Guidance

Import of rendered fats, not intended for human consumption, for purposes outside the feed chain - Import Information Note (IIN) ABP/10B

Updated 3 July 2025

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 rendered fats, not intended for human consumption, for purposes outside the feed chain. 

Rendered fats are defined in Regulation (EU) 142/2011 as either fats derived from the processing of:

• animal by-products
• products for human consumption, which an operator has destined for purposes other than human consumption

2.1 Rendered fats destined for the production of biodiesel, oleochemical products or renewable fuels referred to in point L of Section 2 of Chapter IV of Annex IV to Regulation (EU) 142/2011

The rendered fats must only be derived from Category 1, 2, and 3 materials referred to in Articles 8, 9 and 10 of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009. 

2.2 Rendered fats destined for the production of renewable fuels referred to in point J of Section 2 of Chapter IV of Annex IV to Regulation (EU) 142/2011 

The rendered fats must only be derived from Category 2 or Category 3 materials referred to in Articles 9 and 10 of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009. 

2.3 Rendered fats destined for organic fertilisers and soil improvers  

The rendered fats must only be derived from Category 2 materials referred to in Articles 9(c), (d) and (f)(i) and Category 3 materials referred to in Article 10, other than 10(c) and 10 (p) of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009. 

2.4 Rendered fats destined for purposes other than cosmetics, pharmaceuticals or medical devices

The rendered fats must only be derived from Category 1 materials referred to in Article 8(b), (c) and (d) and Category 2 materials referred to in Article 9(c), (d) and (f)(i) and Category 3 materials referred to in Article 10, other than 10(c) and 10(p) of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009. 

2.5 Rendered fats for purposes other than the production of organic fertilisers, cosmetics, pharmaceutical or medical devices

The rendered fats must only be derived from Category 1 materials referred to in Article 8 (b), (c) and (d) of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009.

3. Production standards 

The rendered fats must have been obtained, produced and stored in accordance with the requirements of Annex XIV, Chapter II, Section 9 of Regulation (EU) 142/2011. 

The rendered fats must be processed by processing method 1 (pressure sterilisation) or in accordance with one of the other processing methods referred to in Annex IV, Chapter III of Regulation (EU) 142/2011. 

In the case of rendered fats from ruminant origin, insoluble impurities in excess of 0.15% by weight must be removed. 

The rendered fats must be permanently marked before shipment in accordance with Annex XIV, Chapter II, Section 9(d) and Annex VIII, Chapter V, point 1(b) of Regulation (EU) 142/2011. 

4. Country of origin 

Imports are permitted from trading partners listed in the documents for:

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

4.1 Fish materials

The rendered fats must come from countries, or parts of countries, listed in a document relating to ‘fishery products’ published in accordance with EUR 2019/626.

4.2 Other materials

The rendered fats must come from countries, or parts of countries, listed in a document relating to ‘fresh meat of ungulates’ published in accordance with EUR 206/2010.

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 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 or documentation 

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

Model health certificates for fats

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 

The packaging or containers must bear labels indicating “NOT FOR HUMAN OR ANIMAL CONSUMPTION”. 

8. Monitoring of the products to an approved premises 

Following the veterinary checks provided for in the Official Controls Regulation and in accordance with the conditions laid down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/1666, the animal by-products must be transported directly from the BCP  to either an approved or registered establishment or plant, under conditions which prevent contamination. The recipient must tell APHA within one day of the goods arriving at the destination.

To report the arrival of goods at establishments or plants in England or Wales, contact importsriskmanagement@apha.gov.uk. For arrivals in Scotland, contact APHAScotlandImports@apha.gov.uk.

9. 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