Statutory guidance

Import of gelatine not for human consumption - Import Information Note (IIN) ABP/11A

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 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. Scope 

Import conditions for Gelatine not intended for human consumption and excluding Photogelatine intended for the photographic industry.  

Gelatine is defined in Regulation (EU) 142/2011 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. 

Gelatine may only be manufactured from Category 3 material or products which are derived from such animal by-products, referred to in Article 10(a), (b), (e), (f), (g), (i) and (j) of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009.

3. Production standards 

Processing standards for gelatine are set out in Point B of Annex X, Chapter II, Section 5 of Regulation (EU) 142/2011. It must be wrapped, packaged, stored and transported under satisfactory hygiene conditions. Storage, packaging and wrapping standards of gelatine are set up in Point C of Annex X, Chapter II, Section 5 of Regulation (EU) 142/2011.

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 

In the case of gelatine derived from fish

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

In the case of gelatine derived from other animal by-products

Gelatine must come from countries listed in the document for fresh meat of ungulates and the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan and Taiwan.

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 or establishment of origin 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. Health certification

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

Model health certificates for gelatine and collagen not intended for human consumption

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. Labelling requirements 

Wrappings and packages containing gelatine must carry the words ‘GELATINE SUITABLE FOR ANIMAL CONSUMPTION/ABP CATEGORY (INSERT CAT NUMBER)’. 

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