Regulator Profile

HFEA

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

Licensing Body

2

Areas of regulation

12

Laws enforced

UK-wide

Quick links

Visit official website Email HFEA Call 020 7291 8200

Fertility Licensing Research Licensing

What HFEA does

Licences and monitors fertility clinics and research centres in the UK. Regulates the creation, storage, and use of human embryos and gametes.

Additional information

All fertility clinics must be licensed by HFEA.

Legal framework

Legislation that HFEA enforces.

Primary legislation

• Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 Act 1990
• Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 Act 2008

Secondary legislation

• The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Special Exemptions) Regulations 1991 UK Statutory Instrument 1991
• The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Research Purposes) Regulations 2001 UK Statutory Instrument 2001
• The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (Disclosure of Donor Information) Regulations 2004 UK Statutory Instrument 2004
• The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Quality and Safety) Regulations 2007 UK Statutory Instrument 2007
• The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Appeals) Regulations 2009 UK Statutory Instrument 2009
• The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Procedure for Revocation, Variation or Refusal of Licences) Regulations 2009 UK Statutory Instrument 2009
• The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Statutory Storage Period for Embryos and Gametes) Regulations 2009 UK Statutory Instrument 2009
• The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Mitochondrial Donation) Regulations 2015 UK Statutory Instrument 2015
• The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Statutory Storage Period for Embryos and Gametes) Regulations 2022 UK Statutory Instrument 2022
• The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Fees) Regulations 2024 UK Statutory Instrument 2024