Licensing and inspections

The HTA licenses more than 800 organisations that store and use human tissue for purposes such as research, patient treatment, post-mortem examination, teaching, and public exhibitions.

We also inspect organisations to check that they maintain good standards and follow appropriate procedures. Organisations we consider to be highest risk are among the first to be inspected.

Professionals can use this section to find out more about HTA licences and inspections. In this section you can also find out about serious and adverse event reporting, read sector-specific information and HTA regulatory alerts.

  • Licence application step-by-step guide

    Use our straightforward guide to apply for a licence.

  • People at licensed establishments

    Each licensed establishment has to nominate a person, the Designated Individual, who will supervise the activities being carried out. Each establishment also has a Licence Holder that oversees the licence. This page provides information for these people.

  • List of licensed establishments

    Take a look at which establishments hold an HTA licence.

  • Inspections

    The HTA carries out inspections of licensed establishments; find out more about being inspected by the HTA.

  • Regulatory alerts

    Take a look at regulatory alerts from the HTA and find out what to do if you are affected.

  • Fees and payments

    Find out about HTA fees and how to pay for a licence.

  • Licensing and consent exemptions

    Find out if you need a licence from the HTA or if your work requires consent.

  • Licensing under the Quality and Safety Regulations

    Here you will find information on the licensing requirements under the Human Tissue (Quality and Safety for Human Application) Regulations 2007 (Q&S Regulations).

  • Satellite sites

    Satellite sites are small premises under the same governance processes as a larger establishment with the same Designated Individual. Find out more about satellite sites.

  • Emergency mortuaries

    A mass fatality incident may result in the need for an emergency temporary mortuary. Find out how to prepare, what to do if an emergency temporary mortuary is needed and what to do after the event.

  • Adverse event and reaction reporting

    If you hold an HTA licence for human application, you need to report serious adverse events or reactions to the HTA. Find out more about what should be reported to the HTA and how to notify us.