Statutory guidance

Import of rendered fats, not intended for human consumption, for purposes outside the feed chain - Import Information Note (IIN) ABP/10B

Published 2 December 2024

1. 1. General information 

This Import Information Note (IIN) must be read in conjunction with the IIN for general information for imports of animal by-products (ABPs), which provides information on pre-notifications, veterinary checks, risk categories and more. 

References to European Union (EU) legislation within this document are references to direct EU legislation which has been assimilated in Great Britain (assimilated direct legislation), as defined in the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 and can be viewed on the UK legislation website. 

2. 2. Scope  

Import conditions for rendered fats, not intended for human consumption, for purposes outside the feed chain. 

Rendered fats are defined in Regulation (EU) 142/2011 as either:

• fats derived from the processing of animal by-product
• products for human consumption which an operator has destined for purposes other than human consumption

2.1 In the case of rendered fats destined for the production of biodiesel 

The rendered fats must only be derived from Category 1, 2, and 3 materials referred to in Articles 8, 9 and 10 of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009. 

2.2 In the case of materials destined for the production of renewable fuels referred to in point J of Section 2 of Chapter IV of Annex IV of Regulation (EU) 142/2011 

The rendered fats must only be derived from Category 2 or Category 3 materials referred to in Articles 9 and 10 of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009. 

2.3 In the case of rendered fats destined for organic fertilisers and soil improvers  

The rendered fats must only be derived from Category 2 materials referred to in Articles 9(c), (d) and (f)(i) and Category 3 materials referred to in Article 10, other than 10(c) and 10 (p) of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009. 

2.4 In the case of rendered fats destined for other purposes  

The rendered fats must only be derived from Category 1 materials referred to in Article 8(b), (c) and (d) and Category 2 materials referred to in Article 9(c), (d) and (f)(i) and Category 3 materials referred to in Article 10, other than 10(c) and 10(p) of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009. 

3. 3. Production standards 

The rendered fats must have been obtained, produced and stored in accordance with the requirements of Annex XIV, Chapter II, Section 9 of Regulation (EU) 142/2011. 

The rendered fats must be processed by processing method 1 (pressure sterilisation) or in accordance with one of the other processing methods referred to in Annex IV, Chapter III of Regulation (EU) 142/2011. 

In the case of rendered fats from ruminant origin, insoluble impurities in excess of 0.15% by weight must be removed. 

The rendered fats must be permanently marked before shipment in accordance with Annex XIV, Chapter II, Section 9(d) and Annex VIII, Chapter V, point 1(b) of Regulation (EU) 142/2011. 

4. 4. Country of origin 

Imports are permitted from trading partners listed in a document published by the Secretary of State, with the consent of the Scottish and Welsh Ministers for:

• non-EU countries
• EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries 

4.1 In the case of fish materials

The rendered fats must come from countries listed in Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/626. 

4.2 In the case of other materials

The rendered fats must come from countries listed in the document for fresh meat of ungulates. 

5. 5. Approved establishments 

Products must be produced in an establishment approved to export to Great Britain (GB). Importers should check prior to importation that the premises are listed on the correct list.  

Find consolidated lists of approved plants (excluding the EU) 

Find approved EU ABP establishments

If the establishment or plant is not listed, importers are urged to contact the company concerned, who should contact their competent authority immediately. If the plant is not included on the appropriate list when veterinary checks are carried out the consignment is likely to be held and could be rejected and re-exported or destroyed.

6. 6. Health certification or documentation 

Imports to GB must be accompanied by the appropriate health certificate based on the GB model health certificate. 

Model health certificates for fats

This requirement applies to products in the high and medium risk categories. Find information about import risk categories, inspection rates and related rules for animals and animal products imported from:

• the EU to GB

• non-EU countries to GB 

7. 7. Labelling requirements 

The packaging or containers must bear labels indicating “NOT FOR HUMAN OR ANIMAL CONSUMPTION”. 

8. 8. Monitoring of the products to an approved premises 

Following the veterinary checks provided for in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1715, and in accordance with the conditions laid down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/1666, the animal by-products must be transported directly from the BCP under Customs procedures to either an approved or registered establishment or plant. 

9. 9. Animal feed requirements 

Animal feed plays an important part in the food chain and has implications for the composition and quality of the livestock products (milk, meat and eggs) that people consume. The legislation applies principally to feed for farmed livestock, but also covers feed for horses, pets, farmed fish, zoo and circus animals and creatures living freely in the wild. You must ensure that any imported material that could be used as animal feed complies with the relevant legislation. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for drawing up the rules on the composition, labelling and marketing of animal feed. Further information about these rules and guidance to compliance with them can be found on the Food Standards Agency’s website. Enquiries about its application to your particular activity should be directed to your local authority’s trading standards department.

10. 10. Contact for further information  

For more information about import requirements, contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) imports team:

Centre for International Trade - Carlisle
Eden Bridge House
Lowther Street
Carlisle
CA3 8DX

Email: imports@apha.gov.uk 

Telephone: 03000 200 301