Last updated: 20 Mar 2023

The following are the various types of licenses that are issued by the BDFA.

Artificial Sweetening Substance License

If a food product is an artificial sweetening substance or contains any artificial sweetening substance as their ingredient e.g. aspartame or saccharin, then the importer must obtain an Artificial Sweetening Substance License. This is required by Regulation 23 of the Public Health (Food) Regulations, (R1 Chapter 182).   

Artificial sweetening substances are chemical compounds used for the purpose of sweetening food but does not include sugar or other carbohydrate or polyhydric alcohols.

Application for such a license can be made via a written request to the BDFA.   The annual fee for such a license is BND100.

Irradiated Food License

Importers of food or food products that have undergone irradiation during processing, or contains any irradiated ingredients, must apply for an Irradiated Food License prior to the importation of their consignment.  Irradiated food is defined as food that has been exposed to ionizing radiation during processing for various purposes, including preservation, increase shelf life etc.

The importation or sale of irradiated food is prohibited unless the importer has a valid Irradiated Food License as required under Regulation 44 of the Public Health (Food) Regulations, (R1 Chapter 182).  The license will expire once the amount stated in the license  has been imported, or 6 months after the date of issue, whichever is earlier.

Application for such a license can be made via a written request to the BDFA.  

No fees will be levied for the issue of such a license. 

Slaughtering Centre Licence

For more information, please refer to the section on “Slaughtering Centre“.