If your business involves producing, preparing, handling, selling, or otherwise supplying food to the public, you must normally contact the Faroese Food and Veterinary Authority (HFS) before operations begin.

As a first step, you are required to apply for either authorization or registration with HFS. Which of these applies to your business depends on the nature of your activities. Businesses that produce or prepare food are typically subject to authorization, while businesses that only sell or distribute pre-prepared food are usually registered. HFS will make this assessment based on the information you provide in your application.

Before submitting an application, you should familiarise yourself with the requirements for premises, equipment, hygiene, and food safety procedures. Your facilities must be suitable for the intended activity, and operations must comply with Faroese food legislation from the first day of operation.

It is also important to note that authorization or registration with HFS does not replace other required permits. Depending on your business, you may also need approvals from the municipality, the police, or other authorities before you can start operating.

Once your business is authorized or registered, it will be subject to ongoing supervision and inspections by HFS. These inspections are often unannounced and are used to verify that food safety and hygiene requirements are being met. If deficiencies are found, HFS may require corrective measures or take enforcement action.

Some limited activities are exempt from authorization or registration, such as occasional food sales or certain forms of small-scale home production. However, even exempt activities must still comply with general food safety rules.

This page below provides links to application forms, guidance documents, and relevant rules, and should be used as a starting point when planning and establishing a food-related business in the Faroe Islands.