Animal and composite products subject to official controls
- Food safety controls
- Official controls
Summary
The European Union (EU) has updated the list of products that must be checked by official controls at border control posts. The list now includes the following products, which were previously missing and must be controlled if they contain products of animal origin:
- colorant additive E904
- preparations of nuts and other seeds
- glucose syrup and maltodextrine syrup
- isolated peptides
- prepared culture media for the development or maintenance of micro-organisms
- food additives from industrial fatty acids and alcohols.
EU to update lists of animal products, by-products, and composite products subject to official controls at border control posts
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/551 of 13 March 2026 amending the Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/632 as regards the lists of products of animal origin, animal by-products and composite products subject to official controls at border control posts
Update
The European Union (EU) has updated the list of products that must be checked by official controls at border control posts. The list now includes the following products, which were previously missing and must be controlled if they contain products of animal origin:
- colorant additive E904
- preparations of nuts and other seeds
- glucose syrup and maltodextrine syrup
- isolated peptides
- prepared culture media for the development or maintenance of micro-organisms
- food additives from industrial fatty acids and alcohols.
Impacted Products
Products of animal origin, animal by-products, composite products
What is changing?
Regulation 2021/632 sets out a list of products (in its Annex) that must be checked by official controls at border control posts. This new Regulation updates the list to include the products in Table 1.
For clarity, the Annex (complete list) to Regulation 2021/632 is replaced by the Annex of the new Regulation.
Why?
Products containing ingredients of animal origin are checked to ensure compliance with animal health and food safety rules. Certain foods were not previously included in the list of products requiring checks, and therefore did not go through the necessary controls. This update clarifies control requirements for both operators and competent authorities.
Timeline
This Regulation applies from 1 October 2026.
Background
In the framework of the Official Controls Regulation 2017/625, Regulation 2021/632 establishes lists of animals, products of animal origin, germinal products (semen, ova, and embryos), animal by-products and derived products, composite products, and hay and straw to be presented for official controls at border control posts, with their respective CN codes.
Resources
Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products
Sources
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/551 as regards the lists of products of animal origin, animal by-products and composite products subject to official controls at border control posts
Tables & Figures
Source: based on Regulation (EU) 2026/551
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EU to update lists of animal products, by-products, and composite products subject to official controls at border control posts
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/551 as regards the lists of products of animal origin, animal by-products and composite products subject to official controls at border control posts
What is changing and why?
The European Union (EU) has updated the list of products that must be checked for compliance with EU animal health and food safety rules through official controls at border control posts. The additional products that now require controls are set out in Table 1.
Timeline
This Regulation applies from 1 October 2026.
Tables & Figures
Source: based on Regulation (EU) 2026/551
Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.