Food Supplements Shop – Operation Licence

Last Update on 15/02/2024

Operating a Food Supplements Shop

General Information

In order to operate a food supplements shop in the Republic of Cyprus, one needs to obtain the licence of premises for the sale of food supplements by the Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health.

The term ‘food supplements’ means foodstuffs the purpose of which is to supplement the normal diet and which are concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, alone or in combination, marketed in dose form, namely forms such as capsules, pastilles, tablets, pills and other similar forms, sachets of powder, ampoules of liquids, drop dispensing bottles, and other similar forms of liquids and powders designed to be taken in measured small unit quantities.

Every natural person or legal entity is eligible to operate a food supplements´ shop, provided that the Public Health Services is satisfied that the shop, for which the application is submitted for, fulfills the following criteria:

  • Is a permanent construction which has been established according to the relevant town planning permit and construction licence as per the Street Regulations and Constructions Law;
  • The floor, walls and roof of the shop can be easily and efficiently cleaned;
  • Has well operating air conditioning system in order to ensure a cool and dry atmosphere;
  • Is equipped with shelves and cupboards for the proper placement of the Food Supplements;
  • Has all the necessary hygiene amenities in order to be used by the staff;
  • Is managed by a responsible person specialized in the field of Food Science or Health Nutrition.

Moreover, the person responsible for managing the food supplements store should hold the following qualifications, according to the relevant law: Dietitian or Food Scientist or registered Doctor or registered Pharmacist or any other person who satisfies the Director of Health Services that is properly qualified on issues related to food supplements and/or health nutrition, either by oral interview or written exams.

The application for licence of premises for the sale of food supplements can be submitted either through the PSC Cyprus or you can contact directly the competent authority:

Public Health Services
Ministry of Health
1 Prodromou str.
1449 Nicosia
Tel: +357 22605575, 22605554
Fax: +357 22605482
Email : healthservices@mphs.moh.gov.cy
Website: http://www.moh.gov.cy/moh/mphs/phs.nsf/

  1. The application should be accompanied by the following documents:

    • Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar of Companies (in case of a legal entity);
    • Copy of the Certificate of Directors and Secretary issued by the Registrar of Companies (in case of a legal entity);
    • Certified copies of the documents supporting the qualifications of the person selling food supplements; that is, a degree in Dietetics, Food Science or Pharmacy;
    • Certified copies of qualifications of the Qualified person/persons, in relation to food supplements, who manages the food supplements shop (e.g. registered doctor, pharmacist, dietitian or food scientist);
    • Fee of €50.

    On-site inspections are carried out, by authorized health inspectors to ensure that all the prerequisites, mentioned under “Who is Eligible” section, are met.

The application fee of €50 (payable by cash or cheque at the Head office’s accounts department or the district offices of the Public Health Services).

The applicant is informed regarding the authorization decision within three months from the date that the application form and supporting documents were duly submitted.

The licence is valid indefinitely and does not need to be renewed.

Administrative Action Against a Competent Authority’s Decision

Any person may file an Administrative Action at the Administrative court against a decision, act or omission of any competent authority or body.

Pursuant to Article 146 of the Constitution, an Administrative Action may be lodged within 75 days from the date of the decision or act or omission or from the day when such decision or act or omission was notified to the applicant.

The Administrative Court acts as a cassation Court and not as a substantive Court. In other words, the Administrative Court may:
I. Dismiss the Administrative Action
II. Annul wholly or partially the contested decision or act
III. Compel the relevant authority or body to take a certain action

After a decision is annulled, the authority and/or public body must reverse things back to the state prior to when the concerned decision and/or act was executed and reexamine.

Appeal Information

An Appeal may be filed against the Administrative Court’s first-instance decision within a period of 42 days from the date such decision was given.

At the Supreme Court (Court of Appeal Section) hearing, the contested issue of the appeal remains the legality of the decision or act already adjudicated for. However, such revision of the legality of the decision or act is solely examined on the matters and the extent that the two parties have limited the reasons in the relevant notice of appeal.

The decision adopted by the Supreme Court is considered final in relation to the matter that has been judged.

Any person who operates a Food Supplement shop is required to comply with the provisions he provisions of the Food (control and sale) laws of 1996 and the Food Supplements Regulations of 2004, as periodically amended.

It should be noted that any display of claims to the food supplement’s label or advertisement that implies directly or indirectly the prevention, treatment or therapy of a human disease is prohibited.

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