### since the objective of this regulation , namely to lay down minimum common requirements and harmonised rules concerning the conduct of roadworthiness tests of vehicles within the union , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states and can therefore be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective . ### since the objective of this directive , namely to lay down minimum common requirements and harmonised rules concerning the conduct of roadworthiness tests of vehicles within the union , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states and can therefore be better achieved at union level , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve that objective .


### this regulation updates the technical requirements of directive 2009 / 40 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 6 may 2009 on roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers and enlarges its scope in order to include in particular the setting up of testing centres and of their supervisory bodies as well as designating inspectors entrusted with performance of roadworthiness tests therefore this directive should be repealed in addition , this regulation integrates the rules contained in the commission recommendation 2010 / 378 / eu of 5 july 2010 on the assessment of defects during roadworthiness testing in accordance with directive 2009 / 40 / ec with the view to better regulate the roadworthiness testing methods . ### this directive updates the technical requirements of directive 2009 / 40 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 6 may 2009 on roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers and enlarges its scope in order to include in particular the setting up of testing centres and of their supervisory bodies as well as designating inspectors entrusted with performance of roadworthiness tests therefore this directive should be repealed . in addition , this regulation integrates the rules contained in the commission recommendation 2010 / 378 / eu of 5 july 2010 on the assessment of defects during roadworthiness testing in accordance with directive 2009 / 40 / ec with the view to better regulate the roadworthiness testing methods .


### – vehicles of category m1 registered as taxis or ambulances , vehicles of categories m2 , m3 , n2 , n3 , t5 , o3 and o4 : one year after the date on which the vehicle was first registered , and thereafter annually . ### – vehicles of category m1 registered as taxis or ambulances , vehicles of categories m2 , m3 , n2 , n3 , t5 , o3 and o4 : two years after the date on which the vehicle was first registered , and thereafter every two years .


### it shall , on the basis of that examination , put forward and evaluate different policy options , including the possibility to remove the requirement of a proof of test as provided for in article 10 . within two years after the date of application of this regulation , the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council on the results of the examination , and accompany it with a legislative proposal , if appropriate . ### the purpose of this platform shall be , drawing on the data gathered , to provide the competent authorities of member states responsible for testing , registration and vehicle approval , the testing centres , manufacturers of testing and measuring equipment for roadworthiness testing as referred to in this regulation , independent manufacturers of vehicle components and systems and vehicle manufacturers with the data required by each of them in order to improve vehicle safety or to improve vehicle testing . in providing them with the data , the commission shall take care to clearly separate data sets in accordance with their use and subsequent user and only to provide the data required for the improvement concerned . in case of doubt as to the need for the data , the committee referred to in article 16 shall decide .


### operators should have a general obligation to take all necessary measures to prevent major accidents and to mitigate their consequences . where dangerous substances are present in establishments above certain quantities the operator should provide the competent authority with sufficient information to enable it to identify the establishment , the dangerous substances present and the potential dangers . the operator should also draw up and send to the competent authority a major - accident prevention policy setting out the operator ' s overall approach and measures , including appropriate safety management systems , for controlling major - accident hazards . ### operators should have a general obligation to take all necessary measures to prevent major accidents and to mitigate their consequences . where dangerous substances are present in establishments above certain quantities the operator should provide the competent authority with sufficient information to enable it to identify the establishment , the dangerous substances present and the potential dangers . the operator should also draw up and send to the competent authority a major - accident prevention policy setting out , besides the names of any sub - contractors , the operator ' s overall approach and measures , including appropriate safety management systems , for controlling major - accident hazards .


### in order to ensure that adequate response measures are taken if a major accident occurs , the operator should immediately inform the competent authorities and communicate the information necessary for them to assess the impact of that accident . ### in order to ensure that adequate response measures are taken if a major accident occurs , the operator should immediately inform the competent authorities and local authorities and communicate the information necessary for them to assess the impact of that accident .


### member states shall require the operator to send the competent authority a notification containing the following details : ### member states shall require the operator to send the competent authority and local authorities a notification containing the following details :


### the notification shall be sent to the competent authority within the following time - limits : ### the notification shall be sent to the competent authority and local authorities within the following time - limits :


### the mapp shall be sent to the competent authority within the following time - limits : ### the mapp shall be sent to the competent authority and local authorities within the following time - limits :


### the safety report shall be sent to the competent authority within the following time - limits : ### the safety report shall be sent to the competent authority and local authorities within the following time - limits :


### for new establishments , a reasonable period of time prior to the start of construction or operation , ### for new establishments , at least six months prior to the start of construction or operation ,


### the operator shall immediately inform the competent authority of the following events : ### the operator shall immediately inform the competent authority and local authorities of the following events :


### without prejudice to paragraph 4 , the operator shall periodically review and where necessary update the mapp , at least every five years . the operator shall send the updated notification to the competent authority without delay . ### without prejudice to paragraph 4 , the operator shall periodically review and where necessary update the notification , at least every five years . the operator shall send the updated notification to the competent authority and local authorities without delay .


### member states shall ensure that the competent authority , using the information received from the operators in compliance with articles 6 and 9 or through inspections pursuant to article 19 , identifies all lower - tier and upper - tier establishments or groups of establishments where the likelihood and the possibility or consequences of a major accident may be increased because of the location and the proximity of such establishments , and their inventories of dangerous substances . ### member states shall ensure that the competent authority , using the information received from the operators in compliance with articles 6 and 9 or through inspections pursuant to article 19 , identifies all lower - tier and upper - tier establishments or groups of establishments where the likelihood and the possibility or consequences of a major accident may be increased because of the location and the proximity of such establishments , or the natural risks associated with their geographical position , and their inventories of dangerous substances .


### the updated safety report shall be sent to the competent authority without delay . ### the updated safety report shall be sent to the competent authority and local authorities without delay .


### without prejudice to the obligations of the competent authorities , member states shall ensure that the internal emergency plans provided for in this directive are drawn up in consultation with the personnel working inside the establishment , including long - term relevant subcontracted personnel , and that the public is consulted on external emergency plans when they are established or updated . member states shall ensure that consultation with the public is in accordance with article 14 . ### without prejudice to the obligations of the competent authorities , member states shall ensure that the internal emergency plans provided for in this directive are drawn up in consultation with the personnel working inside the establishment , including long - term relevant subcontracted personnel , and that the local authority in whose area the undertaking is sited , and the public , are consulted on external emergency plans when they are established or updated . member states shall ensure that consultation with the public is in accordance with article 14 .


### member states shall ensure that operators of lower - tier establishments provide , at the request of the competent authority , sufficient information on the risks arising from the establishment necessary for land - use planning purposes . ### member states shall ensure that operators of lower - tier establishments provide , at the request of the competent authority and local authorities , sufficient information on the risks arising from the establishment necessary for land - use planning purposes .


### to inform the competent authorities ; ### to inform the competent authorities and local authorities ;


### description of the site and its environment including the geographical location , meteorological , geological , hydrographic conditions and , if necessary , its history ; ### description of the site , a suitable assessment of its natural risks and its environment including the geographical location , meteorological , geological , hydrographic conditions and , if necessary , its history ;


### description of the main activities and products of the parts of the establishment which are important from the point of view of safety , sources of major - accident risks and conditions under which such a major accident could happen , together with a description of proposed preventive measures ; ### description of the main activities and products of the parts of the establishment , and identification of sub - contractors , which are important from the point of view of safety , sources of major - accident risks and conditions under which such a major accident could happen , together with a description of proposed preventive measures ;


### to ensure the sustainable development of rural areas , it is necessary to focus on a limited number of core priorities relating to knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture , forestry and rural areas , the competitiveness of all types of agriculture and farm viability , food chain organisation and risk management in agriculture , restoring , preserving and enhancing ecosystems dependant on agriculture and forestry , resource efficiency and the shift towards a low carbon economy in the agricultural , food and forestry sectors , and promoting social inclusion , poverty reduction and the economic development of rural areas . in doing so account must be taken of the diversity of situations that affect rural areas with different characteristics or different categories of potential beneficiaries and the cross - cutting objectives of innovation , environment and climate change mitigation and adaptation . mitigation action should relate to both limiting emissions in agriculture and forestry from key activities such as livestock production , fertilizer use and to preserving the carbon sinks and enhancing carbon sequestration with regard to land use , land use change and the forestry sector . the union priority for rural development relating to knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture , forestry and rural areas should apply horizontally in relation to the other union priorities for rural development . ### to ensure the sustainable development of rural areas , it is necessary to focus on a limited number of core priorities relating to knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture , forestry and rural areas , the competitiveness of all types of agriculture and farm viability , food chain organisation in agriculture , restoring , preserving and enhancing ecosystems dependant on agriculture and forestry , resource efficiency and the shift towards a low carbon economy in the agricultural , food and forestry sectors , and promoting social inclusion , poverty reduction and the economic development of rural areas . in doing so account must be taken of the diversity of situations that affect rural areas with different characteristics or different categories of potential beneficiaries and the cross - cutting objectives of innovation , environment and climate change mitigation and adaptation . mitigation action should relate to both limiting emissions in agriculture and forestry from key activities such as livestock production , fertilizer use and to preserving the carbon sinks and enhancing carbon sequestration with regard to land use , land use change and the forestry sector . the union priority for rural development relating to knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture , forestry and rural areas should apply horizontally in relation to the other union priorities for rural development .


### in order to ensure the immediate start and efficient implementation of rural development programmes , support from the eafrd should be based on the existence of sound administrative framework conditions . member states should therefore assess compliance with certain ex ante conditionalities . each member state should prepare either a national rural development programme for its entire territory or a set of regional programmes . each programme should identify a strategy for meeting targets in relation to the union priorities for rural development and a selection of measures . programming should comply with union priorities for rural development , while being adapted to national contexts and complement the other union policies , in particular the agricultural market policy , cohesion policy and the common fisheries policy . member states which opt for a set of regional programme should be able to also prepare a national framework , without a separate budgetary allocation , in order to facilitate co - ordination among the regions in addressing nation - wide challenges . ### in order to ensure the immediate start and efficient implementation of rural development programmes , support from the eafrd should be based on the existence of sound administrative framework conditions . member states should therefore assess compliance with certain ex ante conditionalities . each member state should prepare either a national rural development programme for its entire territory or a set of regional programmes . each programme should identify a strategy for meeting targets in relation to the union priorities for rural development and a selection of measures . programming should comply with union priorities for rural development , while being adapted to national contexts and complement the other union policies , in particular the agricultural market policy , cohesion policy and the common fisheries policy . member states should also ensure that their national or regional programmes are coherent with other national programmes such as the national renewable energy action plans and the national forest programmes . member states which opt for a set of regional programme should be able to also prepare a national framework , without a separate budgetary allocation , in order to facilitate co - ordination among the regions in addressing nation - wide challenges .


### member states should be able to include in their rural development programmes thematic sub - programmes to address specific needs in areas of particular importance to them . thematic sub - programmes should concern among others young farmers , small farms , mountain areas and the creation of short supply chains . thematic sub - programmes should also be used to provide for the possibility to address restructuring of agricultural sectors which have a strong impact on the development of rural areas . as a means to increase the efficient intervention of such thematic sub - programmes member states should be allowed to provide for higher support rates for certain operations covered by them . ### member states should be able to include in their rural development programmes thematic sub - programmes to address specific needs in areas of particular importance to them . thematic sub - programmes should concern among others young farmers , small farms , high nature value farms , mountain areas , the creation of short supply chains and tackling environmental challenges . thematic sub - programmes should also be used to provide for the possibility to address restructuring of agricultural sectors which have a strong impact on the development of rural areas without causing negative social and environmental effects . as a means to increase the efficient intervention of such thematic sub - programmes member states should be allowed to provide for higher support rates for certain operations covered by them .


### forestry is an integral part of rural development and support for sustainable and climate friendly land use should encompass forest area development and sustainable management of forests . during the 2007 - 2013 programming period a variety of measures covered different types of support for forestry investments and management . in the interest of simplification but also of allowing beneficiaries to design and realise integrated projects with increased added value , a single measure should cover all types of support for forestry investments and management . this measure should cover the extension and improvement of forest resources through afforestation of land and creation of agro - forestry systems combining extensive agriculture with forestry systems , restoration of forests damaged by fire or other natural disasters and relevant prevention measures , investments in new forestry technologies and in the processing and marketing of forest products aimed at improving the economic and environmental performance of forest holders and non remunerative investments which improve ecosystem and climate resilience and environmental value of forest ecosystems . support should avoid distorting competition and be market neutral . as a result limitations should be imposed relating to the size and legal status of beneficiaries . preventive actions against fires should be in areas classified by member states as medium or high fire risk . all preventive actions should be part of a forest protection plan . the occurrence of a natural disaster in the case of action for the restoration of damaged forest potential should be subject to the formal recognition by a scientific public organisation . the forestry measure should be adopted in the light of undertakings given by the union and the member states at international level , and be based on member states ' national or sub - national forest plans or equivalent instruments which should take into account the commitments made in the ministerial conferences on the protection of forests in europe . it should contribute to the implementation of the union forestry strategy . in order to ensure that afforestation of agricultural land is in line with the aims of environmental policy the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission in respect of the definition of certain minimum environmental requirements . ### forestry is an integral part of rural development and support for sustainable and climate friendly land use should encompass forest area development and sustainable management of forests . during the 2007 - 2013 programming period a variety of measures covered different types of support for forestry investments and management . in the interest of simplification but also of allowing beneficiaries to design and realize integrated projects with increased added value , a single measure should cover all types of support for forestry investments and management . this measure should cover the extension and improvement of forest resources through afforestation of land and creation of agro - forestry systems combining extensive agriculture with forestry systems , restoration of forests damaged by fire or other natural disasters and relevant prevention measures , investments in new forestry technologies and in the processing and marketing of forest products aimed at improving the economic and environmental performance of forest holders and forest workers and non remunerative investments which improve ecosystem and climate resilience and environmental value of forest ecosystems . support should avoid distorting competition , be market neutral and coherent with environmental objectives . forest management plans including biodiversity aspects should be applied to all forests receiving funding under rural development programmes . as a result limitations should be imposed relating to the size and legal status of beneficiaries for the production of wood but not for non - wood forest products . preventive actions against fires should be in areas classified by member states as medium or high fire risk and should go beyond roads and water tanks ; modernised traditional practices should be included . all preventive actions should be a mandatory part of every forest management plan under its protection chapter . the occurrence of a natural disaster in the case of action for the restoration of damaged forest potential should be subject to the formal recognition by a scientific public organisation . the forestry measure should be adopted in the light of undertakings given by the union and the member states at international level , and be based on member states ' national or sub - national forest plans or equivalent instruments which should take into account the commitments made in the ministerial conferences on the protection of forests in europe . it should contribute to the implementation of the union forestry strategy . in order to ensure that afforestation of agricultural land is in line with the aims of environmental policy the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission in respect of the definition of certain minimum environmental requirements .


### forestry is an integral part of rural development and support for sustainable and climate friendly land use should encompass forest area development and sustainable management of forests . during the 2007 - 2013 programming period a variety of measures covered different types of support for forestry investments and management . in the interest of simplification but also of allowing beneficiaries to design and realise integrated projects with increased added value , a single measure should cover all types of support for forestry investments and management . this measure should cover the extension and improvement of forest resources through afforestation of land and creation of agro - forestry systems combining extensive agriculture with forestry systems , restoration of forests damaged by fire or other natural disasters and relevant prevention measures , investments in new forestry technologies and in the processing and marketing of forest products aimed at improving the economic and environmental performance of forest holders and non remunerative investments which improve ecosystem and climate resilience and environmental value of forest ecosystems . support should avoid distorting competition and be market neutral . as a result limitations should be imposed relating to the size and legal status of beneficiaries . preventive actions against fires should be in areas classified by member states as medium or high fire risk . all preventive actions should be part of a forest protection plan . the occurrence of a natural disaster in the case of action for the restoration of damaged forest potential should be subject to the formal recognition by a scientific public organisation . the forestry measure should be adopted in the light of undertakings given by the union and the member states at international level , and be based on member states’ national or sub - national forest plans or equivalent instruments which should take into account the commitments made in the ministerial conferences on the protection of forests in europe . it should contribute to the implementation of the union forestry strategy . in order to ensure that afforestation of agricultural land is in line with the aims of environmental policy the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission in respect of the definition of certain minimum environmental requirements . ### forestry is an integral part of rural development and support for sustainable and climate friendly land use should encompass forest area development and sustainable management of forests . during the 2007 - 2013 programming period a variety of measures covered different types of support for forestry investments and management . support should avoid distorting competition , be market neutral and coherent with environmental objectives . forest management plans including biodiversity aspects should be applied to all forests receiving funding under rural development programmes . as a result limitations should be imposed relating to the size and legal status of beneficiaries . preventive actions against fires should be in areas classified by member states as medium or high fire risk and should go beyond roads and water tanks ; modernised traditional practices should be included . all preventive actions should be a mandatory part of every forest management plan under its protection chapter . the occurrence of a natural disaster in the case of action for the restoration of damaged forest potential should be subject to the formal recognition by a scientific public organisation . the forestry measures should be adopted in the light of undertakings given by the union and the member states at international level , and be based on member states’ national or sub - national forest plans or equivalent instruments which should take into account the commitments made in the ministerial conferences on the protection of forests in europe . support for forest measures should be conditional upon compliance with good forest practices . in order to ensure that afforestation of agricultural land is in line with the aims of environmental policy the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission in respect of the definition of certain minimum environmental requirements . in that regard , it should ensure that any first afforestation must be adapted to local conditions , be compatible with the environment , enhance biodiversity and be prohibited for tree planting on areas of semi - natural grassland .


### agri - environment - climate payments should continue to play a prominent role in supporting the sustainable development of rural areas and in responding to society ' s increasing demands for environmental services . they should further encourage farmers and other land managers to serve society as a whole by introducing or continuing to apply agricultural practices contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation and compatible with the protection and improvement of the environment , the landscape and its features , natural resources , the soil and genetic diversity . in this context the conservation of genetic resources in agriculture and the additional needs of farming systems that are of high nature value should be given specific attention . payments should contribute to covering additional costs and income foregone resulting from the commitments undertaken and should only cover commitments going beyond relevant mandatory standards and requirements , in accordance with the ‘ polluter pays’ principle . in many situations the synergies resulting from commitments undertaken jointly by a group of farmers multiply the environmental and climate benefit . however , joint action brings additional transaction costs which should be compensated adequately . in order to ensure that farmers and other land managers are in a position to correctly implement the commitments they have undertaken , member states should endeavour to provide them with the required skills and knowledge . member states should maintain the level of efforts made during the 2007 - 2013 programming period and have to spend a minimum of 25% of the total contribution from the eafrd to each rural development programme for climate change mitigation and adaptation and land management , through the agri - environment - climate , organic farming and payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints measures . ### agri - environment - climate payments should continue to play a prominent role in supporting the sustainable development of rural areas and in responding to society ' s increasing demands for environmental services . they should further encourage farmers and other land managers to serve society as a whole by introducing or continuing to apply agricultural practices contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation and compatible with the protection and improvement of the environment , the landscape and its features , natural resources , the soil and genetic diversity . in this context the conservation of genetic resources in agriculture and the additional needs of farming systems that are of high nature value should be given specific attention . payments should contribute to covering additional costs and income foregone resulting from the commitments undertaken and should only cover commitments going beyond relevant mandatory standards and requirements , in accordance with the ‘ polluter pays’ principle . in many situations the synergies resulting from commitments undertaken jointly by a group of farmers multiply the environmental and climate benefit . however , joint action brings additional transaction costs which should be compensated adequately . in order to ensure that farmers and other land managers are in a position to correctly implement the commitments they have undertaken , member states should endeavour to provide them with the required skills and knowledge . member states should maintain the level of efforts made during the 2007 - 2013 programming period and have to spend a minimum of 50% of the total contribution from the eafrd to each rural development programme for climate change mitigation and adaptation and land management , through the measures under priorities 4 and 5 .


### agri - environment - climate payments should continue to play a prominent role in supporting the sustainable development of rural areas and in responding to society ' s increasing demands for environmental services . they should further encourage farmers and other land managers to serve society as a whole by introducing or continuing to apply agricultural practices contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation and compatible with the protection and improvement of the environment , the landscape and its features , natural resources , the soil and genetic diversity . in this context the conservation of genetic resources in agriculture and the additional needs of farming systems that are of high nature value should be given specific attention . payments should contribute to covering additional costs and income foregone resulting from the commitments undertaken and should only cover commitments going beyond relevant mandatory standards and requirements , in accordance with the ‘ polluter pays’ principle . in many situations the synergies resulting from commitments undertaken jointly by a group of farmers multiply the environmental and climate benefit . however , joint action brings additional transaction costs which should be compensated adequately . in order to ensure that farmers and other land managers are in a position to correctly implement the commitments they have undertaken , member states should endeavour to provide them with the required skills and knowledge . member states should maintain the level of efforts made during the 2007 - 2013 programming period and have to spend a minimum of 25% of the total contribution from the eafrd to each rural development programme for climate change mitigation and adaptation and land management , through the agri - environment - climate , organic farming and payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints measures . ### agri - environment - climate payments should continue to play a prominent role in supporting the sustainable development of rural areas and in responding to society ' s increasing demands for environmental services . they should further encourage farmers and other land managers to serve society as a whole by introducing or continuing to apply agricultural practices contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation and compatible with the protection and improvement of the environment , the landscape and its features , natural resources , the soil and genetic diversity . in this context the conservation of genetic resources in agriculture and the additional needs of farming systems that are of high nature value should be given specific attention . payments should contribute to covering additional costs and income foregone resulting from the commitments undertaken and should only cover commitments going beyond relevant mandatory standards and requirements , in accordance with the ‘ polluter pays’ principle . in many situations the synergies resulting from commitments undertaken jointly by a group of farmers multiply the environmental and climate benefit . however , joint action brings additional transaction costs which should be compensated adequately . in order to ensure that farmers , forest owners and other land managers are in a position to correctly implement the commitments they have undertaken , member states should endeavour to provide them with the required skills and knowledge . member states should maintain the level of efforts made during the 2007 - 2013 programming period and have to spend a minimum of 35% of the total contribution from the eafrd to each rural development programme for climate change mitigation and adaptation and land management , through the agri - environment - climate , organic farming and payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints measures .


### agri - environment - climate payments should continue to play a prominent role in supporting the sustainable development of rural areas and in responding to society ' s increasing demands for environmental services . they should further encourage farmers and other land managers to serve society as a whole by introducing or continuing to apply agricultural practices contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation and compatible with the protection and improvement of the environment , the landscape and its features , natural resources , the soil and genetic diversity . in this context the conservation of genetic resources in agriculture and the additional needs of farming systems that are of high nature value should be given specific attention . payments should contribute to covering additional costs and income foregone resulting from the commitments undertaken and should only cover commitments going beyond relevant mandatory standards and requirements , in accordance with the ' polluter pays ' principle . in many situations the synergies resulting from commitments undertaken jointly by a group of farmers multiply the environmental and climate benefit . however , joint action brings additional transaction costs which should be compensated adequately . in order to ensure that farmers and other land managers are in a position to correctly implement the commitments they have undertaken , member states should endeavour to provide them with the required skills and knowledge . member states should maintain the level of efforts made during the 2007 - 2013 programming period and have to spend a minimum of 25 % of the total contribution from the eafrd to each rural development programme for climate change mitigation and adaptation and land management , through the agri - environment - climate , organic farming and payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints measures . ### agri - environment - climate payments should continue to play a prominent role in supporting the sustainable development of rural areas and in responding to society ' s increasing demands for environmental public goods and services . they should further encourage farmers and other land managers to serve society as a whole by introducing or continuing to apply agricultural practices contributing to land related climate change mitigation and adaptation and compatible with the protection and improvement of the environment , the landscape and its features , natural resources , the soil , biodiversity and genetic diversity . in this context the conservation of genetic resources in agriculture and the additional needs of farming systems that are of high nature value should be given specific attention . payments should contribute to covering additional costs and income foregone resulting from the commitments undertaken and should only cover commitments going beyond relevant mandatory standards and requirements , in accordance with the ' polluter pays ' principle . in many situations the synergies resulting from commitments undertaken jointly by a group of farmers multiply the environmental and climate benefit . however , joint action brings additional transaction costs which should be compensated adequately . in order to ensure that farmers and other land managers are in a position to correctly implement the commitments they have undertaken , member states should endeavour to provide them with the required skills and knowledge . member states should maintain the level of efforts made during the 2007 - 2013 programming period and have to spend a minimum of 35 % of the total contribution from the eafrd to each rural development programme for climate change mitigation and adaptation and land management , through the agri - environment - climate , organic farming and payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints measures , natura 2000 and water framework directive payments , investments improving the resilience and environmental value of forest ecosystems , forest - environmental and climate services and forest conservation . special attention should be paid to the transition between current and future agri - environment and climate commitments undertaken by farmers and landmanagers , taking into account the change in the baseline .


### promoting food chain organisation and risk management in agriculture , with a focus on the following areas : better integrating primary producers into the food chain through quality schemes , promotion in local markets and short supply circuits , producer groups and inter - branch organisations ; supporting farm risk management ; ### promoting food chain organisation in agriculture , with a focus on the following areas : better integrating primary producers into the food chain through quality schemes , promotion in local markets and short supply circuits , producer groups and inter - branch organisations ;


### restoring , preserving and enhancing ecosystems dependent on agriculture and forestry , with a focus on the following areas : ### restoring , preserving and enhancing ecosystems dependent on agriculture and forestry , with a focus on the delivery of environmental public goods and services in the following areas :


### increasing efficiency in water use by agriculture ; ### increasing efficiency and sustainability in water use by agriculture ;


### increasing efficiency in energy use in agriculture and food processing ; ### increasing efficiency and sustainability in energy use in agriculture and food processing ;


### all of the priorities shall contribute to the cross - cutting objectives of innovation , environment and climate change mitigation and adaptation . ### all of the priorities shall contribute to the cross - cutting objectives of innovation , environment and climate change mitigation and adaptation , while ensuring a high level of animal welfare .


### all of the priorities shall contribute to the cross - cutting objectives of innovation , environment and climate change mitigation and adaptation . ### all of the priorities shall contribute to the cross - cutting objectives of innovation , environment , public health and climate change mitigation and adaptation .


### the analysis shall be structured around the union priorities for rural development . specific needs concerning the environment , climate change mitigation and adaptation and innovation shall be assessed across union priorities for rural development , in view of identifying relevant responses in these two areas at the level of each priority ; ### the analysis shall be structured around the union priorities for rural development and for the environment and it should be based on all existing environmental legislation and data . specific needs concerning the environment , climate change mitigation and adaptation and innovation shall be assessed across union priorities for rural development , in view of identifying relevant responses in these two areas at the level of each priority ;


### relevant combinations of measures are included in relation to the union priorities for rural development included in the programme , logically following from the ex ante evaluation referred to in point and the analysis referred to in point ; ### relevant combinations of measures are included in relation to each of the union priorities , logically following from the ex ante evaluation referred to in point and the analysis referred to in point , to address environmental and climate challenges of global importance ; member states shall take into account measures under article 29 , 30 , 31 , 34 and 35 of this regulation in developing their rural development programme ;


### help farmers , forest holders and smes in rural areas benefit from the use of advisory services for the improvement of the economic and environmental performance as well as the climate friendliness and resilience of their holding , enterprise and / or investment ; ### help farmers , forest holders and smes in rural areas benefit from the use of advisory services for the improvement of the economic and environmental performance as well as the climate friendliness , animal welfare and resilience of their holding , enterprise and / or investment ;


### advice to farmers shall be linked to at least one union priority for rural development and shall cover as a minimum one of the following elements : ### advice to farmers shall be linked to at least one union priority for rural development and shall cover the following elements :


### one or more of the statutory management requirements and / or standards for good agricultural and environmental conditions provided for in chapter i of title vi of regulation no hr / 2012 ; ### the statutory management requirements and standards for good agricultural and environmental conditions provided for in chapter i of title vi of regulation no hr / 2012 ;


### the sustainable development of the economical activity of the small farms as defined by the member states and at least of the farms participating in the small farmers scheme referred to in title v of regulation no dp / 2012 ; or ### the sustainable development¸ environmental performance , and economic activity of organic farming , as a minimum , referred to in regulation no 834 / 2007 , and of small farms as defined by the member states and at least of the farms participating in the small farmers scheme referred to in title v of regulation no dp / 2012 ; or


### the specificity of the final product under such schemes is derived from clear obligations to guarantee : - specific product characteristics , or - specific farming or production methods , or - a quality of the final product that goes significantly beyond the commercial commodity standards as regards public , animal or plant health , animal welfare or environmental protection ; ### the specificity of the final product under such schemes is derived from clear obligations to guarantee : - specific product characteristics , or - specific farming or production methods and environment - friendly farming , or - a quality of the final product that goes significantly beyond the commercial commodity standards as regards not only public , animal or plant health , animal welfare or environmental protection , but also sustainable resource management , co2 reduction and freedom from genetic modification ;


### voluntary agricultural product certification schemes recognised by the member states as meeting the union best practice guidelines for the operation of voluntary certification schemes relating to agricultural products and foodstuffs . ### voluntary agricultural product certification schemes recognised by the member states as meeting the union best practice guidelines for the operation of voluntary certification schemes relating to agricultural products and foodstuffs with the exclusion of schemes certifying compliance with baseline legal requirements only .


### investment in physical assets ### investment in physical assets for sustainable , healthy , climate - friendly and animal - welfare - friendly production


### improve the overall performance of the agricultural holding ; ### significantly improve the agricultural operation with regard to sustainability , health benefits , climate and animal friendly production ;


### concern infrastructure related to the development and adaptation of agriculture , including access to farm and forest land , land consolidation and improvement , energy supply and , water management ; or ### concern environmentally friendly infrastructure related to the development and adaptation of agriculture , including access to farm and forest land , land consolidation and improvement , energy supply and , water management , in accordance with priorities 4 and 5 ; or


### investments in the setting - up , improvement or expansion of local basic services for the rural population , including leisure and culture , and the related infrastructure ; ### investments in the setting - up , improvement or expansion of local basic services for the rural population , including leisure and culture , and the related infrastructure , in particular healthcare and prevention facilities ;


### investments in forest area development and improvement of the viability of forests ### investments in environmentally sustainable forest area development and improvement of the viability of forests


### afforestation and creation of woodland ; ### afforestation and creation of woodland according to the relevant bioclimatic zone ;


### afforestation and creation of woodland ; ### environmentally sustainable afforestation and environmentally sustainable creation of woodland ;


### establishment of agro - forestry systems ; ### establishment of agro - forestry and silvo - pastoral systems ;


### establishment of agro - forestry systems ; ### establishment of environmentally sustainable agro - forestry systems ;


### establishment of agro - forestry systems ### establishment of agro - forestry and silvo - pastoral systems


### prevention and restoration of damage to forests from forest fires and natural disasters , including pest and disease outbreaks , catastrophic events and climate related threats ; ### restoration of damage to forests from forest fires and natural disasters , including pest and disease outbreaks , catastrophic events and climate related threats ;


### investments in new forestry technologies and in processing and marketing of forest products . ### investments in environmentally sustainable forestry technologies and in processing and marketing of forest products .


### investments in new forestry technologies and in processing and marketing of forestry products ### investments in environmentally sustainable forestry technologies and in processing and marketing of forest products


### limitations on ownership of forests provided for in articles 36 to 40 shall not apply for the tropical or subtropical forests and for the wooded areas of the territories of the azores , madeira , the canary islands , the smaller aegean islands within the meaning of council regulation no 2019 / 93 and the french overseas departments . ### limitations on ownership of forests provided for in articles 23 to 27 shall not apply for the tropical or subtropical forests and for the wooded areas of the territories of the azores , madeira , the canary islands , the smaller aegean islands within the meaning of council regulation no 2019 / 93and the french overseas departments . limitations on ownership provided for in articles 23 - 27 shall not apply to support for environmental reasons such as protection against erosion or extension of forest resources contributing to climate change mitigation .


### support under article 22 shall be granted to private land - owners and tenants , municipalities and their associations and shall cover the costs of establishment and an annual premium per hectare to cover the costs of maintenance , including early and late cleanings , for a maximum period of ten years . ### support under article 22 shall be granted to land - owners and tenants , municipalities and their associations , and other land managers and shall cover the costs of establishment and an annual premium per hectare to cover the costs of maintenance , including early and late cleanings , for a maximum period of ten years .


### both agricultural and non - agricultural land shall be eligible . species planted shall be adapted to the environmental and climatic conditions of the area and answer to minimum environmental requirements . no support shall be granted for the planting of short rotation coppice , christmas trees or fast growing trees for energy production . in areas where afforestation is made difficult by severe pedo - climatic conditions support may be provided for planting other perennial woody species such as shrubs or bushes suitable to the local conditions . ### both agricultural and non - agricultural land shall be eligible . species planted shall be adapted to the environmental and climatic conditions of the area , answer to minimum environmental requirements and shall be consistent with the relevant bioclimatic zone . no support shall be granted for the planting of short rotation coppice , christmas trees or fast growing trees for energy production . in areas where afforestation is made difficult by severe pedo - climatic conditions support may be provided for planting other perennial woody species such as shrubs or bushes suitable to the local conditions .


### both agricultural and non - agricultural land shall be eligible . species planted shall be adapted to the environmental and climatic conditions of the area and answer to minimum environmental requirements . no support shall be granted for the planting of short rotation coppice , christmas trees or fast growing trees for energy production . in areas where afforestation is made difficult by severe pedo - climatic conditions support may be provided for planting other perennial woody species such as shrubs or bushes suitable to the local conditions . ### both agricultural and non - agricultural land shall be eligible . species planted shall be adapted to the environmental and climatic conditions of the area and answer to minimum environmental requirements which go beyond the generally established practice . no support shall be granted for the planting of short rotation coppice , christmas trees , fast growing trees for energy production , invasive species having a negative impact on biodiversity , as well as any planting that would have a detrimental impact on the environment and / or biodiversity . in general , no support shall be granted where such afforestation would have a detrimental impact on the environment and / or biodiversity . in areas where afforestation is made difficult by severe pedo - climatic conditions support may be provided for planting other perennial woody species such as shrubs or bushes suitable to the local conditions .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 90 concerning the definition of the minimum environmental requirements referred to in paragraph 2 . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 90 concerning the definition of the minimum environmental requirements referred to in paragraph 2 . minimum environmental requirements shall follow the typologies of the european environment agency , covering all the different types of european forests .


### the establishment of protective infrastructure . in the case of firebreaks support may also cover aid contributing to maintenance costs . no support shall be granted for agricultural related activities in areas covered by agri - environment commitments ; ### the establishment of preventive infrastructure constituting a network to protect an area of woodland in accordance with local or regional forest fire prevention plans . no support shall be granted for agriculture - related activities , particularly in areas covered by agri - environment commitments ;


### establishing and improving forest fire , pest and diseases monitoring facilities and communication equipment ; restoring forest potential damaged from fires and other natural disasters including pests , diseases as well as catastrophic events and climate change related events . ### establishing and improving facilities for forecasting and monitoring risks of forest fires , pests and diseases , and communication equipment in woodland areas ;


### investments shall be aimed at the achievement of commitments undertaken for environmental aims or providing ecosystem services and / or which enhance the public amenity value of forest and wooded land in the area concerned or improve the climate change mitigation potential of ecosystems , without excluding economic benefits in the long term . ### investments shall be aimed at : restoring forest potential damaged by fires and other natural disasters , including those caused by pests , diseases and climate change , and catastrophic events ; the achievement of commitments undertaken for environmental aims or providing ecosystem services and / or which enhance the public amenity value of forest and wooded land in the area concerned or improve the climate change mitigation potential of ecosystems , without excluding economic benefits in the long term .


### support under article 22 shall be granted to private forest owners , municipalities and their associations and to smes for investments enhancing forestry potential or relating to processing and marketing adding value to forest products . in the territories of the azores , madeira , the canary islands , the smaller aegean islands within the meaning of regulation no 2019 / 93 and the french overseas departments support may also be granted to enterprises that are not smes . ### support under article 22 shall be granted to private forest owners , municipalities and their associations , forest workers and their associations and to smes for investments enhancing forestry potential or relating to processing and marketing adding value to forest products . in the territories of the azores , madeira , the canary islands , the smaller aegean islands within the meaning of regulation no 2019 / 93 and the french overseas departments support may also be granted to enterprises that are not smes .


### support under article 22 shall be granted to private forest owners , municipalities and their associations and to smes for investments enhancing forestry potential or relating to processing and marketing adding value to forest products . in the territories of the azores , madeira , the canary islands , the smaller aegean islands within the meaning of regulation no 2019 / 93 and the french overseas departments support may also be granted to enterprises that are not smes . ### support under article 22 shall be granted to private forest owners , municipalities and their associations and to smes for investments in environmentally sustainable forestry technologies or relating to processing and marketing adding value to forest products . in the territories of the azores , madeira , the canary islands , the smaller aegean islands within the meaning of regulation no 2019 / 93 and the french overseas departments support may also be granted to enterprises that are not smes .


### investments related to the improvement of the economic value of forests shall be at the level of the forest holding and may include investments for soil and resource friendly harvesting machinery and practices . ### investments related to the improvement of the environmental value of forests shall be at the level of the forest holding and may include investments for soil and resource friendly harvesting machinery and practices of particular environmental value .


### agri - environment - climate payments cover only those commitments going beyond the relevant mandatory standards established pursuant to chapter i of title vi of regulation no hr / 2012 and other relevant obligations established under chapter 2 of title iii of regulation no dp / 2012 , relevant minimum requirements for fertiliser and plant protection products use as well as other relevant mandatory requirements established by national legislation . all such mandatory requirements shall be identified in the programme . ### agri - environment - climate payments cover only those commitments going significantly beyond the relevant mandatory standards established pursuant to chapter i of title vi of regulation no hr / 2012 and other relevant obligations established under chapter 2 of title iii of regulation no dp / 2012 , relevant minimum requirements for fertiliser and plant protection products use as well as other relevant mandatory requirements established by national legislation . all such mandatory requirements shall be identified in the programme .


### commitments under this measure shall be undertaken for a period of five to seven years . however , where necessary in order to achieve or maintain the environmental benefits sought , member states may determine a longer period in their rural development programmes for particular types of commitments , including by means of providing for their annual extension after the termination of the initial period . ### commitments under this measure shall be undertaken for a period of five to seven years . however , where necessary in order to achieve or maintain the environmental benefits sought , member states may determine a longer or shorter period in their rural development programmes for particular types of commitments , including by means of providing for their annual extension after the termination of the initial period . member states may determine the period to last permanently if the commitments are written in easements on future use of the land to be recorded in a national land register .


### no support under this measure may be granted for commitments that are covered under the organic farming measure . ### no support under this measure may be granted for commitments that are covered under the organic farming measure . no support under this measure may be granted for commitments that are beneficial for climate but have a negative impact on the environment .


### support under this measure shall be granted annually and per hectare of uaa or per hectare of forest in order to compensate beneficiaries for costs incurred and income foregone resulting from disadvantages in the areas concerned , related to the implementation of directives 92 / 43 / eec , 2009 / 147 / ec and 2000 / 60 / ec . ### support under this measure shall be granted annually and per hectare of uaa or per hectare of forest in order to compensate beneficiaries for costs incurred and income foregone resulting from disadvantages in the areas concerned , related to the implementation of directives 92 / 43 / eec , 2009 / 147 / ec and 2000 / 60 / ec . for requirements of a permanent nature the support may have the form of a lump sum payment per hectare of uaa or forest to cover full compensation . in this case the requirements must be written as easements on the future use of the land and be recorded in a national land register . in duly justified cases support may be granted based on other unitary costs than hectare , such as kilometre of water course . alternatively , the support may cover tangible and / or intangible non productive investments which are necessary to comply with requirements linked to directives 2009 / 147 / ec , 92 / 43 / eec and 2000 / 60 / ec .


### other delimited nature protection areas with environmental restrictions applicable to farming or forests which contribute to the implementation of article 10 of directive 92 / 43 / eec . these areas shall , per rural development programme , not exceed 5% of the designated natura 2000 areas covered by its territorial scope ; ### other delimited nature protection areas with environmental restrictions applicable to farming or forests which contribute to the improvement of populations of species under annex iv to directive 92 / 43 / eec , to the implementation of article 10 of directive 92 / 43 / eec and to all bird species in accordance with article 1 of directive 2009 / 147 / eg . these areas referred to in this point shall , per rural development programme , not exceed 7 % of the designated natura 2000 areas covered by its territorial scope ;


### agricultural areas included in river basin management plans according to directive 2000 / 60 / ec . ### agricultural areas and forest areas included in river basin management plans according to directive 2000 / 60 / ec .


### in order to be eligible for payments under article 32 , areas , other than mountain areas , shall be considered as facing significant natural constraints if at least 66% of the uaa meets at least one of the criteria listed in annex ii at the threshold value indicated . respect of this condition shall be ensured at the appropriate level of local administrative units . ### in order to be eligible for payments under article 32 , areas , other than mountain areas , shall be considered as facing significant natural constraints if at least 50% of the uaa meets at least one of the criteria listed in annex ii at the threshold value indicated . respect of this condition shall be ensured at the appropriate level of local administrative units . it must be possible to apply not only the biophysical criteria provided for in annex ii but also other scientifically sound criteria of disadvantage .


### the area based or other unitary costs based payments shall be granted annually and shall compensate farmers for all or part of the additional costs and income foregone resulting from the commitment made . where necessary , they may also cover transaction costs to the value of up to 20% of the premium paid for the animal welfare commitments . ### the area based or other unitary costs based payments shall be granted annually and shall compensate farmers for all or part of the additional costs and income foregone resulting from the commitment made . where necessary , they could also cover transaction costs to the value of up to 20% of the premium paid for the animal welfare commitments . results - oriented animal welfare indicators should be used to determine whether plans go beyond what the law requires and to determine the level of support for farmers .


### support under this measure shall be granted per hectare of forest to forest holders , municipalities and their associations who undertake , on a voluntary basis , to carry out operations consisting of one or more forest - environment commitments . bodies managing state owned forests may also benefit from support provided they are independent from the state budget . ### support under this measure shall be granted per hectare of forest to forest holders , municipalities and their associations who undertake , on a voluntary basis , to carry out operations consisting of one or more forest - environment commitments . bodies managing state owned forests may also benefit from support .


### payments shall cover only those commitments going beyond the relevant mandatory requirements established by the national forestry act or other relevant national legislation . all such requirements shall be identified in the programme . ### payments shall cover only those commitments going significantly beyond the relevant mandatory requirements established by the national forestry act or other relevant national legislation . all such requirements shall be identified in the programme .


### in order to be eligible for eafrd support investment operations shall be preceded by an assessment of the expected environmental impact in accordance with legislation specific to that kind of investment where the investment is likely to have negative effects on the environment . ### in order to be eligible for eafrd support investment operations shall be preceded by an assessment of the expected environmental impact in accordance with legislation specific to that kind of investment where the investment is likely to have negative effects on the environment . the only investments supported shall be those that contribute substantially to protecting the environment , the climate and animal welfare , and go significantly beyond what the law requires .


### promote a resource efficient , productive , low emission , climate friendly and resilient agricultural sector , working in harmony with the essential natural resources on which farming depends ; ### promote a resource efficient , productive , low emission , animal welfare friendly , climate friendly and resilient agricultural sector , working in harmony with the essential natural resources on which farming depends ;


### improve processes to preserve the environment , adapt to climate change and mitigate it ; ### improve processes to preserve the environment , adapt to climate change and mitigate it , while protecting animal welfare ;


### the funds transferred to the eafrd in application of article 7 of regulation no dp / 2012 shall be reserved for operations which provide a significant contribution to innovation relevant to agricultural productivity and sustainability , including climate mitigation or adaptation . ### the funds transferred to the eafrd in application of article 7 of regulation no dp / 2012 shall be reserved for operations which provide a significant contribution to innovation relevant to agricultural productivity and sustainability , including climate mitigation and / or adaptation . innovation measures should also contribute to improving the environmental sustainability of farming and the food chain and in no case harm the environmental objectives of the cap or the delivery of the environmental outcomes of other measures .


### the managing authority and the monitoring committee shall carry out monitoring of each rural development programme by means of financial , output and target indicators . ### the managing authority and the monitoring committee shall carry out monitoring of each rural development programme by means of financial , output , impact and target indicators .


### agricultural sector of the amount of eligible investment in less developed regions of the amount of eligible investment in outermost regions of the amount of eligible investment in the smaller aegean islands of the amount of eligible investment in other regions the above rates may be increased by 20% , provided that maximum combined support does not exceed 90% , for : - young farmers setting up - collective investments and integrated projects - areas facing natural constraints as referred to in article 33 . - operations supported in the framework of the eip processing and marketing of annex i products of the amount of eligible investment in less developed regions of the amount of eligible investment in outermost regions of the amount of eligible investment in the smaller aegean islands of the amount of eligible investment in other regions the above rates may be increased by 20% , provided that maximum combined support does not exceed 90% , for operations supported in the framework of the eip ### agricultural sector of the amount of eligible investment in less developed regions of the amount of eligible investment in outermost regions of the amount of eligible investment in the smaller aegean islands of the amount of eligible investment in other regions the above rates may be increased by 20% , provided that maximum combined support does not exceed 90% , for : - young farmers setting up - collective investments and integrated projects - areas facing natural constraints as referred to in article 33 . - operations supported in the framework of the eip - organic farmers - measures to fulfil natura 2000 and the water framework directive - agri - environmental schemes processing and marketing of annex i products of the amount of eligible investment in less developed regions of the amount of eligible investment in outermost regions of the amount of eligible investment in the smaller aegean islands of the amount of eligible investment in other regions the above rates may be increased by 20% , provided that maximum combined support does not exceed 90% , for operations supported in the framework of the eip


### rd priority 3 : promoting food chain organisation and risk management in agriculture ### rd priority 3 : promoting food chain organisation in agriculture


### article 17 quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs article 32 - 33 payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints ### article 17 quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs article 32 - 33 payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints article 34 animal welfare


### developing smart distribution systems at low voltage levels ; ### developing smart distribution systems at low and medium voltage levels ;


### promoting low - carbon strategies for urban areas ; ### promoting low - carbon strategies for urban areas , including the promotion of sustainable urban mobility , clean public transport and measures relevant to climate mitigation and adaptation ;


### annex i to regulation no 1215 / 2009 is replaced by the text set out in the annex to this regulation . ### annex i is replaced by the text set out in the annex to this regulation .


### there is public interest in the relationship between diet and health and in the choice of an appropriate diet to suit individual needs . the commission white paper on a strategy for europe on nutrition , overweight and obesity related health issues noted that nutrition labelling is an important tool to inform consumers about the composition of the foods and help them make an informed choice . the eu consumer policy strategy 2007 - 2013 underlined that allowing consumers to make informed choice is essential both to effective competition and consumer welfare . knowledge of the basic principles of nutrition and appropriate nutrition information on foods would contribute significantly towards enabling the consumer to make such an informed choice . ### there is public interest in the relationship between diet and health and in the choice of an appropriate diet to suit individual needs . the commission white paper on a strategy for europe on nutrition , overweight and obesity related health issues noted that nutrition labelling is one method of informing consumers about the composition of the foods and of helping them make an informed choice . education and information campaigns run by member states are an important mechanism for improving consumer understanding of nutrition information . the eu consumer policy strategy 2007 - 2013 underlined that allowing consumers to make informed choice is essential both to effective competition and consumer welfare . knowledge of the basic principles of nutrition and appropriate nutrition information on foods would contribute significantly towards enabling the consumer to make such an informed choice . to this end , training programmes should be funded which would enable european citizens to acquire knowledge or enhance their knowledge of this subject . this could also be achieved by means of on - line information and education programmes . in this way , consumers would have all the tools they need to make a fully informed choice .


### food information law should provide sufficient flexibility to be able to keep up to date with new information requirements from consumers and ensure a balance between the protection of the internal market and the differences in the perception of consumers in the member states . ### food information law should also be based on consumers’ information requirements and ensure coherence between the protection of the internal market and the differences in the perception of consumers in the member states .


### new mandatory food information requirements should however only be established if and where necessary , in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity , proportionality and sustainability . ### new mandatory food information requirements should however only be established if and where necessary , in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity , proportionality , transparency and sustainability .


### the rules on food information should prohibit the use of information that would mislead the consumer or attribute medicinal properties to foods . to be effective , this prohibition should also apply to the advertising and presentation of foods . ### the rules on food information should prohibit the indication of any particular that would mislead the consumer or attribute medicinal properties to foods . to be effective , this prohibition should also apply to the advertising and presentation of foods .


### a list should be drawn up of all mandatory information which should in principle be provided for all foods intended for the final consumer and the mass caterers . that list should maintain the information that is already required under existing legislation given that it is generally considered as a valuable acquis for consumer information . ### a list should be drawn up of all mandatory information which should be provided for all foods intended for the final consumer and the mass caterers . that list should maintain the information that is already required under existing legislation given that it is generally considered as a valuable acquis for consumer information .


### in order to take account of changes and developments in the field of food information , provisions should be made to empower the commission to amend the list of mandatory information by adding or removing particulars and for enabling the availability of certain particulars through alternative means . consultation with stakeholders should facilitate timely and well targeted changes of food information requirements . ### in order to take account of changes and developments in the field of food information , provisions should be made to empower the commission to amend the list of mandatory information by adding or removing particulars and for enabling the availability of certain particulars through alternative means . public consultation with all stakeholders should facilitate timely and well targeted changes of food information requirements .


### specific community rules already exist on the labelling of wine . council regulation no 1493 / 1999 of 17 may 1999 on the common organisation of the market in wine1 provides an exhaustive set of technical standards which fully cover all oenological practices , manufacturing methods and means of presentation and labelling of wines thus ensuring that all stages in the chain are covered and that consumers are protected and properly informed . in particular , this legislation describes in a precise and exhaustive manner the substances likely to be used in the production process , together with the conditions for their use via a positive list of oenological practices and treatments ; any practice not included in this list is prohibited . therefore , it is appropriate to exempt wine at this stage from the obligation to list the ingredients and to provide for a nutrition declaration . as regards beer and spirits as defined in article 2 of regulation no [ … ] of [ … ] of the european parliament and of the council on the definition , description , presentation , labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing council regulation no 1576 / 891 , and in order to ensure a consistent approach and coherence with the conditions established for wine , the same kind of exemptions shall apply . however , the commission will produce a report after five years of the entry into force of this regulation and propose the necessary specific requirements in the context of this regulation . ____________________ 1 oj l 179 , 14 . 07 . 99 , p . 1 . 2 oj l [ … ] , [ … ] , p . [ … ] . ### specific community rules already exist on the labelling of wine . council regulation no 497 / 2008 of 29 april 2008 on the common organisation of the market in wine , amending regulations no 1493 / 1999 , no 1782 / 2003 , no 1290 / 2005 and no 3 / 2008 and repealing regulations no 2392 / 86 and no 1493 / 19991 provides an exhaustive set of technical standards which fully cover all oenological practices , manufacturing methods and means of presentation and labelling of wines , thus ensuring that all stages in the chain are covered and that consumers are protected and properly informed . in particular , this legislation describes in a precise and exhaustive manner the substances likely to be used in the production process , together with the conditions for their use via a positive list of oenological practices and treatments ; any practice not included in this list is prohibited . therefore , it is appropriate to exempt wine at this stage from the obligation to list the ingredients and to provide for a nutrition declaration . as regards beer , liqueur wines , sparkling wines , aromatised wines and similar products obtained from fruits other than grapes , fruit beer and spirits as defined in article 2 of regulation no 110 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 january 2008 on the definition , description , presentation , labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing council regulation no 1576 / 892 , and in order to ensure a consistent approach and coherence with the conditions established for wine , the same kind of exemptions shall apply . however , the commission will produce a report after five years of the entry into force of this regulation and propose the necessary specific requirements in the context of this regulation . ____________________ 1oj l 148 , 6 . 6 . 2008 , p . 1 . oj l 39 , 13 . 2 . 2008 , p . 16 .


### the indication of the country of origin or of the place of provenance of a food should be provided whenever its absence is likely to mislead consumers as to the true country of origin or place of provenance of that product . in other cases , the provision of the indication of country of origin or place of provenance is left to the appreciation of food business operators . in all cases , the indication of country of origin or place of provenance should be provided in a manner which does not deceive the consumer and on the basis of clearly defined criteria which ensure a level playing field for the industry and improve consumers’ understanding of the information related to the country of origin or place of provenance of a food . such criteria should not apply to indications related to the name or address of the food business operator . ### the place of provenance of the primary ingredient used in the product should be indicated , with a view to guaranteeing greater transparency and greater traceability . as far as possible , the region of origin and the name and address of the producer of the ingredient should be indicated . in all cases , the indication of country of origin or place of provenance should be provided in a manner which does not deceive the consumer and on the basis of clearly defined criteria which ensure a level playing field for the industry and improve consumers’ understanding of the information related to the country of origin or place of provenance of a food .


### in general , consumers are not aware of the potential contribution of alcoholic beverages to their overall diet . therefore , it is appropriate to ensure that information on the nutrient content of in particular mixed alcoholic beverages is provided . ### consumers should be aware of the potential contribution of alcoholic beverages on their overall diet . therefore , the commission and the relevant stakeholders should undertake research during the exemption period to establish what information would be most useful for the consumer , as well as the most effective way of presenting such information .


### member states should not be able to adopt provisions other than those laid down in this regulation in the field it harmonises , unless specifically indicated in it . ### member states should not be able to adopt provisions other than those laid down in this regulation in the field it harmonises , unless specifically indicated in it . furthermore , as national labelling requirements may give rise to obstacles to free movement in the internal market , member states should demonstrate why such measures are necessary and set out the steps they will take to ensure that they are applied in the manner which least restricts trade .


### in order to enable interested parties , especially small and medium - sized enterprises , to provide nutrition information on their products , the application of the measures to make nutrition information mandatory should be introduced gradually through extended transition periods with an additional transition period provided for micro - businesses . ### in order to enable interested parties , especially small and medium - sized enterprises , to provide nutrition information on their products , the application of the measures to make nutrition information mandatory should be introduced gradually through extended transition periods with an additional transition period provided for micro - businesses . provision should also be made for community aid to help these small and medium - sized enterprises in the agricultural sector obtain the scientific knowledge they need to assess the nutritional value of their products . training programmes should also be available for entrepreneurs in this sector so they can improve their skills in this field .


### when food information law establishes new requirements , consideration shall be given to the need for a transitory period after the entry into force of the new requirements , during which foods bearing labels not complying with the new requirements can be placed on the market and for stocks of such foods that have been placed on the market before the end of the transitory period to continue to be sold until exhausted . ### when food information law establishes new requirements , unless such requirements relate to the protection of human health a transitory period shall be granted after the entry into force of the new requirements , during which foods bearing labels not complying with the new requirements can be placed on the market and for stocks of such foods that have been placed on the market before the end of the transitory period to continue to be sold until exhausted .


### when considering the need for mandatory food information , account shall be taken of a widespread need on the part of the majority of consumers for certain information to which they attach significant value or of any generally accepted benefits to the consumer to enable them to make informed choices . ### when considering the need for mandatory food information , account shall be taken of the potential costs and benefits to stakeholders of providing certain information to which they attach significant value or of any generally accepted benefits to enable consumers to make informed choices .


### food business operators within the business under their control shall ensure that information relating to non - prepacked food shall be transmitted to the operator receiving the food in order to enable , where appropriate , the provision of the mandatory food information specified in article 9 points to and to the final consumer . ### food business operators within the business under their control shall ensure that information relating to non - prepacked food is made available to the operator handling the food in order to enable him or her , when asked , to provide the final consumer with the mandatory food information specified in article 9 points to and .


### the net quantity of the food ; ### the net quantity of the food at the time of packaging ;


### the name or business name and address of the manufacturer or packager , or of a seller established within the community ; ### the name or business name , or a registered trade mark , and address of the manufacturer , packager and , in the case of products from third countries , a seller established within the community ;


### the name or business name and address of the manufacturer or packager , or of a seller established within the community ; ### the name or business name and address of the manufacturer or packager , or of a seller established within the community ; in the case of non - composite foodstuffs and the primary ingredients of composite foodstuffs , the name and address of the producer ;


### instructions for use when it would be impossible to make appropriate use of the food in the absence of such instructions ; ### instructions for use when it would be dangerous to use the product in the form in which it is sold ;


### in the case of packaging or containers the largest surface of which has an area of less than 10 cm2 only the particulars listed in article 9 , , and shall be mandatory on the package or on the label . the particulars referred to in article 9 shall be provided through other means or shall be available at the request of the consumer . ### without prejudice to the provisions of article 14 , in the case of packaging or containers the largest surface of which has an area of less than 25 cm2 only the particulars listed in article 9 , , , and shall be mandatory on the package or on the label . to deal with any legibility problems , the particulars referred to in article 9 shall also be provided through other means or shall be available at the request of the consumer .


### this paragraph shall not apply to wine as defined in council regulation no 1493 / 1999 , beer , and spirits as defined in article 2 of regulation no . [ … ] of [ … ] of the european parliament and of the council on the definition , description , presentation , labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing council regulation no 1576 / 89 . the commission shall produce a report after [ five years of the entry into force of this regulation ] concerning the application of this paragraph on these products and may accompany this report by specific measures determining the rules for a mandatory nutrition declaration for these products . those measures designed to amend non - essential elements of this regulation by supplementing it shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in article 49 . ### this paragraph shall not apply to wine as defined in council regulation no 1493 / 1999 , wine - based products as referred to in council regulation no 479 / 2008 and council regulation no 1601 / 1991 , fruit beer , beer , and spirits as defined in article 2 of regulation no . 110 / 2008 of 15 january 2008 of the european parliament and of the council on the definition , description , presentation , labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks . the commission shall produce a report after [ five years of the entry into force of this regulation ] concerning the application of this paragraph on these products and may accompany this report by specific measures determining the rules for a mandatory nutrition declaration for these products . those measures designed to amend non - essential elements of this regulation by supplementing it shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in article 290 tfeu .


### this paragraph shall not apply to wine as defined in council regulation no 1493 / 1999 , beer , and spirits as defined in article 2 of regulation no . [ … ] of [ … ] of the european parliament and of the council on the definition , description , presentation , labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing council regulation no 1576 / 89 . the commission shall produce a report after [ five years of the entry into force of this regulation ] concerning the application of this paragraph on these products and may accompany this report by specific measures determining the rules for a mandatory nutrition declaration for these products . those measures designed to amend non - essential elements of this regulation , by supplementing it shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in article 49 . ### in the case of alcoholic beverages , the mandatory nutrition declaration shall consist of the energy value alone .


### wine as defined in council regulation no 1493 / 1999 , beer , and spirits as defined in article 2 of regulation no . [ … ] of [ … ] of the european parliament and of the council on the definition , description , presentation , labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing council regulation no 1576 / 89 . the commission shall produce a report after [ five years of the entry into force of this regulation ] concerning the application of article 19 on these products and may accompany this report by specific measures determining the rules for labelling ingredients . those measures designed to amend non - essential elements of this regulation by supplementing it shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in article 49 . ### beverages containing more than 1 . 2% alcohol by volume , with the exception of mixed beverages containing alcohol , otherwise known as ' alcopops ' . the commission shall produce a report by * at the latest concerning the application of article 19 to these products , and may accompany that report by specific measures determining the rules for labelling ingredients . those measures designed to amend non - essential elements of this regulation by supplementing it shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in article 49 . ___________ oj : five years from the date of entry into force of this regulation .


### this paragraph shall not apply to wine as defined in council regulation no 1493 / 1999 , beer , and spirits as defined in article 2 of regulation no . [ … ] of [ … ] of the european parliament and of the council on the definition , description , presentation , labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing council regulation no 1576 / 89 . the commission shall produce a report after [ five years of the entry into force of this regulation ] concerning the application of article 19 on these products and may accompany this report by specific measures determining the rules for a mandatory nutrition declaration for these products . those measures designed to amend non - essential elements of this regulation by supplementing it shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in article 49 . ### this paragraph shall not apply to beverages containing more than 1 . 2% alcohol by volume , with the exception of mixed beverages containing alcohol , otherwise known as ' alcopops ' . the commission shall produce a report by . . . * at the latest concerning the application of article 19 on these products and may accompany this report by specific measures determining the rules for a mandatory nutrition declaration for these products . those measures designed to amend non - essential elements of this regulation by supplementing it shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in article 49 . ___________ oj : five years from the date of entry into force of this regulation .


### the ingredient or category of ingredients concerned is emphasised on the labelling in words , pictures or graphics ; or ### the ingredient or category of ingredients concerned is emphasised on the labelling in words , pictures or graphics , to comply with the weights and measures rules and to avoid any misleading nutrition claims ; or


### the instructions for use of a food shall be indicated in such a way as to enable appropriate use to be made thereof . ### the instructions for storage and use of a food shall be indicated in such a way as to enable appropriate use to be made thereof .


### mono - unsaturates ; ### mono - unsaturates


### polyunsaturates ; ### polyunsaturates


### the amount of energy and nutrients referred to in paragraph 1 shall be expressed per 100 g or per 100 ml or , subject to article 32 and , per portion . ### the amount of energy and nutrients or their components referred to in paragraph 1 shall be expressed per 100 g or per 100 ml .


### the nutrition declaration may be expressed on a per portion basis alone if the food is prepacked as an individual portion . ### the nutrition declaration may be expressed on a per portion or per unit basis alone if the net weight of the food referred to in paragraph 1 is less than 100 g .


### the particulars referred to article 31 related to the mandatory nutrition declaration shall be included in the principal field of vision . they shall be presented , where appropriate , together in a clear format in the following order : energy , fat , saturates , carbohydrates with specific reference to sugars , and salt . ### the particulars referred to article 31 related to the mandatory nutrition declaration shall be included in the same field of vision . they shall be presented , where appropriate , together in a clear format in the following order : energy , protein , fat , saturates , carbohydrates with specific reference to sugars , fibre and salt . in addition , the amount of energy referred to in article 29 and the percentage of the reference intake for energy referred to in article 31 shall appear in the principal field of vision in accordance with article 32 and 32 . it shall be expressed per portion .


### ' protein ' means the protein content calculated using the formula : protein = total kjeldahl nitrogen × 6 , 25 ; ### ' protein ' means the protein content calculated using the formula : protein = total kjeldahl nitrogen × 6 , 25 and , in the case of milk protein , × 6 , 38 ;


### cereals used for making distillates or ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin for spirit drinks and other beverages containing more than 1 , 2 % by volume of alcohol . ### cereals used for making alcoholic distillates .


### whey used for making distillates or ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin for spirit drinks and other beverages containing more than 1 , 2 % by volume of alcohol ; ### whey used for making alcoholic distillates ;


### nuts used for making distillates or ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin for spirit drinks and other beverages containing more than 1 , 2 % by volume of alcohol . ### nuts used for making alcoholic distillates .


### skeletal muscles of mammalian and bird species recognised as fit for human consumption with naturally included or adherent tissue , where the total fat and connective tissue content does not exceed the values indicated below and where the meat constitutes an ingredient of another food . the products covered by the definition of ‘ mechanically separated meat’ are excluded from this definition . ### skeletal muscles of mammalian and bird species recognised as fit for human consumption with naturally included or adherent tissue , where the total fat and connective tissue content does not exceed the values indicated below and where the meat constitutes an ingredient of another food . this definition includes meat obtained from flesh - bearing bones by mechanical means and which is not covered by the definition of mechanically separated meat within the meaning of regulation no 853 / 2004 of the european parliament and of the council of 29 april 2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin1 . ______ 1 oj l 139 , 30 . 4 . 2004 , p . 55 .


### where a solid food is presented in a liquid medium , the drained net weight of the food shall also be indicated . ### where a solid food is presented in a liquid medium , the drained net weight of the food at the moment of packing shall also be indicated .