European Union · Pet Food

EU Pet Food Requirements

A practical guide to EU Pet Food Requirements for pet food sold in the European Union: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Pet food and feed placed on the EU market; Manufacturers and importers

Authority

National competent authorities in the EU

Legal basis

Feed Hygiene Regulation (EC) No 183/2005; feed labelling rules

Local representative

The establishment must be registered or approved in the EU

Timeline

Before placing feed on the market

Cost

Registration and compliance costs vary

If you do not comply

Withdrawal, recall, and enforcement action

Who needs this

Pet food and feed placed on the EU market
Manufacturers and importers

Documents you need

Establishment registration or approval
HACCP plan
Feed labelling

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Establishment registration or approval
HACCP plan
Feed labelling

How to comply

Register or obtain approval for the establishment
Implement HACCP-based controls
Label according to feed rules

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: EU Pet Food Requirements — European Union
Product category: Pet Food
Authority: National competent authorities in the EU
Legal basis: Feed Hygiene Regulation (EC) No 183/2005; feed labelling rules

Documents we already have:
  1. Establishment registration or approval
  2. HACCP plan
  3. Feed labelling

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under EU Pet Food Requirements in the European Union?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before placing feed on the market.

Registration and compliance costs vary.

Common rejection reasons

Establishment not registered
Labelling gaps
Prohibited materials used

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.