Eläin- ja kasvituotteiden terveys ja kuluttajansuoja

Tämä sivu toimii viiteasiakirjana ainoastaan EU:n laajuisten tuotevaatimusten osalta. Lisävaatimuksia voidaan soveltaa kohdemaasta riippuen. Lisätietoja saa kohdasta My Trade Assistant.

Huomaa, että tällä sivulla on yleinen kuvaus kustakin otsikosta kaikilla EU:n kielillä. Tiedot ovat kuitenkin saatavilla vain englanniksi.

Eläinten terveys

EU:hun tuotavia eläimiä ja eläinperäisiä tuotteita koskevat pakolliset edellytykset (maan terveyshyväksyntä, hyväksytty laitos, terveystodistukset, terveystarkastukset, yhteinen eläinlääkinnällinen tuloasiakirja (CVED))

Elävien eläinten terveystarkastukset

Eläviä eläimiä saa tuoda EU:hun vain, jos ne tulevat kolmannesta maasta, joka sisältyy kyseisen eläimen osalta hyväksyttyjen maiden luetteloon, niiden mukana on asianmukaiset todistukset ja ne ovat läpäisseet asianomaisen jäsenvaltion rajatarkastusasemalla suoritetut pakolliset tarkastukset.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports of live animals into the European Union (EU) must comply with the general health requirements related to:

  1. Country health approval and approved establishments
  2. Official certificates
  3. Official control
  4. Protective measures

According to Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (CELEX 32017R0625) (the Official Controls Regulation - OCR), these products can only be imported into the Union if they come from an approved establishment of a third country included in a positive list of eligible countries for the relevant product (if required), are accompanied by the proper official certificates, and have succeeded the mandatory control at the pertinent Member State's Border Control Posts (BCPs). Compliance with these requirements is closely related to the fulfilment of certain conditions laid down in order to protect public and animal health.

Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (CELEX 32016R0429) brings together in a single law a huge number of legal acts regarding animal health. It lays down rules for the prevention and control of animal diseases which are transmissible to animals or to humans. In particular:

  • Part I lays down general rules for the prioritization and categorization of diseases and for the establishment of responsibilities for animal health (arts. 1-17);
  • Part II contains specific rules on disease notification and reporting, surveillance, eradication programme and recognition of disease-free status;
  • Part III regulates disease awareness, preparedness and control;
  • Part IV establishes the registration and approval of establishments and transporters, movements and traceability of animals, germinal products and products of animal origin within the EU territory;
  • Part V regulates the entry into the EU and the export of animals, germinal products and products of animal origin from third countries and territories;
  • Part VI applies to non-commercial movements of pet animals;
  • Part VII establishes emergency measures in the event of an outbreak of a listed disease or emerging disease.

Breeding animals and their genetic material are also subject to the specific zootechnical provisions lay down in Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 (CELEX 32016R1012).

Besides, any imported animal which has passed the health control and which remains within EU territory shall be identified on the holding of destination according to the provisions laid down in the EU legislation for the different species.

EU legislation establishing general health conditions.

1. Country health approval and approved establishments

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety applies a procedure to assess the candidate's third country compliance with EU Public and Animal Health conditions in which one of the steps is an on-site review by a team of experts of the Health and food audits and analysis directorate. Once approved, the third country and/or part of third country is added to the list of authorised countries for that particular species of animal. These lists are published in the Official Journal of the EU.

Certain animals can only be placed on the Union market if they are imported from a country or region thereof included in one of the EU lists published in new Regulation (EU) 2021/405 (CELEX 32021R0405). Such lists are set out to ensure compliance with EU safety requirements laid down by Regulation (EU) 2020/692 (CELEX 32020R0692) complementing Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (CELEX 32016R0429).

In addition to country approval, and according to Regulation (EU) 2022/2292 (CELEX 32022R2292), certain live animals like bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods, may only be imported into the EU if they have been dispatched from, and obtained or prepared in approved establishments (cold store, processing plant, factory vessel, registered freezer vessels, production areas, etc) that appear on a list approved by the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety.

2. Official certificates

The consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the competent authority in the exporting third country certifying that the animals in question are suitable to be exported to the EU.

There are different models of certificate set forth in the EU legislation which vary according to the species of the concerned animals, the intended use for the animals, the sanitary group to which the third country has been assigned by the European Commission and/or special requirements laid down for those particular animals.

EU legislation setting up models of health certificates.

TRACES (Trade Control and Export System) is the EU management tool for health certification of feed and food, products of animal and non-animal origin, plants, seeds and propagating materials in intra-EU trade and imports to the EU. It aims at digitising the entire sanitary certification process and linked procedures and allows for verification of the certificate of inspection issued in the country of origin.

TRACES facilitates the exchange of information between the competent authorities in EU and EFTA countries and in non-EU countries, in order to guarantee that the EU policy areas of DG Health and Consumers as regards 'Animal Health', 'Animal Welfare' and 'Veterinary Public Health' are met. This network also promotes a better cooperation between traders themselves and their competent authorities.

New computerised information management system for official controls (IMSOC) established by the OCR Regulation, will be set up by EU Commision in collaboration with the Member States for the integrated operation of the mechanisms and tools through which data, information and documents concerning official controls and other official activities will be managed, handled, and automatically exchanged. It will allow all EU systems for official controls (e.g. TRACES, EUROPHYT; IRASFF, AAC) to exchange information and share features. It will also connect them and extend functionalities so that some systems will be absorbed.

3. Official control

The OCR provides that national competent authorities shall carry out official controls on all operators at all stages of production, processing, distribution and use of animals, goods, substances, materials or objects that are governed by agri-food chain rules.

Official controls carried out before the placing on the market or the movement of certain animals and goods in view of the issuance of the official certificates or attestations (e.g. for plant health), shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Regulation and delegated and implementing acts adopted by the Commission. In this regard, Regulation (EU) 2019/2130 (CELEX 32019R2130) lays down detailed rules concerning the performance of documentary checks, identity checks and physical checks at border control posts.

The list of animals and products subject to official controls at border control posts is set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/632 (CELEX 32021R0632).

Upon entry into the EU, operators must issue a duly finalised Common Health Entry Document - CHED Common Health Entry Document (CHED) to ensure the traceability of the consignment and its compliance with the applicable rules referred to in the Regulation.

The CHED shall be used by:

  • the operators in order to give prior notification to the competent authorities of the border control post of arrival of the consignments
  • the competent authorities of the border control post, in order to:
    • record the outcome of the official controls performed and any subsequent decisions.
    • communicate this information referred to through the IMSOC.

As a result of the inspection at the border control post, national competent authorities shall issue an official certificate. Customs shall only allow the release for free circulation of a consignment upon presentation of a certificate which confirms that the consignment is in compliance with the applicable rules referred to in the Regulation.

EU legislation on health control

4. Protective measures on imports of certain animals

The European authorities might suspend imports of animals from all or part of a third country or take interim protective measures when those animals may present any risk for public or animal health as in the case of dangerous diseases outbreaks.

EU legislation establishing protective measures

Furthermore, appearance of a significant amount of alien species, whether of animals, plants, fungi or micro-organisms, in new locations can become invasive and have serious adverse impact on biodiversity and related ecosystem services, as well as have a significant adverse impact on human health, or other social and economic impact, which should be prevented. Regulation (EU) 2014/1143 (CELEX 32014R1143) sets out rules to prevent, minimise and mitigate the adverse impact on biodiversity of the introduction and spread within the Union of invasive alien species.

Invasive alien species listed by the Union in Regulation (EU) 2016/1141 (CELEX 32016R1141) shall not be intentionally:

  • brought into the EU territory (including transit or transport under customs supervision),
  • kept,
  • bred,
  • placed on the market,
  • used or exchanged,
  • permitted to reproduce, grown or cultivated, including in contained holding or
  • released into the environment

Unintentional introduction or spread, including, where applicable, by gross negligence, of such invasive alien species shall also be prevented by Member States.

Other information sources

Ihmisravinnoksi tarkoitettujen eläinperäisten tuotteiden terveystarkastukset

Ihmisravinnoksi tarkoitettujen eläinperäisten tuotteiden tuonnissa on noudatettava seuraavia terveysvaatimuksia, jotka liittyvät muun muassa yleisöön ja eläinten suojeluun liittyviin terveysvaatimuksiin, maakohtaiseen terveyshyväksyntään ja hyväksyttyihin laitoksiin.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

If you want to import products of animal origin intended for human consumption, you must comply with the following health requirements related to:

  1. General rules on hygiene of foodstuffs and other specifications for food of animal origin
  2. Country health approval and approved establishments
  3. Official certificates
  4. Official control
  5. Particular provisions for specific foodstuffs

According to Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (CELEX 32017R0625) (the Official Controls Regulation - OCR), these products can only be imported into the Union if they come from an approved establishment of a third country included in a positive list of eligible countries for the relevant product (if required), are accompanied by the proper official certificates, and have succeeded the mandatory control at the pertinent Member State's Border Control Posts (BCPs). Compliance with these requirements is closely related to the fulfilment of certain conditions laid down in order to protect public and animal health.

However, the European authorities might suspend imports from all or part of the third country concerned or take interim protective measures when products may present any risk for public or animal health as in the case of dangerous diseases outbreaks.

EU legislation establishing protective measures

1. General rules on hygiene of foodstuffs and other specifications for food of animal origin

Products imported into the Union for human nutrition shall comply with the rules on hygiene of fodstuffs laid down by Regulation (EC) 852/2004 (CELEX 32004R0852) and Regulation (EC) 853/2004 (CELEX 32004R0853) respectively:

  • hygiene provisions for all stages of production, processing and distribution of food
  • microbiological criteria established in Regulation (EC) 2073/2005 (CELEX 32005R2073),
  • temperature control requirements for foodstuffs,
  • maintenance of the cold chain,
  • sampling and analysis,
  • approval and registration of food business establishments,
  • obligation on operators to monitor the food safety of products and processes under his responsibility
  • procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles
  • according to Regulation (EC) 852/2004 (CELEX 32004R0852) and Regulation (EC) 853/2004 (CELEX 32004R0853) respectively;

Principles and rules for the prevention and control of transmissible diseases in animals kept by humans, wild animals and certain animal products, laid down in Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (CELEX 32016R0429), shall also be fullfilled.

Moreover, animal welfare requirements of Regulation (EC) 1099/2009 (CELEX 32009R1099), lay down as a general rule that animals must be spared any avoidable excitement, pain or suffering during movement, lairaging, restraint, stunning, slaughter or killing.

EU legislation establishing general health conditions.

2. Country health approval and approved establishments

Certain animals and animal products can only be placed on the Union market if they are imported from a country or region thereof included in one of the EU lists published in new Regulation (EU) 2021/405 (CELEX 32021R0405). Such lists are set out to ensure compliance with EU food and feed safety requirements laid down by Regulation (EU) 2020/692 (CELEX 32020R0692) complementing Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (CELEX 32016R0429).

In addition to country approval, and according to Regulation (EU) 2022/2292 (CELEX 32022R2292), most products of animal origin may only be imported into the EU if they have been dispatched from, and obtained or prepared in, establishments (slaughterhouse, cutting plant, process plant, etc) that appear on a list approved by the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety.

Lists of third countries' establishments approved for each category of products as well as more detailed information can be found in the European Commission Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety official website.

3. Official certificates

The OCR creates a uniform and harmonised framework for official certification across Member States in all the affected areas.

Imports of products of animal origin into the EU must be accompanied by an official certificate signed by the competent authority in the exporting third country certifying that the products in question are suitable to be exported to the EU.

There are different models of certificate set forth in EU legislation which vary according to each category of products, animal species concerned and/or special health conditions that may be laid down for those particular products.

EU legislation setting up models of health certificates.

TRACES (Trade Control and Export System) is the EU management tool for health certification of feed and food, products of animal and non-animal origin, plants, seeds and propagating materials in intra-EU trade and imports to the EU. It aims at digitising the entire sanitary certification process and linked procedures and allows for verification of the certificate of inspection issued in the country of origin.

TRACES facilitates the exchange of information between the competent authorities in EU and EFTA countries and in non-EU countries, in order to guarantee that the EU policy areas of DG SANTE as regards 'Animal Health', 'Animal Welfare' and 'Veterinary Public Health' are met. This network also promotes a better cooperation between traders themselves and their competent authorities.

New computerised information management system for official controls (IMSOC) established by the OCR Regulation, will be set up by EU Commision in collaboration with the Member States for the integrated operation of the mechanisms and tools through which data, information and documents concerning official controls and other official activities will be managed, handled, and automatically exchanged. It will allow all EU systems for official controls (e.g. TRACES, EUROPHYT, IRASFF, AAC) to exchange information and share features. It will also connect them and extend functionalities so that some systems will be absorbed.

4. Official control

The OCR provides that national competent authorities shall carry out official controls on all operators at all stages of production, processing, distribution and use of animals, goods, substances, materials or objects that are governed by agri-food chain rules.

Official controls carried out before the placing on the market or the movement of certain animals and goods in view of the issuance of the official certificates or attestations (e.g. for plant health), shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Regulation and delegated and implementing acts adopted by the Commission. In this regard, Regulation (EU) 2019/2130 (CELEX 32019R2130) lays down detailed rules concerning the performance of documentary checks, identity checks and physical checks at border control posts.

The list of animals and products subject to official controls at border control posts is set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/632 (CELEX 32021R0632).

Upon entry into the EU, operators must issue a duly finalised Common Health Entry Document - CHED Common Health Entry Document (CHED) to ensure the traceability of the consignment and its compliance with the applicable rules referred to in the Regulation.

The CHED shall be used by:

  • the operators in order to give prior notification to the competent authorities of the border control post of arrival of the consignments
  • the competent authorities of the border control post, in order to:
    • record the outcome of the official controls performed and any subsequent decisions.
    • communicate this information referred to through the IMSOC.

As a result of the inspection at the border control post, national competent authorities shall issue an official certificate. Customs shall only allow the release for free circulation of a consignment upon presentation of a certificate which confirms that the consignment is in compliance with the applicable rules referred to in the Regulation.

EU legislation on health control

5. Particular provisions for specific foodstuffs

EU rules relating to treatment of foodstuffs, food ingredients and their conditions of use try to protect the health of consumers and guarantee the free circulation of foodstuffs in the European Union market.

Moreover, particular provisions for groups of foods are laid down in specific legislation:

  • Regulation (EC) 1333/2008 (CELEX 32008R1333) sets the rules on food additives regarding definitions, conditions of use, labelling and procedures:
    • food additives are substances such as colours, preservatives, antioxidants or flour treatment agents, used for different reasons (such as preservation, colouring, sweetening, etc) during the preparation of food and which are part of the finished product,
    • the only substances which may be used as food additives are those included in the approved common lists and under the conditions of use mentioned therein,
    • they can only be used when they do not pose risks to consumers' health, there is no other mean to achieve a specific need and its use does not mislead and has benefits for the consumer
    • the EU may reduce the limits for the use of food additives. This is the case of nitrites and nitrates, whose use limits have been reduced to protect consumers from pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, and Clostridium botulinum, while reducing the exposure to nitrosamines, some of which are carcinogenic
    • additives in foodstuffs must be labelled according the rules set out in Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (CELEX 32011R1169) ,
  • Directive 89/108/EEC (CELEX 31989L0108) lays down EU-wide rules governing the quick freezing, packaging, labelling and inspection of quick-frozen foodstuffs,
  • Directive 1999/2/EC (CELEX 31999L0002) aims at ensuring that foods and food ingredients treated with ionising radiation are safe for consumers
  • Specific provisions are applied to certain groups of products (such as certain types of milk, eggs, lactoproteins, etc) and to foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses (baby foods, dietary foods...). These may include specific requirements on composition, hygiene, labelling (e.g. declaration of the energy value, carbohydrate, protein and fat content), list of additives, purity criteria, etc.

Other information sources

Muiden kuin ihmisravinnoksi tarkoitettujen eläinperäisten tuotteiden terveystarkastukset

Muiden kuin ihmisravinnoksi tarkoitettujen eläintuotteiden tuonnissa EU:hun on noudatettava kansanterveyttä ja eläinten terveyttä koskevia yleisiä sääntöjä. Näin varmistetaan korkea terveys- ja turvallisuustaso koko elintarvike- ja rehuketjussa ja vältetään karjalle tai ihmisille vaarallisten tautien leviäminen.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports into the European Union (EU) of animal products not intended for human consumption must comply with general conditions of public and animal health designed to guarantee a high level of health and safety throughout the food and feed chains and to avoid the spread of infectious diseases that are dangerous to livestock or humans.

The general health requirements applicable to these products are related to:

  1. General requirements for feed hygiene
  2. Country health approval and approved establishments
  3. Official certificates
  4. Official control
  5. Marketing requirements

According to Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (CELEX 32017R0625) (the Official Controls Regulation - OCR), these products can only be imported into the Union if they come from an approved establishment of a third country included in a positive list of eligible countries for the relevant product (if required), are accompanied by the proper official certificates, and have succeeded the mandatory control at the pertinent Member State's Border Control Posts (BCPs). Compliance with these requirements is closely related to the fulfilment of certain conditions laid down in order to protect public and animal health.

However, the European authorities might suspend imports from all or part of the third country concerned or take interim protective measures when products may present any risk for public or animal health as in the case of dangerous diseases outbreaks.

EU legislation on establishing protective measures

1. General requirements for feed hygiene

Products intended for animal nutrition shall comply with the general requirements for feed hygiene laid down by Regulation (EC) 183/2005 (CELEX 32005R0183):

  • compulsory registration of all feed business operators,
  • approval of feed business establishments operating with the more sensitive substances
  • obligation on operators to monitor the feed safety of products and processes under his responsibility
  • hygiene provisions for primary production and detailed requirements for all stages of production
  • microbiological criteria based on scientific risk criteria
  • community and national guides to good practice in feed production
  • procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles
  • introduction of compulsory requirements for feed production at farm level

2. Country health approval and approved establishments

Certain animals and goods can only be placed on the Union market from food and food safety perspective if they are imported from a country or region thereof included in one of the EU lists published in EU legislation. Such lists are established to ensure compliance with EU food and feed safety requirements. The positive lists of eligible countries for imports of animal by-products are published in Annex XIV to Regulation (EU) 142/2011 (CELEX 32011R0142).

In addition to country approval, products of animal origin not intended for human consumption may only be imported into the EU if they have been dispatched from, and obtained or prepared in, approved establishments (processing and storage, oleo chemical, biogas and composting, pet food and technical plants, etc). Regulation (EU) 142/2011 (CELEX 32011R0142) establishes different approval procedures depending on the type of products.

3. Official certificates

Imports of these products into the EU must be accompanied by an official certificate signed by the representative of the competent authority of the exporting third country certifying that the products in question are suitable to be exported to the EU.

There are different models of certificate set forth in the EU legislation, which vary according to the type of product concerned, the use intended and/or the special conditions that may be laid down for that particular product. The models of health certificates for imports of animal by-products are published in Annex XV to Regulation (EU) 142/2011 (CELEX 32011R0142).

EU legislation setting up models of health certificates.

TRACES (Trade Control and Export System) is the EU management tool for health certification of feed and food, products of animal and non-animal origin, plants, seeds and propagating materials in intra-EU trade and imports to the EU. It aims at digitising the entire sanitary certification process and linked procedures and allows for verification of the certificate of inspection issued in the country of origin.

TRACES facilitates the exchange of information between the competent authorities in EU and EFTA countries and in non-EU countries, in order to guarantee that the EU policy areas of DG Health and Consumers as regards 'Animal Health', 'Animal Welfare' and 'Veterinary Public Health' are met. This network also promotes a better cooperation between traders themselves and their competent authorities.

New computerised information management system for official controls (IMSOC) established by the OCR Regulation, will be set up by EU Commision in collaboration with the Member States for the integrated operation of the mechanisms and tools through which data, information and documents concerning official controls and other official activities will be managed, handled, and automatically exchanged. It will allow all EU systems for official controls (e.g. TRACES, EUROPHYT; IRASFF, AAC) to exchange information and share features. It will also connect them and extend functionalities so that some systems will be absorbed.

4. Official control

The OCR provides that national competent authorities shall carry out official controls on all operators at all stages of production, processing,distribution and use of animals, goods, substances, materials or objects that are governed by agri-food chain rules.

Official controls carried out before the placing on the market or the movement of certain animals and goods in view of the issuance of the official certificates or attestations (e.g. for plant health), shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Regulation and delegated and implementing acts adopted by the Commission. In this regard, Regulation (EU) 2019/2130 (CELEX 32019R2130) lays down detailed rules concerning the performance of documentary checks, identity checks and physical checks at border control posts.

The list of animals and products subject to official controls at border control posts is set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/632 (CELEX 32021R0632).

Upon entry into the EU, operators must issue a duly finalised Common Health Entry Document - CHED Common Health Entry Document (CHED) to ensure the traceability of the consignment and its compliance with the applicable rules referred to in the Regulation.

The CHED shall be used by:

  • the operators in order to give prior notification to the competent authorities of the border control post of arrival of the consignments
  • the competent authorities of the border control post, in order to:
    • record the outcome of the official controls performed and any subsequent decisions.
    • communicate this information referred to through the IMSOC.

The list of animals and products subject to official controls at border control posts is set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/632 (CELEX 32021R0632).

As a result of the inspection at the border control post, national competent authorities shall issue an official certificate. Customs shall only allow the release for free circulation of a consignment upon presentation of a certificate which confirms that the consignment is in compliance with the applicable rules referred to in the Regulation.

EU legislation on health control

5. Marketing requirements

The placing on the market and use of intermediate products (intended for uses within the manufacturing of medicinal products, veterinary medicinal products, medical devices for medical and veterinary purposes, active implantable medical devices, in vitro diagnostic medical devices for medical and veterinary purposes, laboratory reagents or cosmetic products within the EU, must comply with specific identification, labelling and packaging rules laid down also by Regulation (EU) 142/2011 (CELEX 32011R0142).

The placing on the market and use of feed for both food-producing and non food-producing animals within the EU, must comply with specific labelling, packaging and presentation standards laid down by Regulation (EC) 767/2009 (CELEX 32009R0767).

There are different types of feed:

  • feed materials (raw or processed materials intended for use as animal feed or for manufacturing compound feed),
  • compound feed (mixtures of feed materials which may contain additives for use as animal feed as complete or complementary feedingstuffs),
  • feed additives and
  • medicated feed.

Feed may only be placed on the market if:

  • it is safe and does not have a direct adverse effect on the environment or animal welfare,
  • it is sound, genuine unadulterated, fits for its purpose and of merchantable quality,
  • it is labelled, packaged and presented according to EU rules.

These products must also comply with specific labelling, presentation and packaging provisions, such as:

  • The labelling and the presentation of feed shall not mislead the user as to the intended use or characteristics of the feed, by attributing to the feed effects or characteristics that it does not possess or by suggesting that it possesses special characteristics than similar feeds, as to the compliance of the labelling with the Community Catalogue of feed materials, which is set out by Regulation (EU) 2017/1017 (CELEX 32017R1017).
  • The following particulars shall be indicated in the label:
    • the type of feed,
    • the name or business name and the address of the feed business operator responsible for the labelling,
    • the establishment approval number of the person responsible for the labelling,
    • the batch or lot reference number,
    • the net quantity of product,
    • the list of feed additives preceded by the heading 'additives',
    • the moisture content,
    • specific and additional labelling requirements for feed materials, compound feed, feed intended for particular nutritional purposes, pet food and non-compliant feed according to articles 16 to 20 of the Regulation.
  • Feed materials and compound feed may be placed on the market only in sealed packages or containers with some exceptions where feed may be placed on the market in bulk or in unsealed packages or containers (feed materials, certain deliveries of compound feed, blocks or licks...). In this case, they shall be accompanied by a document containing all mandatory labelling particulars required under this Regulation.

EU legislation establishing general health conditions

Other information sources

Ihmisravinnoksi tarkoitettujen kalastustuotteiden terveystarkastukset

Ihmisravinnoksi tarkoitettujen kalastus- ja vesiviljelytuotteiden tuonnin on täytettävä yleiset terveysvaatimukset, jotka liittyvät hyväksytyn maan, hyväksytyn laitoksen, terveystodistusten ja terveystarkastusten hyväksyntään.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports of fishery and aquaculture products intended for human consumption must comply with general health requirements related to:

  1. Country health approval
  2. Approved establishment
  3. Official certificates
  4. Official control

According to Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (CELEX 32017R0625) (the Official Controls Regulation - OCR), these products can only be imported into the Union if they come from an approved establishment of a third country included in a positive list of eligible countries for the relevant product (if required), are accompanied by the proper official certificates, and have succeeded the mandatory control at the pertinent Member State's Border Control Posts (BCPs). Compliance with these requirements is closely related to the fulfilment of certain conditions laid down in order to protect public and animal health.

However, the European authorities might suspend imports from all or part of the third country concerned or take interim protective measures when products may present any risk for public or animal health as in the case of dangerous diseases outbreaks.

EU legislation establishing protective measures.

Health requirements check compliance with general conditions of public and animal health designed to avoid transmission of diseases to either the public or the animals. These conditions mainly include:

  • according to Regulation (EC) 852/2004 (CELEX 32004R0852) and Regulation (EC) 853/2004 (CELEX 32004R0853) respectively;
  • Animal Health conditions laid down in Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (CELEX 32016R0429);
  • Special provisions on genetically modified (GM) food and novel food according to Regulation (EC) 1829/2003 (CELEX 32003R1829) and Regulation (EC) 258/97 (CELEX 31997R0258);
  • General conditions regarding materials and articles in contact with food products in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 (CELEX 32004R1935);
  • Note: From 1 April 2021, food intended for the final consumer and for supply to retail with a content of trans fat, other than trans fat naturally occurring in fat of animal origin, exceeding 2 grams per 100 grams of fat, may not be marketed in the EU according to Regulation (EU) 2019/649 (CELEX 32019R0649).

The placing on the EU market of poisonous fish of the families Tetraodontidae, Molidae, Diodontidae, Canthigasteridae and fishery products containing biotoxins such as ciguatera toxins or muscle-paralysing toxins is forbidden according to Regulation (EC) 853/2004 (CELEX 32004R0853).

EU legislation establishing general health conditions.

1. Country health approval

Certain animals and products can only be placed on the Union market if they are imported from a country or region thereof included in one of the EU lists published in new Regulation (EU) 2021/405 (CELEX 32021R0405). Such lists are set out to ensure compliance with EU food and feed safety requirements laid down by Regulation (EU) 2020/692 (CELEX 32020R0692) complementing Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (CELEX 32016R0429).

2. Approved establishments

In addition to country approval, and according to Regulation (EU) 2022/2292 (CELEX 32022R2292), fishery and aquaculture products may only be imported into the EU if they have been dispatched from, and obtained or prepared in, approved establishments (cold store, processing plant, factory vessel, registered freezer vessels, production areas, etc) that appear on a list approved by the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety.

3. Official certificates

Imports of fishery and aquaculture products into the EU must be accompanied by a health certificate signed by the competent authority of the exporting third country certifying that the products in question are suitable to be exported to the EU.

There are different models of certificate set forth in EU legislation which vary according to each category of products, animal species concerned and/or special health conditions that may be laid down for those particular products.

When fishery products are imported directly from a fishing or freezer vessel, a document signed by the captain may replace the health certificate.

EU legislation setting up models of health certificates.

TRACES (Trade Control and Export System) is the EU management tool for health certification of feed and food, products of animal and non-animal origin, plants, seeds and propagating materials in intra-EU trade and imports to the EU. It aims at digitising the entire sanitary certification process and linked procedures and allows for verification of the certificate of inspection issued in the country of origin.

TRACES facilitates the exchange of information between the competent authorities in EU and EFTA countries and in non-EU countries, in order to guarantee that the EU policy areas of DG Health and Consumers as regards 'Animal Health', 'Animal Welfare' and 'Veterinary Public Health' are met. This network also promotes a better cooperation between traders themselves and their competent authorities.

New computerised information management system for official controls (IMSOC) established by the OCR Regulation, will be set up by EU Commision in collaboration with the Member States for the integrated operation of the mechanisms and tools through which data, information and documents concerning official controls and other official activities will be managed, handled, and automatically exchanged. It will allow all EU systems for official controls (e.g. TRACES, EUROPHYT; IRASFF, AAC) to exchange information and share features. It will also connect them and extend functionalities so that some systems will be absorbed.

4. Official control

The OCR provides that national competent authorities shall carry out official controls on all operators at all stages of production, processing, distribution and use of animals, goods, substances, materials or objects that are governed by agri-food chain rules.

Official controls carried out before the placing on the market or the movement of certain animals and goods in view of the issuance of the official certificates or attestations (e.g. for plant health), shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Regulation and delegated and implementing acts adopted by the Commission. In this regard, Regulation (EU) 2019/2130 (CELEX 32019R2130) lays down detailed rules concerning the performance of documentary checks, identity checks and physical checks at border control posts.

The list of animals and products subject to official controls at border control posts is set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/632 (CELEX 32021R0632).

Upon entry into the EU, operators must issue a duly finalised Common Health Entry Document - CHED Common Health Entry Document (CHED) to ensure the traceability of the consignment and its compliance with the applicable rules referred to in the Regulation.

The CHED shall be used by:

  • the operators in order to give prior notification to the competent authorities of the border control post of arrival of the consignments
  • the competent authorities of the border control post, in order to:
    • record the outcome of the official controls performed and any subsequent decisions.
    • communicate this information referred to through the IMSOC.

As a result of the inspection at the border control post, national competent authorities shall issue an official certificate. Customs shall only allow the release for free circulation of a consignment upon presentation of a certificate which confirms that the consignment is in compliance with the applicable rules referred to in the Regulation.

EU legislation on health control

Other information sources

Muiden kuin ihmisravinnoksi tarkoitettujen kalastustuotteiden terveystarkastukset

Muuksi kuin ihmisravinnoksi tarkoitettujen kalastus- ja vesiviljelytuotteiden tuonnissa on noudatettava yleisiä terveysvaatimuksia, jotka liittyvät hyväksytyn maan, hyväksytyn laitoksen, terveystodistusten ja terveystarkastusten terveyshyväksyntään.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports of fishery and aquaculture products not intended for human consumption into the European Union (EU) must comply with general conditions of public and animal health designed to guarantee a high level of health and safety throughout the food and feed chains and to avoid the spread of infectious diseases which are dangerous to animals or humans.

The general health requirements applicable to these products are related to:

  1. General requirements for feed hygiene
  2. Country health approval and approved establishments
  3. Official certificates
  4. Official control
  5. Marketing requirements

According to Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (CELEX 32017R0625) (the Official Controls Regulation - OCR), these products can only be imported into the Union if they come from an approved establishment of a third country included in a positive list of eligible countries for the relevant product (if required), are accompanied by the proper official certificates, and have succeeded the mandatory control at the pertinent Member State's Border Control Posts (BCPs). Compliance with these requirements is closely related to the fulfilment of certain conditions laid down in order to protect public and animal health.

However, the European authorities might suspend imports from all or part of the third country concerned or take interim protective measures when products may present any risk for public or animal health as in the case of dangerous diseases outbreaks.

EU legislation establishing protective measures

1. General requirements for feed hygiene

Products are intended for animal nutrition shall comply with the general requirements for feed hygiene laid down by Regulation (EC) 183/2005 (CELEX 32005R0183):

  • compulsory registration of all feed business operators,
  • approval of feed business establishments operating with the more sensitive substances
  • obligation on operators to monitor the feed safety of products and processes under his responsibility
  • hygiene provisions for primary production and detailed requirements for all stages of production
  • microbiological criteria based on scientific risk criteria
  • community and national guides to good practice in feed production
  • procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles
  • introduction of compulsory requirements for feed production at farm level

2. Country health approval and approved establishments

Certain animals and goods can only be placed on the Union market from food and food safety perspective if they are imported from a country or region thereof included in one of the EU lists published in EU legislation. Such lists are established to ensure compliance with EU food and feed safety requirements. The positive lists of eligible countries for imports of animal by-products are published in Annex XIV to Regulation (EU) 142/2011 (CELEX 32011R0142).

In addition to country approval, fishery and aquaculture products not intended for human consumption may only be imported into the EU if they have been dispatched from, and obtained or prepared in, approved establishments: processing and storage, oleo chemical, biogas and composting, pet food and technical plants, production areas, etc.

3. Official certificates

Imports of these products into the EU must be accompanied by a health certificate signed by the competent authority of the exporting third country certifying that the products in question are suitable to be exported to the EU.

There are different models of certificate set forth in EU legislation, which vary according to the type of product concerned, the use intended and/or the special conditions that may be laid down for those particular product.

EU legislation setting up models of health certificates.

TRACES (Trade Control and Export System) is the EU management tool for health certification of feed and food, products of animal and non-animal origin, plants, seeds and propagating materials in intra-EU trade and imports to the EU. It aims at digitising the entire sanitary certification process and linked procedures and allows for verification of the certificate of inspection issued in the country of origin.

TRACES facilitates the exchange of information between the competent authorities in EU and EFTA countries and in non-EU countries, in order to guarantee that the EU policy areas of DG Health and Consumers as regards 'Animal Health', 'Animal Welfare' and 'Veterinary Public Health' are met. This network also promotes a better cooperation between traders themselves and their competent authorities.

New computerised information management system for official controls (IMSOC) established by the OCR Regulation, will be set up by EU Commision in collaboration with the Member States for the integrated operation of the mechanisms and tools through which data, information and documents concerning official controls and other official activities will be managed, handled, and automatically exchanged. It will allow all EU systems for official controls (e.g. TRACES, EUROPHYT; IRASFF, AAC) to exchange information and share features. It will also connect them and extend functionalities so that some systems will be absorbed.

4. Official control

The OCR provides that national competent authorities shall carry out official controls on all operators at all stages of production, processing, distribution and use of animals, goods, substances, materials or objects that are governed by agri-food chain rules.

Official controls carried out before the placing on the market or the movement of certain animals and goods in view of the issuance of the official certificates or attestations (e.g. for plant health), shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Regulation and delegated and implementing acts adopted by the Commission. In this regard, Regulation (EU) 2019/2130 (CELEX 32019R2130) lays down detailed rules concerning the performance of documentary checks, identity checks and physical checks at border control posts.

The list of animals and products subject to official controls at border control posts is set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/632 (CELEX 32021R0632).

Upon entry into the EU, operators must issue a duly finalised Common Health Entry Document - CHED Common Health Entry Document (CHED) to ensure the traceability of the consignment and its compliance with the applicable rules referred to in the Regulation.

The CHED shall be used by:

  • the operators in order to give prior notification to the competent authorities of the border control post of arrival of the consignments
  • the competent authorities of the border control post, in order to:
    • record the outcome of the official controls performed and any subsequent decisions.
    • communicate this information referred to through the IMSOC.

As a result of the inspection at the border control post, national competent authorities shall issue an official certificate. Customs shall only allow the release for free circulation of a consignment upon presentation of a certificate which confirms that the consignment is in compliance with the applicable rules referred to in the Regulation.

EU legislation on health control.

5. Marketing requirements

The placing on the market and use of feed for both food-producing and non food-producing animals within the EU, must comply with specific labelling, packaging and presentation standards laid down by Regulation (EC) 767/2009 (CELEX 32009R0767).

There are different types of feed:

  • feed materials (raw or processed materials intended for use as animal feed or for manufacturing compound feed),
  • compound feed (mixtures of feed materials which may contain additives for use as animal feed as complete or complementary feedingstuffs),
  • feed additives and
  • medicated feed.

Feed may only be placed on the market if:

  • it is safe and does not have a direct adverse effect on the environment or animal welfare,
  • it is sound, genuine unadulterated, fits for its purpose and of merchantable quality,
  • it is labelled, packaged and presented according to EU rules.

These products must also comply with specific labelling, presentation and packaging provisions, such as:

  • The labelling and the presentation of feed shall not mislead the user as to the intended use or characteristics of the feed, by attributing to the feed effects or characteristics that it does not possess or by suggesting that it possesses special characteristics than similar feeds, as to the compliance of the labelling with the Community Catalogue of feed materials, which is set out by Regulation (EU) 2017/1017 (CELEX 32017R1017).
  • The following particulars shall be indicated in the label:
    • the type of feed,
    • the name or business name and the address of the feed business operator responsible for the labelling,
    • the establishment approval number of the person responsible for the labelling,
    • the batch or lot reference number,
    • the net quantity of product,
    • the list of feed additives preceded by the heading 'additives',
    • the moisture content,
    • specific and additional labelling requirements for feed materials, compound feed, feed intended for particular nutritional purposes, pet food and non-compliant feed according to articles 16 to 20 of the Regulation.
  • Feed materials and compound feed may be placed on the market only in sealed packages or containers with some exceptions where feed may be placed on the market in bulk or in unsealed packages or containers (feed materials, certain deliveries of compound feed, blocks or licks...). In this case, they shall be accompanied by a document containing all mandatory labelling particulars required under this Regulation.

EU legislation establishing general health conditions

Other information sources

Siemennesteen, munasolujen ja alkioiden terveystarkastus

Eläinten siemennesteen, munasolujen ja alkioiden tuonnilla Euroopan unioniin on pyrittävä takaamaan, ettei niissä esiinny erityisiä taudinaiheuttajia, joita nämä tuotteet voisivat aiheuttaa, ja välttämään vastaanottajina olevien naaraiden ja heidän jälkeläistensä saastuminen.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports of semen, ova and embryos of animals into the European Union (EU) must comply with general conditions of public and animal health, designed to guarantee the absence of specific pathogens that might be conveyed by these products and to avoid contamination of female recipients and their offspring.

The general health requirements applicable to these products are related to:

  1. Country health approval
  2. Approved collection and production centres and teams
  3. Official certificates
  4. Official control

According to Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (CELEX 32017R0625) (the Official Controls Regulation - OCR), these products can only be imported into the Union if they come from an approved establishment of a third country included in a positive list of eligible countries for the relevant product (if required), are accompanied by the proper official certificates, and have succeeded the mandatory control at the pertinent Member State's Border Control Posts (BCPs). Compliance with these requirements is closely related to the fulfilment of certain conditions laid down in order to protect public and animal health.

However, the European authorities might suspend imports from all or part of the third country concerned or take interim protective measures when products may present any risk for public or animal health as in the case of dangerous diseases outbreaks.

Besides, breeding animals and their genetic material are also subject to the specific zootechnical provisions lay down in Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 (CELEX 32016R1012)

EU legislation establishing general health conditions.

1. Country health approval

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety applies a procedure to assess the candidate's third country compliance with EU Health conditions. Once approved, the third country is added to the list of authorised countries for that particular animal species. These lists are published in the Official Journal of the EU.

Certain animals, germinal products and products of animal origin can only be placed on the Union market if they are imported from a country or region thereof included in one of the EU lists published in new Regulation (EU) 2021/404 (CELEX 32021R0404). Such lists are set out to ensure compliance with EU safety requirements laid down by Regulation (EU) 2020/692 (CELEX 32020R0692) complementing Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (CELEX 32016R0429).

2. Approved collection and production centres and teams

In addition to country approval, these products may only be imported into the EU if they have been obtained or prepared in, establishments (collection and production centres or teams) that appear on a list approved by the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety.

The website of the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety provides the lists of authorised countries for the most common animal species (bovine, porcine, equidae, ovine and caprine) as well as the lists of approved establishments

3. Official certificates

The consignment must be accompanied by a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the competent authority of the exporting third country certifying that the products in question are suitable to be exported to the EU.

There are different models of certificate set forth in the EU legislation which vary according to the species of animal concerned, the third country of export and the specific requirements that may be laid down for those particular products.

EU legislation setting up models of health certificates.

TRACES (Trade Control and Export System) is the EU management tool for health certification of feed and food, products of animal and non-animal origin, plants, seeds and propagating materials in intra-EU trade and imports to the EU. It aims at digitising the entire sanitary certification process and linked procedures and allows for verification of the certificate of inspection issued in the country of origin.

TRACES facilitates the exchange of information between the competent authorities in EU and EFTA countries and in non-EU countries, in order to guarantee that the EU policy areas of DG Health and Consumers as regards 'Animal Health', 'Animal Welfare' and 'Veterinary Public Health' are met. This network also promotes a better cooperation between traders themselves and their competent authorities.

4. Official control

The OCR creates a uniform and harmonised framework for official certification across Member States in all the affected areas.

Imports of products of animal origin into the EU must be accompanied by an official certificate signed by the competent authority in the exporting third country certifying that the products in question are suitable to be exported to the EU.

Official controls carried out before the placing on the market or the movement of certain animals and goods in view of the issuance of the official certificates or attestations (e.g. for plant health), shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Regulation and delegated and implementing acts adopted by the Commission. In this regard, Regulation (EU) 2019/2130 (CELEX 32019R2130) lays down detailed rules concerning the performance of documentary checks, identity checks and physical checks at border control posts.

The list of animals and products subject to official controls at border control posts is set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/632 (CELEX 32021R0632).

EU legislation setting up models of health certificates.

TRACES (Trade Control and Export System) is the EU management tool for health certification of feed and food, products of animal and non-animal origin, plants, seeds and propagating materials in intra-EU trade and imports to the EU. It aims at digitising the entire sanitary certification process and linked procedures and allows for verification of the certificate of inspection issued in the country of origin.

TRACES facilitates the exchange of information between the competent authorities in EU and EFTA countries and in non-EU countries, in order to guarantee that the EU policy areas of DG SANTE as regards 'Animal Health', 'Animal Welfare' and 'Veterinary Public Health' are met. This network also promotes a better cooperation between traders themselves and their competent authorities.

New computerised information management system for official controls (IMSOC) established by the OCR Regulation, will be set up by EU Commision in collaboration with the Member States for the integrated operation of the mechanisms and tools through which data, information and documents concerning official controls and other official activities will be managed, handled, and automatically exchanged. It will allow all EU systems for official controls (e.g. TRACES, EUROPHYT, IRASFF, AAC) to exchange information and share features. It will also connect them and extend functionalities so that some systems will be absorbed.

EU legislation on health control

Other information sources

Kasvien terveys

Kasvien, kasveille tai kasvituotteille haitallisten organismien EU:hun kulkeutumisen ja niiden leviämisen vastaiset suojatoimenpiteet

Kasvien terveyden valvonta

Kasvituotteiden ja kaikkien kasvintuhoojien (esim. puutuotteiden, maaperän jne.) kulkeutumiseen EU:hun voidaan soveltaa suojatoimenpiteitä. Tarkoituksena on estää kasveille tai kasvituotteille haitallisten organismien kulkeutuminen ja/tai leviäminen EU:n rajojen yli.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports into the European Union (EU) of plants, plant products and any other material capable of harbouring plant pests (e.g. wooden products and containers, soil, etc) may be subject to the following protective measures, as established by Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 (CELEX 32016R2031) (Plant Health Law) and Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (CELEX 32019R2072):

  • Import bans
  • Phytosanitary certificate
  • Inspection and plant health checks
  • Importers register
  • Emergency measures

These phytosanitary measures are intended to prevent the introduction and/or spread of pests and organisms harmful to plants or plant products across the EU boundaries. Therefore, Regulation (EU) 2019/1702 (CELEX 32019R1702) establishes the Union list of priority pests.

They also aim to ensure safe trade, as well as to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the health of crops and forests in the EU.

Plant health regulations establish several several exemptions for each phytosanitary measure (e.g. plants and plant products for trial, scientific purposes, work on varieties selection; internal transit; small quantities that do not pose a risk of spreading harmful organisms etc.).

French Overseas Departments and Spanish Canary Islands, in view of their agricultural and ecological characteristics, may request additional conditions to those applicable in the rest of the customs territory of the Union, assuming they are justified on grounds of the protection of health and life of plants in their territories.

Import bans

Plants, plant products and other objects originating from non-EU countries listed in Annex VI to Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (CELEX 32019R2072) are prohibited for introduction within the whole EU or in defined protected zones of the EU in accordance with Annex IX.

Besides, Annex to Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 (CELEX 32018R2019) establishes the list of high risk plants the introduction of which into the EU territory is provisionally prohibited pending a risk assessment.

Phytosanitary certificate

Imports of plants and plant products listed in Annex XI and Annex XII to Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (CELEX 32019R2072) must be accompanied by an official phytosanitary certificate.

This document certifies the phytosanitary conditions of plants and plants products, and also that the shipment has been officially inspected, complies with statutory requirements for entry into the EU and is free of quarantine pests and other harmful pathogens.

The exporting country's national plant protection authorities issue the phytosanitary certificates. Once in the EU, a plant passport may replace the phytosanitary certificate for imported plants, plant products and other objects listed in Annex XIII and Annex XIV to travel within the EU territory.

TRACES (Trade Control and Export System) is the EU management tool for health certification of feed and food, products of animal and non-animal origin, plants, seeds and propagating materials in intra-EU trade and imports to the EU. It aims at digitising the entire sanitary certification process and linked procedures and allows for verification of the certificate of inspection issued in the country of origin.

TRACES facilitates the exchange of information between the competent authorities in EU and EFTA countries and in non-EU countries, in order to guarantee that the EU policy areas of DG Health and Consumers as regards 'Animal Health', 'Animal Welfare' and 'Veterinary Public Health' are met. This network also promotes a better cooperation between traders themselves and their national competent authorities.

Official plant health controls

In addition to the above mentioned certificates, plants and plant products shall, from the time of their entry in the EU, be controlled by the responsible official bodies.

These controls shall consist of:

  • Documentary checks to examine that the required certificates, alternative documents or marks have been issued or satisfied
  • Identity checks to verify that the plants, plant products or other objects conform to the ones declared on the required official certificates and
  • Physical checks to determine whether the plants, plant products or other objects, including their wood packing material if any, comply with the specific requirements and phytosanitary measures and can be imported into the EU.

Controls must be made at the point of entry into the EU at the proper Member State's border control post. However, identity checks and physical checks may be carried out at the place of destination provided that the specific guarantees and documents regarding transport of plants and plant products determined for each particular case are met.

The frequency rates for identity checks and physical checks are established by Regulation (EU) 2022/2389 (CELEX 32022R2389) depending on the risk posed by each good or category of goods to plant health

Importers register

Importers, whether or not producers, of plants, plant products or other objects must be included in an official register of a Member State under an official registration number.

Emergency measures

In addition and without prejudice to above mentioned provisions, plants and plant products as well as other material capable of harbouring plant pests may be subject to emergency measures.

Wood packaging

Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 (CELEX 32016R2031) sets that wood packages of any type (cases, boxes, crates, drums, pallets, box pallets and other load boards, pallet collars, etc) shall go through one of the approved treatments specified in Annex I to FAO International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15, bear the corresponding mark as specified in Annex II and be made from debarked wood.

Legislation

The applicable legislation on plant health control is listed in Current EU legislation on plant health control

Other information sources

Elintarvikkeiden ja rehujen turvallisuus

Muiden kuin eläinperäisten elintarvikkeiden ja rehujen tuonti on sallittua vain, jos ne täyttävät yleiset edellytykset ja erityissäännökset, joiden tarkoituksena on estää ihmisten ja eläinten terveydelle aiheutuvat riskit.

Jäljitettävyys, vaatimustenmukaisuus ja vastuu elintarvikkeissa ja rehuissa

Elintarvikkeita ja rehuja ei saa saattaa Euroopan unionin (EU) markkinoille, jos ne eivät ole turvallisia. EU:n elintarvikelainsäädännöllä ei pyritä ainoastaan ihmisten elämän, terveyden ja kuluttajien etujen korkeatasoiseen suojeluun vaan myös eläinten terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin, kasvien terveyden ja ympäristön suojeluun.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

According to EU food safety legislation, food and feed cannot be placed on the market in the European Union (EU) if they are unsafe.

EU Food Law pursues not only a high level of protection of human life and health and consumers' interests but also the protection of animal health and welfare, plant health and the environment.

Food and feed business operators shall comply with the specific obligations laid down by Regulation (EC) 178/2002 (CELEX 32002R0178), covering all stages of food/feed production and distribution:

  1. Compliance with Food Law
  2. Traceability
  3. Responsibilities

1. Compliance with Food Law

Imported food and feed must comply with the relevant requirements of food law or conditions recognised by the EU to be at least equivalent thereto. The competent authority of the exporting country must offer guarantees as to the compliance or equivalence with the EU requirements.

2. Traceability

The EU Law defines traceability as the ability to trace and follow any food, feed, food-producing animal or substance that will be used for consumption, through all stages of production, processing and distribution.

The scope of the traceability requirement is limited to the following products and operators:

Products

Traceability is always required for any substance intended to be, or expected to be, incorporated into food or feed. However, certain products are covered by specific EU Regulations or Directives that may even impose more stringent requirements on traceability, such as:

  • Animals
  • Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Certain animal products (beef, fish, honey)
  • Olive oil

EU specific legislation on traceability in foodstuffs

Operators

This provision aims at ensuring that food business operators are able to identify the immediate supplier of a product and the immediate subsequent consignee (one step back-one step forward principle), from the EU importer up to retail level, excluding supply to the final consumer.

Food and feed operators are also required to have systems and procedures in place that allow for this information to be made available to the Competent Authorities upon request.

Although traceability provisions do not apply outside the EU, the requirement does extend to the EU importer since he must be able to identify from whom the product was exported in the third country.

Food or feed, which is placed or is likely to be placed on the market in the EU, shall also be adequately labelled or identified to facilitate its traceability, through relevant documentation or information on the product particulars.

Therefore, traceability allows:

  • Responding to potential risks that may arise in food and feed,
  • Targeted withdrawals of unsafe food from the market
  • The provision of accurate information to the public, thereby minimising disruption to trade

3. Responsibilities of food and feed importers

Food business operators at all stages of production, processing and distribution within the businesses under their control, shall ensure that foods satisfy the requirements of food law which are relevant to their activities and shall verify that such requirements are met.

If a food business operator has reason to believe that imported food or feed is not in compliance with the food safety requirements, it shall immediately initiate procedures to withdraw the food in question and inform the competent authorities thereof.

Legislation

  • Regulation (EC) 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety (OJ L-31 01/02/2002) (CELEX 32002R0178)

Other information sources

Muiden kuin eläinperäisten rehujen terveystarkastukset

Muiden kuin eläinperäisten rehujen tuonti EU:hun on sallittua vain, jos ne tulevat laitoksista, joilla on edustaja EU:ssa ja jotka noudattavat yleisiä ja erityisiä sääntöjä ihmisten ja eläinten terveydelle aiheutuvien riskien ehkäisemiseksi ja ympäristön suojelemiseksi.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports of feedingstuffs of non-animal origin into the European Union (EU) are only authorised if they come from establishments which have a representative established in the EU and must comply with general conditions and specific provisions designed to prevent risk to human and animal health and protect the environment.

Hence, the general rules applicable to these products are as follows:

  1. General requirements for feed hygiene
  2. Official control
  3. Marketing requirements
  4. Authorisation for placing a feed additive on the market

However, the European authorities may suspend imports from all or part of the third country concerned or take interim protective measures regarding the products concerned, when a problem likely to pose a serious risk to human or animal health or the environment appears or spreads in the territory of a third country.

Products currently subject to protective measures depending on their country of origin are:

  • Groundnuts
  • Okra
  • Curry leaves
  • Watermelon seeds
  • Rice and rice products
  • Guar gum
  • Milk, soya and bicarbonate products

1. General requirements for feed hygiene

Products are intended for animal nutrition shall comply with the general requirements for feed hygiene laid down by Regulation (EC) 183/2005 (CELEX 32005R0183):

  • compulsory registration of all feed business operators,
  • approval of feed business establishments operating with the more sensitive substances
  • obligation on operators to monitor the feed safety of products and processes under his responsibility
  • hygiene provisions for primary production and detailed requirements for all stages of production
  • microbiological criteria based on scientific risk criteria
  • community and national guides to good practice in feed production
  • procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles
  • introduction of compulsory requirements for feed production at farm level

2. Official control

The EU framework of general rules for the organisation of Official controls on feedingstuffs is set out in Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (CELEX 32017R0625) (the Official Controls Regulation - OCR).

According to new Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (CELEX 32017R0625) (Official Controls Regulation - OCR), these products can only be imported into the European Union (EU) if they come from a third country included in a positive list of eligible countries for the relevant product (if required), are accompanied by the proper official certificates, and have succeeded the mandatory control at the pertinent Member State's Border Control Posts (BCPs).

Official controls shall be carried out on all operators at all stages of production, processing, distribution and use of food and feed of non-animal origin. They may include a systematic documentary check, a random identity check and, as appropriate, a physical check.

Member States shall perform official controls on the use of pharmacologically active substances authorised as veterinary medicinal products or as feed additives and of prohibited or unauthorised pharmacologically active substances and residues thereof in both food-producing animals and in products of animal origin according to Regulation (EU) 2022/1646 (CELEX 32022R1646). This Regulation also sets up the sampling control frequencies per Member State in their control plans for these products.

Authorised and prohibited or unauthorised pharmacologically active substances for use in food-producing animals are listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2022/1644 (CELEX 32022R1644)

Pursuant to the Official Controls Regulation, certain categories of goods from certain third countries are always to be presented at border control posts for official controls to be performed prior to their entry into the Union. In addition, certain goods from certain third countries should be subject to a temporary increase of official controls at border control posts when there is a known or emerging risk or an evidence of widespread serious non-compliance with the Union agri-food chain legislation. Such goods should be subject to official controls at their entry into the Union.

Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 (CELEX 32019R1793) lays down provisions concerning the temporary increase of official controls on certain food and feed of non-animal origin and the emergency measures currently applicable in two annexes:

  • Annex I regarding the list of food and feed of non-animal origin from certain third countries to be subject to a temporary increase of official controls at the entry into the Union
  • Annex II on the list of food and feed of non-animal origin subject to emergency measures

The list of animals and products subject to official controls at border control posts is set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/632 (CELEX 32021R0632).

Upon entry into the EU, operators must issue a duly finalised Common Health Entry Document - CHED Common Health Entry Document (CHED) to ensure the traceability of the consignment and its compliance with the applicable rules referred to in the Regulation.

The CHED shall be used by:

  • the operators in order to give prior notification to the competent authorities of the border control post of arrival of the consignments
  • the competent authorities of the border control post, in order to:
    • record the outcome of the official controls performed and any subsequent decisions.
    • communicate this information referred to through the IMSOC.

As a result of the inspection at the border control post, national competent authorities shall issue an official certificate. Customs shall only allow the release for free circulation of a consignment upon presentation of a certificate which confirms that the consignment is in compliance with the applicable rules referred to in the Regulation.

TRACES (Trade Control and Export System) is the EU management tool for health certification of feed and food, products of animal and non-animal origin, plants, seeds and propagating materials in intra-EU trade and imports to the EU. It aims at digitising the entire sanitary certification process and linked procedures and allows for verification of the certificate of inspection issued in the country of origin.

TRACES facilitates the exchange of information between the competent authorities in EU and EFTA countries and in non-EU countries, in order to guarantee that the EU policy areas of DG Health and Consumers as regards 'Animal Health', 'Animal Welfare' and 'Veterinary Public Health' are met. This network also promotes a better cooperation between traders themselves and their competent authorities.

New computerised information management system for official controls (IMSOC) established by the OCR Regulation, will be set up by EU Commision in collaboration with the Member States for the integrated operation of the mechanisms and tools through which data, information and documents concerning official controls and other official activities will be managed, handled, and automatically exchanged. It will allow all EU systems for official controls (e.g. TRACES, EUROPHYT, IRASFF, AAC) to exchange information and share features. It will also connect them and extend functionalities so that some systems will be absorbed.

EU legislation on health control of feedingstuffs of non-animal origin

3. Marketing requirements

The placing on the market and use of feed for both food-producing and non food-producing animals within the EU, must comply with specific labelling, packaging and presentation standards laid down by Regulation (EC) 767/2009 (CELEX 32009R0767).

There are different types of feed:

  • feed materials (raw or processed materials intended for use as animal feed or for manufacturing compound feed),
  • compound feed (mixtures of feed materials which may contain additives for use as animal feed as complete or complementary feedingstuffs),
  • feed additives and
  • medicated feed.

Feed may only be placed on the market if:

  • it is safe and does not have a direct adverse effect on the environment or animal welfare,
  • it is sound, genuine unadulterated, fits for its purpose and of merchantable quality,
  • it is labelled, packaged and presented according to EU rules.

These products must also comply with specific labelling, presentation and packaging provisions, such as:

  • The labelling and the presentation of feed shall not mislead the user as to the intended use or characteristics of the feed, by attributing to the feed effects or characteristics that it does not possess or by suggesting that it possesses special characteristics than similar feeds, as to the compliance of the labelling with the Community Catalogue of feed materials, which is set out by Regulation (EU) 2017/1017 (CELEX 32017R1017).
  • The following particulars shall be indicated in the label:
    • the type of feed,
    • the name or business name and the address of the feed business operator responsible for the labelling,
    • the establishment approval number of the person responsible for the labelling,
    • the batch or lot reference number,
    • the net quantity of product,
    • the list of feed additives preceded by the heading 'additives',
    • the moisture content,
    • specific and additional labelling requirements for feed materials, compound feed, feed intended for particular nutritional purposes, pet food and non-compliant feed according to articles 16 to 20 of the Regulation.
  • Organic pet food shall be placed on the market when complying with provisions of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (CELEX 32018R0848) and specific rules on labelling laid down by new Regulation (EU) 2023/2419 (CELEX 32023R2419). Under this regulation, pet food can be labelled with the EU organic production logo if 95% of its agricultural ingredients are organic. The regulation only requires an organic production reference in the ingredient list for products containing less than 95% of organic ingredients, and makes the EU organic production logo mandatory for prepacked organic pet food.
  • Feed materials and compound feed may be placed on the market only in sealed packages or containers with some exceptions where feed may be placed on the market in bulk or in unsealed packages or containers (feed materials, certain deliveries of compound feed, blocks or licks...). In this case, they shall be accompanied by a document containing all mandatory labelling particulars required under this Regulation.

Information on Feed additives may be found in the Directorate-General for Health and Consumers website. This DG has also published a EU Register of feed additives.

4. Authorisation for placing a feed additive on the market

Feed additives are products used in animal nutrition for purposes of improving the quality of feedingstuffs or to improve the animals' performance and health (e.g. providing enhanced digestibility of the feed materials). However, they can contain undesirable substances which can endanger animal health or, because of their presence in livestock products, human health or the environment. Directive 2002/32/EC (CELEX 32002L0032) prohibits the use and in particular the import of products intended for animal feed which contain levels of undesirable substances exceeding the maximum levels laid down in Annex I.

They may not be placed on the market unless an authorisation has been given following a scientific evaluation demonstrating that the additive has no harmful effects on human and animal health and on the environment.

Applications for authorisations are submitted to the EU Commission through the E-Submission Food Chain Platform. Guidelines on the application for an EU authorisation for a feed additive are available.

Authorisations are granted for specific animal species, specific conditions of use and for ten years. They can be withdrawn for administrative reasons.

Other information sources

Muiden kuin eläinperäisten elintarvikkeiden terveystarkastukset

Muiden kuin eläinperäisten elintarvikkeiden tuonnissa Euroopan unioniin (EU) on noudatettava yleisiä edellytyksiä ja erityissäännöksiä, joiden tarkoituksena on ehkäistä kansanterveydelle aiheutuvia riskejä ja suojella kuluttajien etuja.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports of foodstuffs of non-animal origin into the European Union (EU) must comply with general Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (CELEX 32017R0625) (the Official Controls Regulation - OCR) and specific provisions designed to prevent risk to public health and protect consumers' interests.

Hence, general rules apply to these products:

  1. General foodstuffs hygiene rules according to Regulation (EC) 852/2004 (CELEX 32004R0852);
  2. General conditions of preparation of foodstuffs;
  3. Official control of foodstuffs;

When a hygiene problem likely to pose a serious risk to human health arises or spreads in the territory of a third country, the European authorities may suspend imports from all or part of the third country concerned or take interim protective measures regarding the foodstuffs concerned, depending on the seriousness of the situation.

EU legislation establishing protective measures

1. General foodstuffs hygiene rules

The relevant hygiene rules of food which need to be respected by food business operators in third countries are contained in Regulation (EC) 852/2004 (CELEX 32004R0852):

  • General obligation on the operator to monitor the food safety of products and processes under his responsibility;
  • General hygiene provisions for primary production and detailed requirements for all stages of production, processing and distribution of food;
  • Microbiological criteria for certain products which are established in Regulation (EC) 2073/2005 (CELEX 32005R2073);
  • Procedures based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles;
  • Approval and registration of establishments;

The following guidance documents may be found in the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety website:

2. General conditions of preparation of foodstuffs

EU legislation lays down the rules relating to treatment of foodstuffs, food ingredients and their conditions of use in order to protect the health of consumers and guarantee the free circulation of foodstuffs in the European Union market.

Moreover, specific provisions for groups of foods are laid down in specific Directives. These include compositional requirements, hygiene requirements, list of additives, purity criteria, specific labelling requirements, etc

a) Authorised food additives and flavourings

The scope of the Directives covers food additives and flavourings used as ingredients during the manufacture or preparation of food and which are part of the finished product.

The only substances which may be used as food additives are those included in the approved common lists and then only under the conditions of use mentioned in those lists (e.g. colourants, sweeteners, preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilisers, raising agents, etc...).

b) Preparation and treatments of certain foodstuffs

There are also rules in relation with the manufacture, marketing and importation of foods and food ingredients that are subject to specific treatments such as Directive 89/108/EEC (CELEX 31989L0108) on quick-freezing or Directive 92/2/EEC (CELEX 31992L0002) on ionising radiation.

c) Specific provisions for certain groups of products and for foodstuffs for particular nutritional purposes

Specific provisions are applied to certain groups of products (such as cocoa, sugar, etc.) and to foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses (baby foods, dietary foods, gluten-free foods...). These may include specific requirements on composition, hygiene, labelling (e.g. declaration of the energy value, carbohydrate, protein and fat content), list of additives, purity criteria, etc.

Foods for specific groups

3. Control of foodstuffs

The new Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (CELEX 32017R0625) (Official Controls Regulation - OCR) provides that national competent authorities shall carry out official controls on all operators at all stages of production, processing, distribution and use of animals, goods, substances, materials or objects that are governed by agri-food chain rules.

Official controls carried out before the placing on the market or the movement of certain animals and goods in view of the issuance of the official certificates or attestations (e.g. for plant health), shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Regulation and delegated and implementing acts adopted by the Commission. In this regard, Regulation (EU) 2019/2130 (CELEX 32019R2130) lays down detailed rules concerning the performance of documentary checks, identity checks and physical checks at border control posts.

According to the OCR, these products can only be imported into the European Union (EU) if they come from a third country included in a positive list of eligible countries for the relevant product (if required), are accompanied by the proper official certificates, and have succeeded the mandatory control at the pertinent Member State's Border Control Posts (BCPs).

Pursuant to the Offical Controls Regulation, certain categories of goods from certain third countries are always to be presented at border control posts for official controls to be performed prior to their entry into the Union. In addition, certain goods from certain third countries should be subject to a temporary increase of official controls at border control posts when there is a known or emerging risk or an evidence of widespread serious non-compliance with the Union agri-food chain legislation. Such goods should be subject to official controls at their entry into the Union.

However, certain composite products shall be exempted from such official controls under conditions specified in Regulation (EU) 2021/630 (CELEX 32021R0630)

Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 (CELEX 32019R1793) lays down provisions concerning the temporary increase of official controls on certain food and feed of non-animal origin and the emergency measures currently applicable in two annexes:

  • Annex I regarding the list of food and feed of non-animal origin from certain third countries to be subject to a temporary increase of official controls at the entry into the Union
  • Annex II on the list of food and feed of non-animal origin subject to emergency measures

Each consignment of food and feed listed in Annex II shall be accompanied by an official certificate issued by the competent authority of the third country of origin or of consignment in accordance with the model included in the Regulation.

The list of animals and products subject to official controls at border control posts is set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/632 (CELEX 32021R0632).

Upon entry into the EU, operators must issue a duly finalised Common Health Entry Document - CHED Common Health Entry Document (CHED) to ensure the traceability of the consignment and its compliance with the applicable rules referred to in the Regulation.

The CHED shall be used by:

  • the operators in order to give prior notification to the competent authorities of the border control post of arrival of the consignments
  • the competent authorities of the border control post, in order to:
    • record the outcome of the official controls performed and any subsequent decisions.
    • communicate this information referred to through the IMSOC.

As a result of the inspection at the border control post, national competent authorities shall issue an official certificate. Customs shall only allow the release for free circulation of a consignment upon presentation of a certificate which confirms that the consignment is in compliance with the applicable rules referred to in the Regulation.

TRACES (Trade Control and Export System) is the EU management tool for health certification of feed and food, products of animal and non-animal origin, plants, seeds and propagating materials in intra-EU trade and imports to the EU. It aims at digitising the entire sanitary certification process and linked procedures and allows for verification of the certificate of inspection issued in the country of origin.

TRACES facilitates the exchange of information between the competent authorities in EU and EFTA countries and in non-EU countries, in order to guarantee that the EU policy areas of DG Health and Consumers as regards 'Animal Health', 'Animal Welfare' and 'Veterinary Public Health' are met. This network also promotes a better cooperation between traders themselves and their competent authorities.

New computerised information management system for official controls (IMSOC) established by the OCR Regulation, has been set up by EU Commision in collaboration with the Member States for the integrated operation of the mechanisms and tools through which data, information and documents concerning official controls and other official activities are managed, handled, and automatically exchanged. It will allow all EU systems for official controls (e.g. TRACES, EUROPHYT; IRASFF, AAC) to exchange information and share features.

EU legislation on health control of foodstuffs of non-animal origin.

Other information sources

Elintarvikkeiden kanssa kosketuksiin joutuvien esineiden terveystarkastus

Elintarvikkeiden kanssa (suoraan tai välillisesti) kosketukseen joutuvien materiaalien ja tarvikkeiden on täytettävä EU:n vaatimukset, joiden tarkoituksena on varmistaa ihmisten terveyden ja kuluttajien etujen suojelun korkea taso.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

The placing on the European Union (EU) market of materials and articles intended to come into contact directly or indirectly with foodstuffs must comply with the requirements laid down in the EU legislation designed to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the interests of consumers.

These products (e.g. packaging materials, cutlery, dishes, processing machines, containers etc.) must be manufactured so that they do not transfer their constituents to food in quantities that could endanger human health, change the composition of the food in an unacceptable way or deteriorate the taste and odour of foodstuffs.

Annex I of Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 (CELEX 32004R1935) on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food establishes a list of materials and articles which may be subject to specific measures related to authorised substances, special conditions of use, purity standards, etc.

The label of these products shall include the text 'for food contact' or shall bear the symbol with a glass and a fork.

Regulation (EC) 2023/2006 (CELEX 32006R2023) lays down the rules on good manufacturing practice (GMP) for the groups of materials and articles intended to come into contact with food listed in Annex I to Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 (CELEX 32004R1935) and combinations of those materials and articles or recycled materials and articles used in their manufacturing process. Also the application of printing inks to the non-food contact side of a material or article is subject to specific rules.

Special provisions

Following the scope of both Regulations above mentioned, several EU Regulations have laid down specific conditions applicable to the placing on the EU market of plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food:

Recycled plastic materials and articles

Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 (CELEX 32022R1616), which is applicable from 10 October 2022, sets out new legal framework for recycled plastic materials and articles intended for contact with food and the development and operation of recycling technologies, processes and installations, to produce recycled plastic. They shall only be placed on the EU market when during their manufacture they met the following requirements:

  • They are manufactured using a suitable recycling technology listed in Annex I or a novel technology as referred to in Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 (CELEX 32022R1616). Recycled plastic materials and articles obtained by means of recycling processes based on a recycling technology that is not considered suitable by this Regulation may continue to be placed on the market only until 10 July 2023.
  • They comply with compositional requirements, specific provisions and compliance requirements set out in Regulation (EU) 10/2011 (CELEX 32011R0010).
  • Recyclers, recycling installations and recycling processes are registered in public 'Union register of novel technologies, recyclers, recycling processes, recycling schemes and decontamination installations'.

They must also comply with specific labelling and documentation requirements. Individual batches of recycled plastic materials and articles shall be subject to a single document or record regarding their quality, and shall be identified by a unique number and the name of the manufacturing stage from which they originate. Containers of recycled plastic delivered to converters shall be labelled as referred to in article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 (CELEX 32022R1616).

Besides, recycled plastic materials and article shall be accompanied by a declaration of compliance. Recyclers must draw up a declaration of compliance in accordance with the model presented in Part A of Annex III and converters in accordance with the model presented in Part B of Annex III.

Food business operators may use recycled plastic materials and articles legally placed on the market before 10 October 2022 to pack food and place that on the market until exhaustion of stocks.

Authorised substances

Only the substances included in the Union list of authorised substances set out in Regulation (EU) 10/2011 (CELEX 32011R0010) may be used for the manufacture of these products.

Plastic materials and articles complying with Regulation (EU) 10/2011 (CELEX 32011R0010) before the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2020/1245 (CELEX 32020R1245) and which were first placed on the market before 23 March 2021 may continue to be placed on the market until 23 September 2022 and remain on the market until the exhaustion of stocks, according to Regulation (EU) 2020/1245 (CELEX 32020R1245) that amends and corrects Regulation (EU) 10/2011 (CELEX 32011R0010).

Plastic materials and articles complying with Regulation (EU) 10/2011 (CELEX 32011R0010) before the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2023/1442 (CELEX 32023R1442) and which were first placed on the market before 1 February 2025 may remain on the market until the exhaustion of stocks, according to Regulation (EU) 2023/1442 (CELEX 32023R1442) that amends and corrects Regulation (EU) 10/2011 (CELEX 32011R0010).

Prohibition on Biosphenol A

According to the Regulation (EU) 10/2011 (CELEX 32011R0010), the marketing and importation into the Union of plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs containing Bisphenol A (BPA) is restricted since, BPA is prohibited in the manufacture of polycarbonate baby bottles.

Moreover, from September 2018 the ban on the use of BPA has been reinforced in the manufacture of polycarbonate cups and bottles for infants and young children. The specific migration limit (SML) of 0,05 mg of BPA per kg of food (mg/kg) established for BPA from plastic materials and articles applies also to varnishes and coatings applied to materials and articles, where that varnish or coating has been produced using BPA according to Regulation (EU) 2018/213 (CELEX 32018R0213). A written declaration of compliance shall accompany these varnished or coated materials and articles.

Polyamide and melamine plastic kitchenware from China and Hong Kong

Polyamide and melamine plastic kitchenware originating in or consigned from China and Hong Kong shall be imported into the Member States only if the importer submits to the competent authority for each consignment a declaration confirming that it meets the requirements concerning the release of primary aromatic amines and formaldehyde laid down in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 10/2011 (CELEX 32011R0010), according to Regulation (EU) 284/2011 (CELEX 32011R0284).

Prohibition on single-use plastic

According to the Directive (UE) 2019/904 (CELEX 32019L0904) the placing on the market of the single-use plastic products listed in Part B of the Annex and of products made from oxo-degradable plastic is banned as of 3 July 2021.

Marking requirements

As of 3 July 2021 specific marking requirements are applied to beverage cups according to the Directive (UE) 2019/904 (CELEX 32019L0904). Those products placed on the market must bear a conspicuous, clearly legible and indelible marking on its packaging or on the product itself informing consumers about the plastic content of the products, appropiate waste management options for the products and the negative impact of littering the products on the environment.

The harmonized marking specifications for position, size, design, format, colour and minimum resolution of the marking can be found in Annex IV to the Regulation (EU) 2020/2151 (CELEX 32020R2151).

Legislation

Other information sources

Muuntogeenisten elintarvikkeiden ja uuselintarvikkeiden terveysvalvonta

Muuntogeenisten elintarvikkeiden ja uuselintarvikkeiden tuonnissa EU:hun on noudatettava erityisiä hyväksymismenettelyjä, jotta varmistetaan ihmisten terveyden suojelun mahdollisimman korkea taso.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

If you want to import Genetically Modified (GM) food and/or novel food into the EU you will have to comply with specific authorisation procedures respectively, in order to ensure the highest level of protection of human health.

1. Special provisions on Genetically Modified (GM) food and feed

Regulation (EC) 1829/2003 (CELEX 32003R1829) establishes that no person shall place on the market, use or process foodstuffs or feed consisting of and containing GMOs and produced from GMOs unless they are covered by an authorisation and comply with the provisions on labelling.

EU legislation provides a single authorisation procedure, which is valid throughout the EU, for the placing on the market of food containing, consisting of or derived from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

Depending on whether or not the GMO is to be used in food and feed with previous cultivation in the EU, applicants for the authorisations should proceed as follows:

  • If the GMO is to be used in food or feed without cultivation: application for a GMO authorisation for food and feed purposes
  • If the GMO is to be used in food or feed with previous cultivation in the EU: application for a GMO authorisation for cultivation and food/feed purposes

The application for a GMO authorisation shall include a dossier with experimental data (summaries, results and annexes of the studies referred) and a risk assessment, and be submitted according to the provisions of Annex I to Regulation (EU) 503/2013 (CELEX 32013R0503). The authorisation procedure comprises the following stages:

  • The application must be sent to the competent authority of any Member State and then referred to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which carries out a risk assessment.
  • On the basis of the opinion of EFSA, the Commission drafts a proposal for granting or refusing the authorisation, which must be approved by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.
  • The authorised food and feed are entered in the Community Register of GM food and feed.

Authorisations are valid for a maximum of 10 years (renewable).

2. Special provisions on novel food

Novel foods are foods and food ingredients that have not been used for human consumption to a significant degree within the Union before 15 May 1997 according to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 (CELEX 32015R2283).

From 1 January 2018, only novel foods authorised and included in the Union list published at the end of 2017 by Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 (CELEX 32017R2470) may be placed on the EU market as such, or used in or on foods, in accordance with the conditions of use and the labelling requirements specified therein.

Before being included in the Union list and placed on the EU market, novel foods must undergo a safety assessment:

  • Companies intending to place a novel food on the EU market must submit their application to the competent body of a Member State.
  • As a result of this assessment, an authorisation decision may be taken.
  • The authorisation decision defines the scope of the authorisation, the conditions of use, the designation of the food or food ingredient, its specification and the specific labelling requirements.

Operators who intend to place on the market novel foods or novel food ingredients with a history of safe food use in a third country may opt to submit a notification of this intention to the Commission.

Legislation

Other information sources

Tupakkatuotteiden terveys ja pakkausmerkintöjen valvonta

Kaikkien EU:hun tuotavien tupakkatuotteiden on noudatettava uutta oikeudellista kehystä (jota sovellettiin 20. toukokuuta 2016 alkaen), jolla säännellään tupakkatuotteiden valmistusta, esittämistapaa ja myyntiä kansanterveyden ja kuluttajien etujen suojelemiseksi.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports of tobacco products (cigarettes, roll your own tobacco, pipe tobacco, cigars, cigarillos, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes and herbal products for smoking) into the European Union (EU) must comply with the legal framework set by Directive 2014/40/EU (CELEX 32014L0040) which is applicable from 20 May 2016. It lays down rules governing the manufacture, presentation and sale of such products in order to protect public health and consumers' interests.

The key elements of this legislation are:

  • prohibition of cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco with characterising flavours,
  • obligation for the tobacco industry to submit detailed reports to the Member States on the ingredients used in tobacco products, in particular cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco,
  • health warnings shall appear on packages of tobacco and related products,
  • minimum dimensions for warnings and elimination of small packages for certain tobacco products,
  • prohibition of all promotional and misleading elements on tobacco products,
  • introduction EU-wide tracking and tracing to combat illicit trade of tobacco products,
  • Member States are allowed to prohibit internet sales of tobacco and related products,
  • safety and quality requirements for consumer electronic cigarettes, and
  • obligation for manufacturers to notify novel tobacco products before placing them on the EU market.

Consignments of tobacco products may be subject to a control before release from Customs at the point of entry or at any other stage of the chain (processing, storage, transport, distribution and trade) in order to ensure that they comply with the health and labelling requirements.

Prohibitions

Prohibition of certain types of tobacco for oral use

The placing on the EU market of tobacco products for oral use is banned. This type of tobacco means every tobacco product intended to be smoked or chewed, made wholly or partly of tobacco, in powder or in particular form or in any combination of those forms, particularly those presented in sachet portions or in a form resembling a food product.

Prohibition of tobacco products with characterising flavour

The placing on the EU market of tobacco products with a characterising flavour is banned. They may no longer have characterising flavours (menthol, vanilla or candy that mask the taste and smell of tobacco). In the case of products with more than a 3% market share, the ban is applied as of 20 May 2020.

Tobacco products other than cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and heated tobacco are exempted from this prohibition.

Specific measures relating to maximum emission levels for tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide for cigarettes

The emission levels from cigarettes imported, marketed or manufactured in the Member States must not be greater than (per cigarette):

  • 10 mg of tar (raw anhydrous nicotine-free condensate of smoke),
  • 1 mg of nicotine (nicotinic alkaloids),
  • 10 mg of carbon monoxide.

As regards measurement methods, tests shall be carried out on the basis of ISO standards verified by approved laboratories designated and monitored by the Member States.

Member States may charge manufacturers and importers of tobacco products proportionate fees for the verification of these measurements.

Safety and quality requirements for electronic cigarettes

Maximum nicotine concentrations and maximum volumes for cartridges, tanks and nicotine liquid containers in electronic cigarettes are set by the Directive.

They shall be child-resistant and tamper proof and have a mechanism that ensures refilling without spillage to protect consumers.

E-cigarette ingredients must be of high purity and e-cigarettes should deliver the same amount of nicotine for puffs of the same strength and duration.

Labelling and packaging

Product presentation

Cigarette packs must have a cuboid shape to ensure visibility of the combined health warnings. Slim packs and other irregular shaped packs are no longer allowed. Packs containing less than 20 cigarettes are also banned.

The labelling of unit packets and any outside packaging and the tobacco product can not include any element or feature (texts, symbols, names, trade marks and figurative or other signs) that:

  • promotes a tobacco product or encourages its consumption by creating an erroneous impression about its characteristics, health effects, risks or emissions;
  • suggests that a particular tobacco product is less harmful than others or aims to reduce the effect of some harmful components of smoke or has vitalising, energetic, healing, rejuvenating, natural, organic properties or has other health or lifestyle benefits;
  • refers to taste, smell, any flavourings or other additives or the absence thereof;
  • resembles a food or a cosmetic product;
  • suggests that a certain tobacco product has improved biodegradability or other environmental advantages

Mandatory general warnings and information messages

Each unit packet of tobacco products and any outside packaging must carry specific health warnings in the official language or languages of the Member State where the product is placed on the market. These warnings shall be irremovably printed, indelible and fully visible on the entire surface of the unit packet or outside packaging, not being partially or totally hidden or interrupted by tax stamps, price marks, security features, wrappers, jackets, boxes, or other items, when tobacco products are placed on the market.

However, health warnings shall in no way hide or interrupt the tax stamps, price marks, tracking and tracing marks, or security features on unit packets.

Member States shall determine which of these general warnings: 'Smoking kills - quit now' or 'Smoking kills' shall be carried by each unit packet and any outside packaging of tobacco products to be placed on their markets.

The tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide (TNCO) labelling on cigarettes and RYO tobacco will now be replaced with the following information message: 'Tobacco smoke contains over 70 substances known to cause cancer'.

Mandatory combined health warnings

Each unit packet and any outside packaging of tobacco products for smoking shall carry combined health warnings in the form of graphic health warnings with photos, text and cessation information will cover 65% of the front and the back of cigarette and roll-your-own tobacco (RYO) packs.

The use of colour photographs and illustrations as health warnings is set by the Decision 2003/641/EC (CELEX 32003D0641) the design of the warnings on cigarettes and RYO tobacco is laid out in Decision (EU) 2015/1842 (CELEX 32015D1842).

Labelling of other smoking tobacco products

In addition to the general warning 'Smoking kills - quit now' or 'Smoking kills', each unit packet and any outside packaging of such products shall carry one of the text warnings listed in Annex I to the Directive. The general warnings shall also include a reference to smoking cessation information such as telephone numbers, e-mail addresses or Internet sites intending to inform consumers about the programmes that are available to support persons who want to stop smoking. Such warnings shall comply with the requirements specified in the Directive.

Labelling of smokeless tobacco products

Each unit packet and any outside packaging of smokeless tobacco products shall carry the following health warning: 'This tobacco product damages your health and is addictive.' This warning shall comply with the requirements specified in the Directive.

Marking requirements

As of 3 July 2021 specific marking requirements are applied to certain tobacco products acccording to Directive (UE) 2019/904 (CELEX 32019L0904). Those products placed on the market must bear a conspicuous, clearly legible and indelible marking on its packaging or on the product itself informing consumers about the plastic content of the products, appropiate waste management options for the products and the negative impact of littering the products on the environment.

The harmonized marking specifications for position, size, design, format, colour and minimum resolution of the marking can be found in Annex III to the Regulation (EU) 2020/2151 (CELEX 32020R2151).

Economic operators' obligations

Reporting obligations for ingredients used in the manufacture of tobacco products and emissions

Manufacturers and importers of tobacco products are obliged to submit to their national competent authorities the following information by brand name and type:

  • a list of all ingredients, and quantities thereof, used in the manufacture of the tobacco products;
  • emission levels

This information shall be submitted prior to the placing on the market of those products.

Manufacturers or importers shall also inform the competent authorities concerned, if the composition of a product is modified in a way that affects the information previously provided.

List and statement of ingredients used in the manufacture of tobacco products

Importers of tobacco products must submit to the competent authority in the Member State where the products are placed on the market a list of all ingredients and quantities thereof, used in the manufacture by brand name and type.

This list must be accompanied by a statement setting out the reasons for the inclusion of such ingredients in the product, their function, category and toxicological data referring in particular to their effects on health.

Member States may provide for the prohibition of the use of ingredients which have the effect of increasing the addictive properties of tobacco products.

Traceability

To ensure product identification and traceability, all unit packets of tobacco products shall be marked with a unique identifier. In order to ensure the integrity of the unique identifier, it shall be irremovably printed or affixed, indelible and not hidden or interrupted in any form, including through tax stamps or price marks, or by the opening of the unit packet. The unique identifier shall enable the place and time of manufacture to be determined, among other data.

Technical standards for the establishment and the operation of the tracking and tracing system, including the marking with a unique identifier, the recording, transmitting, processing and storing of data and access to stored data are established in Regulation (EU) 2018/574 (CELEX 32018R0574).

Tobacco products other than cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco that were manufactured in the Union or imported into the Union before 20 May 2024 and not marked with a unique identifier may remain in free circulation until 20 May 2026, according to Regulation (EU) 2018/574 (CELEX 32018R0574).

Technical standards for security features

Directive 2014/40/EU (CELEX 32014L0040) provides that all unit packets of tobacco products placed on the EU market must carry a tamper proof security feature, composed of visible and invisible elements, for verification purposes of the authenticity of such tobacco products.

Security features shall be composed of no less than five types of authentication elements, of which at least: one is overt, one is semi-covert and one is covert.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with the Directive 2014/40/EU (CELEX 32014L0040) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Directive, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

Other information sources

Elintarvikkeissa olevien kemiallisten aineiden valvonta

Elintarvikkeiden ja rehujen tuonti on sallittua vain, jos ne eivät sisällä kemiallisia jäämiä (eli eläinlääkkeitä, torjunta-aineita ja vierasaineita) ihmisten terveyttä mahdollisesti uhkaavina määrinä.

Eläinlääkkeiden jäämien valvonta eläimissä ja ihmisravinnoksi tarkoitetuissa eläintuotteissa

Ihmisravinnoksi tarkoitettujen eläintuotteiden tuonti EU:hun on sallittua vain, jos se noudattaa EU:n lainsäädäntöä, jolla rajoitetaan elävissä eläimissä ja eläintuotteissa sallittujen kemiallisten aineiden ja jäämien määrää.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

In order to ensure a high level of consumer protection, imports into the European Union (EU) of animal products intended for human consumption are only permitted when they comply with guarantees laid down in EU legislation designed to control the presence of chemical substances and residues thereof in live animals and animal products.

The products concerned by this requirement are: bovine, ovine, caprine, porcine and equine animals, poultry, aquaculture, milk, eggs, rabbit meat, wild and farmed game meat and honey.

Control of veterinary medicine residues in the EU

Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (CELEX 32017R0625) provides the legislative basis for residues controls in food of animal origin in the EU. The controls carried out by third countries must give guarantees with an effect equivalent to that laid down in the EU legislation.

Third countries wishing to export food of animal origin to the EU are required to submit to the Commission services an annual residue monitoring plan for the commodities in question. Once the plans are approved by the Commission, the countries are listed in Regulation (EU) 2021/405 (CELEX 32021R0405). A copy of the authorised countries list included in this Regulation is detailed next. Being listed on the 'residues list' is a prerequisite for export of food of animal origin to the EU. Public health and animal health requirements also apply.

Inclusion and retention on this list shall be subject to submission by the third country concerned of a plan setting out the guarantees which it offers as regards the monitoring of the groups of residues and substances referred to in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2022/1644 (CELEX 32022R1644).


Code ISO2 Country Bovine Ovine/caprine Porcine Equine Poultry Aqua-culture Milk Eggs Rabbit Wild game Farmed game Honey Casings
AD Andorra X X Δ X P X
AE United Arab Emirates Δ P X O O X
AL Albania X X (14) P O X X
AR Argentina X X X X X (14) P X X X X X X X
AM Armenia X (14) P O O X
AU Australia X X X X M X X X X X X
BA Bosnia and Herzegovina X X X X X (14) P X X X
BD Bangladesh X P
BF Burkina Faso X
BJ Benin X
BY Belarus X (8) X (14) P X X X X
BZ Belize X (15) P O O
BW Botswana X P
BR Brazil X X X X P O O X X
BN Brunei X (15) P O O
CM Cameroon X
CN China X X P O X X X X
CA Canada X X X X X X M X X X X X X X
CH Switzerland X X X X X X (14) M X X X X X X X
CL Chile X X (5) X X X (14) M X X X X
CO Colombia X P O Δ X
CR Costa Rica X P O O
CU Cuba X (15) P O O X
DO Dominican Republic X
EC Ecuador X P O O
ET Ethiopia X
FK Falklands Islands X X (5) X (14) P
FO Faeroe Islands X (14) P O O
GE Georgia X
GB United Kingdom X X X X X X (14) Δ M X X X X X X X
GG Guernsey M X
GH Ghana X
GE Georgia X
GL Greenland X (5) M X
GT Guatemala X (15) P O O X
HK Hong Kong Δ P Δ
HN Honduras X
ID Indonesia X P O O
IL Israel (4) X X (14) P X X
IM Isle of Man X X X X (14) M X O X
IN India O X P O X X X
IR Iran X (15) (16) P O O X
JE Jersey X M X O
JM Jamaica M
JP Japan X X X X (14) M X X Δ X
KE Kenya X (14) P
KG Kyrgyzstan X
KR South Korea X X M O O Δ
LB Lebanon X
LK Sri Lanka X P O O
MA Morocco X X (14) Δ M O O X X
MG Madagascar X P O O X
MK North Macedonia X X X X X (14) P X X X X
MM Republic of the Union of Myanmar X P O O X
MY Malaysia Δ X P O O
MU Mauritius X (14) P O O Δ
MX Mexico Δ X P O X X
MD Moldova X X (14) P X X X
ME Montenegro X X X X X (14) P X X X X
MZ Mozambique X (15) P O O
NA Namibia X X (5) P X
NC New Caledonia X (15) O O X X
NI Nicaragua X (15) P X
NG Nigeria X (15) P
NZ New Zealand X X O X O X (14) M X O O X X X X
PA Panama X P O O
PK Pakistan X
PE Peru X M O O
PH Philippines X P O O
PM Saint Pierre and Miquelon X P
PN Pitcairn Islands X
PY Paraguay X P X
RS Serbia (7) X X X X (8) X X (14) P X X X X X
RU Russia X X X X O P X X X (9) X X
RW Rwanda X
SA Saudi Arabia X P O O
SG Singapore Δ Δ Δ X (10) Δ X (14) P Δ Δ X (10) X (10)
SM San Marino X Δ O P X O X
SV El Salvador X
SY Syria X
SZ Eswatini X P
TG Togo X
TH Thailand O O X X M O Δ X
TW Taiwan X P O X X
TZ Tanzania X (15) P O O X
TN Tunisia X (14) M O O X
TR Türkiye X X (14) M X X X X
UG Uganda X
UA Ukraine X X X X (14) M X X X X X
US United States X X (11) X X X M X X X X X X
UY Uruguay X X X X (14) M X X X X
VE Venezuela X (15) P O O
VN Vietnam X M O O X
XK Kosovo (12) Δ
WF Wallis and Futuna X
ZA South Africa M P X X (13)
ZM Zambia X

(1) List of countries and territories (not limited to countries recognised by the Union).

(2) Camel milk only.

(3) Only the region of Ras al Khaimah.

(4) Does not include the geographic areas that came under the administration of the State of Israel after 5 June 1967, namely the Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank.

(5) Ovine species only

(6) In accordance with the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 5(4) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland in conjunction with Annex 2 to that Protocol, for the purposes of Annexes II to XXII, references to the United Kingdom do not include Northern Ireland.

(7) Does not include Kosovo (this designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence).

(8) Export to the Union of live equidae intended for slaughter (food producing animals only).

(9) Reindeer only.

(10) Only for commodities of fresh meat originating from New Zealand, destined to the Union and being unloaded, reloaded and transited with or without storage through Singapore.

(11) Caprine species only.

(12) This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

(13) Ratites only.

(14) Finfish and finfish products only.

(15) Crustaceans only.

(16) Finfish products only (e.g.roes and caviar).

(17) Aquaculture covers finfish, including eels, and products of finfish (such as roes and caviar) and crustaceans.

Δ Third countries not having presented a residue-monitoring plan for animals and animal products but, but, based on third country’s request, intending to export to the Union animal products prepared by using raw material of animal origin obtained from a Member State or third country that has provided a residue monitoring plan in accordance with Article 2a of Regulation (EU) 2021/405 (CELEX 32021R0405).

O Third countries not having presented a residue-monitoring plan for bovine, ovine/caprine, porcine, equine, rabbit or poultry animals but, based on third country’s request, intending to export composite products to the Union, using processed animal products from those species, obtained from a Member State or a third country or region thereof that has in place control plans for pharmacologically active substances, pesticides and contaminants (only for the relevant animal species).

Third countries marked with an “X” in either of the categories aquaculture products, milk or eggs in the table of the Annex and which intend to produce composite products, are additionally marked with an O, for the remaining of these categories not marked with an X.

All third countries listed for live, chilled, frozen or processed bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods in Annex VIII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/405 are marked with an “M” in the table.

All third countries producing composite products from processed products derived from bivalve molluscs originating in Member States or in third countries or regions listed in Annex VIII to Regulation (EU) 2021/405 (CELEX 32021R0405) are marked with a “P” in the column “Aquaculture”.

The guarantees must have an effect at least equivalent to those provided for in the Directive for Member States.

Upon importation into the EU, samples of consignments may be drawn and tested for residues by National reference laboratories in the Member States. The conditions of such sampling and testing are described in Regulation (EU) 2019/2130 (CELEX 32019R2130).

Safe concentrations of veterinary medicine residues

Regulation (EC) 470/2009 (CELEX 32009R0470) sets out rules and procedures for establishing:

  • the maximum concentration of a residue of a pharmacologically active substance which may be permitted in food of animal origin (Maximum Residue Limits - MRLs). MRLs are listed in Regulation (EU) 37/2010 (CELEX 32010R0037).
  • the level of a residue of certain pharmacologically active substances for which an MRL has not been established (Reference Point for Action - RPA).

Consignments of food of animal origin (whether imported from a third country or produced in the EU) which:

  • contain a residue of a pharmacologically active substance at a concentration in excess of EU MRLs (see Table 1 in the Annex to Regulation (EU) 37/2010 (CELEX 32010R0037));
  • or contain a residue of pharmacologically active substance for which no MRL has been established in the EU (i.e. not listed in Table 1 in the Annex to Regulation (EU) 37/2010 (CELEX 32010R0037));
  • or contain a residue of a pharmacologically active substance which has been expressly prohibited for use in food-producing animals in the EU (listed in Table 2 in the Annex to Regulation (EU) 37/2010 (CELEX 32010R0037)) and the concentration present exceeds a Minimum Required Performance Limit (MRPL) where this has been established (e.g. for chloramphenicol, or nitrofurans);
  • or has been derived from animals in which the following substances have been used for any purpose as specified in Directive 96/22/EC (CELEX 31996L0022):
    • stilbenes or thyrostats for any purpose
    • beta-agonists (steroid hormones) for growth promotion purposes
    • oestradiol for therapeutic or zootechnical purposes

may not be legally placed on the EU market and will be rejected.

Member States shall perform official controls on the use of pharmacologically active substances authorised as veterinary medicinal products or as feed additives and of prohibited or unauthorised pharmacologically active substances and residues thereof in both food-producing animals and in products of animal origin according to Regulation (EU) 2022/1646 (CELEX 32022R1646). This Regulation also sets up the sampling control frequencies per Member State in their control plans for these products.

Authorised and prohibited or unauthorised pharmacologically active substances for use in food-producing animals are listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2022/1644 (CELEX 32022R1644) above mentioned.

Marketing authorisation of veterinary medicinal products shall be granted provided that they pass safety and residues tests carried out on them according to Regulation (EU) 2019/6 (CELEX 32019R0006). This regulation also prohibits the use of antimicrobials used for humans in respect of animals or products of animal origin exported from third countries to the Union. The antimicrobials and group of antimicrobials listed in Regulation (EU) 2022/1255 (CELEX 32022R1255) cannot be used in veterinary medicinal products. Thus, marketing authorisation applications for veterinary medicinal products containing any of these antimicrobial elements will be refused.

New Regulation (EU) 2023/905 (CELEX 32023R0905) has laid down detailed rules on the application of this prohibition regarding:

  • Conditions for the entry into the Union: the products must originate from a third country or region thereof included in a specific list and they shall be accompanied by an official certificate.
  • List of approved third countries established by an implementing act adopted by the EU Commission.
  • Specific requirements on the official certificates are to be laid down by the EU Commission too.

Moreover, food of animal origin, containing residues of a non-authorised pharmacologically active substance in a concentration at or above the reference point for action, shall not enter the EU food chain according to Regulation (EU) 2019/1871 (CELEX 32019R1871).

Residue requirements for the importation of certain animals and animal products into the EU

The website of the Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection provides specific information on residue requirements for the importation of certain food-producing animals and products derived therefrom:

There is also information on residues of veterinary medicinal products for imports of animals and animal products in general

EU Pesticide Database

Relevant toxicological information and the MRLs in food and feed of active substances authorised for use in plant protection products can be found in the EU Pesticides Database.

Legislation

  • Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products, amending Regulations (EC) No 999/2001, (EC) No 396/2005, (EC) No 1069/2009, (EC) No 1107/2009, (EU) No 1151/2012, (EU) No 652/2014, (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Regulations (EC) No 1/2005 and (EC) No 1099/2009 and Council Directives 98/58/EC, 1999/74/EC, 2007/43/EC, 2008/119/EC and 2008/120/EC, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 854/2004 and (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 89/608/EEC, 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC, 91/496/EEC, 96/23/EC, 96/93/EC and 97/78/EC and Council Decision 92/438/EEC (Official Controls Regulation) (OJ L-95 07/04/2017) (CELEX 32017R0625)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/405 of 24 March 2021 laying down the lists of third countries or regions thereof authorised for the entry into the Union of certain animals and goods intended for human consumption in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L-114 31/03/2021) (CELEX 32021R0405)
  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1644 of 7 July 2022 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council with specific requirements for the performance of official controls on the use of pharmacologically active substances authorised as veterinary medicinal products or as feed additives and of prohibited or unauthorised pharmacologically active substances and residues thereof (OJ L-248 26/09/2022) (CELEX 32022R1644)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2130 of 25 November 2019 establishing detailed rules on the operations to be carried out during and after documentary checks, identity checks and physical checks on animals and goods subject to official controls at border control posts (OJ L-321 12/12/2019) (CELEX 32019R2130)
  • Regulation (EC) No 470/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 May 2009 laying down Community procedures for the establishment of residue limits of pharmacologically active substances in foodstuffs of animal origin, repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 2377/90 and amending Directive 2001/82/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L-152 16/06/2009) (CELEX 32009R0470)
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 37/2010 of 22 December 2009 on pharmacologically active substances and their classification regarding maximum residue limits in foodstuffs of animal origin (OJ L-15 20/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0037)
  • Council Directive 96/22/EC of 29 April 1996 concerning the prohibition on the use in stockfarming of certain substances having a hormonal or thyrostatic action and of beta-agonists, and repealing Directives 81/602/EEC, 88/146/EEC and 88/299/EEC (OJ L-125 23/05/1996) (CELEX 31996L0022)
  • Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1646 of 23 September 2022 on uniform practical arrangements for the performance of official controls as regards the use of pharmacologically active substances authorised as veterinary medicinal products or as feed additives and of prohibited or unauthorised pharmacologically active substances and residues thereof, on specific content of multi-annual national control plans and specific arrangements for their preparation (OJ L-248 26/09/2022) (CELEX 32022R1646)
  • Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on veterinary medicinal products and repealing Directive 2001/82/EC (OJ L-4 07/01/2019) (CELEX 32019R0006)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1255 of 19 July 2022 designating antimicrobials or groups of antimicrobials reserved for treatment of certain infections in humans, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L-191 20/07/2022) (CELEX 32022R1255)
  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905 of 27 February 2023 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the application of the prohibition of use of certain antimicrobial medicinal products in animals or products of animal origin exported from third countries into the Union (OJ L-116 04/05/2023) (CELEX 32023R0905)
  • Commission Regulation (EU) No 2019/1871 of 7 November 2019 on reference points for action for non-allowed pharmacologically active substances present in food of animal origin and repealing Decision 2005/34/EC (OJ L-289 08/11/2019) (CELEX 32019R1871)
  • Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 laying down Union procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human use and establishing a European Medicines Agency (OJ L-136 30/04/2004) (CELEX 32004R0726)
  • Regulation (EU) 2019/4 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of medicated feed, amending Regulation (EC) 183/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directive 90/167/EEC (OJ L-4 07/01/2019) (CELEX 32019R0004)

Other information sources

Elintarvikkeissa olevien vierasaineiden valvonta

Elintarvikkeiden tuonnissa EU:hun olisi noudatettava EU:n lainsäädäntöä, jonka tarkoituksena on varmistaa, että markkinoille saatetut elintarvikkeet ovat turvallisia syötä ja että ne eivät sisällä sellaisia vieraita aineita, jotka voisivat uhata ihmisten terveyttä.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Placing foodstuffs containing contaminants on the EU market

Imports into the European Union (EU) of foodstuffs should comply with EU legislation designed to ensure that food placed on the market is safe to eat and does not contain contaminants at levels which could threaten human health. Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (CELEX 32017R0625) (the Official Controls Regulation - OCR) lays down the new general legal framework in order to guarantee this high level of consumer protection

Contaminants may be present in food (including fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, cereals, spices, dairy products, etc.) as a result of the various stages of its production, packaging, transport or holding, or also might result from environmental contamination.

Regulation (EEC) 315/93 (CELEX 31993R0315) laying down Community procedures for contaminants in food, regulates the presence of such contaminants in foodstuffs in the EU:

  • food containing a contaminant to an amount unacceptable from the public health viewpoint and in particular at a toxicological level, shall not be placed on the EU market and will be rejected
  • contaminant levels shall be kept as low as can reasonably be achieved following recommended good working practices
  • maximum levels may be set for certain contaminants in order to protect public health

New Regulation (EU) 2023/915 (CELEX 32023R0915) replacing Regulation (EC) 1881/2006 (CELEX 32006R1881) sets maximum levels in foods to be placed on the EU market for mycotoxins, vegetable toxins, metals, halogenated persistent organic pollutants (Dioxins and PCBs, perfluoroalkyl substances), process contaminants and others.

The foodstuffs listed in Annex I, cannot be placed on the market, or used as raw materials or ingredients in foods, if they contain a contaminant in a quantity higher than the maximum level established in this Annex. Foodstuffs which comply with the maximum levels set out in Annex I may not be mixed with foods in which these maximum levels are exceeded:

  • Section 1 - sets limits for various mycotoxins like aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A, Patulin, Deoxynivalenol and others in, groundnuts, nuts, dried fruit (including dried vine fruit) and products thereof, cereals and cereal products, milk, infant formulae, dietary foods intended for infants, spices, fruit juices, coffee products, wine, spirit drinks, cider, apple products, processed cereal based foods for infants and young children and baby foods.
  • Section 2 - sets limits for plant toxins in vegetable oils, baby food, maize, dried and liquid herbs.
  • Section 3 - sets limits for various heavy metals in, for example, milk, meat, fish, cereals, vegetables, fruit and wines.
  • Section 4 - sets limits for halogenated persistent organic pollutants such as dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs and Perfluoroalkyl substances in meat, fish and crustaceans, milk, eggs, oils and fats.
  • Section 5 - sets limits for processing contaminants like PAHs in oils and fats, smoked meats and fish, fish, dried herbs and spices, crustaceans and bivalve molluscs, infant formulae and baby foods. 3-MCPD is also controlled in Hydrolysed vegetable protein and soy sauce.
  • Section 6 - sets limits for other contaminants like nitrates in lettuce and fresh spinach, melamine in food and infant formulae, perchlrate in fruits and vegetables, herbs and infant formulae.

Food containing contaminants listed in this Annex shall also not be deliberately detoxified by chemical treatment.

Note: By amending Regulation (EC) 1333/2008 (CELEX 32008R1333), the EU has set new reduced limits for the use of nitrites and nitrates as food additives with the aim to protect against pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, and Clostridium botulinum, while reducing the exposure to nitrosamines, some of which are carcinogenic.

Member States shall perform official controls on contaminants in food of animal origin entering the Union from third countries and in any other food placed on the Union market according to Regulation (EU) 2022/932 (CELEX 32022R0932). This Regulation sets up the minimum control frequencies per Member State in the control plans for food of animal origin entering the Union and for other food placed on the Union market.

In order to minimise the effects on trade, the Regulation allows higher levels of contaminants for certain products, which are not placed on the market for the final consumer or as a food ingredient.

Transitional period: Food lawfully marketed prior to the dates referred to in article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2023/915 (CELEX 32023R0915) may remain on the market until their date of minimum durability or use-by date.

Moreover, Regulation (Euratom) 2016/52 (CELEX 32016R0052) lays down the maximum permitted levels of radioactive contamination of foodstuffs (either immediately or after processing) which may be placed on the market following a nuclear accident or any other case of radiological emergency.

The website of Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety provides more detailed information on Contaminants, discussed and regulated in the EU.

Special conditions for certain foodstuffs imported from certain third countries

Community control measures have been taken for certain contaminants imported from specific third countries, in particular as regards aflatoxins, melamine, mineral oil and pentachlorophenol and dioxins. Foodstuffs which exceed the maximum level of contaminants permitted by the EU legislation, shall not be marketed in the EU territory.

More information on these measures can be found on the website of Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety.

Legislation

  • Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products, amending Regulations (EC) No 999/2001, (EC) No 396/2005, (EC) No 1069/2009, (EC) No 1107/2009, (EU) No 1151/2012, (EU) No 652/2014, (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Regulations (EC) No 1/2005 and (EC) No 1099/2009 and Council Directives 98/58/EC, 1999/74/EC, 2007/43/EC, 2008/119/EC and 2008/120/EC, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 854/2004 and (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 89/608/EEC, 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC, 91/496/EEC, 96/23/EC, 96/93/EC and 97/78/EC and Council Decision 92/438/EEC (Official Controls Regulation) (OJ L-95 07/04/2017) (CELEX 32017R0625)
  • Council Regulation (EEC) No 315/93 of 8 February 1993 laying down Community procedures for contaminants in food (OJ L-37 13/02/1993) (CELEX 31993R0315)
  • Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 (OJ L-119 05/05/2023) (CELEX 32023R0915)
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 of 19 December 2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs (OJ L-364 20/12/2006) (CELEX 32006R1881)
  • Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives (OJ L-354 31/12/2008) (CELEX 32008R1333)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/932 of 9 June 2022 on uniform practical arrangements for the performance of official controls as regards contaminants in food, on specific additional content of multi-annual national control plans and specific additional arrangements for their preparation (OJ L-162 17/06/2022) (CELEX 32022R0932)
  • Council Regulation (Euratom) 2016/52 of 15 January 2016 laying down maximum permitted levels of radioactive contamination of food and feed following a nuclear accident or any other case of radiological emergency, and repealing Regulation (Euratom) No 3954/87 and Commission Regulations (Euratom) No 944/89 and (Euratom) No 770/90 (OJ L-13 20/01/2016) (CELEX 32016R0052)

Other information sources

Ihmisravinnoksi tarkoitettujen kasvi- ja eläintuotteiden torjunta-ainejäämien valvonta

Sellaisten ihmisravinnoksi tarkoitettujen kasvi- ja eläintuotteiden tuonti, joissa voi olla torjunta-ainejäämiä, on sallittua vain, jos noudatetaan EU:n lainsäädäntöä, jonka tarkoituksena on valvoa kemiallisten aineiden ja jäämien esiintymistä elävissä eläimissä, eläintuotteissa ja kasviperäisissä tuotteissa.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

In order to ensure a high level of consumer protection, imports of plant and animal products or parts thereof intended for human consumption in or on which residues of pesticides may be present, are only permitted when complying with guarantees laid down by EU legislation designed to control the presence of chemical substances and residues thereof in live animals, animal products and products of plant origin.

Placing plants and animal products containing pesticide residues on the EU market

The placing on the market of these products is covered by two main Regulations:

Animals and animal products

Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (CELEX 32017R0625) outlines the procedure to evaluate whether when importing animals and animal products, the guarantees on residues of chemical substances presented by a third country can be deemed equivalent to those requested to the products produced under EU rules.

Such products shall only be imported from the authorised countries detailed in the following table, included in Regulation (EU) 2021/405 (CELEX 32021R0405). Inclusion and retention on this list shall be subject to submission by the third country concerned of a plan setting out the guarantees which it offers as regards the monitoring of the groups of residues and substances referred to in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2022/1644 (CELEX 32022R1644).


Code ISO2 Country Bovine Ovine/caprine Porcine Equine Poultry Aqua-culture Milk Eggs Rabbit Wild game Farmed game Honey Casings
AD Andorra X X Δ X P X
AE United Arab Emirates Δ P X O O
AL Albania X X (14) P O X X
AM Armenia X (14) P O O X
AR Argentina X X X X X (14) P X X X X X X X
AU Australia X X X X M X X X X X X
BA Bosnia and Herzegovina X X X X X (14) P X X X
BD Bangladesh X P
BF Burkina Faso X
BJ Benin X
BY Belarus X (8) X (14) P X X X X
BZ Belize X (15) P O O
BW Botswana X P
BR Brazil X X X X P O O X X
BN Brunei X (15) P O O
CA Canada X X X X X X M X X X X X X X
CH Switzerland X X X X X X (14) M X X X X X X X
CL Chile X X (5) X X X (14) M X X X X
CM Cameroon X
CN China X X P O X X X X
CO Colombia X P O Δ X
CR Costa Rica X
CU Cuba X (15) P O O X
DO Dominican Republic X
EC Ecuador X P O O
ET Ethiopia X
FK Falkland Islands X X (5) X (14) P
FO Faeroe Islands X (14) P
GB United Kingdom X X X X X X (14) Δ M X X X X X X X
GG Guernsey X M X
GH Ghana X
GE Georgia X
GL Greenland X (5) M X
GT Guatemala X (15) P O O X
HK Hong Kong Δ P Δ
HN Honduras X
ID Indonesia X P O O
IL Israel (4) X X (14) P X X
IM Isle of Man X X X X (14) M X O X
IN India O X P O X X X
IR Iran X (15) X (16) P O O X
JE Jersey X M X O
JM Jamaica M
JP Japan X X X X (14) M X X Δ X
KE Kenya X (14) P Δ
KR South Korea X X M O O Δ
LB Lebanon X
LK Sri Lanka X P O O
MA Morocco X X (14) Δ M O O X
MG Madagascar X P O O X
MK North Macedonia X X X X X (14) P X X X X
MM Republic of the Union of Myanmar X P O O X
MY Malaysia Δ X P O O
MU Mauritius X (14) P O O X (4)
MX Mexico Δ X P O X X
MD Moldova X X (14) P X X X
ME Montenegro X X X X X (14) P X X X X
MA Morocco X X (14) Δ M O O X X
MZ Mozambique X (15) P
NA Namibia X X (5) P X
NC New Caledonia X (15) O O X X
NG Nigeria X (15) P
NI Nicaragua X (15) P X
NZ New Zealand X X O X O X (14) M X O O X X X X
PA Panama X P O O
PK Pakistan X
PE Peru X M O O
PH Philippines X P O O
PM Saint Pierre and Miquelon X P
PN Pitcairn Islands X
PY Paraguay X P X
RS Serbia (7) X X X X (8) X X (14) P X X X X X
RU Russia X X X X O P X X X (9) X X
RW Rwanda X
SA Saudi Arabia X P O O
SG Singapore Δ Δ Δ X (10) Δ X (14) P Δ Δ X (10) X (10)
SM San Marino X X (4) X X
SV El Salvador X
SY Syria X
SZ Eswatini X P
TG Togo X
TH Thailand O O X X M O Δ X
TW Taiwan X P O X X
TZ Tanzania X (15) P O O X
TN Tunisia X (14) M O O X
TR Türkiye X X (14) M X X X X
UG Uganda X
UA Ukraine X X X X (14) M X X X X X
US United States X X (11) X X X M X X X X X X
UY Uruguay X X X X (14) M X X X X
VE Venezuela X (15) P O O
VN Vietnam X M O O X
XK Kosovo (12) Δ
WF Wallis and Futuna X
ZA South Africa M P X X (13)
ZM Zambia X

(1) List of countries and territories (not limited to countries recognised by the Union).

(2) Camel milk only.

(3) Only the region of Ras al Khaimah.

(4) Does not include the geographic areas that came under the administration of the State of Israel after 5 June 1967, namely the Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank.

(5) Ovine species only

(6) In accordance with the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 5(4) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland in conjunction with Annex 2 to that Protocol, for the purposes of Annexes II to XXII, references to the United Kingdom do not include Northern Ireland.

(7) Does not include Kosovo (this designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence).

(8) Export to the Union of live equidae intended for slaughter (food producing animals only).

(9) Reindeer only.

(10) Only for commodities of fresh meat originating from New Zealand, destined to the Union and being unloaded, reloaded and transited with or without storage through Singapore.

(11) Caprine species only.

(12) This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

(13) Ratites only.

(14) Finfish and finfish products only.

(15) Crustaceans only.

(16) Finfish products only (e.g.roes and caviar).

(17) Aquaculture covers finfish, including eels, and products of finfish (such as roes and caviar) and crustaceans.’

Δ Third countries not having presented a residue-monitoring plan for animals and animal products but, based on third country’s request, intending to export to the Union animal products prepared by using raw material of animal origin obtained from a Member State or third country that has provided a residue monitoring plan in accordance with Article 2a of Regulation (EU) 2021/405 (CELEX 32021R0405).

O Third countries not having presented a residue-monitoring plan for bovine, ovine/caprine, porcine, equine, rabbit or poultry animals but, based on third country’s request, intending to export composite products to the Union, using processed animal products from those species, obtained from a Member State or a third country or region thereof that has in place control plans for pharmacologically active substances, pesticides and contaminants (only for the relevant animal species).

Third countries marked with an “X” in either of the categories aquaculture products, milk or eggs in the table of the Annex and which intend to produce composite products, are additionally marked with an O, for the remaining of these categories not marked with an X.

All third countries listed for live, chilled, frozen or processed bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods in Annex VIII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/405 are marked with an “M” in the table.

All third countries producing composite products from processed products derived from bivalve molluscs originating in Member States or in third countries or regions listed in Annex VIII to Regulation (EU) 2021/405 (CELEX 32021R0405) are marked with a “P” in the column “Aquaculture”.

Plants, plant products and their protection

Regulation (EC) 1107/2009 (CELEX 32009R1107) lays down rules and procedures for active substances to be marketed in the EU and for the authorisation by Member States of plant protection products containing them. Active substances cannot be used in plant protection products unless they are included in a positive EU list. Such substances are included in the EU Pesticides Database. Once a substance is included in the list, Member States may authorise the use of products which contain it.

Further information on Pesticides, plant products and active substances is available. Such substances are also included in the EU Pesticides Database. Once a substance is included in the list, Member States may authorise the use of products which contain it.

Control of pesticide residues in the EU: the maximum residue levels (MRLs)

Regulation (EC) 396/2005 (CELEX 32005R0396) defines a fully harmonised set of rules for pesticide residues. This Regulation lays down provisions for the setting of EU pesticide maximum residue levels (MRLs) in food and feed.

Imports of plant and animal products must comply with such MRLs set by the European Commission to protect consumers from exposure to unacceptable levels of pesticide residues.

Annexes to Regulation (EC) 396/2005 (CELEX 32005R0396) set out the list of products subject to control and MRLs applicable to them:

  • The list of products to which the MRLs apply has been established in Annex I, which includes animal products, fruits, vegetables, cereals, spices and certain edible plants.
  • The list of EU definitive MRLs is laid down in Annex II.
  • The so-called EU temporary MRLs (pesticides for which, before 1 September 2008, MRLs were only set at national level), are listed in Annex III.
  • The list of pesticides for which no MRLs are needed because of their low risk is included in Annex IV.
  • Annex V, which contains the list of pesticides for which a default limit other than 0,01 mg/kg applies and Annex VI, which will contain the list of conversion factors of MRLs for processed commodities, which has not been published yet.
  • Annex VII contains a list of pesticides used as fumigants for which the Member States are allowed to apply special derogations before the products are placed on the market.

Specific information on the substances and the MRLs included in the lists of Annexes II, III and IV is available at the EU Pesticides Database.

Member State authorities are responsible for the control and enforcement of the MRLs. Such control will be carried out by means of a coordinated multiannual Community control programme of pesticide residues in food of plant and animal origin established by Regulation (EU) 2023/731 (CELEX 32023R0731). According to this scheme, during the years 2024, 2025 and 2026 National reference laboratories for detecting residues in the Member States, shall take and analyse samples for the pesticide/product combinations set out in the Regulation. However, Regulation (EU) 2022/741 (CELEX 32022R0741) will continue to apply to samples tested until 1 September 2024.

According to Regulation (EU) 2021/1355 (CELEX 32021R1355)Member States shall establish multiannual national control programmes for pesticide residues, as part of their respective multiannual national control plan. Each Member State shall take a sufficient number and range of samples of food and feed to ensure that the results are representative of the market, taking into account the results of these multiannual national control programmes. The sampling shall be carried out as close to the point of supply as is reasonable, as stated in Regulation (EU) 2021/2244 (CELEX 32021R2244).

Furthermore, according to the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 (CELEX 32019R1793), official controls of the presence of hazardous substances on certain commodities of non-animal origin from selected third countries laid down in such Regulation have been increased and shall be carried out at the Member State's Border Control Posts (BCPs).

Legislation

  • Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products, amending Regulations (EC) No 999/2001, (EC) No 396/2005, (EC) No 1069/2009, (EC) No 1107/2009, (EU) No 1151/2012, (EU) No 652/2014, (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Regulations (EC) No 1/2005 and (EC) No 1099/2009 and Council Directives 98/58/EC, 1999/74/EC, 2007/43/EC, 2008/119/EC and 2008/120/EC, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 854/2004 and (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 89/608/EEC, 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC, 91/496/EEC, 96/23/EC, 96/93/EC and 97/78/EC and Council Decision 92/438/EEC (Official Controls Regulation) (OJ L-95 07/04/2017) (CELEX 32017R0625)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/405 of 24 March 2021 laying down the lists of third countries or regions thereof authorised for the entry into the Union of certain animals and goods intended for human consumption in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L-114 31/03/2021) (CELEX 32021R0405)
  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1644 of 7 July 2022 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council with specific requirements for the performance of official controls on the use of pharmacologically active substances authorised as veterinary medicinal products or as feed additives and of prohibited or unauthorised pharmacologically active substances and residues thereof (OJ L-248 26/09/2022) (CELEX 32022R1644)
  • Regulation (EC) 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC (OJ L-309 24/11/2009) (CELEX 32009R1107)
  • Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin and amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC (OJ L-70 16/03/2005) (CELEX 32005R0396)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/731 of 3 April 2023 concerning a coordinated multiannual control programme of the Union for 2024, 2025 and 2026 to ensure compliance with maximum residue levels of pesticides and to assess the consumer exposure to pesticide residues in and on food of plant and animal origin and repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/741 (OJ L-95 04/04/2023) (CELEX 32023R0731)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/741 of 13 May 2022 concerning a coordinated multiannual control programme of the Union for 2023, 2024 and 2025 to ensure compliance with maximum residue levels of pesticides and to assess the consumer exposure to pesticide residues in and on food of plant and animal origin and repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/601 (OJ L-137 16/05/2022) (CELEX 32022R0741)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1355 of 12 August 2021 on multiannual national control programmes for pesticides residues to be established by Member States (OJ L-291 13/08/2021) (CELEX 32021R1355)
  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2244 of 7 October 2021 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council with specific rules on official controls as regards sampling procedures for pesticides residues in food and feed (OJ L-453 17/12/2021) (CELEX 32021R2244)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 of 22 October 2019 on the temporary increase of official controls and emergency measures governing the entry into the Union of certain goods from certain third countries implementing Regulations (EU) 2017/625 and (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Commission Regulations (EC) No 669/2009, (EU) No 884/2014, (EU) 2015/175, (EU) 2017/186 and (EU) 2018/1660 (OJ L-277 29/10/2019) (CELEX 32019R1793)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 of 25 May 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the list of approved active substances (OJ L-153 11/06/2011) (CELEX 32011R0540)

Other information sources

Maatalous- ja kalastustuotteiden kaupan pitämistä (laatua) koskevat vaatimukset

Tiettyjen tuoreina kuluttajille toimitettavien maatalous- ja kalastustuotteiden on täytettävä yhteiset kaupan pitämistä ja laatua koskevat vaatimukset, jotka koskevat erilaisia näkökohtia (tuoreus, koko, laatu, tarjontamuoto, toleranssit, merkinnät jne.), ja niitä voidaan valvoa asiakirjatarkastuksilla ja/tai fyysisillä tarkastuksilla.

Siitosmunien ja siipikarjan poikasten kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

EU:hun tuotavissa siitosmunissa ja poikasissa on oltava selkeät tiedot niiden tarkoituksesta ja alkuperämaasta. Ainoastaan samaan lajiin, luokkaan ja siipikarjatyyppiin kuuluvat tuotteet saa pakata yhteen.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

The marketing of these products shall only be permitted on the European Union (EU) if they comply with the following marketing standards set out in the EU legislation:

Eggs for hatching imported from third countries must be marketed individually and bear the name of the country of origin and the printed words 'hatching' (both mentions in type at least 3 mm high). Their packing must contain only eggs for hatching of the same species, category and type of poultry from the same country of origin and sender, and must bear at least the following particulars:

  • the information shown on the eggs;
  • the species of poultry from which the eggs come;
  • the sender's name or business name and address.

Chicks originating in third countries must be packed by species, type and category of poultry. The boxes must contain only chicks from the same country of origin and sender and shall bear at least the following particulars:

  • the name of the country of origin;
  • the species of poultry to which the chicks belong;
  • the sender's name or business name and address.

The markings to be made on the packaging shall be made in indelible black ink, in letters or figures at least 20 mm high and 10 mm wide, drawn 1 mm thick.

An accompanying document shall be drawn up with respect to each batch of eggs for hatching or chicks imported from third countries and shall bear at least the following particulars:

  • the name or business name and address of the establishment and the name of the country of origin;
  • the number of eggs for hatching or chicks according to species, category and type of poultry;
  • the date of dispatch;
  • the name and address of the consignee.

Legislation

  • Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 922/72, (EEC) 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) 1234/2007 (OJ L-347 20/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1308)
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 617/2008 of 27 June 2008 laying down detailed rules of application for Regulation (EC) No 1308/2013 as regards marketing standards for eggs for hatching and farmyard poultry chicks (OJ L-168 28/06/2008) (CELEX 32008R0617)

Munien kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

Ihmisravinnoksi tai elintarviketeollisuudessa käytettäviksi soveltuvia tuontikananmunia ei saa saattaa Euroopan unionin (EU) markkinoille, elleivät ne ole luokitusta, merkintöjä ja pakkausmerkintöjä/pakkauksia koskevien EU:n sääntöjen mukaisia.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imported hen eggs, suitable for direct human consumption or for use in the food industries, may not be placed on the European Union (EU) market unless they comply with Regulation (EU) 2023/2465 (CELEX 32023R2465). This Regulation establishes the following marketing requirements:

Grading

Eggs shall be graded by quality as:

  • Grade or class A, or 'fresh eggs'. These eggs shall have the minimum quality characteristics related to their shell and cuticle, air space, white, yolk, germ cell and odour. They shall also be graded by weight (XL, L, M, S).
  • Grade or class B, or 'second quality eggs', are eggs which do not meet the requirements applicable to eggs in grade A. They are downgraded eggs intended for some food industry approved undertakings or for the non-food industry.

Marking

Eggs imported from third countries shall be clearly and legibly stamped in the country of origin in accordance with the ISO 3166 country code.

The Commission shall evaluate marketing standards for eggs applicable in exporting third countries on request of the country concerned. This evaluation shall extend to the rules on marking and labelling, farming methods and checks as well as their implementation. If it finds that the rules applied offer sufficient guarantees as to their equivalence with Union legislation, eggs imported from the country concerned shall be marked with a distinguishing number equivalent to the producer code. This kind of evaluations shall be updated regularly. The Commission shall publish the result of the evaluation in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Packs containing eggs imported from countries not offering sufficient guarantees as referred to in article 22 to Regulation (EU) 2023/2465 (CELEX 32023R2465), shall be stamped with the following mentions in easily visible and clearly legible type:

  • the country of origin;
  • the farming method as 'non-EC standard'.

Operators importing grade or class B eggs may apply to Member States for an exemption from the marking obligations established in part VI of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (CELEX 32013R1308), where eggs are delivered directly from the production site to the food industry.

Such eggs shall be delivered to industry only provided that their final destination with a view to processing is checked by the competent authority of the Member State granting the exception.

Labelling and packaging

Eggs shall be graded, marked and packed within ten days of laying.

Class A eggs shall be marked with the producer code. When using the words 'extra' or 'extra fresh' as an additional quality indication, they shall be graded, marked and packed within four days of laying

Packs containing Class A eggs shall bear on the outer surface in easily visible and clearly legible type:

  • the packing centre code;
  • the quality grading;
  • the weight grading;
  • the date of minimum durability;
  • the wording 'washed eggs' for eggs washed;
  • as a special storage condition, an indication advising consumers to keepeggs chilled after purchase;
  • the type of the farming method.

The farming method shall also be stamped on the outer surface of packs containing Class A eggs according to the terms set out in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2023/2465 (CELEX 32023R2465). For organic production, the terms set out in Article 30 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (CELEX 32018R0848)

Class B eggs shall be marked with the producer code and/or with another indication. This indication shall be a circle at least 12 mm in diameter around the letter 'B' at least 5 mm high, or an easily visible colour spot of at least 5 mm in diameter.

Packs containing Class B eggs shall bear on the outer surface in easily visible and clearly legible type:

  • the packing centre code;
  • the quality grading;
  • the packing date.

Each transport packaging containing eggs shall be identified by the producer by:

  • the producer's name and address;
  • the producer code;
  • the number of eggs and/or their weight;
  • the laying date or period;
  • the date of dispatch.

Legislation

  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2465 of 17 August 2023 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards marketing standards for eggs, and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 589/2008 (OJ L 2023/2465 08/11/2023) (CELEX 32023R2465)
  • Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 922/72, (EEC) 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) 1234/2007 (OJ L-347 20/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1308)
  • Regulation (EU) No 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 (OJ L-150 14/06/2018) (CELEX 32018R0848)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2466 of 17 August 2023 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards marketing standards for eggs (OJ L 2023/2466 08/11/2023) (CELEX 32023R2466)

Tiettyjen kalastustuotteiden kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

Tiettyjä kalastustuotteita saa tuoda kolmansista maista ja pitää kaupan Euroopan unionissa (EU) ainoastaan, jos ne täyttävät EU:n säännöt, jotka koskevat luokittelua tuoreuden, koon tai painoluokan, pakkauksen, esillepanon ja merkintöjen mukaan.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Certain fishery products listed in article 3.1 of Regulation (EC) 2406/96 (CELEX 31996R2406) may be imported from third countries and marketed within the European Union (EU) only if they satisfy EU provisions covering classification by freshness, size or weight categories, packaging, presentation and labelling.

Member States must check the compliance of products with these standards:

A) Freshness

Annex I to the Regulation establishes different freshness categories (Extra, A and B) on the basis of different criteria (texture of the flesh, brightness of the skin, smell, etc.) for each of the following specific groups of products:

  • Whitefish
  • Bluefish
  • Selachii
  • Cephalopods
  • Crustaceans

B) Size categories

Annex II to Regulation establishes size categories for the different species according to weight, number per kilogram or width and length of shell.

The species covered by marketing standards must respect the minimum biological sizes as set out in Annex II.

C) Marking

Products imported from third countries may be marketed only if they are presented in packages on which the following information is clearly and legibly marked:

  • Country of origin in Roman letters at least 20 mm high
  • Scientific name and trade name
  • Presentation
  • Freshness and size categories
  • Net weight in kilograms
  • Date of grading and date of dispatch
  • Name and address of consignor

Lots must contain products of the same size and uniform freshness.

The freshness category, size category and presentation must be clearly and indelible marked, in characters of at least 5 cm high, on labels affixed to the lot.

Products landed directly from the fishing grounds

According to the Regulation, products landed in a Community port direct from the fishing grounds from vessels flying the flag of a third country, and intended for marketing, shall be subject to the same provisions as those applicable to Community catches. In this regard, Regulation (EC) 1224/2009 (CELEX 32009R1224) establishes that the minimum labelling and information requirements for all lots of fisheries and aquaculture products shall include:

  • the identification number of each lot
  • the external identification number and name of the fishing vessel or the name of the aquaculture production unit
  • the FAO alpha-3 code of each species
  • the date of catches or the date of production; the quantities of each species in kilograms expressed in net weight or, where appropriate, the number of individuals
  • the name and address of the suppliers
  • the commercial designation, the scientific name, the relevant geographical area and the production method
  • whether the fisheries products have been previously frozen or not

Legislation

  • Council Regulation (EC) No 2406/96 of 26 November 1996 laying down common marketing standards for certain fishery products (OJ L-334 23/12/1996) (CELEX 31996R2406)
  • Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy, amending Regulations (EC) No 847/96, (EC) No 2371/2002, (EC) No 811/2004, (EC) No 768/2005, (EC) No 2115/2005, (EC) No 2166/2005, (EC) No 388/2006, (EC) No 509/2007, (EC) No 676/2007, (EC) No 1098/2007, (EC) No 1300/2008, (EC) No 1342/2008 and repealing Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1627/94 and (EC) No 1966/2006 (OJ L-343 22/12/2009) (CELEX 32009R1224)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 404/2011 of 8 April 2011 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy (OJ L-112 30/04/2012) (CELEX 32011R0404)

Other information sources

Tuoreiden hedelmien ja vihannesten kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

Hedelmiä ja vihanneksia, jotka on tarkoitettu myytäviksi tuoreina kuluttajille EU:ssa, voidaan pitää kaupan ainoastaan, jos ne ovat laadultaan virheettömiä, aitoja ja myyntikelpoisia ja jos alkuperämaa on ilmoitettu EU:n lainsäädännön mukaisesti. Tällaisten tuotteiden tuonnille Intiasta, Keniasta, Marokosta, Senegalista, Türkiyestä ja Etelä-Afrikasta annetaan erityissäännöksiä.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

According to Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (CELEX 32013R1308) fruits and vegetables which are intended to be sold fresh to the consumer, may only be marketed if they are sound, fair and of marketable quality and if the country of origin is indicated.

The competent authorities designated by the EU Member States (MSs) perform documental and/or physical inspections of the imported products in order to check their conformity with the following EU general marketing standards laid down in Annex I Part A of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543):

  • Minimum quality requirements;
  • Minimum maturity requirements;
  • Tolerance;
  • Marking of origin of produce.

The following fruits and vegetables have specific marketing standards fixed in Annex I Part B of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543):

Where the marketing standards applicable to such products require the product variety or the commercial type to be indicated on the packaging, this information shall be indicated on documents related to transport, invoices and the delivery order.

If the goods conform to the marketing standards, the inspection bodies issue a certificate of conformity which must be presented at the point of importation in order to be released for circulation. The certificate of conformity must conform to the specimen set out in Annex III to Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543).

If the goods do not conform to these standards, the inspection body issues a finding of non-conformity, which deters goods to be moved without authorisation.

Approval of checking operations performed by third countries

The European Commission may approve conformity checking operations performed in origin by the authorities of third countries. In this case, prior to the entry into the EU, the third country's inspection bodies must check each lot of goods and draw up a certificate of conformity or any other form agreed between the Commission and the third country.

This approval has been granted to five countries: India, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, Senegal and Türkiye (please see the Specific Requirement for each of these countries).

Products intended for processing

Imports of products intended for processing are not subject to compliance with the EU marketing standards. However, in accordance with Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543), the packaging of products intended for processing must be clearly marked by the pack with the words 'intended for processing' or other equivalent wording.

Legislation

  • Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 922/72, (EEC) 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) 1234/2007 (OJ L-347 20/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1308)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EC) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1308/2013 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (OJ L-157 15/06/2011) (CELEX 32011R0543)

Other information sources

Intiasta peräisin olevien tuoreiden hedelmien ja vihannesten kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports into the European Union (EU) of these products must comply with the EU-harmonised marketing standards.

Inspection of marketing standards

According to Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (CELEX 32013R1308) fruits and vegetables which are intended to be sold fresh to the consumer, may only be marketed if they are sound, fair and of marketable quality and if the country of origin is indicated.

The competent authorities designated by the EU Member States (MSs) perform documental and/or physical inspections of the imported products in order to check their conformity with the following EU general marketing standards laid down in Annex I Part A of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543):

  • Minimum quality requirements;
  • Minimum maturity requirements;
  • Tolerance;
  • Marking of origin of produce.

The following fruits and vegetables have specific marketing standards fixed in Annex I Part B of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543):

Where the marketing standards applicable to such products require the product variety or the commercial type to be indicated on the packaging, this information shall be indicated on documents related to transport, invoices and the delivery order.

Approval of checking operations performed by the Indian authorities

The European Commission may approve conformity checking operations performed in the country of origin by the competent authorities. In this case, prior to the entry into the EU, the Indian inspection bodies must check each lot of goods and draw up the certificate of conformity agreed between the EU Commission and India.

The official Indian authority under the responsibility of which checking operations are performed is:

Ministry of Agriculture
Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC)
Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI)
Agricultural Marketing Adviser
Head Office, NH-IV
Faridabad - 121 001
India
Tel: (+91) 129 241 65 68 / (+91) 129 241 57 10 / (+91) 11 23 01 34 45
Contact: pkagarwall123@hotmail.com
Website: http://agmarknet.gov.in/

The inspection body responsible to carry out checks is:

Ministry of Agriculture
Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC)
Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI)
Head Office, NH-IV
Faridabad - 121 001
India
Tel: (+91) 129 241 65 68 / (+91) 129 241 57 10
Contact: dmifbd@agmark.nic.in
Website: http://agmarknet.gov.in/

The inspection body draws up an official certificate, which is set out in Annex III to Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543), for each checked lot prior to its entry into the EU. If the goods do not conform to these standards, the inspection body issues a finding of non-conformity, which deters goods to be moved without authorisation.

Products intended for processing

Imports of products intended for processing are not subject to compliance with the EU marketing standards. However, in accordance with Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543), the packaging of products intended for processing must be clearly marked by the pack with the words 'intended for processing' or other equivalent wording.

Legislation

  • Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 922/72, (EEC) 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) 1234/2007 (OJ L-347 20/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1308)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EC) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1308/2013 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (OJ L-157 15/06/2011) (CELEX 32011R0543)

Other information sources

Keniasta peräisin olevien tuoreiden hedelmien ja vihannesten kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports into the European Union (EU) of these products must comply with the EU-harmonised marketing standards.

Inspection of marketing standards

According to Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (CELEX 32013R1308) fruits and vegetables which are intended to be sold fresh to the consumer, may only be marketed if they are sound, fair and of marketable quality and if the country of origin is indicated.

The competent authorities designated by the EU Member States (MSs) perform documental and/or physical inspections of the imported products in order to check their conformity with the following EU general marketing standards laid down in Annex I Part A of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543):

  • Minimum quality requirements;
  • Minimum maturity requirements;
  • Tolerance;
  • Marking of origin of produce.

The following fruits and vegetables have specific marketing standards fixed in Annex I Part B of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543):

Where the marketing standards applicable to such products require the product variety or the commercial type to be indicated on the packaging, this information shall be indicated on documents related to transport, invoices and the delivery order.

Approval of checking operations performed by the Kenyan authorities

The European Commission may approve conformity checking operations performed in the country of origin by the competent authorities. In this case, prior to the entry into the EU, the Kenyan inspection bodies must check each lot of goods and draw up the certificate of conformity agreed between the EU Commission and Kenya.

The official Kenyan authority under the responsibility of which checking operations are performed is:

Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service
KEPHIS Managing Director
PO Box 49592-00100, Nairobi
Kenya
Tel: (+254-20) 88 25 84
Contact: kephis@nbnet.co.ke
Website: http://www.kephis.org/

The inspection body responsible to carry out checks is:

KEPHIS Managing Director
PO Box 49592-00100, Nairobi
Kenya
Tel: (+254-20) 88 25 84 / (+254-20) 88 23 08 / (+254-20) 88 29 33
Contact: kephis@nbnet.co.ke
Website: http://www.kephis.org/

The inspection body draws up an official certificate, which is set out in Annex III to Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543), for each checked lot prior to its entry into the EU. If the goods do not conform to these standards, the inspection body issues a finding of non-conformity, which deters goods to be moved without authorisation.

Products intended for processing

Imports of products intended for processing are not subject to compliance with the EU marketing standards. However, in accordance with Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543), the packaging of products intended for processing must be clearly marked by the pack with the words 'intended for processing' or other equivalent wording.

Legislation

  • Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 922/72, (EEC) 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) 1234/2007 (OJ L-347 20/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1308)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EC) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1308/2013 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (OJ L-157 15/06/2011) (CELEX 32011R0543)

Other information sources

Marokosta peräisin olevien tuoreiden hedelmien ja vihannesten kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports into the European Union (EU) of these products must comply with the EU-harmonised marketing standards.

Inspection of marketing standards

According to Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (CELEX 32013R1308) fruits and vegetables which are intended to be sold fresh to the consumer, may only be marketed if they are sound, fair and of marketable quality and if the country of origin is indicated.

The competent authorities designated by the EU Member States (MSs) perform documental and/or physical inspections of the imported products in order to check their conformity with the following EU general marketing standards laid down in Annex I Part A of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543):

  • Minimum quality requirements;
  • Minimum maturity requirements;
  • Tolerance;
  • Marking of origin of produce.

The following fruits and vegetables have specific marketing standards fixed in Annex I Part B of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543):

Where the marketing standards applicable to such products require the product variety or the commercial type to be indicated on the packaging, this information shall be indicated on documents related to transport, invoices and the delivery order.

Approval of checking operations performed by the Moroccan authorities

The European Commission may approve conformity checking operations performed in the country of origin by the competent authorities. In this case, prior to the entry into the EU, the Moroccan inspection bodies must check each lot of goods and draw up the certificate of conformity agreed between the EU Commission and Morocco.

The official Moroccan authority under the responsibility of which checking operations are performed is:

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Forests
Avenue Mohamed V, Quartier Administratif - Place Abdellah
Chefchaouni
BP 607, Rabat
Morocco
Tel: (+212) 37 76 36 57 / (+212) 37 76 05 29
Contact: webmaster@madprm.gov.ma
Website: https://www.agriculture.gov.ma

The inspection body responsible to carry out checks is:

Autonomous Establishment for the Control and Coordination of Exports
72, Angle Boulevard Mohamed Smiha et Rue Moulay Mohamed El BaâmArani
Casablanca
Morocco
Tel: (+212) 22 30 51 04 / (+212) 22 30 51 73 / (+212) 22 30 50 91 / (+212) 22 30 51 95
Contact: eacce@eacce.org.ma
Website: https://www.moroccofoodex.org.ma

The inspection body draws up an official certificate, which is set out in Annex III to Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543), for each checked lot prior to its entry into the EU. If the goods do not conform to these standards, the inspection body issues a finding of non-conformity, which deters goods to be moved without authorisation.

Products intended for processing

Imports of products intended for processing are not subject to compliance with the EU marketing standards. However, in accordance with Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543), the packaging of products intended for processing must be clearly marked by the pack with the words 'intended for processing' or other equivalent wording.

Legislation

  • Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 922/72, (EEC) 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) 1234/2007 (OJ L-347 20/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1308)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EC) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1308/2013 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (OJ L-157 15/06/2011) (CELEX 32011R0543)

Other information sources

Senegalista peräisin olevien tuoreiden hedelmien ja vihannesten kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports into the European Union (EU) of these products must comply with the EU-harmonised marketing standards.

Inspection of marketing standards

According to Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (CELEX 32013R1308) fruits and vegetables which are intended to be sold fresh to the consumer, may only be marketed if they are sound, fair and of marketable quality and if the country of origin is indicated.

The competent authorities designated by the EU Member States (MSs) perform documental and/or physical inspections of the imported products in order to check their conformity with the following EU general marketing standards laid down in Annex I Part A of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543):

  • Minimum quality requirements;
  • Minimum maturity requirements;
  • Tolerance;
  • Marking of origin of produce.

The following fruits and vegetables have specific marketing standards fixed in Annex I Part B of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543):

Where the marketing standards applicable to such products require the product variety or the commercial type to be indicated on the packaging, this information shall be indicated on documents related to transport, invoices and the delivery order.

Approval of checking operations performed by the Senegalese authorities

The European Commission may approve conformity checking operations performed in the country of origin by the competent authorities. In this case, prior to the entry into the EU, the Senegalese inspection bodies must check each lot of goods and draw up the certificate of conformity agreed between the EU Commission and Senegal.

The official Senegalese authority under the responsibility of which checking operations are performed is:

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Equipment
Plant Protection Directorate
BP 20054, Thiaroye Dakar
Senegal
Tel: (+221) 834 03 97
Contact: dpv1@sentoo.sn / almhanne@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.maer.gouv.sn/

The inspection body responsible to carry out checks is:

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Equipment
Quality Office of the Legislation and Phytosanitary Control Division
BP 20054, Thiaroye Dakar
Senegal
Tel: (+221) 834 03 97
Contact: dpv1@sentoo.sn / almhanne@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.maer.gouv.sn/

The inspection body draws up an official certificate, which is set out in Annex III to Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543), for each checked lot prior to its entry into the EU. If the goods do not conform to these standards, the inspection body issues a finding of non-conformity, which deters goods to be moved without authorisation.

Products intended for processing

Imports of products intended for processing are not subject to compliance with the EU marketing standards. However, in accordance with Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543), the packaging of products intended for processing must be clearly marked by the pack with the words 'intended for processing' or other equivalent wording.

Legislation

  • Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 922/72, (EEC) 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) 1234/2007 (OJ L-347 20/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1308)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EC) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1308/2013 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (OJ L-157 15/06/2011) (CELEX 32011R0543)

Other information sources

Türkiyen tuoreiden hedelmien ja vihannesten kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports into the European Union (EU) of these products must comply with the EU-harmonised marketing standards.

Inspection of marketing standards

According to Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (CELEX 32013R1308) fruits and vegetables which are intended to be sold fresh to the consumer, may only be marketed if they are sound, fair and of marketable quality and if the country of origin is indicated.

The competent authorities designated by the EU Member States (MSs) perform documental and/or physical inspections of the imported products in order to check their conformity with the following EU general marketing standards laid down in Annex I Part A of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543):

  • Minimum quality requirements;
  • Minimum maturity requirements;
  • Tolerance;
  • Marking of origin of produce.

The following fruits and vegetables have specific marketing standards fixed in Annex I Part B of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543):

Where the marketing standards applicable to such products require the product variety or the commercial type to be indicated on the packaging, this information shall be indicated on documents related to transport, invoices and the delivery order.

Approval of checking operations performed by the Turkish authorities

The European Commission may approve conformity checking operations performed in the country of origin by the competent authorities. In this case, prior to the entry into the EU, the Turkish inspection bodies must check each lot of goods and draw up the certificate of conformity agreed between the EU Commission and Türkiye.

The official Turkish authority under the responsibility of which checking operations are performed is:

Directorate-General for Standardisation for Foreign Trade
Inönü Bulv. No: 36 Oda no: 2118
06510 Emek/Ankara
Tel: (+ 90) 312 212 58 99
Contact: kilickayac@dtm.gov.tr
Website: https://www.ticaret.gov.tr/

The inspection bodies responsible to carry out checks are:

The inspection body draws up an official certificate, which is set out in Annex III to Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543), for each checked lot prior to its entry into the EU. If the goods do not conform to these standards, the inspection body issues a finding of non-conformity, which deters goods to be moved without authorisation.

Products intended for processing

Imports of products intended for processing are not subject to compliance with the EU marketing standards. However, in accordance with Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543), the packaging of products intended for processing must be clearly marked by the pack with the words 'intended for processing' or other equivalent wording.

Legislation

  • Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 922/72, (EEC) 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) 1234/2007 (OJ L-347 20/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1308)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EC) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1308/2013 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (OJ L-157 15/06/2011) (CELEX 32011R0543)

Other information sources

Etelä-Afrikasta peräisin olevien tuoreiden hedelmien ja vihannesten kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports into the European Union (EU) of these products must comply with the EU-harmonised marketing standards.

Inspection of marketing standards

According to Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (CELEX 32013R1308) fruits and vegetables which are intended to be sold fresh to the consumer, may only be marketed if they are sound, fair and of marketable quality and if the country of origin is indicated.

The competent authorities designated by the EU Member States (MSs) perform documental and/or physical inspections of the imported products in order to check their conformity with the following EU general marketing standards laid down in Annex I Part A of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543):

  • Minimum quality requirements;
  • Minimum maturity requirements;
  • Tolerance;
  • Marking of origin of produce.

The following fruits and vegetables have specific marketing standards fixed in Annex I Part B of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543):

Where the marketing standards applicable to such products require the product variety or the commercial type to be indicated on the packaging, this information shall be indicated on documents related to transport, invoices and the delivery order.

Approval of checking operations performed by the South African authorities

The European Commission may approve conformity checking operations performed in the country of origin by the competent authorities. In this case, prior to the entry into the EU, the South African inspection bodies must check each lot of goods and draw up the certificate of conformity agreed between the Commission and South Africa.

The official South African authority under the responsibility of which checking operations are performed is:

National Department of Agriculture Directorate
Plant Health and Quality (DPHQ)
Private Bag X258
Pretoria 0001
South Africa
Tel: (+27) 12 319 6502
Contact: smph@nda.agric.za
Website: https://www.nda.agric.za/docs/Plantquality/default.htm

The inspection body responsible to carry out checks is:

Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB)
PO Box 15289
7500 Panorama, Parow
South Africa
Tel: (+27) 21 930 1134
Contact: ho@ppecb.com
Website: https://ppecb.com/

The inspection body draws up an official certificate, laid down in Annex III to Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543), for each lot prior to its entry into the EU. If the goods do not conform to these standards, the inspection body issues a finding of non-conformity, which deters goods to be moved without authorisation.

Products intended for processing

Imports of products intended for processing are not subject to compliance with the EU marketing standards. However, in accordance with Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543), the packaging of products intended for processing must be clearly marked by the pack with the words 'intended for processing' or other equivalent wording.

Legislation

  • Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 922/72, (EEC) 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) 1234/2007 (OJ L-347 20/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1308)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EC) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1308/2013 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (OJ L-157 15/06/2011) (CELEX 32011R0543)

Other information sources

Tuoreiden banaanien kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

Maahantuotujen banaanien on oltava EU:n sääntöjen mukaisia muun muassa laadun, koon, tarjontamuodon jne. osalta ennen kuin ne saatetaan markkinoille.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports into the European Union (EU) of bananas intended to be supplied fresh to the consumer after preparation and packaging, must comply with the EU-harmonised marketing standards. Plantains, bananas intended for industrial processing and fig bananas are not covered.

Marketing standards

Before release for free circulation in the Union, bananas imported from third countries shall be subject to checks on their conformity with the marketing standards laid down in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 1333/2011 (CELEX 32011R1333), which refer to:

  • Quality;
  • Sizing;
  • Tolerances;
  • Presentation and
  • Marking

Such marketing standards shall not affect the application, at later stages of marketing, of national rules which are not incompatible with the marketing standards stated by the Regulation following fruits and vegetables have specific marketing standards fixed in Annex I Part B of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543).

Verification of compliance with marketing standards

Conformity checks shall not be systematic but random, by assessment of an overall sample taken at random from the lot selected for checking, assumed to be representative of that lot, in accordance with article 17 of Regulation (EC) 543/2011 (CELEX 32011R0543).

On completion of the conformity check, the national inspection bodies shall issue a certificate of conformity, which must be presented to the customs authorities in order to be released for circulation.

If the goods do not conform to these standards, the inspection body will issue a finding of non-conformity, which will deter goods to be moved without authorisation.

Traders marketing bananas imported from third countries shall not be subject to the checks on conformity above mentioned, where:

  • They have staff experienced in marketing standards and handling and inspection facilities
  • They keep records of the operations they carry out and
  • They present guarantees that the quality of bananas they market comply with the marketing standards referred to in the Regulation.

Traders exempted from checks shall obtain a certificate of exemption.

Legislation

  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1333/2011 of 19 December 2011 laying down marketing standards for bananas, rules on the verification of compliance with those marketing standards and requirements for notifications in the banana sector (OJ L-157 20/12/2011) (CELEX 32011R1333)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EC) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1308/2013 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (OJ L-157 15/06/2011) (CELEX 32011R0543)

Hampun kaupan pitämisen vaatimukset

(Vain hampunsiementen osalta) Tuodut hampunsiemenet on tarkastettava esimerkiksi käyttötarkoituksen ja trihydrokannabinolipitoisuuden (THC) osalta.

Humalan kaupan pitämisen vaatimukset

Humalaa ja humalatuotteita saa tuoda EU:hun vain, jos ne osoittavat, että niiden laatuvaatimukset vastaavat vähintään EU:n asettamia kaupan pitämisen vähimmäisvaatimuksia.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Hops and hop products may be imported into the European Union (EU) only if they prove that their quality standards are at least equivalent to the minimum marketing requirements established by the EU. The equivalence is verified by the Member States by means of random checks. Imports from third countries are covered by Regulation (EU) 2023/2834 (CELEX 32023R2834) and Regulation (EU) 2023/2835 (CELEX 32023R2835).

Minimum marketing requirements

Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2024/602 (CELEX 32024R0602) establishes the minimum marketing requirements for hop cones, which are related to maximum contents of moisture, leaves and stalks, hop waste and seeds.

For hop powder, hop powder with higher lupulin content, extract of hops and mixed hop products, the alpha acid content may not be lower than that of the hops they have been prepared from.

Attestation of equivalence

Attestations accompanying imported hops and hop products are recognised as equivalent to the EU certificates if they have been issued by an authorised agency of the country of origin. The list of agencies authorised to issue equivalence certificates is published by DG Agri of the European Commission.

If the consignment is split up, an attestation extract must be drawn up for each new consignment. The attestation of equivalence must be replaced by the necessary number of attestation extracts.

The forms for these documents are laid down in the Annexes XIV-XV of Regulation (EU) 2023/2834 (CELEX 32023R2834). They must be drawn up in one original and two copies and they must comply with certain rules listed in its Annex XVI, regarding the characteristics of the paper, size, languages and instructions.

Marking

Each unit of packaging must bear the following particulars in one of the EU languages (they must appear in legible, indelible characters of uniform size on the outside of the package):

  • the description of the hop or hop product
  • the variety or varieties
  • country of origin
  • marks and numbers, number and kind of packages

Legislation

  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2834 of 10 October 2023 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards imports in the sectors of rice, cereals, sugar and hops (OJ L 2023/2835 21/12/2023) (CELEX 32023R2834)
  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2835 of 10 October 2023 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards rules on import in the sectors of rice, cereals, sugar and hops, and repealing Commission Regulations (EC) No 3330/94, (EC) No 2810/95, (EC) No 951/2006, (EC) No 972/2006, (EC) No 504/2007, (EC) No 1375/2007, (EC) No 402/2008, (EC) No 1295/2008, (EC) No 1312/2008 and (EU) No 642/2010, (EEC) No 1361/76, (EEC) No 1842/81, (EEC) No 3556/87, (EEC) No 3846/87, (EEC) No 815/89, (EC) No 765/2002, (EC) No 1993/2005, (EC) No 1670/2006, (EC) No 1731/2006, (EC) No 1741/2006, (EC) No 433/2007, (EC) No 1359/2007, (EC) No 1454/2007, (EC) No 508/2008, (EC) No 903/2008, (EC) No 147/2009, (EC) No 612/2009, (EU) No 817/2010, (EU) No 1178/2010, (EU) No 90/2011 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1373/2013 (OJ L 2023/2835 21/12/2023) (CELEX 32023R2835)
  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/602 of 14 December 2023 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the marketing standards in the hop sector and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 1850/2006 (OJ L 2024/602 16/02/2024) (CELEX 32024R0602)
  • Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 922/72, (EEC) 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) 1234/2007 (OJ L-347 20/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1308)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/601 of 14 December 2023 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the certification of hops and hop products and related controls (OJ L 2024/601 16/02/2024) (CELEX 32024R0601)
,

Luontaisten kivennäisvesien kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

Luontaisen kivennäisveden kuvausten ja määritelmien käyttö on pakollista pullotetun veden viemiseksi EU:n markkinoille ja vakiolaatukriteerien täyttämiseksi.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

The marketing in the European Union (EU) of natural mineral waters and spring waters intended for human consumption, must comply with specific marketing standards laid down by Directive 2009/54/EC (CELEX 32009L0054).

In addition to the application of these specific rule, Directive 2003/40/EC (CELEX 32003L0040) establishes the list, concentration limits and labelling requirements for the natural mineral waters and the conditions for using ozone-enriched air for the treatment of natural mineral waters and spring waters.

Official recognition of natural mineral waters

Natural mineral waters are subject to an authorization procedure carried out by the competent authorities of the EU Member States. Mineral waters extracted from the ground of a third country and imported into the EU must have been recognized as natural mineral waters by the responsible authority of a Member State.

The waters referred to may be so recognized only if the responsible authority in the country of extraction has certified that they satisfy the provisions of Annex I, Section I, and that regular checks are made on the application of the provisions of Annex II, point 2 of Directive 2009/54/EC (CELEX 32009L0054).

Packaging

Natural mineral water springs may be exploited, and their waters bottled only in accordance with Annex II of Directive 2009/54/EC (CELEX 32009L0054). In addition, any containers used for packaging natural mineral waters shall be fitted with closures designed to avoid any possibility of adulteration or contamination.

Labelling

The sales description of natural mineral waters shall be 'natural mineral water' or, in the case of an effervescent natural mineral water as defined in Annex I, Section III of Directive 2009/54/EC (CELEX 32009L0054), as appropriate, 'naturally carbonated natural mineral water', 'natural mineral water fortified with gas from the spring' or 'carbonated natural mineral water'. The sales description shall have added to it, as appropriate, the indication 'fully de-carbonated' or 'partially de-carbonated'.

Labels on natural mineral waters shall also give the following mandatory information:

  • a statement of the analytical composition, giving its characteristic constituents;
  • the place where the spring is exploited and the name of the spring;
  • information on any treatments referred to in Article 4(1) of Directive 2009/54/EC (CELEX 32009L0054).

The name of a locality, hamlet or place may occur in the wording of a trade description provided that it is not misleading as regards the place of exploitation of the spring.

It shall be prohibited, both on packaging or labels and in advertising in any form whatsoever, to use indications, designations, trademarks, brand names, pictures or other signs, whether figurative or not, which:

  • in the case of a natural mineral water, suggest a characteristic which the water does not possess, in particular as regards its origin, the date of the authorization to exploit it, the results of analyses or any similar references to guarantees of authenticity;
  • in the case of drinking water packaged in containers, which does not satisfy the provisions of Annex I, Section I, are liable to cause confusion with a natural mineral water, in particular the description 'mineral water'.

All indications attributing to a natural mineral water properties relating to the prevention, treatment or cure of a human illness shall be prohibited. However, the indications listed in Annex III of Directive 2009/54/EC (CELEX 32009L0054) shall be authorized if they meet the relevant criteria laid down in that Annex.

The term 'spring water' shall be reserved for a water which is intended for human consumption in its natural state, and bottled at source, which:

Legislation

  • Directive 2009/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 on the exploitation and marketing of natural mineral waters (OJ L-164 26/06/2009) (CELEX 32009L0054)
  • Commission Directive 2003/40/EC of 16 May 2003 establishing the list, concentration limits and labelling requirements for the constituents of natural mineral waters and the conditions for using ozone-enriched air for the treatment of natural mineral waters and spring waters (OJ L-126 22/05/2003) (CELEX 32003L0040)
  • List of natural mineral waters recognised by Member States, United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) and EEA countries 2023/C 263/05 (OJ C-263 26/07/2023) (CELEX 52023XC0726(02))
  • Updated list of recognised natural mineral waters in the State of Norway from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (OJ C C/2023/367 19/10/2023) (CELEX E2023C00367)

Other information sources

Oliiviöljyn kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

Oliiviöljyjen ja oliivin puristemassaöljyjen kuvausten ja määritelmien käyttö on pakollista, jotta oliiviöljyjä voidaan viedä EU:n markkinoille ja täyttää vakiolaatuvaatimukset.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

The marketing in the European Union (EU) of olive oil and products thereof intended for retail and final consumers, must comply with specific marketing standards laid down by Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (CELEX 32013R1308)

This provision also supplemented by Regulation (EU) 2022/2104 (CELEX 32022R2104), on marketing standards and Regulation (EU) 2022/2105 (CELEX 32022R2105) on conformity checks of marketing standards.

Quality control

According to Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (CELEX 32013R1308), the use of the descriptions and definitions of olive oils and olive-pomace oils is compulsory for the launch on the EU market of these products.

Characteristics such as, quality parameters and sensory analysis of these products have been laid down in Annex 1 to Regulation (EU) 2022/2104 (CELEX 32022R2104).

Quality parameters

  • degree of acidity (quantity of fatty acids expressed as oleic acid).
  • peroxide index, which determines the initial oxidation of the oil and the deterioration of the natural antioxidants, such as tocopherols and polyphenols.
  • ultraviolet absorbency, used to detect any oil's abnormal component.

Sensory analysis

  • organoleptic characteristics (mainly related to smell and taste)

Specific standards for packaging and labelling

Regulation (EU) 2022/2104 (CELEX 32022R2104) states specific packaging and labelling provisions on packaging and labelling of olive oil:

Packaging

Olive oil intended for sale to the final consumer must be sold in containers of maximum capacity of five litres with a closing system where the seal is broken after the first use.

However, in the case of oils intended for consumption in restaurants, hospitals, canteens and other similar collective establishments, Member States may set a maximum capacity over five litres for packaging depending on the type of establishment concerned.

Labelling

Mandatory indications on the label

The labelling of these products must include the name and descriptions of the various categories of olive oils and olive-pomace oils:

  • Extra-virgin oil
  • Virgin olive oil
  • Olive oil - composed of refined olive oils and virgin olive oils
  • Olive-pomace oil:
    • oil comprising exclusively oils obtained by treating the olive oil and oils extracted directly from olives, or oil comprising exclusively oils obtained by processing olive pomace.
    • oil and oils obtained directly from olives.

In addition, but not necessarily close to it, the labelling should bear the following information on the category of oil:

  • Extra virgin olive oil: superior category olive oil obtained directly from olives and solely by mechanical means;
  • Virgin olive oil: olive oil obtained directly from olives and solely by mechanical means;
  • Olive oil composed of refined olive oils and virgin olive oils: oil comprising exclusively olive oils that have undergone refining and oils obtained directly from olives;
  • Olive-pomace oil: oil comprising exclusively oils obtained by treating the product obtained after the extraction of olive oil and oils obtained directly from olives, or oil comprising exclusively oils obtained by processing olive pomace oil and oils obtained directly from olives.

Optional indications on the label

Optional indications related to quality standards may appear on the labelling of olive oils:

  • the indication first cold pressing: it may be used only for virgin or extra virgin olive oils obtained at a temperature below 27 ºC by means of an extraction system using hydraulic presses;
  • the indication cold extraction: it may be used only for virgin or extra virgin olive oils obtained at a temperature below 27 ºC by percolation or centrifugation of the olive paste;
  • indications of organoleptic characteristics referring to taste or smell may appear only for extra virgin and virgin olive oils. Only the organoleptic characteristics as defined in Annex 9 Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (CELEX 32013R1308) may appear on the label and only if they are based on an assessment carried out following the method referred to in Annex I Regulation (EU) 2022/2105 (CELEX 32022R2105) The definitions and ranges of results, which allow for indication of these organoleptic characteristics, are set out in Annex II to this Regulation;
  • indication of the maximum acidity expected by the date of minimum durability referred to in Article 9(1), of Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (CELEX 32011R1169) may appear only if it is accompanied by an indication, in marking of the same size and in the same visual field, of the maximum values for peroxide, wax content and ultraviolet absorption, determined in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2022/2105 (CELEX 32022R2105) expected by the same date;
  • indication of the harvesting year: it may be shown only if 100% of the contents of the container come from that harvest. The harvesting year shall be indicated on the label either in the form of the relevant marketing year or in the form of the month and the year of the harvest, in that order. The month shall correspond to the month of the extraction of the oil from the olives. Member States may decide that the harvesting year is to be indicated on the label of olive oils of their domestic production, obtained from olives harvested in their territory and intended for their national markets only.

Blends of olive oil

The percentage of olive oil must be declared for blends of olive oil with other vegetable oils, when the presence of olive oil is highlighted on the labelling elsewhere than in the list of ingredients using words, images or graphics.

Regulation prohibits to highlight the presence of olive oil on the label by images or graphics, unless olive oil represents a minimum of 50% of the blend concerned.

Member States may not prohibit the marketing on their territory of blends of olive oil and other vegetable oils coming from other countries and they may not prohibit the production on their territory of such blends for marketing in another Member State or for exportation.

With the exception of tuna in olive oil and sardines in olive oil where the presence of olive oils is highlighted on the labelling elsewhere than in the list of ingredients, using words, images or graphics, the blend concerned must bear the following trade description: 'Blend of vegetable oils (or the specific names of the vegetable oils concerned) and olive oil', directly followed by the percentage of olive oil in the blend.

The percentage of added olive oil relative to the total net weight of the foodstuff may be replaced by the percentage of added olive oil relative to the total weight of fats, adding the words percentage of fats.

Designation of origin

Only extra virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil shall bear a designation of origin on the labelling. Therefore, olive oil composed of refined olive oils and virgin olive oils and olive-pomace oil shall not bear such designation.

The designation of origin shall appear on the packaging or on the label attached to the packaging.

Designations of origin shall only consist of:

  • in the case of olive oils originating from one Member State or third country, a reference to the Member State, to the Union or to the third country, as appropriate;
  • in the case of blends of olive oils originating, from more than one Member State or third country, one of the following mentions, as appropriate:
    • blend of olive oils of European Union origin or a reference to the Union;
    • blend of olive oils not of European Union origin or a reference to origin outside the Union;
    • blend of olive oils of European Union origin and not of European Union origin or a reference to origin within the Union and outside the Union; or
  • a protected designation of origin or a protected geographical indication, in accordance with the provisions of the product specification concerned.

For virgin and extra virgin olive oils, when the olives have been harvested in a Member State or a third country other than that in which the mill where the oil was extracted from the olives is situated, the designation of origin shall contain the following wording: '(extra) virgin olive oil obtained in (the Union or the name of the Member State concerned) from olives harvested in (the Union or the name of the Member State or third country concerned)'.

Legislation

  • Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 922/72, (EEC) 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) 1234/2007 (OJ L-347 20/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1308)
  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104 of 29 July 2022 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards marketing standards for olive oil, and repealing Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2568/91 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 29/2012 (OJ L-284 04/11/2022) (CELEX 32022R2104)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2105 of 29 July 2022 laying down rules on conformity checks of marketing standards for olive oil and methods of analysis of the characteristics of olive oil (OJ L-284 04/11/2022) (CELEX 32022R2105)
  • Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, amending Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Commission Directive 87/250/EEC, Council Directive 90/496/EEC, Commission Directive 1999/10/EC, Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Directives 2002/67/EC and 2008/5/EC and Commission Regulation (EC) No 608/2004 (OJ L-304 22/11/2011) (CELEX 32011R1169)
  • Council Decision (EU) 2019/848 of 17 May 2019 on the conclusion on behalf of the European Union of the International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives, 2015 (OJ L-139 27/05/2019) (CELEX 32019D0848)
  • International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives, 2015 (OJ L-293 28/10/2016) (CELEX 22016A1028(01))

Other information sources

Siipikarjanlihan kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

Maahantuodun siipikarjanlihan on oltava EU:n sääntöjen mukaista muun muassa säilyvyyden, luokituskriteerien, merkintöjen ja vesipitoisuuden osalta ennen markkinoille saattamista.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports of these products into the European Union (EU) are subject to compliance with certain quality standards in order to be marketed within the Union.

Conditions

Poultry meat may be marketed in one of the following conditions: fresh, frozen, or quick-frozen.

  • Fresh poultry meat cannot be stiffened by the cooling process and kept at a temperature not below -2ºC and not higher than +4ºC.
  • Frozen poultry meat must be frozen as soon as possible, and kept at a temperature not higher than -12ºC.
  • Quick-frozen poultry meat is to be kept at a temperature not higher than -18ºC within certain tolerances provided for in the Quick-Frozen Foodstuffs Directive.

Grading criteria

Poultry meat may be classified as either Class A or Class B according to the conformation and appearance of the carcases or cuts. Class A shall be subdivided into A1 and A2 in accordance with criteria to be determined by the Commission:

  • intact, taking into account the presentation;
  • clean, free from any visible foreign matter, dirt or blood;
  • free of any foreign smell;
  • free of visible bloodstains unless small and unobtrusive;
  • free of protruding broken bones;
  • free of severe contusions;
  • in the case of fresh poultry, there shall also be no traces of prior freezing.

In addition to the above conditions, in order to be graded as Class A, poultry meat shall also satisfy further general quality conditions laid down in Article 7(2) of Regulation (EC) 543/2008 (CELEX 32008R0543) (i.e. they shall be of good conformation, the flesh shall be plump, the breast well developed, broad, long and fleshy and the legs shall be fleshy). Other particular criteria may vary from one poultry meat type to another.

Random grading checks on imports of poultry meat from third countries are carried out where class A or class B appears on labelling. These checks run in conjunction with veterinary checks.

Labelling

Imported poultry meat may be only labelled if it is accompanied by a certificate issued by a competent authority of the country of origin attesting the compliance of the product in question with the requirements laid down in Regulation (EC) 543/2008 (CELEX 32008R0543).

A) Pre-packaged poultry meat

Pre-packaged poultry meat may convey the following indications on the package or on an attached label:

  1. the class;
  2. the condition (i.e. fresh, frozen or quick frozen), and the recommended storage temperature;
  3. the registration number of the slaughterhouse or cutting plant, except cutting and boning at the place of sale;
  4. an indication of the country of origin when imported from outside the EC;
  5. for frozen or quick-frozen poultry meat:
    • use bydate-mark indicating the date of minimum durability;
    • an indication of the nominal weight;
  6. for fresh poultry meat:
    • a use by date-mark;
    • the total price and the price per weight unit at the retail stage;
  7. for carcases:
    • the specified descriptive term, including the form of presentation;
    • if not customarily included with the carcase for sale, mention that one of the organs comprising the giblets is absent
  8. for cuts: the specified descriptive term, including which species;
  9. the presence or otherwise of skin in relation to certain parts;

B) Unpackaged poultry meat

The names for carcases and cuts may be supplemented by other terms. Member States authorities shall verify that these descriptions do not mislead consumers or cause them to confuse the product.

Where poultry meat is offered for sale without prepackaging, except where cutting and boning take place at the place of sale, provided that such cutting and boning are carried out at the request and in the presence of the consumer, Member States shall adopt detailed rules concerning the manner in which further indications are to be shown.

They may decide not to require the provision of all or some of these particulars, on condition that the purchaser still receives sufficient information.

C) Language

Product names and other terms which appear on the labelling must be written in at least one official language of the EU. If the packaging is to be presented to the consumer this information must be in a language easily understood by the purchaser.

The names under which the products should be sold, shall be those enumerated in Article 1 of Regulation (EC) 543/2008 (CELEX 32008R0543) and the corresponding terms in the other Community languages listed in Annex I to this Regulation.

D) Special marketing terms

The Regulations allow optional indications on the labelling of certain alternative farming methods, often referred to as Special Marketing Terms (e.g. oat fed goose, free range, etc).

Water content

Frozen and quick-frozen whole chickens and fresh, frozen and quick-frozen poultry cuts may only be marketed within the EU if the water content does not exceed the technically unavoidable values described in the Regulations.

When there are serious grounds for suspecting irregularities, the Member State of destination may also carry out non-discriminatory random checks of frozen or quick-frozen chickens in order to verify that a consignment meets the requirements established by EU Regulations.

If consignments do not comply with the Regulation, the packaging shall be marked with the following wording in red capital letters: Water content exceeds EEC limit in a conspicuous place so as to be easily visible, clearly legible and indelible.

Legislation

  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 543/2008 of 16 June 2008 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 as regards the marketing standards for poultry meat (OJ L-157 17/06/2008) (CELEX 32008R0543)
  • Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 922/72, (EEC) 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) 1234/2007 (OJ L-347 20/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1308)

Sardiinisäilykkeiden kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

Maahantuotujen säilöttyjen sardiinien on oltava EU:n sääntöjen mukaisia muun muassa lajityypissä, tarjontamuodossa, suoja-aineissa, steriloinnissa jne. ennen kuin ne saatetaan EU:n markkinoille.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports of preserved sardines and sardine-type products intended for human consumption must comply with the following marketing standards, fixed by Regulation (EEC) 2136/1989 (CELEX 31989R2136), in order to be marketed within the European Union (EU):

  1. Preserved sardines must be prepared exclusively from fish of the species Sardina pilchardus and preserved sardine-type products from one of the species listed by the Regulation.
  2. Sardines must be presented without head, gills, caudal fin and certain internal organs, and have one of the following presentations as described in the Regulation:
    • Sardines (with backbone and skin)
    • Sardines without bones
    • Sardines without skin or bones
    • Sardine fillets (obtained by cuts parallel to the backbone)
    • Sardine trunks (obtained by transverse cuts across the backbone and at least of 3 cm in length)
    • Any other presentation, provided that is clearly distinguished from the above-mentioned presentations
  3. They must be pre-packaged with one of the following covering media:
    • olive oil
    • other refined vegetable oils
    • tomato sauce
    • natural juice, saline solution or water
    • marinade
    • any other covering medium, provided that is clearly distinguished from the above-mentioned covering media
  4. The products must be sterilised by appropriate treatment and satisfy certain minimum criteria regarding size, colour, odour, taste, consistency, absence of residues and foreign bodies, absence of breaks in the flesh, easy separation of the parts, etc.
  5. The container must be hermetically sealed and with no external oxidation or deformation.
  6. The trade description on the pre-packaging must include:
    • Ratios between the weight of the sardines in the container and the net weight, both expressed in grams (the Regulation establishes the minimum ratios for each type of covering medium)
    • Designation of the covering medium
    • Preserved sardine-type products may be marketed under the trade description sardines together with the scientific name of the species (including the generic and the specific Latin names) and the geographic area where the species was caught. The geographic area shall be indicated by one of the names and area identifications listed in the Annex.
    • The trade description on the container must be marked in a clear and distinct way.

Legislation

  • Council Regulation (EEC) No 2136/1989 of 21 June 1989 laying down common marketing standards for preserved sardines and trade descriptions for preserved sardines and sardine-type products (OJ L-212 22/07/1989) (CELEX 31989R2136)

Siementen ja kasvien lisäysaineiston kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

EU:n markkinoille tulevien siementen ja kasvien lisäysaineiston on oltava kaupan pitämistä koskevia vaatimuksia koskevan EU:n lainsäädännön mukaisia. Niiden tarkoituksena on varmistaa, että tuotteet täyttävät terveyttä, korkeaa laatua ja biologisen monimuotoisuuden suojelua koskevat vaatimukset.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

The placing on the European Union (EU) market of seeds and plant propagating material must comply with specific marketing requirements laid down by EU legislation designed to ensure that these products meet criteria for health and high-quality as well as the protection of biodiversity.

Directive 2002/55/EC (CELEX 32002L0055) on the marketing of vegetable seeds sets out rules for the registration of seed varieties and for the production and certification of seed of various key species (EU regulated species) before they can be marketed in the EU. These standard seeds are registered in the EU common catalogue of vegetable species, which is compiled from all the national catalogues.

In addition, these products may be affected by:

  • Specific marketing conditions for certain groups of seeds and plant propagating material
  • Special provisions applicable to Genetically Modified (GM) plants and seeds
  • Protective measures established by Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 (CELEX 32016R2031)

EU legislation also provides for a system of plant variety protection. On the basis of this system, a breeder may be granted a single intellectual property right operative throughout the European Union. The Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) implements and applies this system.

Specific marketing conditions for certain groups of seeds and plant propagating material

The EU legislation establishes specific conditions for the following groups of seeds and/or plant propagating material:

  • Oil and fibre plants
  • Cereals
  • Vegetables
  • Seed potatoes
  • Beet seed
  • Vines
  • Fruit plants
  • Fodder plants
  • Ornamental plants
  • Forests

Each group of products is ruled by a specific Directive establishing the particular conditions related to criteria of identity, purity of varieties and other details about the presence and control of harmful organisms and diseases.

Lists of implementing measures related to marketing of specific seeds may be found under of the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety website.

The seeds and plant propagating material from countries outside the EU may only be marketed if they offer the same guarantees as the products produced in the EU and comply with the conditions laid down in EU legislation. Council Decision Decision 2003/17/EC (CELEX 32003D0017) lists the countries complying with EU requisites and establishes the conditions on the equivalence for field inspections to be carried out in third countries for certain seeds and seed-producing crops (fodder, cereal, beet seeds and oil and fibre plants).

Special provisions applicable to Genetically Modified (GM) plants and seeds

The EU legislation requires that GM seed varieties have to be approved and authorised in the EU for cultivation under Directive 2001/18/EC (CELEX 32001L0018) on deliberate release in to the environment of genetically modified organisms before they are marketed in the EU.

Authorisation is only granted after a positive scientific assessment has concluded that no unacceptable risks to the environment or human health is likely to appear. All GM seeds variety have to be labelled as such.

Legislation

Other information sources

Tonnikala- ja sardasäilykkeiden kaupan pitämistä koskevat vaatimukset

EU:hun tuotavien tonnikala- ja sardasäilykkeiden on ennen EU:n markkinoille saattamista noudatettava muun muassa kalalajien käyttöä, homogeenisuutta, väliaineen käyttöä, kauppanimitystä jne. koskevia kaupan pitämisen vaatimuksia.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports of preserved tuna and bonito intended for human consumption must comply with the marketing standards fixed by Regulation (EEC) 1536/92 (CELEX 31992R1536) in order to be marketed within the European Union (EU):

  1. Preserved tuna and bonito must be prepared exclusively from fish of one of the species listed in the Annex to Regulation (EEC) 1536/92 (CELEX 31992R1536).
  2. Different species may not be mixed in the same container.
  3. If any of the following commercial presentations of the product form part of the trade description, they shall comply with the definitions included in the Regulation:
    • solid
    • chunks
    • fillets
    • flakes
    • grated/shredded
    • other forms of presentation or culinary preparations.
  4. If the covering medium used forms an integral part of the trade description, it shall comply with the following conditions:
    • 'in olive oil': products using only olive oil
    • 'natural': solid, chunks or fillets using the natural juice exuding from the fish during cooking, a saline solution or water, possibly with the addition of herbs, spices or natural flavourings
    • 'in vegetable oil': products using refined vegetable oils
    • any other covering medium may be used, provided that is clearly identified
  5. The Regulation establishes the minimum ratios between the weight of the fish contained in the container after sterilisation and the net weight expressed in grams. These ratios vary according to the type of presentation and covering medium.
  6. The trade description on the pre-packaging shall state:
    • the type of fish (tuna or bonito) and the species; or the trade name normally used in the Member State. The words tuna and bonito may not be associated.
    • the presentation or culinary preparation, using the appropriate description
    • the designation of the covering medium
    • the ratio of fish content.

Legislation

  • Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1536/1992 of 9 June 1992 laying down common marketing standards for preserved tuna and bonito (OJ L-163 17/06/1992) (CELEX 31992R1536)

Viinin, viinirypälemehun ja rypäleen puristemehun todistus ja määritysseloste

Viinin, rypäleen puristemehun ja viinirypälemehun tuontiselvitys edellyttää V I 1 -asiakirjaa, joka on kolmannen maan tunnustaman virallisen laboratorion laatiman määritysselosteen todistus.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

Imports of wine, grape must and grape juice must be accompanied by the VI-1 Document.

The certificate provides for compliance with the conditions applying in the country of origin and, when the product is intended for direct human consumption, the compliance with the authorised oenological practices and restrictions applicable to the production and conservation of grapevine products laid down in Annex I to the Regulation (EU) 2019/934 (CELEX 32019R0934).

This VI-1 document shall comprise the certificate signed by a competent body of the country of origin and the analysis report done by an official laboratory recognised by the third country, but they both shall constitute a single document.

The VI-1 document shall be regarded as certifying that the imported product:

  • Has the characteristics of a wine product in accordance with Union law or in compliance with a bilateral agreement in force between the Union and a third country
  • Was made from grapes of a specific vintage year or has been produced from the wine grape variety or varieties designated
  • Where applicable, complies with the specifications of the geographical indication in conformity with either the Agreement on trade-related intellectual property rights of the World Trade Organisation , Union legislation on geographical indications or an agreement on recognition and protection of geographical indications between the Union and the third country from which the wine originates

Moreover, VI-1 documents, drawn up by wine producers in the third countries that have offered special guarantees accepted by the Union shall be accepted, provided that producers have been individually authorised by the competent bodies of those third countries and are subject to inspection.

The analysis report must include the following information:

  • The total dry extract, total acidity, volatile acid content, citric acid content, total sulphur dioxide content and the presence of varieties obtained from interspecific crossings
  • The density of grape must and grape juice
  • The total and actual alcoholic strength by volume of wines and grape must in fermentation

In case of wine products not intended for direct human consumption, the analysis report does not need to be completed.

The VI-1 document is not required for:

  • Products in labelled containers of not more than 10 litres fitted with a non-reusable closing device where the total consignment does not exceed 100 litres
  • Wine and grape juice forming part of the personal property of private individuals transferring their normal place of residence from a third country to the Union
  • Wine sent in consignments from one private individual to another not exceeding 30 litres per consignment
  • Wine, grape must and grape juice contained in the personal luggage of travelers
  • Wine and grape juice for trade fairs put up in labelled containers of not more than two litres fitted with a non-reusable closing device
  • Quantities of wine, grape must and grape juice imported for the purpose of scientific and technical experiments up to a maximum of 100 litres
  • Wines and grape juice held in stores on board of ships and airplanes operating in international transport
  • Wines and grape juice originating and bottled in the Union, exported to a third country and returned to the customs territory of the Union and released for free circulation

The VI-1 document must be drawn up by the designated bodies in the country of origin according to the rules set out in Regulation (EU) 2018/273 (CELEX 32018R0273) and shall be submitted to EU customs authorities for import clearance.

However, the VI-1 paper document may be replaced by an electronic document if the third countries have in place a system of controls accepted by the EU as equivalent to that set up by the legislation.

Legislation

  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/934 of 12 March 2019 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards wine-growing areas where the alcoholic strength may be increased, authorised oenological practices and restrictions applicable to the production and conservation of grapevine products, the minimum percentage of alcohol for by-products and their disposal, and publication of OIV files (OJ L-149 07/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R0934)
  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/273 of 11 December 2017 suplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the scheme of authorisations for vine plantings, the vineyard register, accompanying documents and certification and other procedures (OJ L-58 28/02/2018) (CELEX 32018R0273)
  • Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 922/72, (EEC) 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) 1234/2007 (OJ L-347 20/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1308)

Other information sources

Luonnonmukaisesta tuotannosta peräisin olevat tuotteet

Kuvaus luonnonmukaisesta tuotantojärjestelmästä, jonka tavoitteena on laadukkaiden tuotteiden edistäminen ja ympäristönsuojelun sisällyttäminen maatalouteen.

Latest revision date of the information: 01 November 2024

From 1 January 2022 a new regulation on organic products is applicable in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (CELEX 32018R0848).

Operators have a transitional period to adapt their activity to the new rules.

The import on the European Union (EU) market of live or unprocessed agricultural products including seeds and other plant reproductive material, processed agricultural products for use as food and feed bearing a reference to organic production methods, must comply with the rules laid down by Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (CELEX 32018R0848).

These rules, established by Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (CELEX 32018R0848) and their implementing acts cover mainly the following aspects:

  • Production rules, processing, packaging, transport and storage of products.
  • Prohibition of use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) and of products manufactured from GMO in organic production.
  • Certification system which identifies the producers who comply with organic production and labelling standards.
  • Use of the EU organic logo and indications referring to organic production methods. Only products which meet all the conditions laid down can bear the organic logo. Information on regulation for use, user manual and FAQs.
  • Inspection measures and specific border control scheme to be applied for imports by the appointed authorities in the Member States.

Imports from third countries

Products from third countries labelled with EU organic logo may only import in the EU in the following cases:

Compliance with EU standards

Exporters in the third country have been produced and certified their products according to EU standards (art. 46 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (CELEX 32018R0848)).

Equivalence under a trade agreement

Exporters comply with production and control rules of the non-EU country that are recognised under a trade agreement as equivalent to those in the EU (art. 47 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (CELEX 32018R0848)).

Import from recognised third countries according to art. 33.2 of Regulation (EC) 834/2007 (CELEX 32007R0834)

Exporters from third countries recognised in accordance with Art. 33.2 of Regulation (EC) 834/2007 (CELEX 32007R0834) may continue to import their products as equivalent until 31-12-2026 (Art. 48 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (CELEX 32018R0848)).

The list of recognised countries is included in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2021/2325 (CELEX 32021R2325).

Import of products certified by recognised control bodies according to art. 33.3 of Regulation (EC) 834/2007 (CELEX 32007R0834)

Exporters from third countries recognised in accordance with Art. 33.3 of Regulation 834/2007 may continue to import their products as equivalent until 31-12-2024 (Art. 57 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (CELEX 32018R0848)).

The list of recognised bodies is included in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2021/2325 (CELEX 32021R2325).

Certificate of inspection

Imported consignments must be covered by documents issued by the competent authority or body in the third country, attesting that the consignment complies with the EU legislation

Imports should obtain an inspection certificate issued by the competent authority or body in the third country according to Annex to Regulation (EU) 2021/2306 (CELEX 32021R2306)

Verification of the consignment

The release for free circulation into the EU of a consignment of organic products is conditioned by the submission of the original certificate of inspection to the relevant Member State's authority, the verification of the consignment by the relevant Member State's authority and the endorsement of the certificate of inspection.

The importer or the operator responsible for the consignment, gives prior notification of the arrival of the consignment at the border control post or the point of release for free circulation by completing and submitting in the TRACES the certificate of inspection.

The competent Member State authority at a border control post or at a point of release for free circulation performs official controls on consignments for the verification of compliance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (CELEX 32018R0848) as follows:

  • Documentary checks on all consignments.
  • Identity checks carried out randomly.
  • Physical checks at a frequency depending on the likelihood of non-compliance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (CELEX 32018R0848).
  • Inspection measures and specific border control scheme to be applied for imports by the appointed authorities in the Member States.

Documentary checks includes an examination of the certificate of inspection, of all other supporting documents, and, where applicable, of the results of analyses or tests carried out on the samples taken.

After the verification, the importer should indicate the number of the certificate in the customs declaration (Code C-644 in box 44 of the Single Administrative Document -SAD).

Legislation

  • Regulation (EU) No 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 (OJ L-150 14/06/2018) (CELEX 32018R0848)
  • Council Regulation (EC) 834/2007 of 28 June 2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 (OJ L-189 20/07/2007) (CELEX 32007R0834)
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2325 of 16 December 2021 establishing, pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council, the list of third countries and the list of control authorities and control bodies that have been recognised under Article 33(2) and (3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 for the purpose of importing organic products into the Union (OJ L-461 27/12/2021) (CELEX 32021R2325)
  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2306 of 21 October 2021 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council with rules on the official controls in respect of consignments of organic products and in-conversion products intended for import into the Union and on the certificate of inspection (OJ L-461 27/12/2021) (CELEX 32021R2306)
  • Regulation (EU) 2023/2419 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 October 2023 on the labelling of organic pet food (OJ L 2023/2419 23/11/2023) (CELEX 32023R2419)

Other information sources

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