Import of beeswax for technical and cosmetic purposes - Import Information Note (IIN) ABP/32
Published 2 December 2024
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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
This IIN covers beeswax for technical and cosmetic purposes and purposes other than feeding to farmed animals. In some cases the IIN for intermediate products (IIN ABP 20) may also be appropriate, and importers should check the conditions of both IINs before proceeding with any import.
Beeswax in the form of honeycomb is not permitted to be imported.
For imports of beeswax for apiculture use (beekeeping) please see guidance in IIN ABP/13.
The beeswax must only be derived from Category 3 materials referred to in Article 10(e) of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009.
3. Production standards
The beeswax must have been produced in accordance with the requirements of Annex XIV, Chapter II, Section 1, Table 2, row 10 of Regulation (EU) 142/2011.
It must either:
- be refined before importation
- have been processed in accordance with processing methods 1 to 5 or 7, as set out in Annex IV, Chapter III of Regulation (EU) 142/2011 before importation
4. Country of origin
Imports are permitted from any country.
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. Documentation
The beeswax must be imported with a commercial document attesting to the refinement or processing method as per section 3.
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