Common questions about the Human Tissue Act and research.

Human bodies, body parts and specimens may be put on public display, for example as part of an exhibition in a gallery or museum. If they are from the body of a deceased person who died less than 100 years ago, the premises must be licensed by the HTA for public display.

Human bodies, body parts and specimens may be put on public display, for example as part of an exhibition in a gallery or museum. If they are from the body of a deceased person who died less than 100 years ago, the premises must be licensed by the HTA for public display.

Advice for schools and colleges using human material for use in teaching.

Guidance and resources for establishments licenced under our Public Display sector

Specific information for those that work in our regulated sectors.

In 2010, the HTA developed a new licence fee structure which has been in operation since 1 April 2011. This fee structure followed consultation with stakeholders and is based on the activities of licensing each sector. The fee structure is reviewed each year and fees for the following year are announced in December. 

Detailed information on our licence fees and other payments.

The HTA licenses a number of activities relating to human tissue. We are also responsible for carrying out inspections to ensure licence conditions are being met. These activities are laid out in the Human Tissue Act and associated Regulations.

Procurement is defined as the processes by which tissues and cells are made available, including the physical act of removing tissue and the donor selection and evaluation.