Food Business Registration

Food business registration (levensmiddelenbedrijf registratie) is mandatory for all food business operators who are not subject to the approval requirement. Registration must take place before the business becomes operational and is carried out by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).

Registration is intended to enable supervision of businesses that produce, process, store, or distribute food. This concerns businesses without products of animal origin that are not subject to stricter approval requirements. Registration is done by means of a notification to the NVWA.

Requirements

  • Activities: The business must produce, process, store, or distribute food, but is not subject to the approval requirement (usually no products of animal origin).
  • Business details: Name, address, contact details, and description of activities must be provided.
  • Hygiene requirements: The business must comply with general hygiene requirements for food businesses.

Procedure

  • Submit notification: Submit a notification to the NVWA before the business becomes operational, with all relevant business details and a description of activities.
  • Confirmation: After receipt of the notification, the business is registered in the NVWA system.
  • Supervision: The NVWA may conduct inspections to verify compliance with hygiene requirements.