beverages.
Sellers are also responsible for:

• Ensuring shelf-stable food and beverage products, including packaging and labeling, comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to:
  • Nutrition Labeling and Education Act
  • Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
  • Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
• Providing complete, accurate, and up-to-date product information for all listings
• Complying with laws and regulations governing food identity claims, and ensuring claims such as gluten-free, sugar-free, or allergen-free are substantiated and supported by appropriate evidence

Additional requirements are provided in the sections below.

Manufacturers, Importers, And Repackers

Sellers applying to sell shelf-stable food and beverages that they manufacture, import, or repack must submit the following documents:

1. Proof Of FDA Registration, cGMP Certification, or Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Recognized Certificate
   1. FDA Registration

Manufacturers, importers, and repackers may need to submit one of the following:

• A third-party FDA registration verification letter, or
• A screenshot from the FDA registration portal

The document must show:

• Physical address of the establishment
• Operation type of registered establishment
• Active FDA registration at the time of submission
• If submitting a screenshot, it must clearly show it is from the FDA website

For third-party letters:

• The verifier’s name and contact information must be clearly stated.
  2. cGMP Certification

Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), which is regulated by the FDA, ensures the proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities.

Requirements include:

• The certificate must not be expired at the time of submission
• It must confirm compliance with 21 CFR Part 117, which covers good manufacturing practices for human food.
  • See FDA's cGMP Regulations for more information
  3. GFSI-Recognized Scheme Certificate

Accepted certificates include:

• SQF
• BRCGS
• FSSC 22000
• Other internationally recognized food safety certifications

Requirements:

• Certificate must be valid and not expired

2. Sample Food Label
   

Manufacturers, importers, and repackers may be required to submit a food label sample that includes:

• Images of the principal display panel and information panel
• The following required information:
  • Product name
  • Net weight
  • Nutrition facts
  • Ingredient list
  • Allergen declarations (if applicable)
  • Name and address of the manufacturer or distributor

Resellers

Sellers applying to sell shelf-stable food and beverages as a reseller may be required to submit the following documents:

1. Purchase Invoice

Resellers may be required to submit a legible purchase invoice issued by the product’s manufacturer, which must include:

• Supplier company name and address
• Clear product description matching the listing
• Issued within the last 365 days
• Written in a language supported by TikTok Shop

2. Sample Food Label
   

Resellers may be required to submit a food label sample that includes:

• Images of the principal display panel and information panel
• The following required information:
  • Product name
  • Net weight
  • Nutrition facts
  • Ingredient list
  • Allergen declarations (if applicable)
  • Name and address of the manufacturer or distributor

Enforcement Actions and Appeals

We regularly review shops for compliance with this document, our Restricted Products Policy, and our Product Quality Policy. If any violations are identified, TikTok Shop may take enforcement action at our sole discretion. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Rejecting category qualification application
• Deducting points from your Account Health Rating (a metric that measures seller performance)
• Removing product listings
• Revoking your access to offer products for sale
• Issuing refunds to customers

For more information on enforcement actions, refer to our Seller Enforcement Policy. To appeal an enforcement action, visit the Appeals section for guidance.