How to Import Canned Food from China to Latin America

Introduction

Are you a food importer or supermarket buyer in Latin America thinking about launching your own brand of canned vegetables or ready-to-eat meals?

Perhaps you've found Chinese suppliers with great prices—but you're not sure how to handle label regulations, registration, or private label packaging.

You're not alone. Many first-time importers from Mexico, Chile, Colombia, or Brazil face the same questions:

• What should I include on the label?
• Will customs approve my product?
• Do I need to register the brand name?

This guide is your step-by-step introduction to importing canned food from China—created specifically for Latin American B2B buyers and private label beginners.

Key Regulatory Authorities by Country

Before you start the registration process, it’s important to know which government agency is in charge of food safety and labeling in your country. Here are the main regulatory bodies across Latin America:

Working with a supplier who understands how to prepare documents for these agencies can save you time and avoid costly rejections.

Step 1: Choose a Reliable OEM Partner in China

Before you think about registration, the first step is choosing the right OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partner. Look for:

• BRC / HACCP / FDA certifications
• Proven export experience to Latin America
• Support for small MOQ & private brand packaging
• In-house label design & language adaptation

Pro Tip: Choose a supplier who already understands regulatory differences across LATAM markets. This saves weeks of trial-and-error.

Step 2: Understand Required Documents for Label Registration

In most Latin American countries (Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, etc.), your product must be registered with health authorities before entering the market.

Your Chinese supplier should provide:

• Ingredient list (English + Spanish/Portuguese)
• Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
• Production process description (HACCP-based)
• Health Certificate & Free Sale Certificate
• Draft label mockup (with batch number, origin, net/drained weight)

Your local agent or importer will submit these documents to government agencies such as COFEPRIS (Mexico), INVIMA (Colombia), or ANVISA (Brazil).

Approval may take 2–8 weeks depending on the country.

Step 3: Design a Compliant Food Label

Here are the must-have elements on your canned food label:

Also, some countries (Mexico, Chile, Brazil) now require Front-of-Pack Warning Labels such as:

• "ALTO EN SODIO"
• "ALTO EN AZÚCAR"
• Octagonal black symbols if nutritional thresholds are exceeded

A reliable supplier like Kingstar will help you pre-check if your formula needs a warning symbol.

Step 4: Register Your Private Label or Use OEM Brand

You have two options:

1. Use your own private label (e.g., "Mi Marca")
2. Use the supplier’s existing registered brand (e.g., "RealWow")

If using your own brand:

• Ensure the brand name is not already registered in your country
• Your local importer must submit the name/logo as part of the label review
• Make sure the label artwork matches your registration files

If you prefer a faster option, using the supplier's existing brand may simplify the first order.

Typical Timeline for First-Time Importers

Here’s a general timeline of what to expect when launching your first private label canned food product from China:

Total Estimated Time: ~10–14 weeks from start to shelf.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Many first-time importers run into delays or unexpected costs. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• ❌ Incomplete Label Elements → Missing allergen info or wrong weight units can cause rejections
• ❌ Untranslated Text → Labels not fully in Spanish/Portuguese will be rejected by customs
• ❌ Unauthorized Health Claims → “Boosts immunity” or “no preservatives” without proof may violate local laws
• ❌ Brand Conflicts → Using a name already registered locally may block your registration
• ❌ Last-Minute Design Changes → Altering the label after registration can invalidate your approval

Pro Tip: Always finalize compliance review before you go to print.

Bonus: Download Our Free EN/ES Label Compliance Checklist

We’ve created a bilingual checklist (English + Spanish) that shows exactly what your label needs to include for Latin American regulations.

Ready to Start? We’re Here to Help

Kingstar Food is a certified food manufacturer and OEM partner with over 27 years of export experience. We specialize in:

• Canned vegetables, beans, tomato products, and potato chips
• Label compliance & trilingual design (EN/ES/PT)
• Small MOQ for private brands
• Door-to-port support & fast sampling

Contact us today at sales@kingstarfood.com
Let’s build your food brand together — the compliant, professional, and profitable way.

© 2025 Kingstar Food – Your Trusted OEM Partner from China.