Regulations & Stanadards

About Global Sustainable Development

The objectives of sustainable development are deeply connected to our daily lives — from ending poverty to reducing food waste. At their core, these goals are about people.

The most intuitive dimension of sustainability is the relationship between humanity and the natural environment: addressing climate change, protecting marine ecosystems, and transforming consumption patterns to preserve natural resources for future generations.

At the 70th anniversary of the United Nations in 2015, the landmark document "Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" was adopted as a global call to action, centered on five interconnected pillars: people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership. The Agenda sets out a vision for a world, by 2030, free from poverty and hunger — one defined by dignity, justice, and tolerance, where the natural environment is protected and human well-being is secured for both present and future generations.

Sustainable development has long been embedded in European policy. The UN General Assembly's adoption of the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 gave this commitment global momentum. The European Union is firmly committed to maximizing the impact of the SDGs across all member states.

Viewed through the lens of integration and diversity, the SDGs offer a multidimensional framework for global progress — one that weaves together three core pillars: economic growth, social progress, and environmental protection. This shift in perspective is not the responsibility of governments and corporations alone; global citizens, too, can drive systemic change through their consumption choices, communication, and everyday actions.

Global Stricter Requirements

For decades, the European Union has treated sustainable development as a foundational principle of policymaking. Following the adoption of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy (EU SDS) in 2001 and the establishment of Sustainable Development Indicators (SDIs), the EU has progressively embedded sustainability into its regional and industrial policies — a process that began as early as the 1990s and was formalized in 2000 with the official release of the SDI monitoring framework.

As EU policy has evolved, the overarching strategic framework has shifted from the "Europe 2020 Strategy" to the comprehensive "European Green Deal," complemented by initiatives such as the "Farm to Fork Strategy." Together, these policies advance climate neutrality, food system transformation, and circular resource use. In its post-pandemic recovery plan, the European Commission affirmed that all major investments must align with the principles of green transition and the SDGs.

On carbon reduction, the EU has committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This includes significant reductions in transport-sector emissions, driven by carbon pricing, infrastructure investment, and technological innovation to accelerate the shift to low-carbon fuels and transport modes — including electric vehicles. Related measures include phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, internalizing environmental costs, and promoting sustainable mobility.

Overall, the EU's sustainable development framework has advanced from early planning to full institutional integration. Implementation is currently carried out jointly by all 27 member states and their relevant institutions, reinforced through cross-sectoral policy coordination and a robust regulatory architecture. Building on this foundation, the EU continues to align with the 2030 Agenda, driving transformation across food, energy, transport, and industry to meet future climate and public health challenges.

In July 2017, the European Sustainable Development Network (ESDN) published its 45th quarterly report — "The Status of European Legislative Bodies in Implementing the 2030 Agenda and SDGs" — examining progress across 10 European countries.

ESDN is a network of government officials and sustainability experts from across Europe, headquartered in Vienna, Austria. Its mission is to support European countries in developing and implementing sustainable development strategies. Established in 2002 as an annual forum, ESDN has since evolved into a permanent online network. In 2006, it established a Steering Group (currently comprising seven countries) and a permanent ESDN Office, and has published quarterly reports since May of that year.

The European Commission has also established a Multi-Stakeholder Platform to facilitate structured dialogue with the European Parliament and other key stakeholders.

In March 2017, the Finnish government published a comprehensive report covering all sustainability-related activities across its legislative and parliamentary branches, enabling annual review of SDG implementation progress by responsible agencies. Since 2004, the German Federal Parliament has engaged with SDG principles, formally establishing the Parliamentary Advisory Council on Sustainable Development in February 2014. In December 2016, Greece — through the General Secretariat of the Government (GSG), the highest body responsible for SDG integration — pledged to align its executive and legislative powers toward the SDGs. Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a working group on SDG matters in 2013, which was transformed into a Standing Sub-Committee on the Implementation of the 2030 SDGs in September 2015, tasked with establishing performance benchmarks and guiding public decision-making toward the SDGs.

About the Codex Alimentarius

The Codex Alimentarius — also known as the "Food Code" — is a collection of international standards, guidelines, and codes of practice designed to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the global food trade. It serves as the coordinating framework for all international food standards work and is recognized under the WTO's Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures as the primary international reference standard.

Established in 1963 by the FAO and WHO, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) currently has 165 member countries, representing approximately 98% of the global population. Its standards guide countries in building national food safety systems, reducing non-tariff trade barriers, and resolving trade disputes. The Codex covers food product standards, biotechnology specifications, pesticide evaluation and residue levels, contaminant guidelines, food additive evaluations, and veterinary drug assessments.

FAO's Work in Support of Codex

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized UN agency leading international efforts to eliminate hunger. Together with the World Health Organization (WHO), FAO established the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) in 1963 under their Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. The programme's core objectives are to protect consumer health, ensure fair practices in food trade, and harmonize food standards across intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

A.A. regularly references the Codex Alimentarius — alongside related FAO and WHO scientific guidance on food safety — throughout its evaluation and selection process, and updates its database to reflect the latest revisions to the Code.

A.A.'s Application of the Codex Alimentarius

A.A. applies the fundamental principles of global food safety governance rigorously, ensuring consumer protection at every level of the certification process. This includes the scope and use of food additives, food labeling requirements, and pesticide and veterinary drug residue standards.

We believe that as health awareness continues to grow, more people will come to recognize the value of simple, natural, additive-free food — and what the body truly needs. By returning to the purest and most authentic forms of nourishment, we can contribute to a better world for generations to come.

Click here to view the latest version of the Codex Alimentarius Standard.

 

Just as water can bear a boat, it can also swallow it. For a long time, the same paradox has applied to the food we rely on for sustenance.

Scientific and technological progress has brought numerous conveniences and innovative breakthroughs to modern society, significantly improving our quality of life. However, the double-edged nature of technology has led to the creation of certain contemporary products that inadvertently run counter to the fundamental goal of benefiting human society.

Food Remains the Most Indispensable Element Throughout Human History.

Since the 18th century, artificial additives have been developed to prolong the shelf life of food and enhance its flavor profiles. Undoubtedly, the use of these additives has offered significant convenience and generated unforeseen business opportunities, driving economic development.

To claim that humanity has never considered the safety of food additives would be self-deluding. The more pressing issue, however, is that people often knowingly accept—or are simply too busy to scrutinize—the potential perils of additives in their food, choosing instead to overlook them. With the chronic, unconscious consumption of excessive and unhealthy chemical additives, we inevitably lose the authentic taste of food and compromise our physical and mental well-being due to the cumulative toxic burden on our bodies.

This is the Paradigm A.A. Has Been Striving to Shift Over the Past Few Years.

We are committed to curbing the overuse of technological and chemical additives. Concurrently, we seek to reward conscientious manufacturers dedicated to crafting products using naturally sourced ingredients. To this end, A.A. consistently monitors, complies with, and aligns itself with international food-related regulations (e.g., Codex Alimentarius, E-Numbers, etc.).

Our objective is to preserve the pure taste of food and safeguard human health in an era where distinguishing truth from falsehood can be challenging. While absolute perfection cannot be guaranteed, we dedicate our full strength and energy to this goal, without ever compromising our ethical standards.

— Past, Present, and Future, Our Commitment Remains Unwavering —

Detailed Regulations of the Codex Alimentarius

The following standards and guidelines serve as A.A.’s foundational reference criteria for evaluation. Acting as a guardian of the food industry, we view every international regulation as a critical element that cannot be overlooked:

Codex Standard

A. General Standard for Food Additives
Guidelines For The Development Of Maximum Levels For The Use Of Food Additives with Numerical Acceptable Daily Intakes.

CODEX STAN 192-1995（Reference）

This annex is intended as guidance to screen proposals for the use of additives, based on the consideration of their maximum use level and the physiological upper limit to the amount of food and drink that can be consumed each day. The Annex is not intended for allocating provisions for the use of an additive and cannot be used for calculating accurate additive intakes.

  • Food Additives - Basic Principles for Calculation of Use Levels

    Reference to criterion 1

  • Estimation of the Safety Aspects of Use Levels - Food Additives with No Numerical ADI

    Reference to criterion 2-3

  • Estimation of the Safety Aspects of Use Levels - Food Additives with Numerical ADI

    Reference to criterion 4

  • (a) Food Additive Uses in Solid Food (FS)

    Reference to criterion 5-9

  • (b) Food Additive Uses in Beverages (FL)

    Reference to criterion 10-14

B. General Standard for the Labelling of Food Additives When Sold as Such

CODEX STAN 107-1981（Reference）

This standard applies to the labelling of “food additives” sold as such, whether by retail or otherwise, including sales to caterers and food manufacturers for the purpose of their businesses. This standard also applies to food “processing aids”; any reference to food additives includes food processing aids.

C. Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling

CODEX STAN CAC/GL 2-1985（Reference）

To ensure that nutrition labelling is effective in:

  • Providing consumers with information about foods so that informed dietary choices can be made;

  • Providing a standardized means of conveying information regarding the nutrient content of a food on the label;

  • Encouraging the use of sound nutritional principles in the formulation of foods, which would benefit public health;

  • Providing the opportunity to include supplementary nutrition information on the label.

Furthermore, it aims to ensure that nutrition labelling does not describe a product or present information about it in any manner that is false, misleading, deceptive, or insignificant. Finally, it is to ensure that no nutrition claims are made without a corresponding nutrition label.

D. General Guidelines on Claims

For the purpose of these guidelines, a claim is any representation which states, suggests, or implies that a food has particular characteristics relating to its origin, nutritional properties, nature, production, processing, composition, or any other quality.

CODEX STAN CAC/GL 1-1979（Reference）

  • These guidelines relate to claims made for a food irrespective of whether or not the food is covered by an individual Codex Standard.

  • The principle upon which the guidelines are based is that no food should be described or presented in a manner that is false, misleading, or deceptive, or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its character in any respect.

  • The person marketing the food should be able to justify the claims made.

E. General Methods of Analysis for Food Additives

CODEX STAN CXS 239-2003（Reference）

Codex Guidelines

A. General Principles for the Addition of Essential Nutrients to Foods

These Principles are intended to apply to all foods to which essential nutrients are added, excluding vitamin and mineral food supplements, without prejudice to the provisions in Codex standards and guidelines for foods for special dietary uses.

CODEX STAN CAC/GL 9-1987（Reference）

The Principles take into consideration provisions in the Codex Nutritional Risk Analysis Principles and Guidelines for Application to the Work of the Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CAC Procedural Manual), where applicable.

A.A. evaluates nutritional supplements applied to products based on the following scope of this principle:

  • General Principles
    Reference to 3.1-3.5

  • Principles for Specific Types of Addition of Essential Nutrients
    Reference to 4.1-4.3

    Furthermore, A.A. applies Codex Alimentarius guidelines as the benchmark for reviewing product categories involving animal and plant derivatives, encompassing product content, raw materials, and manufacturing processes.

Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) / Risk Management Recommendations (RMRs)

MRLs / RMRs
Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and Risk Management Recommendations (RMRs) for Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

CODEX STAN CX/MRL 2-2018（Reference）

List of Abbreviations

  • ADI: Acceptable Daily Intake

  • ARfD: Acute Reference Dose

  • BMD: Benchmark Dose

  • BMDL: Confidence Limit for BMD

  • bw: Body Weight

  • CAC: Codex Alimentarius Commission

  • CCPR: Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues

  • CCRVDF: Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

  • EDI: Estimated Daily Intake

  • GEADE: Global Estimated Acute Dietary Exposure

  • GECDE: Global Estimated Chronic Dietary Exposure

  • JECFA: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives

  • JMPR: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Meeting on Pesticide Residues

  • LOAEL: Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level

  • NOAEL: No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level

  • LOQ: Limit of Quantification

  • mADI: Microbiological Acceptable Daily Intake

  • MRL: Maximum Residue Limit

  • RMR: Risk Management Recommendation

  • TMDI: Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake

As outlined above, A.A. references the regulatory frameworks established by highly credible international organizations. We place equal emphasis on the safety and welfare of consumable plants and animals within the food chain. This includes establishing evaluation criteria based on EFSA’s animal welfare standards and its guidance on the use of feed additives.

 About EFSA

EFSA is a European agency funded by the European Union that operates independently of the European legislative and executive institutions (Commission, Council, Parliament) and EU Member States.

It was established in 2002 following a series of food crises in the late 1990s to serve as a source of scientific advice and communication regarding risks associated with the food chain. The agency was legally established by the EU under the General Food Law – Regulation 178/2002.

EFSA's science-based, independent, transparent, accountable, and collaborative management principles are executed through integrated global strategies designed to establish a comprehensive food safety policy from farm to fork. This allows EU policymakers to develop appropriate decisions on direct and indirect food chain issues and subsequent policy development for identified potential risks.

Recognizing the EU's stringent animal welfare standards, A.A. strictly adheres to the following codes of conduct and declarations, thereby setting rigorous benchmarks for the products we evaluate:

Animal-based Measure

  • Statement on the Use of Animal-Based Measures to Assess the Welfare of Animals

    The overall aim of the work outlined in this statement is to help establish a common framework for future scientific opinions dealing with the use of animal-based measures to assess the welfare of animals. The statement is mainly intended to support the work of EFSA, and a list of considerations for experts working on these future scientific opinions is presented.

    (References to articles 2. and 3.1. to 3.4.)

EU Regulatory Framework

Furthermore, in daily life and within the food industry, consumers often overlook the presence of additives in livestock feed and agricultural practices. Therefore, in the interest of public health, A.A. places significant scrutiny on feed additives used for animals and plants destined for human consumption. Our evaluation references the following guidelines:

Feed Additive

Feed additives are products used in animal nutrition to achieve an effect on the feed itself, on the animals, on food products obtained from the animals consuming the feed additive, or on the environment. For instance, feed additives are used to enhance the flavor of feed, to meet the need for certain nutrients, or to increase the performance of animals in good health.

The Role of Codex in Animal Feed

Guidance on the renewal of the authorisation of feed additives – 2021

This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in the preparation and the presentation of an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the renewal of the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition.

Guidance on the assessment of the safety of feed additives for the environment – 2019

This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in the preparation and the presentation of an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the authorisation of additives used in animal nutrition. It specifically covers the assessment of the safety for the environment.

Guidance on the characterisation of microorganisms used as feed additives or as production organisms – 2018

This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in the preparation and the presentation of an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition. It specifically covers the characterisation of microorganisms used as feed additives or as production organisms.

Guidance on the identity, characterisation and conditions of use of feed additives – 2017

This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in the preparation and the presentation of an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition. It specifically covers the identity, characterisation and conditions of use of the additives.

Guidance on the assessment of the safety of feed additives for the target species – 2017

This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in the preparation and the presentation of an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition. It specifically covers the assessment of the safety for the target species.

Guidance on the assessment of the safety of feed additives for the consumer – 2017

This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in the preparation and the presentation of an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition. It specifically covers the assessment of the safety for the consumer.

Revision of the currently authorised maximum copper content in complete feed - 2016

Regarding the EU's Updated Regulations on the Export and Sale of Animals, Animal-Derived Products, and Composite Products to the EU

Historically, the European Union used the percentage of animal-derived content (e.g., above or below 50%) as a primary criterion to determine whether composite foods required border inspections and sanitary certificates. However, following the implementation of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/625 on April 21, 2021, the classification of composite foods shifted to a risk-based approach, where "containing processed meat" is now evaluated as a distinct standard.

Additionally, on April 21 and April 26, 2021, the EU notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding updated regulations for exporting products to the EU. This included guidelines for low-risk, shelf-stable, and non-meat composite foods that may be exempt from official border controls. Please refer to the annexes for detailed specifications regarding the lists of animals, animal-derived products, animal by-products, and composite foods subject to official border control measures.

For industries intending to export and sell animal-derived composite foods to the EU, it is imperative to ensure that these foods are manufactured exclusively using products sourced from EU member states or from specifically approved processed animal-derived products authorized for EU export.

Attachment Files Related to Animal and Plant Medicine:

Update: 09/18/2023

Relevant European Parliament and Council Regulations on Cosmetics and Consumer Products

The European Parliament and the Council have established numerous regulations related to cosmetics and consumer products to ensure consumer safety and product quality. In particular, these regulations stipulate that all cosmetics must be manufactured according to the harmonized standards set forth in ISO 22716 Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Furthermore, with the full implementation of the EU Anti-Greenwashing Directive in 2026, regulations strictly require manufacturers to provide recognized scientific evidence to support their environmental and natural claims on product packaging.

Additionally, EU cosmetic regulations provide a strict set of rules for cosmetic labeling, allowing consumers to easily identify ingredients and understand usage instructions. This is vital for ensuring product safety and efficacy. To address environmental challenges, the latest amendments incorporate strict limits on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), requiring that no single PFAS substance in a product exceed 25 ppb. Finally, continuously updated EU cosmetic regulations refine and improve key principles, further strengthening consumer protection by prohibiting endocrine disruptors and intentionally added microplastics.

The European Union regulates cosmetics through Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, the primary regulatory framework governing finished cosmetic products. This regulation establishes strict labeling requirements, including a Product Information File (PIF) demonstrating the intended effect. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products undergo expert scientific safety assessments prior to market entry—particularly monitoring for newly regulated fluorinated chemicals—and must register with the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP).

Over time, the regulation has been amended several times to strengthen cosmetic safety and ensure compliance with the latest toxicological standards up to 2026. Furthermore, the EU has published updated guidance on determining claims related to cosmetics based on the Harmonized Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) of ISO 22716. Currently, the CPNP system, the Popular List of Cosmetic Ingredients (Appendix on Restricted and Prohibited Substances), and the GMP system based on ISO 22716 are fully operational, with added compliance requirements for sustainable packaging materials.

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009

The European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on Cosmetics (Revised), issued on November 30, 2009, is the main regulatory framework for finished cosmetics placed on the EU market. It simplifies procedures, unifies terminology, reduces administrative burdens and ambiguities, and strengthens certain elements of the cosmetics regulatory framework to ensure a high level of protection for human health. Leading into 2026, the Regulation ensures a high level of alignment between human health and environmental protection by incorporating the REACH regulation's proposals on PFAS restrictions.

ISO 22716

ISO 22716 is the international GMP standard for the cosmetics manufacturing industry, providing guidance for production, control, storage, and transport. With the global emphasis on chemical risk management, the implementation of this standard has become a key foundation for companies to prove that their products are free of illegally added PFAS or other contaminants. It covers all aspects of the supply chain, ensuring that every stage—from raw materials to finished products—meets strict quality standards.

Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP)

CPNP is an online notification system used to implement EU Regulation 1223/2009. It is a mandatory threshold for products entering the European market, requiring the submission of comprehensive technical information. In response to the latest regulatory requirements, manufacturers must use this platform to confirm that their products comply with the ingredient restriction list coming into effect in 2026, ensuring product compliance under a digital monitoring system.

CMR Substance Ban

The EU has passed the latest revisions banning the use of 15 newly added CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction) substances in cosmetics. As of May 1, 2026, products that do not comply with these new regulations must be withdrawn from the market. 

Update: 05/19/2026

Sustainable Chemicals Management: PFAS Restriction Order Progress

In response to global concerns regarding "forever chemicals," the European Union's ECHA published its final scientific opinion on the Universal PFAS (uPFAS) Restriction proposal on March 26, 2026. This regulation targets not only cosmetic formulations but also significantly affects packaging materials and fluoropolymers (such as PFA and PTFE) used in industrial production.

Strict Testing Standards and Thresholds:

From 2026 onward, products and their components must meet extremely stringent limit standards:

  • Single PFAS substance: Not exceeding 25 ppb (μg/kg).

  • Total PFAS substances: Not exceeding 250 ppb (μg/kg).

  • Total fluoride content threshold: Not exceeding 50 ppm (mg/kg). (If this limit is exceeded, the manufacturer must provide proof that the fluoride source is not PFAS).

Key Materials and Transition Period Regulations: For PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy)—an indispensable material in semiconductors, high-voltage electronic components, and medical devices—the official recommendation currently offers a 5- or 12-year transitional exemption period. However, for general consumer products and cosmetics, France has already implemented bans and restrictions starting January 1, 2026.

Declaration Principles and Anti-Greenwashing Directive: With the full implementation of the EU's Anti-Greenwashing Directive in 2026, all claims regarding "natural," "additive-free," or "zero pollution" must comply with six core principles: legal compliance, authenticity, evidentiary support, honesty, fairness, and transparency. Companies must ensure their products not only meet cleanliness standards in terms of ingredients but also possess verifiable scientific data to support their environmental claims, fulfilling the highest international compliance requirements of 2026.

Update: 05/19/2026

Food-Related Laws and Regulations Across Various Jurisdictions

EU：European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

United Kingdom：Food Standards Agency

Japan：Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare（ホーム｜厚生労働省）

America：Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Korea：Ministry of Health and Welfare（보건복지부／保健福祉部）

Taiwan：Ministry of Health and Welfare（衛生福利部／衛福部）

Malaysia：Ministry of Health (KEMENTERIAN KESIHATAN / MOH)

China：Ministry of Health（中华人民共和国卫生部）

Australia & New Zealand：Ministry of Health

Hong Kong：Department of Health（衞生署 / DH）

Germany

Update: 03/08/2022

Downloads for Other Categories of Regulations

Cosmetic

Permanent Chemicals

Update: 05/17/2026