Statutory guidance

Black-headed gulls: licence for retailers and restaurateurs to sell eggs (GL23)

Get a general licence to sell black-headed gull eggs for human consumption if you're a retailer or restaurateur.

Applies to England

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This licence lets you sell the eggs of black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) if you’re a retailer or restaurateur.

You must ensure the eggs are lawfully collected and have documentation to prove it.

You can sell the eggs (including hiring, bartering and exchanging) and advertise that the eggs are for sale.

You cannot sell eggs after 30 June in any year.

You do not need to apply for this general licence but you must meet its conditions and follow its instructions.

Published 1 January 2015
Last updated 1 January 2025 + show all updates

1 January 2025
Updated this licence to cover the period 1 January to 31 December 2025. Reworded several sections to make the information clearer. Updated 'Avian influenza' information and advice note.
1 January 2024
There is an update to this licence for 1 January 2024.
1 January 2023
Annual licence update, valid from 1 January 2023.
1 January 2022
Annual licence update, valid from 1 January 2022.
1 January 2021
Annual licence update.
23 November 2020
Accessible version of licence added - HTML.
1 January 2020
Replaced licence with new version issued 1 January 2020
1 January 2019
Replaced licence with new version issued 1 January 2019
1 January 2018
Replaced licence with new version issued 1 January 2018
1 January 2017
Replaced licence with new version issued 1 January 2017
1 January 2016
Replaced licence with new version issued 1 January 2016
1 January 2015
First published.