Regulated products and processes

Outline of the authorisation process from 1 January 2021.

New applications

From 1 January 2021, new applications for the authorisation of a regulated food or feed product or process in GB should be made using a new regulated products application service which is being managed by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA). This new application service will allow one application to be submitted for assessment across GB.

Read our guidance for applicants.

Access the new regulated products application service.

Regulated products on sale in Northern Ireland will continue to be subject to EU application and authorisation procedures, under the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

As with current EU authorisation procedures, applications will undergo a risk assessment using established protocols. Risk assessments will be undertaken based on expert advice from independent technical experts, Scientific Advisory Committees, and Joint Expert Groups on a GB basis.

Get more information about the Scientific Advisory Committees and the Joint Expert Groups.

Based on the outputs of the risk assessment and analysis of other relevant evidence, FSS will provide risk management advice to Scottish Ministers for decision on authorisation in Scotland. FSA will be responsible for providing risk management advice to Ministers in England and Wales.

Authorisations will be completed via legislation.

Existing authorisations

For products and processes which have been authorised by the European Commission and where the necessary legislation is in place and applies by the end of the transition period, that authorisation will remain valid in the UK.

However, you will need to use the new regulated products application service to make changes to or renew an existing authorisation in GB.

Ongoing applications

Businesses that have submitted an application to the EU and have an interest in bringing the product to market in GB will need to submit a dossier through the regulated products application service. It would be helpful for us if you include your EFSA question number in your submission.

This applies to both new applications and re-authorisation applications.

More on this topic

Related

Post EU Exit

Changes to the regulatory and business environment.

Related

Guidance for regulated products applicants

Information about the authorisation of regulated products or processes in the UK.