CARLISLE, EnglandBy February 2014, imported glucosamine, chondroitin or chitosan ingredients of fish origin will require specific certifications as decreed by the European Union Food Standard Agency (FSA). The requirements apply to ingredients for human consumption but not consumer packaged goods. According to FSA's rules, these imported ingredients must have a normal fishery products certificate or documentation with the information required in the new model health certificate.

Many glucosamine, chondroitin and chitosan ingredients are sourced from marine life such as shellfish. However, some products such as TSI Group's vegetarian GlucosaGreen® glucosamine won't be subject to the FSA's new ruling.

"Its clear that these new regulations will disrupt the supply of animal-derived glucosamine ingredients into Europe," said TSI Group's CEO Joe Zhou.