Approval for Processing Animal By-Products

If your business processes animal by-products (parts of animals not intended for human consumption, such as slaughter waste, carcasses, hides, feathers, or manure), you need formal approval (erkenning) from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). This approval is required under EU Regulation 1069/2009 on animal by-products.

The NVWA inspects your facilities, equipment, and operational procedures before granting approval. Your business must meet hygiene, traceability, and waste handling standards that prevent the spread of animal diseases and protect the food chain. The approval specifies which categories of by-products you may process and under which conditions. Periodic re-inspections ensure continued compliance.

Requirements

  • Registration with NVWA: The company must be registered with the NVWA before approval can be requested.
  • Hygiene code: Business operations must comply with the hygiene regulations in Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009.
  • Separate storage: Animal by-products of different categories (1, 2, and 3) must be stored and processed separately.
  • Infrastructure: The company must have suitable processing facilities and equipment.

Procedure

  • Submit application: Submit an application for approval to the NVWA via the Mijn NVWA portal.
  • Inspection: The NVWA conducts an inspection to assess whether the company meets all requirements.
  • Grant approval: After approval, the company receives an approval number allowing it to process animal by-products.
  • Supervision: The NVWA regularly supervises approved companies to ensure compliance with the regulations.