Navigating the UK and EU’s complex regulated cannabis markets for the medical, food & drink, and cosmetics industries.
Cannabidiol (CBD) food products such as supplements, edibles, drinks and tinctures are increasingly subject to new regulatory requirements, known as pre-market authorisation, which includes a risk assessment to ensure consumer protection.
Green Bridge Gateway is an innovative consultancy that helps companies in this and other product categories navigate regulatory requirements. We also support the sustainable and innovative development of the consumer cannabinoid market.
Through membership of our key partner, the Association for the Cannabinoid Industry, you gain access to novel foods toxicology data and our in-house experts who can assist you with dossier writing, analytical testing, accreditation, trading standards advice, supply chain and a wide range of other membership benefits.
Our consultancy team comprises highly skilled experts with extensive experience in the field of cannabinoid chemistry, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and related analytical methodologies. We leverage our in-depth knowledge and innovative thinking to provide exceptional services and support to our clients worldwide.
Access licensed toxicological data from OECD 408, 421, 471 and 487 studies for a cost-efficient way to obtain the necessary information required for FSA and EFSA novel foods authorisation. This pertains to representative isolate and/or distillate CBD extracts. Our accredited laboratory partners uphold a standardised methodology for reliable results.
CBD analysis is mandatory for regulatory compliance in several countries. Our cutting-edge laboratory offers a comprehensive range of analytical and compliance tools. We can advise on all aspects of the manufacturing process to ensure sustainable high-quality products. Common tests include cannabinoid potency, contaminant, terpene, and stability analysis, to comply with FSA, EFSA and other regulatory requirements.
Our supply chain experts provide qualified leads and an immediate business development team. We offer comprehensive due diligence reporting and compliance procedures for your peace of mind, including KYC, AML, PEPs & Sanctions, and Negative Media checks. Our risk matrix covers entity evaluation, UBO status, EDD & AML risk, and credit/financial risk.
Yes, it is legal to sell CBD products in the UK as long as they comply with certain regulations and guidelines, depending on the category/type of product. CBD is legal in food and drinks, cosmetics, and vape products in the UK, and can be sold in stores or online.
No, you do not need a specific licence to sell CBD products in the UK; however, you must ensure compliance with the relevant legal requirements for each product category. This includes Novel Food regulation where relevant, and compliance with the appropriate labelling and packaging requirements specific to food supplements or cosmetics.
There is no one single authority in charge of regulating all CBD products in the UK, but the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for the regulation of ingestible CBD products.
Strict regulations are in place regarding health claims for CBD products. Health claims must be supported by scientific evidence and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) or comply with specific regulations established by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). In practice, this means the specific CBD product must have undergone clinical trials in order to be able to make health claims.
Green Bridge Gateway represents a fusion of the four key components that companies need to get their CBD products on sale in the UK: toxicology safety data, regulatory compliance advice, analytical testing, and supply chain management and business development. These services are provided by four specialist, industry-leading companies: the Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI), Global Regulatory Services (GRS), Britannia Life Sciences, and Shweed.
The toxicology safety data provided by the ACI’s consortium approach fulfils the novel food requirements that the FSA laid out by answering their safety concerns and data gaps in a cost-effective and timely way. To receive authorisation every product must make reference to this sort of data in its application.
GRS provides regulatory and quality compliance consultancy services to support companies with emerging, novel technologies from foods to medical products. They will assist in writing, drafting, reviewing and filing your regulatory dossier applications from start to finish.
Britannia Life Sciences are our safety, analytical and quality assessment and assurance partner. Their laboratory and technology platform allow you to test and develop your products, providing secure and high-quality product advancement and compliance.
Shweed is a B2B intermediary specialised within medical cannabis & consumer cannabinoid international supply chains. They connect buyers and sellers to provide clients with immediate access to an unrivalled and vetted B2B international network.
Green Bridge offers a seamless concierge service tailored to the needs of individual customers. Where before businesses looking to bring products to sale in the UK would need to contact a number of different companies, Green Bridge acts as a single point of contact for all the services your business could need to save you time, money and effort. The service is designed to be as frictionless as possible, giving industry-leading guidance in a straightforward and transparent format.
Let us know your individual company needs by filling out the contact form on our website. A Green Bridge representative will then be in touch to dive deeper into your business and explore your goals, before formulating a plan for you to bring your CBD products to sale. Green Bridge will support you throughout the entire journey from concept to consumer, coordinating the actions of the individual partner companies to work in parallel to ensure a smooth transition to market. Your main point of contact will be Green Bridge, but you also will be connected with the relevant personnel at each partner company and given specialised direction for any specific needs you may have.