16 March, 2021

Notification of food supplements in Europe

The notification of food supplements in Europe is regulated by the European Union itself by Directive 2002/46 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, of June 10, 2002, on the approximation of the laws in the Member States regarding the Food Complements.

This is how we saw it in another of our post. However, it should not be forgotten that each of the countries has, in a complementary manner, its own regulations, procedures and particular requirements.

Each country has its own system for notifying the placing on the market of food supplements. But, what are those differences that characterize each procedure?

France

France has its own notification platform to communicate the marketing of food supplements online.

Germany

In Germany, notification of food supplements is mandatory. All distributors must notify the BLV of the notification of food supplements. These are notified through an online form, which is completed and sent electronically.  The proof of presentation is obtained immediately.

Portugal

In Portugal, notification of food supplements is also mandatory.  The notification is made via email, attaching all the necessary documentation (Labels and an Excel table that is unique to Portugal). The proof of presentation is obtained immediately.

Italy

Italy has its own notification platform to notify the first placing on the market of food supplements. In order to notify food supplements, it is necessary for the company to first register on the platform as an Economic Operator (OSA). The proof of presentation is obtained immediately.

Sweden

In this country, the supplier of a food supplement does not have to obtain any authorization from the Swedish National Food Administration Service. However, a manufacturer, importer or retailer must be registered with the authority of the municipality where it operates. On the other hand, there is a notification system if the company that wants to sell the products is not from Sweden.

Finland

In Finland, it is mandatory to notify food supplements to the Finnish Food Safety Authority (EVIRA). Evira reviews the Food Supplement Notification and, provided that the Notification contains all the required information, sends it to the relevant municipal authorities for monitoring purposes. However, it does not assess compliance with the food supplement or labeling. Thus, this is the responsibility of manufacturers and importers in the context of the mandatory internal control procedures established in the Food Law.

Swiss

This country has very recent regulations regarding this procedure. And it is that the notification of food supplements in Europe is regulated by the European Union itself but also by its own law. Here, the importer, manufacturer or distributor of food supplements assumes full responsibility that the products comply with the regulations and established requirements. There is no prior authorization as in other European countries, so it is your total obligation.

However, it is mandatory that importers or distributors of food supplements make a communication to the corresponding canton of Switzerland where the products are to be marketed. In the event of an inspection, it will be the corresponding canton that has full responsibility for ensuring compliance with the regulations. Then, depending on the procedure, other administrative fees would have to be completed.

Other interesting updates in its regulations are:

• List of vitamins and minerals with the maximum limits allowed in Switzerland.
• List of substances admitted with the permitted limits of each one of them. (iii)

If they are ingredients that do not appear on those lists, they can be included in the products provided that: Food safety is guaranteed, it does not correspond to therapeutic or medicinal products, it makes sense with the definition of a food supplement and there is no “novel food”.

• List of plants, plant parts and other ingredients that are expressly rejected by Swiss regulations.

Norway

Norway is one of the European countries that has national legislation harmonized with the EU food and veterinary legislation.

Food businesses operating in Norway must be registered with the NFSA. If the company is not registered, it would be very difficult to get the products there. Therefore, there are only two options to be able to market in this country:

1. An importer based in Norway and having him distribute the add-ons
2. Register the company in Norway.

From LegaleGo food safety consulting we are at your complete disposal to clarify any questions you may have and advise you, in each case, what would be the best way to proceed for the notification of supplements in Europe.