Answer given by Mr Hogan on behalf of the European Commission

11.10.2018

It is the understanding of the Commission that the Honourable Member refers to compliance with the agricultural marketing standards, in the sense of Title II, Chapter I, Section 1 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2103 of the European Parliament and of the Council[1]. Marketing standards apply to both the EU and imported products and define product production, packaging methods, labelling/marking requirements etc. While food business operators must comply with the marketing standards, the compliance is not certified with ‘authenticity certificates’. Farmers are therefore not obliged (by the EC law) to obtain certificates before placing their products on the market.

• [1] OJ L 347, 20.12.2013.