The Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances: how to submit an application
Updated 20 November 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-submit-an-application-for-acbs-approval/the-advisory-committee-for-borderline-substances-how-to-submit-an-application
Complete an application form
Application forms are available on the ACBS application forms and guidance page.
Send an application
Send a PDF copy of the application to acbs@dhsc.gov.uk. The PDF copy must be a single file document. All information must be legible, any product labels or images must be of a high resolution, and all pages must be rotated so that, where possible, any text is the right way up to help with reading.
Please ensure you read the following additional rules and caveats in respect of type 1, type 2 and type 3 applications.
Type 1 and type 2 applications
Type 1 applications are for new formulations that have substantiated advantages and where there is no comparable product on the market (Part XV of the Drug Tariff). The Drug Tariff is on the NHS Business Services Authority website
Type 2 applications are for formulations that are broadly similar in composition to existing products already on the market.
Type 1 and type 2 applications are reviewed at ACBS meetings. These applications must be received by the ACBS Secretariat on or before the closing date for the relevant meeting.
Type 3 applications
Type 3 applications are for changes to existing products that have already been approved by the ACBS.
These are reviewed throughout the year and may be submitted at any time. In exceptional circumstances, we may review a type 3 application and decide that it needs to be reviewed at a committee meeting. You will be notified if we decide this.
Hard copy applications
We do not require hard copy applications but may request them. You will be notified if we decide this.
If we do request hard copies, they must be bound using wire-o binding (wiro binding), otherwise known as twin loop wire or double loop wire binding.
Please post hard copies to:
ACBS Secretariat
Desk 2NE007
Department of Health and Social Care
Quarry House
Leeds LS2 7UE
ACBS meetings and submission closing dates
- 10 March 2025 - closing date for submissions is 13 January 2025
- 15 July 2025 - closing date for submissions is 20 May 2025
- 10 November 2025 - closing date for submissions is 15 September 2025