Novel Food Regulation refers to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, which governs foods not consumed to a significant degree in the EU before May 1997, requiring pre-market safety authorisation and entry in the Union register before sale.
In trade practice
Importers must verify whether an ingredient or product appears in the Union list of authorised novel foods before placing it on the EU market. Traditional foods from third countries, including certain plant extracts and seeds, may qualify as novel foods and require a specific notification or authorisation procedure. Buyers sourcing new Ukrainian or other Eastern European ingredients should request documentary evidence of novel food status from suppliers before contracting.
In a specification
Purchase specifications for ingredients of uncertain regulatory history should include a warranty clause confirming the product is not subject to novel food authorisation requirements under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.