Notification to BVL

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If you intend to produce dietary supplements and distribute them on the German market, notification is an essential step that you must take into account. We offer you comprehensive services to ensure that your product complies with legal requirements.

Food supplements must be notified before being placed on the market.

 

1. Notification and reporting:

   • Food supplements must be notified before being placed on the market.

   • The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) in Germany receives this report and forwards it to the food control authorities of the cantons and the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).

2. Compliance with food laws:

   • Companies operating in the food market are responsible for compliance with food laws and the safety of dietary supplements.

   • Particular attention is paid to the guidelines and regulations of food law, which regulate the placing on the market, the addition of certain substances, labeling and the differentiation from medicinal products.

3. Labeling and product differentiation:

   • Ensuring clear and correct labeling of dietary supplements.

   • Ensuring that dietary supplements are neither medically effective nor may they give the impression of being a medication.

4. Use of food additives:

   • Food industry companies are responsible for the use of food additives and the safety of their products.

   • Compliance with specific provisions of the Food Additives Ordinance (NemV) as well as general food law regulations (e.g. LFGB, LMIV).

5. Novel foods:

   • Check whether novel foods or ingredients subject to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 are used.

   • Distinction between plant parts and their extracts and the need for authorization under the new food regulations.

   • Identification of approved new foods according to the EU list (DVO (EU) 2017/2470).

6. Preparation and communication:

   • Preparation and advance information when introducing new nutritional supplements onto the market.

   • Transmission of this information to the BVL for the necessary monitoring measures.

7. Contact with authorities:

   • Communication with the state food inspection authorities and the BMEL after corresponding notification from the BVL.

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Compliance with these tasks and responsibilities ensures the quality, safety and trustworthiness of nutritional supplements and balanced diets on the German market. This ensures consumers can be confident in the products they choose for their health and well-being.