GB vs EU health claims register: what's the difference?
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Short answer. Since 1 January 2021, Great Britain has its own nutrition and health claims register. It started as a copy of the EU register on that date, but the two are now updated separately, so a claim authorised in the EU is not automatically allowed in Great Britain, and the other way round. Northern Ireland still follows the EU register.
Where each register applies
| Where the ad runs | Register to check |
|---|---|
| England, Scotland, Wales | GB NHC register (DHSC) |
| Northern Ireland | EU register |
| The whole UK | Both. CAP advises legal advice for campaigns that include Northern Ireland |
| EU countries | EU register |
How they drift apart
- New claims need two applications. A company that wants a new claim in both GB and the EU must apply to each.
- In GB, the UK Nutrition and Health Claims Committee gives a scientific opinion, and ministers in England, Scotland and Wales decide. DHSC publishes the register.
- An example: in April 2021 the EU authorised a claim for carbohydrate solutions and physical performance in endurance exercise. It did not carry over to GB automatically. It is not on the GB register as of the register's edition of 19 May 2026.
- Updates differ. The GB register's latest update was 19 May 2026, when it added a non-authorised claim. The EU register has its own update cycle.
What this means for a UK supplement brand
Don't copy claims from EU sites, EU suppliers or an EU version of your label without checking the GB register. A claim that is fine in Dublin can be a problem in Manchester.
Sources
Sources checked 1 November 2026.
Not legal advice. Last updated: 4 November 2026.