Statutory guidance

Import of raw materials for the production of gelatine and collagen for human consumption - Import Information Note (IIN) BLGC/2

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 raw materials for the production of gelatine and collagen for human consumption.  

In Regulation (EC) 853/2004:

• Annex III, Section XIV, Chapter I point 1 lists the raw materials that can be used for the production of gelatine
• Annex III, Section XV, Chapter I point 1 lists the raw materials that can be used for the production of collagen

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. 

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

Raw materials derived from bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine and equine animals - may only be imported from the countries listed in the document for fresh meat of ungulates for which imports of fresh meat of the relevant species is authorised. 

Raw materials derived from poultry – may only be imported from the countries listed in the document for poultry and poultry products for which imports of poultry meat of the respective species is authorised. 

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

Raw materials 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 raw materials for the production of gelatine and collagen to come from a country with an approved residue plan.  

4. Approved establishments 

Establishments producing raw materials for the production of gelatine and collagen must either be registered in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EC) 852/2004 or approved in accordance with Regulation (EC) 853/2004.  

Find consolidated lists of approved plants (excluding the EU) 

Find approved EU food establishments. 

5. Health certification  

Imports to Great Britain (GB) must be accompanied by the appropriate health certificate based on the GB model health certificate.

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. Health and identification marks 

Wrapping and packaging containing raw materials must bear the words “raw materials for the production of gelatine/collagen” and indicate the date of preparation.  

7. 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