# Submitting an application for review by the ACBS

Source: https://www.keypedia.com/records/uk_mhra_guidance/uk-mhra/2bdfb1b2-e774-4485-9610-c0c5f70b1458
Type: Guidance
Published: January 1, 2012
Updated: March 20, 2026

> This guidance document provided by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) establishes the regulatory framework for the Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances (ACBS). It details the essential procedures for manufacturers seeking approval for products that reside on the boundary between medicines and other categories, such as specialized nutritional products. While this document is a general guidance rather than a report on a specific company inspection or set of violations, it dictates the required actions for all applicants seeking compliance. The guidance clarifies the distinctions between Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 applications and provides a centralized location for sending documentation. To ensure regulatory compliance and avoid processing delays, the MHRA requires that all new requests be submitted using designated application forms. Furthermore, the document highlights critical administrative timelines, including the specific dates for ACBS meetings and the corresponding closing dates for submissions. By following these protocols, organizations ensure their products are evaluated correctly for inclusion in the list of substances that can be prescribed under the NHS. This framework serves to maintain high standards of evidence and consistency in the classification of borderline substances, providing a clear pathway for industry stakeholders to interact with the committee while adhering to established legal and safety standards for patient care.

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## Content

This guidance includes: where to send your application differences between type 1, type 2 and type 3 applications dates of ACBS meetings and submission closing dates A new request to the ACBS should be submitted using the application forms .

## Attachments

- [The Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances: how to submit an application](/government/publications/how-to-submit-an-application-for-acbs-approval/the-advisory-committee-for-borderline-substances-how-to-submit-an-application)