The Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances: how to submit an application
Updated 20 March 2026
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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.
ACBS meetings and submission closing dates
- 14 July 2026 - closing date for submissions is 18 May 2026
- 16 November 2026 - closing date for submissions is 22 September 2026
- 8 March 2027 - closing date for submissions is 11 January 2027