European Commission guidance on imports

Tuesday 11 October 2005

European Commission guidance and interpretation of the new rules on hygiene of foodstuffs coming into force on 1 January 2006 is available.

The guidance clarifies a number of points related to food imports on the new rules on the hygiene of foodstuffs (Regulations (EC) No 852/2004, 853/2004 and 854/2004), and on the rules on official feed and food controls (Regulation (EC) No 882/2004).

The aim of the guidance is to assist food businesses and government authorities to better understand these Regulations and to apply them correctly and in a uniform way. The guidance refers mainly to the new EU food hygiene requirements and the consequences for food imports. It must be remembered that in addition to food hygiene requirements, other measures may apply such as animal health and plant health requirements. Where appropriate, the guidance refers to such measures.