Complying with the law isn't optional: the difference between a trusted supplier and a risk to your business

In the world of buying and selling stock of leading brands, especially between wholesalers and importers, there is a reality few people talk about: not everyone complies with food regulations. And when that happens, the risk isn't only for the importer, but also for whoever buys from them.

As responsible importers, our priority isn't just to move product, but to guarantee that every batch leaving our warehouse complies with all the laws and regulations that protect consumer health and our customers' reputation.

The cornerstone: the RGSEAA

Everything starts with the Registro General Sanitario de Empresas Alimentarias y Alimentos (RGSEAA, Spain's general health register of food businesses and foodstuffs), governed by Real Decreto 191/2011 (Royal Decree 191/2011). Without this registration, it is not legal to operate as a food importer or wholesaler in Spain. This document certifies that the company is supervised by the health authorities and meets the conditions required to store, handle or distribute food.
💡 A wholesaler should always ask their supplier for this document.

Much more than a number on a piece of paper

Besides the RGSEAA, we comply with all the European and Spanish regulations that guarantee product safety, traceability and quality:

• Regulation (EC) 852/2004 and (EU) 2021/382 – Food hygiene and allergen control.
• Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 and (EU) 2022/1616 – Packaging and materials in contact with food.
• Regulation (EC) 2073/2005 – Microbiological criteria.
• Regulation (EC) 1333/2008 – Authorised food additives.
• Regulation (EC) 1169/2011 – Labelling and food information to consumers.
• Regulation (EU) 2023/915 – Maximum levels of contaminants.
• Ley 17/2011 (Spanish Law 17/2011) – Food safety and nutrition.

In our internal dossier, we also comply with the other specific regulations included in the quality commitment our customers require: Regulation (EC) 853/2004, Regulation (EC) 1935/2004, Regulation (EC) 2073/2005, Regulation (EC) 1333/2008, Regulation (EC) 450/2009, Regulation (EC) 37/2010, Ley 17/2011, Regulation (EC) 10/2011, Regulation (EU) 2021/77, Regulation (EU) 2022/1616, Regulation (EU) 2023/915, Real Decreto 773/2023, Regulation (EU) 2023/648, Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and Real Decreto 833/2014.

What happens when the rules aren't followed

Working with an importer that doesn't respect these laws can have serious consequences:

• Penalties and fines from the authorities.
• Product withdrawal from the market.
• Damage to the reputation of your business.
• Financial loss from goods that are detained or destroyed.

Our commitment

While the goods are in our warehouse, it is our responsibility to make sure they arrive in perfect condition and in full compliance with every regulation. When we hand them over to the carrier, the customer receives a product with guaranteed traceability, labelling and safety.
That is the difference between working with a reliable importer and one that just moves boxes without taking responsibility.

In short

At Red Paralela we believe that complying with the law isn't a burden but a competitive advantage. Because every time we protect the consumer, we also protect our customers' business.