About the HTA
This section provides information about the role and responsibilities of the Human Tissue Authority.
The HTA was set up to regulate the removal, storage, use and disposal of human bodies, organs and tissue for a number of Scheduled Purposes – such as research, transplantation, and education and training – set out in the Human Tissue Act 2004 (HT Act).
The HT Act covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There is separate legislation in Scotland – the Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006 – and the HTA performs certain tasks on behalf of the Scottish Executive (approval of living donation and licensing of establishments storing tissue for human application).
The HTA is the Competent Authority under the EU Tissue and Cells Directive for regulating human application establishments.
The HTA is also responsible for approving donation of solid organs and bone marrow from living donors.
- How we work
Find out more about our role as a regulator and the activities that we license under the HT Act.
- EUTCD information
Information about the EUTCD which aims to ensure the safety and quality of human tissue.
- FAQs
Frequently asked questions about licensing, research, transplants and public display.
- Human Tissue Act
The HT Act makes consent the fundamental principle in the use of human tissue.
- Publications
Download and read HTA publications which provide further information about us.
- Donating a body to medical science
Information for anatomy schools and the public.
More information
Freedom of Information >
How to make an FOI request to the HTA
Job vacancies >
Current vacancies at the HTA
Complaints >
Information on making a complaint