The glossary to understand and take action

Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA)

ALVA brings together food chain control, animal health and animal welfare competencies. It is an important contact for businesses producing, processing or marketing foodstuffs.

Administration ou organisme professionnel · Luxembourg Fiduciaries Editorial Team · Reviewed on

Understand the scope

Its role for your business

The registration of an operator, any approval and hygiene obligations are separate matters. The procedure depends on the activity and products concerned.

In your file

When to contact them and what to prepare

Describe the establishments, activities and products before starting operations. Organise traceability and the documents needed to explain your operations. A change of establishment or activity must be notified in accordance with the applicable rules. A business permit alone does not complete the formalities for the food sector.

A scenario to help you understand

Educational example

A caterer is preparing to open and checks the registration of its establishment as well as the obligations specific to the products it handles.

Fictitious situation, presented to illustrate the concept.

Prepare for what comes next

Points to check

  • Décrire les activités alimentaires
  • Vérifier enregistrement ou agrément
  • Organiser la traçabilité

Connecting concepts

Terms to know as well

Continue with the concepts, contacts and procedures related to this topic.

Registration of a food establishmentRegistration makes it possible to identify food-chain establishments and activities with the competent authority. It concerns operators falling within the scope of the procedure, according to their activity.Business permitThe business permit allows the pursuit of activities subject to it, where the conditions relating to the business and its manager are met.InventoryGoods tracked in the operating cycle, particularly for sale, processing or consumption in production.Administration of Agricultural Technical Services (ASTA)ASTA is involved in the technical aspects of agriculture, including production, means of production and rural engineering within its remit. It is a sector-specific point of contact for agricultural holdings.Wine-growing and Viticulture Institute (IVV)The IVV is the administrative and technical contact for the wine-growing sector within its remit. The operations concerned must identify the procedures specific to wine production and marketing.Directorate of HealthThe Directorate of Health operates in the field of public health within its remit. Companies in certain sectors must check the health requirements specific to their activities and products.

Put it into practice

Explore further with our guides

Practical guideBusiness permit: preparing a coherent application

Sources and verification

References consulted on 20 September 2026. Official procedures specify the applicable conditions and exceptions.

This guide explains a general process. The applicable rules depend on your situation; it does not constitute personalised advice. Report a correction.

A definition gives you a reference point. To examine your situation, clarify your question with a professional.