Why Northern Ireland is different
Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland continues to follow EU food law. Great Britain has its own versions of the same rules, which have slowly started to differ since 2021.
Health claims come from the EU register
Claims on products sold in NI must be on the EU register. Most vitamin and mineral claims are on both registers with the same wording. Claims authorised only in Great Britain since 2021 can’t be used in NI.
The business address
A product sold in Great Britain needs a UK address. A product sold in NI needs an address in NI or the EU. A GB-only address on a product sold in NI is one of the commonest problems.
Can one label work for both?
Often, yes. Use claims that appear on both registers, and give an address that satisfies both markets: an NI address works for both. If you have different labels, make sure the right stock goes to the right market.
We check both
Tell us where you sell and we’ll check your label against both sets of rules. See our Belfast page for more.
Not legal advice. This guide covers the general rules for food supplements sold in Great Britain. Check your own product with a regulatory adviser, your local Trading Standards team or your Primary Authority partner.