25 June 2026: Imports of untreated foetal bovine serum (FBS) to Great Britain (GB)
Updated 26 June 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-veterinary-surgeon-ovs-notes/25-june-2026-imports-of-untreated-foetal-bovine-serum-fbs-to-great-britain-gb
OVS note number: 2026/32
Date: 25 June 2026
Purpose
Port Health Authorities (PHAs) may accept imports of untreated foetal bovine serum (FBS) from France, Italy and Spain where the consignment is accompanied by both of the following:
- a valid GBHC502 Export Health Certificate (EHC) for untreated blood products for purposes outside the feed chain for farmed animals; and
- documentary evidence, attached to the EHC produced in TRACES NT, showing either that:
-
each batch of FBS has returned a negative result following testing for Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) using a PCR test conducted using the Bowden and others assay by an accredited laboratory; or
-
the FBS batch was collected before the following dates:
- For France: 29 December 2024
- For Italy: 21 December 2024
- For Spain: 3 April 2025
Background
Foetal bovine serum is a critical product for UK life sciences, used in cell culture, research, and the manufacture of human and veterinary medicinal products and in vitro diagnostics.
In response to the LSD outbreaks in France, Italy and Spain, the UK Office for SPS Trade Assurance (UK SPS Office) temporarily suspended imports of at-risk bovine animal by-products (ABPs) from these countries through the publication of safeguard declarations (see OVS notes 2025/57 and 2025/68). These safeguard declarations restricted imports of all blood products for use outside the feed chain – including FBS – unless treated to mitigate LSD risk.
Following review of the risk associated with FBS imports, the UK SPS Office has today (25 June 2026) published updated safeguard declarations that permit the import from France, Italy and Spain of untreated FBS when consignments are accompanied by:
-
a valid GBHC502 Export Health Certificate (EHC) for untreated blood products for purposes outside the feed chain for farmed animals; and
-
documentary evidence, attached to the EHC produced in TRACES NT, showing either that:
-
each batch of FBS has returned a negative result following testing for Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test conducted using the Bowden and others assay by an accredited laboratory; or
-
the FBS batch was collected before the following dates: - For France: 29 December 2024 - For Italy: 21 December 2024 - For Spain: 3 April 2025
NB: An accredited laboratory means a laboratory that is accredited to an appropriate international standard (such as ISO17025) for the particular method.
These amended safeguard declarations are published in guidance on Imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products: topical issues. They replace those previously published and apply from 26 June 2026 until they are revoked or amended.
Contact point for enquiries
Email: imports@apha.gov.uk
Animal By-Products Policy Team