The legislation sets out how animal by‑products must be controlled and enforced in Northern Ireland. Its main purpose is to:

• Protect public health and animal health.
• Prevent animal by‑products from being used or disposed of in ways that could spread disease.
• Ensure animal by‑products do not re‑enter the human or animal food chain where this is prohibited.
• Provide legal powers for enforcement, inspection, penalties and approvals.

It implements and enforces the retained EU rules on the safe collection, handling, transport, use and disposal of animal by‑products and derived products.

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Key requirements

1. Handling, transport and disposal controls

Animal by‑products must be:

Managed safely and not brought into or moved within premises unlawfully.

Transported in appropriate, leak‑proof containers.

Stored, processed or disposed of only through permitted routes.

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2. Categorisation of material

Animal by‑products must be classified into:

• Category     1 (highest risk)
• Category     2 (Medium risk)
• Category     3 (lowest risk)

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Each category has strict rules governing how it must be handled and disposed of.

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3. Registration and approval

Operators handling, processing or storing animal by‑products must:

• Register their premises or activities.
• Obtain approval where required.
• Notify the Department of changes and follow decision and appeal procedures.

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4. Staining requirements

Certain high‑risk materials must be stained to prevent accidental re‑entry into the food chain.

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5. Use of fertilisers and soil improvers

Where fertilisers or soil improvers are derived from animal by‑products:

• Conditions must be followed to ensure they are used safely.
• Additional waiting periods may apply, especially for pigs grazing treated land.

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6. Remote area provisions

In remote parts of Northern Ireland where collection is not practical, disposal options such as burial or burning may be authorised under conditions.

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7. Enforcement and penalties

The regulations set out:

• Powers of inspectors, including entry, inspection and sampling.
• Offences for obstruction or non‑compliance.
• Penalties for breaches of the legislation.
• Requirements for providing reasons for decisions, issuing notices and appealing.

Who the legislation applies to

The regulations apply to any person or business in Northern Ireland that produces, handles, transports, stores, processes, uses or disposes of animal by‑products, including:

• Farms and livestock keepers
• Slaughterhouses and meat plants
• Butchers and food processors
• Fallen‑stock collection services
• Rendering, composting, biogas and incineration operators
• Pet food manufacturers
• Hauliers transporting animal by‑products
• Research, veterinary and laboratory facilities
• Cold stores, markets and distribution centres

UK countries and regions where it applies

This legislation applies only in Northern Ireland.

Other UK nations have separate, equivalent enforcement regulations:

• England  – The Animal By‑Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2013
• Wales  – The Animal By‑Products (Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations 2014
• Scotland  – Scottish animal by‑product enforcement regulations

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There is no UK‑wide regulation; each country enforces its own domestic version.

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1. Classification and Identification Records

• You should maintain evidence showing:
• Correct categorisation of animal by products (Category 1, 2 or 3).
• Clear labelling of ABP containers, vehicles and storage areas.
• Segregation of categories to prevent cross contamination.

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2. Registration and Approval Documentation

Operators must be able to produce:

• Registration certificates for plants or establishments handling ABPs.
• Approval documents for activities that require formal authorisation.
• Correspondence with the Department relating to approvals, decisions and appeals.

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3. Collection, Transport and Delivery Records

Evidence should include:

• Commercial documents or consignment notes accompanying each movement.
• Details of the origin, destination, transporter, type and quantity of ABPs.
• Vehicle cleaning and disinfection logs.
• Records showing use of leak‑proof, covered and appropriately labelled containers.

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4. Storage and Handling Evidence

You should retain:

• Records demonstrating correct storage conditions (temperature, containment, segregation).
• Cleaning and disinfection schedules for equipment, vehicles and storage facilities.
• Internal monitoring checks confirming compliance with hygiene controls.

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5. Processing and Disposal Documentation

Where ABPs are processed or disposed of, evidence must include:

• Records from rendering, incineration, composting, or anaerobic digestion facilities.
• Disposal receipts and certificates from authorised waste carriers or disposal sites.
• Batch treatment logs (e.g., temperatures, retention times) where applicable.

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6. Use of Organic Fertilisers and Soil Improvers

If ABPs are used for land application:

• Evidence demonstrating compliance with required waiting periods before grazing.
• Records showing correct preparation and safe application of material.

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7. Fallen Stock and Carcase Disposal

You may need:

• Collection records for fallen stock handled by approved collectors.
• Evidence of authorised burial or burning in designated remote areas (if applicable).
• BSE testing records for cattle where required.

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8. Research, Teaching and Diagnostic Use Records

If ABPs are used for research or diagnostic purposes:

• Registers of consignments.
• Evidence of approved exemptions or authorisations.
• Documentation showing compliance with conditions on use and disposal.

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9. Staff Training and Operational Procedures

Operators should maintain:

• Training records for staff handling ABPs.
• Standard operating procedures covering storage, transport, stain requirements, record‑keeping and disposal.
• Evidence of internal audits or compliance reviews.

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10. Enforcement and Incident Records

Keep:

• Copies of any notices served by inspectors.
• Evidence of corrective actions taken.
• Records of incidents such as spillages, contamination or non‑compliance.

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11. Supporting Documents

Depending on the activities involved, you may also need:

• Site maps showing ABP storage or processing areas.
• Maintenance records for equipment used in treatment or containment.
• Evidence of waste contractor licensing or competence.

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