Registration, transport, handling and storage

The guidance in this section explains the registration, transportation, documentary and record keeping requirements for premises handling animal by-products (ABPs). Additionally the guidance explains under what circumstances bacteriological sampling is required and how this should be done.

Any operator, establishment or plant that generates, transports, handles, processes, stores, places on the market, distributes, uses or disposes of ABPs or derived products must be registered before commencing operations using form AB117.

ABP transporters need to be registered unless they are already transporting ABPs solely in connection with their approved or registered premises. Also separate transporter registration is not required in the case of a livestock keeper transporting carcases of their own animals.

Hides and skins are also treated as ABPs unless they are being used for the production of gelatine and/or collagen for human consumption, in which case they must have come from animals that have passed ante and post mortem inspection and their storage must comply with the requirements for fresh meat in the food hygiene legislation. They must also be kept separate from hides and skins categorised as ABPs.

Factory-washed wool and wool which has been treated by another method which ensures that no unacceptable risks remain, may be placed on the market without restrictions.