Procedures for the authorisation of agri-food substances and products

In order to ensure a high level of protection of human health and consumer interests, regulations establish procedures that companies must follow for the placing on the market of certain agri-food substances and products, as well as for the use of claims intended to highlight specific characteristics in food labelling.

In this regard, the regulations require the safety assessment and authorisation of novel foods and traditional foods from third countries prior to their commercialisation and use in food applications, as well as for the use of new substances as additives and processing aids. Likewise, in the field of labelling, the use of new health claims is subject to prior evaluation and authorisation.

Furthermore, regulations governing food contact materials also establish evaluation and authorisation procedures in certain cases, such as the use of new substances in these materials or the application of plastic recycling processes.

In addition, regulations governing fertilisers, plant protection products and biocidal substances establish their own requirements and procedures for placing such products on the market.


Finally, within the framework of the circular economy, the reintroduction into the value chain of by-products derived from production processes and valorised waste, as well as the use of reclaimed water, is also subject to its own specific requirements and procedures.