Guidance

Import of certain Category 1 materials for certain uses - Import Information Note (IIN) ABP/25

Published 2 December 2024

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/products-for-technical-and-pharmaceutical-use-import-information-notes/import-of-certain-category-1-materials-for-certain-uses-import-information-note-iin-abp25

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 certain Category 1 materials for certain uses. 

3. Permitted imports of Category 1 materials 

In accordance with Chapter VIII, Article 26 of Regulation (EU) 142/2011 and Annex XIV, Chapter IV, Section I of Regulation (EU) 142/2011, the competent authority may authorise the importation of the following Category 1 materials for certain uses only:

  • hides and skins derived from animals which have been submitted to an illegal treatment as defined in Article 1(2)(d) of Directive 96/22
  • ruminant intestines with or without content
  • bones and bone products containing vertebral column and skull

The Category 1 material mentioned above must:

  • come from a country approved by the competent authority of destination (applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis)
  • be accompanied by a letter of authorisation issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
  • be accompanied by the documentation required by the conditions of the authorisation

4. Non-permitted Category 1 material 

The materials mentioned above must not include Category 1 material derived from any of the following:

  • animals suspected of being infected by a TSE in accordance with Regulation (EC) 999/2001
  • animals in which the presence of a TSE has been officially confirmed
  • animals killed in the context of TSE eradication measures

5. Non-permitted uses of Category 1 materials

The Category 1 materials mentioned at point 3 above must not be intended for the following uses:

  • feeding
  • application to land from which farmed animals are fed
  • the manufacture of:

      a) cosmetic products as defined in Article 1(1) of Directive 76/768

      b) active implantable medical devices as defined in Article 1(2)(c) of Directive 90/385

      c) medical devices as defined in Article 1(2)(a) of Directive 93/42

      d) in vitro diagnostic medical devices as defined in Article 1(2)(b) of Directive 98/79

      e) veterinary medicinal products as defined in Article 1(2) of Directive 2001/82

      f) medicinal products as defined in Article 1(2) of Directive 2001/83

6. Documentation

An authorisation must be obtained from APHA prior to importation of these materials. The authorisation sets out the import conditions of these ABPs to Great Britain (GB), and will normally be valid for a period of 6 months. 

This document must be obtained by the importer before imports can take place. To apply for an authorisation complete application form IV58 and send it to imports@apha.gov.uk. 

Each consignment must be accompanied by documentation as required by the conditions laid down in the authorisation issued by APHA. 

7. Country of origin 

Can only come from a country approved by the competent authority of destination (applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis). 

8. Labelling requirements 

All packages must bear the following label which must be attached to the packaging, container, or vehicle (as appropriate) which states: “PROHIBITED IN FOOD, FEED, FERTILISERS, COSMETICS, MEDICINAL PRODUCTS AND MEDICAL DEVICES”. 

9. Monitoring of the products to an approved premises 

Due to the high-risk nature of the Category 1 material and based on the need to ensure the Category 1 material is not diverted at any stage in transit in the UK for prohibited use, the following conditions must be complied with. 

Following the veterinary checks provided for in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1715, and in accordance with the conditions laid down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/1666, the ABPs must be transported directly from the BCP under customs procedures to either an approved or registered establishment or plant approved in accordance with Article 24 of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009 for the manufacture of derived products other than food, feed, fertilisers, cosmetics, medicinal products or medical devices. 

10. Disposal of unused or surplus materials 

Unused or surplus materials shall be used or disposed of in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation (EC) 1069/2009. 

11. 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

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