Post-Brexit, the UK (Great Britain) has its own food regulatory framework separate from the EU. While largely aligned with previous EU rules, several key requirements have diverged — and new import controls have made bringing food into the UK more complex than before. Here's what food and beverage brands need to know.
UK food law is governed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) for Scotland. The retained EU Food Information Regulation (now UK FIR) sets core labelling requirements. UK food businesses must register with their local authority. Non-UK manufacturers must designate a UK-based food business operator (FBO) whose name and UK address appears on the label.
UK labels must be in English (Welsh optional for Wales, Gaelic optional for Scotland). Required elements largely mirror former EU requirements: product name, ingredients list with allergens emphasised (bolded in ingredient list), net quantity, date marking, storage conditions, UK food business operator name and address, country of origin where required, nutritional information (per 100g/100ml), and any required advisory/warning statements.
Note: from October 2023, the QUID (Quantitative Ingredient Declaration) rules for certain ingredients have specific UK interpretations. Check FSA guidance for your specific product category.
The UK has its own Novel Food authorisation process, separate from the EU process since Brexit. Novel foods authorised under EU law before 31 December 2020 are recognised in Great Britain. New novel food applications go to the FSA for GB assessment. Processing times: 12–18 months for a standard application. Products lawfully sold in Northern Ireland under EU Novel Food rules can be sold there without UK FSA authorisation.
The UK retains the former EU Register of Authorised Health Claims as the UK authorised claims list. Claims must be from this list, used exactly as worded, and the product must meet the associated nutrient profile conditions. The FSA is reviewing and updating the list post-Brexit — some claims that were pending EU review are being assessed separately under UK process. Check the current UK Nutrition and Health Claims (NHC) Register before making any claim.
From 2024, the UK has been implementing full border controls on food imports. EU food exports to the UK now require: Export Health Certificates for products of animal origin, phytosanitary certificates for relevant plant products, and pre-notification via IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System). Goods must be presented at Border Control Posts. Work with a UK-based customs broker familiar with IPAFFS to avoid costly delays.
Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose are the dominant grocery multiples. Marks & Spencer Food for premium. Ocado for online premium grocery. Whole Foods Market (London concentrated) for natural and health-focused food brands. Holland & Barrett for health food categories. Independent delis, farm shops, and food halls (Selfridges, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason) for premium artisan brands. Amazon UK Grocery is growing for shelf-stable products.
Ready to go deeper?
Get your UK food and beverage market entry blueprint including FSA compliance audit, retailer buyer contacts, and 90-day launch plan.