Key Points:

• To sell Shelf-Stable Food and Beverages, you may need to submit documentation through the Qualification Center. 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 policy outlines the requirements for selling Shelf-Stable Food and Beverages on TikTok Shop.

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.
This policy applies to the following shelf-stable product types. This list is non-exhaustive.
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, 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

• 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 USDA FSIS
• Infant formula
• Food additives not approved by the 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

You may be required to pass category qualification to sell Shelf-Stable Food and Beverages. This process requires submitting documents proving you are qualified to sell these products.
In addition, you are responsible for:

• Ensuring shelf-stable food and beverage products, including packaging and labeling, comply with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes, but is 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 identity food claims. Claims such as gluten-free, sugar-free, or allergen-free must be verified and supported by evidence.

Detailed requirements are listed in the sections below. Open each section to view what is needed.

Manufacturers, Importers, And Repackers

1. Proof Of FDA Registration, cGMP Certification, or GFSI Recognized Certificate

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.

cGMP Certification

Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) are regulated by the FDA. It ensures 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
  • See FDA's cGMP Regulations for more information

GFSI-Recognized Scheme CertificateAccepted 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

If you are applying to sell dietary supplements as a reseller, you 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. The invoice 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 your shop’s compliance with this 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 your category qualification application
• Deducting points from your account health
• Removing product listings

For more information on enforcement actions, see our Seller Enforcement Policy. If you'd like to appeal an enforcement action, visit the Appeals section.

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How to Submit Your Documentation

Submit your documentation via the Qualification Center in Seller Center. Click here or follow these steps:

1. Log into your Seller Center account.
2. Click your shop icon in the top right corner.
3. Go to My Account > Account Settings.
4. Select Qualification Center.
5. Click on Category Qualification.
6. Click Add Category Authorization and follow the prompts to submit your application.
   

How To Address A Category Qualification Rejection

If your application is rejected, you’ll receive a message explaining the reason. Most rejections are due to missing documentation. Review this policy to make sure you’ve met all requirements.
You can view your rejection message by:

• Clicking the bell icon at the top of your Seller Center homepage to go to your inbox
• Opening the rejected application in the Qualification Center.

To re-apply:

1. Go to the Qualification Center, then click Category Qualification.
2. Click the rejected category to view the rejection reason.
3. Review the related category policy to confirm what’s needed
4. Update or replace your documentation to meet the category’s requirements.
5. Click Resubmit to submit your revised application.