EN   EN 
 
 
 EUROPEAN  
COMMISSION   
Brussels, XXX   
[…](2019) XXX  draft  
 
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) …/...  
of XXX  
laying down certain rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the 
European Parliament and of the Council as regards the documents needed for the 
retroactive recognition of periods for the purpose of conversion, the production of 
organic prod ucts and information to be provided by Member States  
(Text with EEA relevance)    
EN 1  EN COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) …/...  
of XXX  
laying down certain rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the 
European Parliament and of the Council as regards the documents needed for the 
retroactive recognition of periods for the purpose of conversion, the production of 
organic products and information to be provided by Member States  
(Text with EEA relevance)  
THE EUROPEA N COMMISSION,  
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union , 
Having regard to Regulation (EU) 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 834/20071, and in particular Article 10(6), Article 14(3), Article 15(3), 
Article 16(3), Article 17(3) and Article 26(7)(d) thereof,  
Whereas:  
(1) Chapter III of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 lays down general production rules for 
organic products, while detailed production rules are set out in Annex II to that 
Regulation. In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of that 
Regulation,  some additional rules should be laid down.  
(2) The conversion to the organic production method requires certain periods of 
adaptation of all means in use.  The required conversion period starts at the earliest 
after a farmer or an operator that produces algae or aquaculture animals has notified 
the activity to the competent authorities. As an exception and under certain conditions, 
a previous period may be retroactively recognised as being part of the conversion 
period. The documents to be submitted to the compete nt authorities for the purpose of 
the retroactive recognition of a previous period should be specified.  
(3) In order to ensure the observance of a high level of animal welfare respecting species -
specific needs in organic livestock production, it is necessary t o lay down the stocking 
densities, the minimum surfaces for indoor and outdoor areas and their characteristics, 
as well as technical requirements and characteristics for buildings and open air areas 
for bovine animals, ovine animals, caprine animals, equin e animals, cervine animals, 
porcine animals, poultry and rabbits. Additionally, for suckling animals the minimum 
periods to be complied with for feeding preferably with maternal milk should also be 
laid down.  
(4) In order to ensure the observance of a high lev el of animal welfare respecting species -
specific needs in organic aquaculture production, it is also necessary to lay down rules 
per species or per group of species on the stocking densities and the characteristics for 
production systems and containments s ystems for aquaculture animals.  
                                                 
1 OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 1.   
EN 2  EN (5) Processed organic products should be produced using processing methods which 
guarantee that the organic characteristics and qualities of the products are maintained 
through all stages of organic production. Considering the great number of techniques 
used in the processing of food products in organic production, establishing an 
exhaustive list of all the techniques authorised is not possible. Therefore, as a general 
rule, techniques c omplying with the  principles and relevant production rules as set out 
in Regulation (EU) 2018/848 should be considered as authorised in the processing of 
food products in organic production.  
(6) However, for certain techniques used in the processing of specific organic food 
products, opinions of Memb er States may diverge on the compliance of a technique 
with the principles and relevant production rules as set out in Regulation (EU) 
2018/848 for producing specific products . For such cases, it is necessary to lay down 
rules on how such a technique can be assessed and, if confirmed compliant with th ose 
principles and production rules , be authorised by the Commission for producing 
specific food products , where appropriate under certain conditions . 
(7) Ion exchange and adsorption resin techniques may be neede d to produce infant 
formula and follow -on formula and processed cereal -based food and baby food as 
referred to in points (a) and (b) of Article 1(1) of Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the 
European Parliament and of the Council2 in order to meet the composit ional 
requirements laid down in that Regulation  and in acts adopted on the basis of Article 
11(1) of that Regulation for the products concerned, or in products regulated by 
Commission Directive 2006/125/EC3. It is necessary to authorise the use of ion 
exch ange and adsorption techniques for these categories of products.  
(8) Similarly as for the techniques authorised for use in the processing of food products, 
techniques that reconstitute properties that are lost in the processing and storage of 
organic feed, tha t correct the results of negligence in the processing of organic feed, or 
that otherwise may be misleading as to the true nature of products intended to be 
marketed as organic feed, should not be used.  
(9) Considering the great number of techniques used in the  processing of specific feed 
products in organic production, establishing an exhaustive list of all the techniques 
authorised is not possible. Therefore, as a general rule, techniqu es complying with the 
principles and relevant production rules as set out i n Regulation (EU) 2018/848 should 
be authorised in the processing of feed products in organic production.  
(10) However, for certain techniques used in the processing of specific organic feed 
products, opinions of Member States may diverge on the compliance of  a technique 
with the principles and relevant production rules as set out in Regulation (EU) 
2018/848 . For  such cases, it is necessary to lay down rules on how such a technique  
can be assessed and, if confirmed compliant with th ose principles and relevant 
                                                 
2 Regulation (EU) No  609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12  June 2013 on food 
intended for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes, and total diet replacement 
for weight control and repealing Council Directive 92/52/EEC, Commission Directives 96/8/E C, 
1999/21/EC, 2006/125/EC and 2006/141/EC, Directive 2009/39/EC of the European Parliament and of 
the Council and Commission Regulations (EC) No  41/2009 and (EC) No  953/2009 ( OJ L 181, 
29.6.2013, p. 35 ). 
 
3 Commission Directive 2006/125/EC of 5 December 2006 on processed cereal -based foods and baby 
foods for infants and young children (OJ L 339, 6.12.2006, p. 16 ). 
  
EN 3  EN production  rules,  be authorised by the Commission for producing specific feed 
products , where appropriate under certain conditions . 
(11) Organic plant reproductive material, organic animals and organic aquaculture 
juveniles should be used in organic production.  In order to help organic operators to 
find information on their availability, each Member State should have in place systems 
allowing operators that market organic and in -conversion plant reproductive material, 
organic animals or organic aquaculture juven iles to make information on their supplies 
public ly available . In particular, detailed information on such species that they are able 
to supply in sufficient quantities and within a reasonable period should be publicly 
available. Once a year, Member States  should make available to the Commission the 
synthesis of such information as well as information on derogations granted in case of 
lack of availability . 
(12) Seedlings are excluded from the collection and exchange of information on organic 
and in -conversion pl ant reproductive material. Therefore, to ensure a harmonised 
approach, it is appropriate to establish a definition of seedlings.  
(13) In order to address the nutritional needs for specific protein compounds of young 
poultry and porcine animals of up to 35 kg, Member States may authorise the use of 
non-organic protein feed in poultry and porcine diets under strict conditions and until 
31 December 2025. In view of phasing out these respective derogations and for the 
purposes of Article 53(6)(c) of Regulation (EU)  2018/848, the Commission should 
monitor their use taking into account the evolution of availability on the market of 
organic protein feed. For this purpose, a focused questionnaire should be designed by 
the Commission and Member States should annually sub mit to the Commission the 
filled in questionnaire summari sing the relevant information collected on the 
availability of organic protein feed and the authorisations granted to use non -organic 
protein feed to poultry and porcine animals producers.  
(14) Member Sta tes may also set up a similar system of information on availability in 
relation to breeds and strains adapted to organic production or organic pullets. 
Considering the possible phasing out of derogations for the use of non -organic animals 
or pullets, it is important to collect data on the availability of organically reared breeds 
and strains specifically selected in the respect of organic principles and objectives. 
Therefore , it is necessary to lay down details for harmoni sed data to be reported by 
Member States to the Commission and to the other Member States.  
(15) Operators that have been producing livestock in accordance with Council Regulation 
(EC) No 834/20074 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/20085 will have to adapt 
their production systems to comply with the new specific technical requirements laid 
down in this Regulation affecting the livestock density, the structural characteristics of 
animals’ premises and related equipment, the available spaces and land management 
and the productive system of the holding  in general . These adaptations will  require  
variable periods of time according to the extent  of the necessary interventions to 
comply with the new requirements laid down in this Regulation while taking into 
account o n going productions.  
                                                 
4 Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 of 28 June 2007 on organic production and labelling of organic 
products and repealing Regulation (EEC) N o 2092/91  (OJ L 189, 20.7.2007, p. 1 ). 
5 Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 of 5 September 2008 laying down detailed rules for the 
implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of 
organic products with regard  to organic production, labelling and control  (OJ L 250, 18.9.2008, p. 1 ).  
EN 4  EN (16) In particular, the provisions concerning the stocking density, minimum indoor and 
outdoor areas for pullets and brother roosters, the stocking density and increased 
outdoor areas for female porcine animals, the maximum extension of the  open air 
areas for poultry houses, the maximum number of tiers and the equipment for an 
efficient system of manure removal in multi -tiered poultry houses may imply tangible 
works and investments like rebuilding of animals’ premises and land acquisitions, or a 
complete refurbishment of animals’ premises for certain holdings or production units 
that have been producing until now in compliance with Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 
and (EC) No 889/2008 . Hence, a transitional period of maximum 5 years  from  1 
Januar y 2021  should be provided for in respect of  these holdings or production units in 
order to permit them to carry out the necessary adaptations to co mply with the new 
requirements.  
(17) The requirement related to porcine animals concerning a minimum percentage of  
surface of outdoor area consisting of solid construction may imply the rebuilding of 
external facilities and changes in the system of collection of manure  in holdings or 
production units that have been producing until now in compliance with Regulations 
(EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008. Hence, a transitional period of maximum 3 
years from 1 January 2021  should be provided for in respect of these holdings or 
production units in order to permit them to carry out the necessary major renovation of 
animals’  external premises or the replacement of the equipment to comply with the 
new requirements.  
(18) Also the length of pop -holes between the verandas and the indoor part of the poultry 
house , the requirement on solid partitions for fattening poultry other than Gallus 
gallus , and the specific requirements on perches and raise d sitting levels may imply 
tangible adap tations  such as the renovation of part of the animals’ premises and 
purchase of new equipment for holdings that have been producing until now in 
complianc e with Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008 . Hence, a 
transitional period of maximum 3 years from  1 January 2021  should be provided for in 
respect of these holdings or production units to permit them to carry out the necessary 
adaptations of a nimals’ premises or the replacement of the equipment to comply with 
the new requirements.  
(19) In the interest of clarity and legal certainty, this Regulation should apply from the date 
of application of Regulation (EU) 2018/848.  
(20) The measures provided for in th is Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the 
Organic Production Committee,  
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:  
CHAPTER I  
CONVERSION  
Article 1  
Documents to be supplied for the purpose of the retroactive recognition of a 
previous period  
1. For the purposes of point (a) of Article 10(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848, the 
operator shall submit to the competent authorities in the Member State in which the  
EN 5  EN activity is carried out and in which that operator’s holding is subject to the control 
syste m the official documents from the relevant competent authorities proving that 
the land parcels for which the retroactive recognition of a previous period is 
requested were subject to measures which were defined in a programme 
implemented pursuant to Regula tion (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament 
and of the Council6 and that no products or substances other than those authorised for 
use in organic production have been used on those land parcels.  
2. For the purposes of point (b) of Article 10(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848, the 
operator shall submit to the competent authorities in the Member State in which the 
activity is carried out and in which that operator’s holding is subject to the control 
system the following documents proving that the land pa rcels were natural or 
agricultural areas that, for a period of at least three years, have not been treated with 
products or substances that are not authorised for use in organic production in 
accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848:  
(a) maps identifying clear ly each land parcel covered by the request for retroactive 
recognition and information on the total surface of those land parcels and, if 
relevant, on the nature and the volume of the on -going production and, where 
available, their geolocation coordinates;  
(b) the detailed risk analysis carried out by the control authority or control body to 
assess whether any land parcel covered by the request for retroactive 
recognition has been treated with products or substances that are not authorised 
for use in organic pr oduction for a period of at least three years, taking into 
account in particular the size of the total surface to which the request  relates  
and the agronomic practices carried out during that period on each land parcel 
subject to the request;  
(c) the laborator y analyses results from accredited laboratories on soil and/or plant 
samples taken by the control authority or control body from each land parcel 
identified as presenting the risk of being contaminated as a result of being 
treated with products and substan ces that are not authorised for use in organic 
production following the detailed risk analysis referred in point (b);  
(d) an inspection report from the control authority or control body following a 
physical inspection of the operator for the purpose of verifyi ng the consistency 
of the information collected on the land parcels covered by the request for 
retroactive recognition;  
(e) any other relevant documents deemed necessary by the control authority or 
control body to assess the request for retroactive recognition ; 
(f) a final written statement of the control authority or control body indicating 
whether a retroactive recognition of a previous period as being part of the 
conversion period is justified and indicating the starting period considered as 
organic for each lan d parcel concerned as well as the total surface of the land 
parcels benefiting from a retroactive recognition of a period.  
                                                 
6 Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on 
support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Develop ment (EAFRD) and 
repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 487).   
EN 6  EN CHAPTER II  
LIVESTOCK  
SECTION 1 
BOVINE  ANIMALS,  OVINE  ANIMALS,  CAPRINE  ANIMALS  AND  
EQUINE  ANIMALS  
Article  2 
Minimum period for feeding  with maternal milk  
The minimum period referred to in point 1.4.1.(g) of Part II of Annex II  to Regulation (EU) 
2018/848  for feeding suckling animals preferably with maternal milk shall be:  
(a) 90 days after birth  for bovine animals and equine animals;  
(b) 45 days  after birth  for ovine animals and caprine animals.  
Article 3  
Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas  
For bovine animals, ovine animals, caprine animals and equine animals, the stocking density 
and the minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas shall be as set out in Part I of Annex I.  
Article 4  
Characteristics of and technical requirements for the minimum surface for the 
indoor area  
At least half of the minimum surface of the indoor area laid down in Part I of Annex I for 
bovine animals, ovine animals, caprine animals and equine animals  shall consist of a solid 
construction, that is to say, not of a slatted or grid construction.  
SECTION 2 
CERVINE  ANIMALS   
Article 5  
Minimum period for feeding with maternal milk  
The minimum p eriod referred to in point 1.4.1.(g) of Part II of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 
2018/848 for feeding suckling cervine animals preferably with maternal milk shall be  90 days 
after birth.   
EN 7  EN Article 6  
Stocking density and minimum surface for outdoor areas  
For ce rvine animals, the stocking density and the minimum surface for outdoor areas shall be 
as set out in Part II of Annex I.  
Article 7  
Characteristics of and technical requirements for outdoor enclosures or pens  
 
1. Cervine animals shall be kept in outdoor enclos ures or pens providing pastures 
whenever conditions allow.  
2. The outdoor enclosures or pens shall be constructed in such a way that the different 
species of cervine animals can be separated if needed.  
3. Each outdoor enclosure or pen shall be either dividable i nto two areas or adjacent to 
another outdoor enclosure or pen so that maintenance measures can be carried out on 
each area or each outdoor enclosure or pen successively.  
Article 8  
Requirements for vegetation and characteristics of protected facilities and open air 
areas  
1. Visual and weather protection facilities shall be provided to cervine animals preferably 
by natural shelters like inclusion of groups of trees and shrubs, parts of forests or skirts 
of woods into the outdoor enclosure or pen; if this is not feasible to a sufficient extent 
the whole year, roofed artificial shelters shall be provided.  
2. Outdoor enclosures or pens for cervine animals shall be equipped with facilities or be 
covered with vegetation that allow animals to rub off velvet from their ant lers. 
3. In the late stage of pregnancy and two weeks after birth, female cervine animals shall 
have access to areas covered with vegetation that allows hiding their calves.  
4. Fences around outdoor enclosures or pens shall be constructed in such a way that 
cervine animals cannot escape.  
SECTION 3 
PORCINE  ANIMALS  
Article 9  
Minimum period for feeding with maternal milk  
The minimum period referred to in point 1.4.1.(g) of Part II of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 
2018/848 for feeding suckling porcine animals preferabl y with maternal milk shall be  40 days 
after birth .   
EN 8  EN Article 10  
Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas  
For porcine animals, the stocking density and the minimum surface for indoor and outdoor 
areas shall be as set out in Part III of Annex I.  
Article 11  
Characteristics of and technical requirements for the minimum surface for indoor 
and outdoor areas  
At least half of the minimum surface of both the indoor area and the outdoor area laid down in 
Part III of Annex I shall consist of a solid construction, that is to say, not of a slatted or grid 
construction.  
Article 12  
Requirements for vegetation and characteristics of open air areas  
1. Open air areas shall be attractive to porcine animals. Where possible, preference shall 
be given to fields with trees or forests . 
2. Open air areas shall provide outdoor climate as well as access to shelters and means 
allowing the regulation of body temperature of porcine animals.  
SECTION 4 
POULTRY   
Article 13  
Definitions  
For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply:  
(a) ‘fattening poultry’ means poultry intended for meat production;  
(b) ‘flock’ in the context of compartments in poultry houses  means a group of birds that 
are kept together not mixing with other poultry species, and with th eir own dedicated 
indoor and outdoor areas;  
(c) ‘brother rooster’ means male chicken of laying hen strains intended for meat 
production;  
(d) ‘poularde’ means female Gallus gallus  intended for meat production and slaughtered 
at the minimum age of 120 days.   
EN 9  EN Article 14 
Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas  
For poultry, the stocking density and the minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas shall 
be set out in Part IV of Annex I.  
Article 15  
Characteristics of and technical requirements for poultry houses  
1. Poultry houses shall be constructed in a manner allowing all birds easy access to open 
air areas. For this purpose , the following rules shall apply:  
(a) the external boundary of the poultry hous e shall have exit/entry pop -holes 
giving direct access to open air areas;  
(b) every single exit/entry pop -hole shall be of a size adequate for the birds;  
(c) birds shall be able to access pop -holes without any obstacle;  
(d) pop-holes from the external boundary of the  poultry house shall have a 
combined length of at least 4 m per 100 m 2 of the usable area of the minimum 
surface of the indoor area of the poultry house;  
(e) where pop -holes are raised, a ramp shall be provided.  
2. For poultry houses with verandas, the following rules shall apply:  
(a) the external boundary both from the indoor house to the veranda and from the 
veranda to the open air area shall have exit/entry pop -holes allowing easy 
access respectively to the veranda or to the open air area;  
(b) pop-holes from the indoor  house to the veranda shall have a combined length 
of at least 2 m per 100 m2 of the usable area of the minimum surface of the 
indoor area of the poultry house and pop -holes from the veranda to the open air 
area shall have a combined length of at least 4 m  per 100 m2 of the usable area 
of the minimum indoor surface of the poultry house;  
(c) the usable area of the veranda shall not be taken into account for the calculation 
of the stocking density and the minimum surface of the indoor and outdoor 
areas as set out  in Part IV of Annex I;  
(d) the usable area of the veranda shall not be included in the total usable area of 
poultry houses for fattening poultry as referred to in point 1.9.4.4.(m) of Part II 
of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/848.  
3. For poultry houses subdivi ded into separate compartments in order to house multiple 
flocks : 
(a) compartments shall ensure  that contact with other flocks  is restricted and that 
birds from different flocks cannot mix in the poultry house;  
(b) the following maximum flock sizes in a single com partment of a poultry house 
shall apply:  
(i) 3 000 parents Gallus gallus ; 
(ii) 10 000 pullets;   
EN 10  EN (iii) 4 800 fattening poultry Gallus gallus ; 
(iv) 2 500 capons;  
(v) 4 000 poulardes;  
(vi) 2 500 turkeys;  
(vii) 2 500 geese;  
(viii) 3 200 male Peking ducks or 4 000 female Peking ducks;  
(ix) 3 200 male Muscovy  ducks or 4 000 female Muscovy ducks;  
(x) 3 200 male Mulard ducks or 4 000 female Mulard ducks;  
(xi) 5 200 Guinea fowls;  
(c) compartments shall be separated by solid partitions for fattening poultry other 
than Gallus Gallus ; such solid partition shall ensure a complete physical 
separation from the floor to the roof of the building of each compartment of the 
poultry house;  
(d) compartments shall be separated by solid partitions or semi -closed partitions or 
nets or meshes for par ents Gallus gallus , laying hens, pullets and fattening poultry 
Gallus gallus . 
4. Multi -tiered systems may be used in poultry houses. Where multi -tiered systems are 
used, the following rules shall apply:  
(a) multi -tiered systems may only be used for  parents  Gallu s gallus , laying hens, 
pullets for future egg production, pullets for future parents and brother roosters;  
(b) multi -tiered systems shall have no more than three tiers of usable area including 
the ground floor;  
(c) the elevated tiers shall be constructed in such a  way as to prevent droppings 
falling on the birds below and shall be equipped with an efficient system of 
manure removal;  
(d) all tiers shall allow for easy inspection of the birds;  
(e) multi -tiered systems shall ensure that all birds can move freely and easily t o the 
different levels or intermediate areas;  
(f) multi -tiered systems shall be constructed in such a way as to provide easy equal 
access to open air areas to all birds.  
5. Poultry houses shall be equipped with perches or raised sitting levels or both. Perches or  
raised sitting levels or both  shall be provided to the birds from a young age in 
dimensions or proportions commensurate with the size of the group and of the birds as 
laid down in  Part IV of  Annex I.  
6. Mobile poultry houses may be used for poultry provided that they are moved regularly 
during the production cycle in order to ensure the availability of vegetation to the birds 
and at least between each batch of poultry. The stocking density for fattening poultry 
laid down in Sections 4 to 11 of Part IV of Anne x I may be increased to a maximum of 
30 kg live weight/m2 provided the surface of the ground floor of the mobile house does 
not exceed 150 m2.  
EN 11  EN Article 16  
Requirements for vegetation and characteristics of open air areas  
1. Open air areas for poultry shall be attractive to the birds and shall be fully accessible to 
all birds.  
2. For poultry houses subdivided into separate compartments in order to house multiple 
flocks, the open air areas corresponding to each single compartment shall be separated 
in order to ensur e that contact with other flocks is restricted and that birds from different 
flocks cannot mix.  
3. Open air areas for poultry shall be mainly  covered with vegetation composed of a 
diverse range of plants.  
4. Open air areas shall provide to the birds a sufficient  number of protective facilities or 
shelters or shrubs or trees distributed throughout the entire open air areas in order to 
ensure that the birds are using the whole open air area in a balanced way.  
5. The vegetation on the open air area shall be  maintained regularly  to reduce the potential 
for nutrient surpluses.  
6. The open air areas shall not extend beyond the radius of 150 m from the nearest 
exit/entry pop -hole of the poultry house. However, an extension of up to 350 m from the 
nearest pop -hole of the building is permissible provided that a sufficient number of 
shelters from inclement weather and predators  are evenly distributed throughout the 
whole open air area with at least four shelters per hectare.  For geese, the open air area 
shall allow the birds to satisfy their needs to eat grass.  
SECTION 5 
RABBITS  
Article 17  
Minimum period for feeding with maternal milk  
The minimum period referred to in point 1.4.1.(g) of Part II of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 
2018/848 for feeding suckling rabbits preferably with maternal milk shall be 42 days after 
birth.  
Article 18  
Stocking density and minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas  
For rabbits, the stocking density and the minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas shall 
be as set out in Part V of Annex I.   
EN 12  EN Article 19  
Characteristics of and technical requirements for mobi le or fixed housing  
1. During the grazing season, rabbits shall be kept in mobile housing on pastures or in 
fixed housing with access to pasture.  
2. Outside the grazing season, rabbits may be kept in fixed housing with access to an 
outdoor run with vegetation, p referably pasture.  
3. Mobile housing on pastures  shall be moved as often as possible to ensure the 
maximum use of grazing pasture  and shall be constructed in such a way that it is 
possible for rabbits to graze the pasture on the floor.  
Article 20  
Characterist ics of and technical requirements for indoor and outdoor areas  
1. The indoor area in fixed and mobile housing shall be constructed in such a way that:  
(a) its height is sufficient to allow all rabbits to stand with ears erect;  
(b) it can accommodate different groups of rabbits and allow the preservation of 
the broods’ integrity upon transfer to the fattening phase;  
(c) it is possible for bucks and pregnant and reproductive does to be separated 
from the group for specific animal welfare reasons and for a limited period 
provided they can keep eye contact with other rabbits;  
(d) it is possible for the doe to move away from the nest and return in the nest for 
nursing the kits;  
(e) it provides:  
(i) covered shelter including dark hiding places in sufficient number for all 
categories of rabbits;  
(ii) access to nests for all does at least one week before the expected date of 
birth and at least till the end of the nursing period of the kits;  
(iii) access to nests for kits in sufficient number with a minimum of one nest 
per nursing doe with kits; 
(iv) materials to allow rabbits to gnaw.  
2. The outdoor area in facilities with fixed housing shall be constructed in such a way 
that: 
(a) it has raised platforms in sufficient number and evenly distributed on its 
minimum surface;  
(b) it is surrounded by fences  that are high and deep enough to prevent flight either 
by jumping or digging;  
(c) if it has a concrete outside area, there is an easy access to the part of the 
outdoor run with vegetation. Without such easy access, the surface of the 
concrete area may not be included in the calculation of the minimum surface of 
the outdoor area;  
(d) it provides:   
EN 13  EN (i) covered shelter including dark hiding places in sufficient number for all 
categories of rabbits;  
(ii) materials to allow rabbits to gnaw.  
Article 21  
Requirements for vegetation and characteristics and open air areas  
1. The vegetation of the outdoor runs shall be maintained regularly and in such a way that 
it is attractive to rabbits.  
2. During the grazing season, pastures shall be rotated regularly and managed in such a 
way that the grazing of rabbits is optimised.  
CHAPTER III  
AQUACULTURE ANIMALS  
Article 22  
Detailed rules  for aquaculture animals per species or group of species  
Operators that produce aquaculture animals shall comply with the detailed rules per species or 
per group of species set out in Annex II with respect to the stocking density and the specific 
characteristics of production systems and containment systems.  
CHAPTER IV  
PROCESSED FOOD AND FEED  
Article 23  
Techniques authorised in the processing of food products  
1. Only techniques complying with the principles laid down in Chapter II  of Regulation 
(EU) 2018/848 , in particular the relevant specific principles applicab le to the processing 
of organic food laid down in Article 7, with the relevant rules of Chapter III of that 
Regulation and with the detailed production rules set out in Part IV of Annex II there to 
are authori sed in the processing of food products in organi c production.  
2. Ion exchange and adsorption resin techn iques are authorised when used for the 
preparation of organic raw materials:  
(a) for products referred to in points (a) and (b) , respectively,  of Article 1(1) of 
Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, provided that us ing th ose techniques is 
necessary to meet the requirements of that Regulation and acts adopted on the 
basis of Article 11(1) of that Regulation for the products concerned ; or 
(b) for products regulated by Directive 2006/125/EC, provided that using those 
techni ques is necessary to meet the requirements of that Directive.   
EN 14  EN 3. Where a Member State considers that a specific technique should be assessed as regards 
compliance with  the principles and rules referred to in paragraph 1  or that certain 
specific  conditions  for use of that technique should be included  in this Regulation , it 
may request the Commission to carry out such assessment. For that purpose, it shall 
notify the Commission and the other Member States of a dossier giving the reasons for 
such compliance  or those specific  conditions  and shall ensure that the dossier is made 
publicly available subject to Union  and national legislation on data protection.  
The Commission shall regularly publish any request referred to in the first 
subparagraph.  
4. The Commission sh all analyse the dossier referred to in paragraph 3. If the analysis 
conducted by the Commission concludes that the technique described in the dossier 
complies with the principles and rules referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall 
amend this Regulat ion for the purpose of explicitly  authorising the technique referred to 
in the dossier or including its specific conditions for use in this Regulation.  
5. The Commission shall review the authori sation of the techniques for the processing of 
organic food, incl uding their description and conditions for use  whenever new evidence  
becomes available or is provided by a Member State.  
Article 24  
Techniques authorised for use in the processing of feed products  
1. Only techniques complying with the principles laid down in Chapter II  of Regulation 
(EU) 2018/848 , in particular the relevant specific principles applicable to the processing 
of organic feed laid down in Article 8, with the relevant rules of Chapter III to that 
Regulation and with the detailed production rules set  out in Part V of Annex II there to 
and that do not reconstitute properties that are lost in the processing and storage of 
organic feed, that do not correct the results of negligence in the processing or that 
otherwise may be misleading as to the true natur e of these products are authori sed in the 
processing of feed products in organic production.  
2. Where a Member State considers that a specific technique should be assessed as regards 
compliance with the principles and rules referred to in paragraph 1 or that certain 
specific conditions for use of that technique should be included in this Regulation, it 
may request the Commission to carry out such assessment. For that purpose, it shall 
notify the Commission and the other Member States of a dossier giving the re asons for 
such compliance or those specific conditions and shall ensure that the dossier is made 
publically available subject to Union and national legislation on data protection.  
The Commission shall publish any request referred to in the first subparagra ph. 
3. The Commission shall analyse the dossier referred to in paragraph 2. If the analysis 
conducted by the Commission concludes that the technique described in the dossier 
complies with the principles and rules referred to in paragraph  1, the Commission shall 
amend this Regulation for the purpose of explicitly authorising the technique referred to 
in the dossier  or including its specific conditions for use in this Regulation . 
4. The Commission shall review the authori sation of the techniques for the processi ng of 
organic feed, including their description and conditions for use  whenever new evidence  
becomes available or is provided by a Member State.   
EN 15  EN CHAPTER V  
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE AVAILABILITY ON 
THE MARKET OF ORGANIC AND IN -CONVERSION PLANT 
REPRODUCTIVE  MATERIAL, ORGANIC ANIMALS AND 
ORGANIC AQUACULTURE JUVENILES  
Article 25  
Information to be provided by Member States  
 
1. Member States shall provide the information to be made available pursuant to point 
(a) of Article 53(6) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 from th e database referred to in 
Article 26(1) and the systems referred to in Article 26(2) and , where applicable, in 
Article 26(3) of that Regulation  in accordance with the specifications set out in Part I 
of Annex III to this Regulation.  
2. Member States shall pro vide the information to be made available pursuant to point 
(b) of Article 53(6) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 concerning the derogations granted 
in accordance with point 1.8.5. of Part I of Annex II to that Regulation and points 
1.3.4.3. and 1.3.4.4. of Par t II of that Annex in accordance with the specifications set 
out in Part II of Annex III to this Regulation.  
3. Member States shall provide the information to be made available pursuant to point 
(c) of Article 53(6) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 concerning the  availability on the 
Union market of organic protein feed for poultry and porcine animals and on the 
authorisation granted in accordance with points 1.9.3.1.(c) and 1.9.4.2.(c) of Part II 
of Annex II to that Regulation in reply to a questionnaire submitted  annually to 
Member States by the Commission.  
4. The information referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall be provided in the format 
and via the system made available by the Commission. That information shall be 
provided each year by 30 June and for the fir st time by 30 June 2022 concerning the 
year 2021.  
5. The information received from Member States pursuant to Article 53(6) of 
Regulation (EU) 2018/848 shall be included in the database referred to in Article 
26(1) and the systems referred to in Article 26(2) and, where applicable, in Article 
26(3) of that Regulation.  
  
EN 16  EN CHAPTER VI  
FINAL AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS  
Article 26  
Transitional provisions  
1. By way of derogation from Section 3 of Chapter II of this Regulation, h oldings or 
production units with porcine animals in facilities built, refurbished or brought into 
use before  the date of entry into application  of this Regulation  in compliance with 
Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008 and for which major 
reconstruction of external facilities is necessary to comply with the requirement on at 
least half of the surface of the outdoor area consisting of solid construction as laid 
down in Article 11 of this Regulation , shall comply with that Article as from 1 
January 20 24 at the latest.  
2. By way of derogation from  Section 4 of Chapter II of this Regulation, h oldings or 
production units with poultry houses that were built, refurbished or brought into use 
before the date of entry into application of this Regulation in compliance with 
Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008 and for which a renovation of 
the animals’  premises is necessary to comply with the requirement on the combined 
length for pop -holes from the indoor house to the veranda laid down in point (b) of 
Article 15(2) of this Regul ation , shall comply with that point  as from 1 January 20 24 
at the latest.  
3. By way of derogation from Section 4 of Chapter II of this Regulation, h oldings or 
production units with poultry houses that were built, refurbished or brought into use 
before the dat e of entry into application  of this Regulation in compliance with 
Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008 and for which a  reno vation of 
animals’ premises  or a replacement of the  equipment is necessary to comply with the 
requirements on solid par tition laid down in point (c) of Article 15(3) or with the 
requirement on perches or raised sitting levels laid down in Article 15(5) of this 
Regulation , shall comply with those provisions as from 1 January 20 24 at the latest.  
4. By way of derogation from Sec tion 4 of Chapter II of this Regulation, h oldings or 
production units with multi -tiered poultry houses that were built, refurbished or 
brought into use before the date of entry into application  of this Regulation in 
compliance with Regulations (EC) No 834/ 2007 and (EC) No 889/2008 and for 
which a major refurbishment of animals’ premises or a replacement of the equipment 
are necessary to  comply with the requirements on the maximum number of tiers and 
on the system for manure removal laid down respectively in  points (b) and (c) of 
Article 1 5(4) of this Regulation , shall comply with those points as from 1 January 
2026 at the latest.  
5. By way of derogation from Section 4 of Chapter II of this Regulation, h oldings or 
production units with poultry houses that have o pen air areas extending beyond a 
radius of 150 m from the nearest exit/entry pop -hole of the poultry house built, 
refurbished or brought into use  before the date of entry into application of this 
Regulation in  compliance with Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 
889/2008 and for which major adaptations of the structure of the facilities or 
additional land acquisition are necessary to comply with the requirement on the  
EN 17  EN maximum radius laid down in Article 1 6(6) of this Regulation , shall comply with 
that provision as from 1 January 20 26 at the latest.  
6. By way of derogation from Part III of Annex I to this Regulation, for h oldings or 
production units producing porcine animals in facilities built, refurbished or b rought 
into use before the date of entry into application  of this Regulation in compliance 
with Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008  and for  which major 
adaptations of the structure of the facilities or additional  land acquisition are 
necessar y to comply with the rules of Part III of Annex I to this Regulation , shall 
comply with the stocking density and the minimum surface of the outdoor area for 
farrowing sows with piglets until weaning , female brood porcine animals and dry 
pregnant sows laid down in Part III of Annex I to this Regulation as from 1 January 
2026 at the latest.  
Holdings or production units making use of the derogation provided in the first 
subparagraph shall continue to comply with Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 
889/2008  during the period in which they make use of the derogation.  
7. By way of derogation from Section 2 of Part IV of Annex I to this Regulation, for 
holdings or production units producing pullets in poultry facilities built, refurbished 
or brought into use before the da te of entry into application  of this Regulation in 
compliance with Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008  and for 
which major adaptations of the structure of the poultry houses or additional land 
acquisition are necessary to comply with the rule s of Section 2 of Part IV of Annex I  
to this Regulation, shall comply with  the stocking density and the minimum surface 
of indoor and outdoor areas for pullets and brother roosters  laid down in Section 2 of 
Part I V of Annex I to this Regulation as from 1 January 20 26 at the latest.  
Article 27  
Entry into force and application  
This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in 
the Official Journal of the European Union . 
It shall apply from 1 January 2021.  
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.  
Done at Brussels,  
 For the Commission  
 The President  
 […]