The Food and Drug Administration Department (“the FDA”), under the Ministry of Health, issued Announcement No. (8/2025) (“the Announcement”) to inform stakeholders of the procedures and requirements relating to Domestic Food Production Certificates.
It is important to note that businesses that fail to renew their certificates within the prescribed validity period will be subject to a penalty fee. A late fee for an overdue period of one month will be charged if an application for renewal exceeds the expiration date by even one day.
Extended Validity for GMP-Compliant Businesses
Pursuant to the decision of the Ministry of Health and Sports (which has since been reconstituted as the Ministry of Health) made in 2021, the validity period of certificates for establishments that comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) was extended from two years to three years. However, if a certificate has lapsed for more than one full term (i.e., three years), the establishment will be removed from the list of certified businesses.
Reapplication Requirement for Extended Lapse
If the renewal application is submitted after a lapse exceeding one full term (three years), it will not be processed as a renewal. Instead, the business must submit a new application as a first-time applicant.
Therefore, all businesses engaged in domestic food production are strongly advised to review their certificate validity timelines and ensure timely submission of renewal applications to avoid penalties or the need to reapply as a new applicant.
Should you require any assistance with the submission process or further clarification regarding the Announcement, please do not hesitate to contact DFDL.
For further information, please contact [email protected].
