Highly refined products classified under EHC 8399 play an increasingly important role in the UK’s export landscape, particularly for businesses operating in animal by-products, technical ingredients, and specialist manufacturing.

What is a “highly refined product”?

In regulatory terms, a highly refined product is a product of animal origin that has undergone extensive processing to the point where any risk to animal or public health has been eliminated. As a result, these products are generally exempt from many animal health restrictions that apply to raw or less-processed materials.

Common examples include:

– Amino acids and peptides

– Fatty acids and glycerine

– Collagen and gelatine derivatives

– Enzymes and technical proteins

– Certain pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial inputs

Because of the level of refinement, these products are typically non-infectious, stable, and globally tradable, making them far easier to export than many traditional animal-origin goods.

Why highly refined products matter to UK exports.

Highly refined products:

– Enable access to third-country markets with strict SPS controls

– Support high-value, low-volume trade, improving export margins

– Are essential inputs for pharmaceutical, feed, cosmetics, and industrial sectors

– Reduce regulatory friction compared with raw animal by-products

As the UK continues to grow its non-EU trade, these products represent a strategically important export category.

How Amivet Exports can help?

Amivet Exports supports exporters at every stage of the process by:

– Confirming HS classification and regulatory status

– Advising whether products qualify as highly refined under importing country rules

– Managing documentation, attestations, and market access requirements

– Liaising with authorities and importers to ensure smooth clearance.

Whether you are exporting ingredients, technical materials, or specialist derivatives, getting the classification and compliance right is critical — and that is where experience matters.

If you are exporting or planning to export highly refined products, Amivet Exports can help you do it efficiently, compliantly, and with confidence.

Get in touch to discuss further. Click the contact page above or call us on 01606 278707.

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Written by Chris Eglington on