Statutory guidance

Import of gelatine and collagen for human consumption - Import Information Note (IIN) BLGC/1

Published 2 December 2024

1. General information 

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

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. Scope 

Import conditions for gelatine and collagen for human consumption. This note does not provide the import conditions for gelatine capsules.  

Gelatine is defined as natural, soluble protein, gelling or non-gelling, obtained by the partial hydrolysis of collagen produced from bones, hides and skins, tendons and sinews of animals. 

Collagen is defined as the protein-based product derived from animal bones, hides, skins and tendons manufactured in accordance with the relevant requirements laid down in Regulation (EC) 853/2004. 

3. 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

Gelatine and collagen derived from bovine, ovine, caprine, porcine and equine animals may only be imported from the countries listed in the document for fresh meat of ungulates or from South Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan or Taiwan. 

Gelatine and collagen derived from poultry may only be imported from the countries listed in the document for poultry and poultry products or from Taiwan. 

Gelatine and collagen derived from fishery products may only be imported from the countries or regions that are listed in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2019/626. 

Gelatine and collagen derived from leporidae and from wild land mammals other than ungulates may only be imported from the countries or regions listed in the document for meat of wild leporidae, of certain wild land mammals and of farmed rabbits. 

There is no requirement for gelatine and collagen to come from a country with an approved residue plan. 

4. Approved establishments 

Imports must come from 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 food 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. 

5. Health certification or documentation 

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

Find model health certificates for gelatine and collagen intended for human consumption

This requirement applies to animal products in the high and medium risk categories. Find import risk categories for animals and animal products imported from:

• the EU to GB
• non-EU countries to GB

6. Special arrangements for the United States of America (USA)

The health certificate for gelatine derived from ruminant bones and/or pig skins of USA origin and intended for human consumption are referred to in Annex A of Decision (EC) 2003/863. 

The health certificate for collagen derived from bovine hides and/or pig skins of USA origin and intended for human consumption are referred to in Annex B of Decision (EC) 2003/863. 

• Model Certificate GBHC162 for gelatine derived from ruminant bones or pigskins, intended for human consumption, intended for dispatch from the USA
• Model Certificate GBHC163 for collagen derived from bovine hides and/or pigskins, intended for human consumption, intended for dispatch from the USA 

7. Health and identification marks 

The products referred to above must bear an identification mark in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EC) 853/2004. The mark must be applied before the product leaves the establishment.  

Wrapping and packaging containing gelatine must bear the words “GELATINE FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION” and must indicate the date of minimum durability. 

Wrapping and packaging containing collagen must bear the words “COLLAGEN FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION” and indicate the date of preparation. 

8. 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