European Union (EU) – Export requirements for food supplements

Notice

Certification of food supplements for export to the European Union (EU) is complex. This information is intended to clarify these requirements, including the documentation that the exporter must provide to the CFIA when applying for certification of food supplements containing imported animal ingredients for export to the EU.

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1. Required documents

The European Union does not have a harmonized certificate for the importation of food supplements. The certification of these products is complex, as the EU requires certification of specific ingredients of animal origin that are contained in the food supplements rather than the finished product itself.

It is the exporter's responsibility to know the EU requirements that apply to exported food supplements, as well as the documents required to allow the entry of the product at the different border control posts (BCP) of the EU. Collaboration with the importer is imperative.

Depending on the ingredients of animal origin used in the manufacture of the food supplement, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has noted that the certificates below could be required by the BCPs of the EU. It is also possible that more than one certificate may be required.

Certificate

  • (2020/2235) Modèle GEL
  • (2020/2235) Modèle COL
  • (2020/2235) Modèle FISH-CRUST-HC

Note: These certificates are published in Regulation (EU) 2020/2235. Please ensure that you have access to the most up-to-date version.

2. Use of imported ingredients

Canadian import requirements for ingredients of animal origin used in the manufacture of food supplements for the European market are different from those of the EU. For this reason, the use of imported ingredients of animal origin may limit export eligibility of the product to the EU.

The manufacturer/exporter of food supplements will have to demonstrate to the CFIA, through additional official documents issued by the Competent Authority (CA) of the country of origin of the imported ingredients, that the ingredients meet EU requirements as stipulated in the EU model certificates. For example, if the certificate (2020/2235) Model Gel is required for food supplements to be imported into an EU Member State, the gelatin imported into Canada and used in the manufacture of the gelatin capsules of the FS must meet Canadian import requirements as well as those on the EU gelatin certificate.

Note

  • The requirement for additional certification is in line with the international certification principles stipulated in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
  • The CFIA must be able to make the link between the different certificates issued by the CA of the foreign country
  • The format of the additional certificate may be determined by the foreign competent authority (FCA). Some countries may use the EU format. This option is preferable as it may facilitate the CFIA's certification process
  • The certificates signed by the certifying agent must bear the official stamp of the CA
  • The certificates must be in English an/or French

3. Additional information

Exported products transiting through a country may require transit documentation. It is the responsibility of the exporter to ensure that the shipment will be accompanied by all necessary certificates. Work closely with your importer.

Samples (personal or commercial) may be subject to the same requirements as a regular shipment. It is strongly recommended that the exporter verify these requirements with their importer and/or at the EU border inspection post where the products will be shipped.

Relevant links

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