Regulatory framework
Decree 977/96 (Sanitary Regulation of Food), Law 20.606 (composition and nutritional information) and complementary SEREMI regulation.
Mandatory nutritional labeling
Energy contribution, macronutrients, sodium and total sugars per serving and per 100 g/ml.
"High in" warning octagons
Black octagonal symbol required for products that exceed sodium, sugar, saturated fat and calorie limits.
Sanitary registration · when it applies
Not all foods require prior registration. Obligation depends on category: supplements, infant products and modified formulas do require it.
Audits and enforcement
SEREMI conducts random inspections at warehouses, retail and horeca. Observations may lead to product withdrawal from the market.
Key facts
- Body
- SEREMI de Salud · Ministry of Health
- Main framework
- Decree 977/96 · Law 20.606
- Official site
- minsal.cl
- Possible octagons
- Sodium · sugars · saturated fats · calories
Frequently asked questions
Do all imported foods require SEREMI registration?
No. Most processed mass-consumption foods (pastas, oils, flours, snacks) do not require prior registration but must comply with labeling and composition. Supplements, infant products and sensitive categories do require registration.
How many octagons can a product carry?
Up to four: HIGH IN sodium, HIGH IN sugars, HIGH IN saturated fats, HIGH IN calories. Each applies if the product exceeds the limits per 100 g/ml serving.
Must labels be in Spanish?
Yes. Labeling must be in Spanish, without prejudice to additionally including other languages. Adhered labels (stickers) are accepted as long as they are indelible, legible and do not obscure mandatory information.
What happens if I sell without complying with labeling?
SEREMI may order immediate product withdrawal from the market, apply fines and prohibit future commercialization until corrected. In serious cases, cargo seizure.
Who approves the label design?
No prior SEREMI approval is required for most categories (except mandatory sanitary registration). The importer is responsible for compliance; inspections happen post-launch.