Government & Regulation
Essential legal frameworks, regulatory bodies, and compliance standards for UK poultry producers.
Governmental Institutions & Regulatory Bodies
Key government departments and agencies responsible for poultry regulation and compliance.
Defra
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Primary government department responsible for food production, animal welfare, and environmental standards in UK agriculture.
- check_circle Animal welfare regulations
- check_circle Environmental compliance
- check_circle Farm assurance schemes
Food Standards Agency (FSA)
Independent government department ensuring food safety and standards across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- check_circle Food safety regulations
- check_circle Hygiene standards
- check_circle Labelling requirements
Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
Executive agency of Defra responsible for protecting animal and plant health, preventing disease, and managing disease outbreaks.
- check_circle Disease surveillance
- check_circle Biosecurity protocols
- check_circle Outbreak management
- check_circle Avian Influenza
Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
Government department responsible for promoting UK trade and investment, including export regulations and international trade compliance. Formed in 2023 from the merger of the Department for International Trade and other departments.
- check_circle Export certification
- check_circle Trade agreements
- check_circle Import/export regulations
Quick Links
Essential pages and resources frequently accessed by poultry producers.
Great Britain Poultry Register
Mandatory registration for all poultry keepers. Registration helps protect against disease outbreaks and ensures rapid communication during health emergencies.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Guidance on how to spot and report avian influenza in poultry or other captive birds. Includes information on current outbreaks, protection zones, and surveillance zones.
View Guidance open_in_newEgg Marketing Standards
Information on egg stamping requirements, definitions for free-range, barn, and cage systems, and marketing standards for egg producers.
View Standards open_in_newVeterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)
Regulatory body responsible for authorising and regulating veterinary medicines, vaccines, and medicated feeds for poultry. Ensures safe and effective treatments.
Visit VMD Website open_in_newCompliance Resources
Essential resources and guidance for maintaining regulatory compliance.
Defra Guidance
Official codes of practice for the welfare of different poultry species.
Compliance Checklists
Self-assessment tools and checklists to help producers verify compliance with key regulations.
Regulatory Updates
Stay informed about the latest regulatory changes, policy updates, and industry news.
Key Regulations & Legislation
Essential legal frameworks and regulations governing UK poultry production and trade.
Note: Despite their dates, these regulations remain in force under UK law (Retained EU Law) and are the current standards for compliance.
Animal Welfare Act 2006 open_in_new
Primary legislation protecting animal welfare in England and Wales. Establishes the duty of care for animals and sets minimum welfare standards for all farmed animals including poultry.
Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007 open_in_new
Specific regulations implementing EU Directive 98/58/EC, setting out detailed welfare requirements for farmed animals including housing, feeding, and management standards.
Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) Regulations open_in_new
Regulations requiring mandatory biosecurity measures, housing orders, and disease control protocols to prevent and manage avian influenza outbreaks.
Food Safety Act 1990 open_in_new
Primary legislation ensuring food safety and consumer protection. Requires all food businesses to ensure food is safe to eat and properly labelled.
Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) open_in_new
Post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU establishing rules for trade in agricultural products, including sanitary and phytosanitary measures for poultry exports.