# Official Journal C 231/2021

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 231 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6416 June 2021 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 231

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6416 June 2021

---

| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 231/01 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10270 — SMO PSA/CDC/Swissterminal/Euro Rhein Ports JV) (
  1
  ) | 1 |

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2021/C 231/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.10270 — SMO PSA/CDC/Swissterminal/Euro Rhein Ports JV) (
  1
  )

1

1

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| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 231/02 | Euro exchange rates — 15 June 2021 | 2 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2021/C 231/03 | Communication from the Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands pursuant to Article 3(2) of Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons | 3 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2021/C 231/02

Euro exchange rates — 15 June 2021

2

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2021/C 231/03

Communication from the Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands pursuant to Article 3(2) of Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons

3

---

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 231/04 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10153 – Orange/Telekom Romania Communications) (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2021/C 231/05 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10316 — Macquarie/Warrington/Bingo) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2021/C 231/06 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10327 — Elexent/GP JOULE Connect/Elexent DACH JV) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 9 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2021/C 231/07 | Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 11 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

2021/C 231/04

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10153 – Orange/Telekom Romania Communications) (
  1
  )

1

5

2021/C 231/05

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10316 — Macquarie/Warrington/Bingo) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

7

2021/C 231/06

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.10327 — Elexent/GP JOULE Connect/Elexent DACH JV) – Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

9

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2021/C 231/07

Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

11

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| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance. |

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

| EN | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 16.6.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 231/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.6.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 231/1

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10270 — SMO PSA/CDC/Swissterminal/Euro Rhein Ports JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 231/01)

On 9 June 2021, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M10270. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law. |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M10270. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 16.6.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 231/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.6.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 231/2

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Euro exchange rates (1)

15 June 2021

(2021/C 231/02)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2108 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 133,28 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4362 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,86150 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 10,0858 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,0899 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 147,20 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 10,0823 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 25,450 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 352,08 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,5235 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,9243 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 10,3586 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,5742 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4758 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,3991 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,6987 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,6063 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 354,10 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 16,6800 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,7502 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,4883 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 17 254,07 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,9849 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 58,203 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 87,2350 |
| THB | Thai baht | 37,716 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 6,1394 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 24,1978 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 88,8031 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2108

JPY

Japanese yen

133,28

DKK

Danish krone

7,4362

GBP

Pound sterling

0,86150

SEK

Swedish krona

10,0858

CHF

Swiss franc

1,0899

ISK

Iceland króna

147,20

NOK

Norwegian krone

10,0823

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

25,450

HUF

Hungarian forint

352,08

PLN

Polish zloty

4,5235

RON

Romanian leu

4,9243

TRY

Turkish lira

10,3586

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5742

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4758

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,3991

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6987

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,6063

KRW

South Korean won

1 354,10

ZAR

South African rand

16,6800

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,7502

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,4883

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

17 254,07

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,9849

PHP

Philippine peso

58,203

RUB

Russian rouble

87,2350

THB

Thai baht

37,716

BRL

Brazilian real

6,1394

MXN

Mexican peso

24,1978

INR

Indian rupee

88,8031

---

(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 16.6.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 231/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.6.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 231/3

---

Communication from the Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands pursuant to Article 3(2) of Directive 94/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conditions for granting and using authorisations for the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons

(2021/C 231/03)

The Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy hereby gives notice that an application has been received for authorisation to prospect for hydrocarbons in block segments P12b and Q13b and block Q14 as indicated on the map appended as Annex 3 to the Mining Regulation (Mijnbouwregeling).

Block segment P12b is delimited by the block boundary between vertex pairs A-B, B-C and C-D and the great circles between vertex pairs D-E, E-F, F-G and A-G.

Block segment P12b covers an area of 160,8 km2.

The vertices are defined as follows:

| Vertex | o | ’ | ‘’ E | o | ’ | ‘’ N |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A | 3 | 50 | 1,125 | 52 | 29 | 57,155 |
| B | 3 | 59 | 55,139 | 52 | 29 | 57,162 |
| C | 3 | 59 | 55,158 | 52 | 19 | 57,143 |
| D | 3 | 55 | 45,152 | 52 | 19 | 57,140 |
| E | 3 | 55 | 45,150 | 52 | 20 | 52,142 |
| F | 3 | 55 | 45,147 | 52 | 22 | 37,146 |
| G | 3 | 50 | 1,134 | 52 | 25 | 7,465 |

Vertex

o

’

‘’ E

o

’

‘’ N

A

3

50

1,125

52

29

57,155

B

3

59

55,139

52

29

57,162

C

3

59

55,158

52

19

57,143

D

3

55

45,152

52

19

57,140

E

3

55

45,150

52

20

52,142

F

3

55

45,147

52

22

37,146

G

3

50

1,134

52

25

7,465

Block segment Q13b is delimited by the block boundary between vertex pairs A-B, B-C, D-E and A-I, the great circles between vertex pairs E-F, F-G, G-H and H-I and the line defined in the annex to the Mining Act (Mijnbouwwet), between the intersection of that line with the great circle through vertices B and C and its intersection with the great circle through vertices D and E. The aforementioned intersections are located approximately at vertices C and D.

Block segment Q13b covers an area of 321,3 km2.

The vertices are defined as follows:

| Vertex | o | ’ | ‘’ E | o | ’ | ‘’ N |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A | 3 | 59 | 55,158 | 52 | 19 | 57,143 |
| B | 4 | 19 | 55,187 | 52 | 19 | 57,157 |
| C (*1) | 4 | 19 | 55,196 | 52 | 14 | 29,530 |
| D (*1) | 4 | 14 | 44,300 | 52 | 9 | 57,135 |
| E | 4 | 10 | 55,192 | 52 | 9 | 57,132 |
| F | 4 | 10 | 55,189 | 52 | 11 | 27,135 |
| G | 4 | 6 | 55,179 | 52 | 13 | 42,137 |
| H | 4 | 4 | 59,387 | 52 | 12 | 21,079 |
| I | 3 | 59 | 55,166 | 52 | 15 | 15,385 |

Vertex

o

’

‘’ E

o

’

‘’ N

A

3

59

55,158

52

19

57,143

B

4

19

55,187

52

19

57,157

C (*1)

4

19

55,196

52

14

29,530

D (*1)

4

14

44,300

52

9

57,135

E

4

10

55,192

52

9

57,132

F

4

10

55,189

52

11

27,135

G

4

6

55,179

52

13

42,137

H

4

4

59,387

52

12

21,079

I

3

59

55,166

52

15

15,385

Block Q14 is indicated on the map appended as Annex 3 to the Mining Regulation (Government Gazette (Staatscourant) 2014, No 4928).

Block Q14 covers an area of 24,3 km2.

The above vertices are defined by their geographical coordinates, calculated according to the ETRS89 system.

With reference to the Directive referred to in the preamble and Article 15 of the Mining Act, the Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy hereby invites interested parties to submit a competing application for authorisation to prospect for hydrocarbons in block segments P12b and Q13b and block Q14 of the Dutch continental shelf.

The Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy is the competent authority for the granting of authorisations. The criteria, conditions and requirements referred to in Articles 5(1) and (2) and 6(2) of the above-mentioned Directive are set out in the Mining Act.

Applications may be submitted during the 13 weeks following the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union and should be sent to:

Email: mijnbouwvergunningen@minezk.nl

| The Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy |
| --- |
| attn.: Mr J.L. Rosch, Energy and Environment Directorate |
| Bezuidenhoutseweg 73 |
| Postbus 20401 |
| 2500 EK Den Haag |
| NEDERLAND |

The Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy

attn.: Mr J.L. Rosch, Energy and Environment Directorate

Bezuidenhoutseweg 73

Postbus 20401

2500 EK Den Haag

NEDERLAND

Applications received after the expiry of this period will not be considered.

A decision on the applications will in principle be taken not later than 12 months after this period has expired.

Further information can be obtained by calling Ms E. Aygün on the following Tel. +31 611223780.

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(*1)  Approximate location

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V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

| 16.6.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 231/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.6.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 231/5

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10153 – Orange/Telekom Romania Communications)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 231/04)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | Orange S.A. (‘Orange’, France), |
| --- | --- |

—

Orange S.A. (‘Orange’, France),

| — | Telekom Romania Communications S.A. (‘TKR’, Romania), controlled by Deutsche Telekom AG (‘DT’, Germany). |
| --- | --- |

—

Telekom Romania Communications S.A. (‘TKR’, Romania), controlled by Deutsche Telekom AG (‘DT’, Germany).

Orange acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of the whole of TKR.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | for Orange: global telecommunications operator, active in Romania through its subsidiaries Orange Romania S.A. and Orange Business Romania S.A., which primarily offers mobile telecommunications services relying on its own mobile network, and to a very limited extent, fixed telephony, fixed internet and TV services relying almost exclusively on third-party infrastructure, |
| --- | --- |

—

for Orange: global telecommunications operator, active in Romania through its subsidiaries Orange Romania S.A. and Orange Business Romania S.A., which primarily offers mobile telecommunications services relying on its own mobile network, and to a very limited extent, fixed telephony, fixed internet and TV services relying almost exclusively on third-party infrastructure,

| — | for TKR: provider of fixed telecommunications services, TV services and multiple-play bundles to residential and non-residential customers, wholesale services to other telecommunications operators, and to a very limited degree, mobile telecommunications services as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator relying on an agreement with Telekom Romania Mobile Communications, all in Romania. |
| --- | --- |

—

for TKR: provider of fixed telecommunications services, TV services and multiple-play bundles to residential and non-residential customers, wholesale services to other telecommunications operators, and to a very limited degree, mobile telecommunications services as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator relying on an agreement with Telekom Romania Mobile Communications, all in Romania.

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

4.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.10153 – Orange/Telekom Romania Communications

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

1

---

| 16.6.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 231/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.6.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 231/7

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10316 — Macquarie/Warrington/Bingo)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 231/05)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | Macquarie Asia-Pacific Infrastructure Investments 3 Pte Ltd. (‘MAIF3 Fund’, Singapore), an investment fund managed and controlled by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets division (‘MIRA’, Australia), of the asset management arm of Macquarie Group Limited (‘Macquarie’, Australia), |
| --- | --- |

—

Macquarie Asia-Pacific Infrastructure Investments 3 Pte Ltd. (‘MAIF3 Fund’, Singapore), an investment fund managed and controlled by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets division (‘MIRA’, Australia), of the asset management arm of Macquarie Group Limited (‘Macquarie’, Australia),

| — | Warrington Investment Pte. Ltd. (‘Warrington’, Singapore), an investment vehicle managed by GIC Special Investments Pte. Ltd. (‘GICSI’, Singapore), a subsidiary of GIC Private Limited (‘GIC’ and together with all of GIC’s group companies, the ‘GIC Group’, Singapore), |
| --- | --- |

—

Warrington Investment Pte. Ltd. (‘Warrington’, Singapore), an investment vehicle managed by GIC Special Investments Pte. Ltd. (‘GICSI’, Singapore), a subsidiary of GIC Private Limited (‘GIC’ and together with all of GIC’s group companies, the ‘GIC Group’, Singapore),

| — | Bingo Industries Ltd. (‘Bingo’, Australia). |
| --- | --- |

—

Bingo Industries Ltd. (‘Bingo’, Australia).

Macquarie and GIC acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the whole of Bingo.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.

| — | for Macquarie: the global provision of banking, financial, advisory, investment and funds management services, |
| --- | --- |

—

for Macquarie: the global provision of banking, financial, advisory, investment and funds management services,

| — | for GIC: managing a diversified global portfolio of investments in private equity, venture capital and infrastructure funds, as well as direct investments in private companies, |
| --- | --- |

—

for GIC: managing a diversified global portfolio of investments in private equity, venture capital and infrastructure funds, as well as direct investments in private companies,

| — | for Bingo: operating a recycling and waste management company that provides solutions in resource management including collection, processing and recovery, disposal, production of recycled construction products and waste equipment manufacturing (i.e., bins) in the states of New South Wales and Victoria within Australia. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Bingo: operating a recycling and waste management company that provides solutions in resource management including collection, processing and recovery, disposal, production of recycled construction products and waste equipment manufacturing (i.e., bins) in the states of New South Wales and Victoria within Australia.

3.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

4.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.10316 — Macquarie/Warrington/Bingo

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

1

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

2

---

| 16.6.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 231/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.6.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 231/9

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10327 — Elexent/GP JOULE Connect/Elexent DACH JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 231/06)

1.

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

| — | Elexent Holding SAS (France, ‘Elexent’), belonging to the Renault Group, |
| --- | --- |

—

Elexent Holding SAS (France, ‘Elexent’), belonging to the Renault Group,

| — | GP JOULE Connect GmbH (Germany, ‘Connect’), jointly controlled by GP JOULE GmbH, Reußenköge (Germany) and Minol Brunata GmbH (Germany), |
| --- | --- |

—

GP JOULE Connect GmbH (Germany, ‘Connect’), jointly controlled by GP JOULE GmbH, Reußenköge (Germany) and Minol Brunata GmbH (Germany),

Elexent and Connect acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) and 3(4) of the Merger Regulation joint control of Elexent Dach GmbH (‘the JV’).

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture.

2.

| — | for Elexent: supports clients in creating optimized energy strategies by designing the best charging infrastructure to meet their needs, supervising installation and implementation, and overseeing operations and maintenance. Elexent is part of the global automotive manufacturer Renault Group, |
| --- | --- |

—

for Elexent: supports clients in creating optimized energy strategies by designing the best charging infrastructure to meet their needs, supervising installation and implementation, and overseeing operations and maintenance. Elexent is part of the global automotive manufacturer Renault Group,

| — | for Connect: active in new mobility projects. Connect plans and implements projects around the core products consulting, charging infrastructure, sharing/pooling and charging and energy management for the housing industry, fleets, energy providers, automotive and infrastructure operators. Connect belongs (i) to the GP JOULE Group which is focused on the renewable energy sector and (ii) to the Minol Group which is predominantly active in metering services, billing services, and IoT, e-mobility, and sharing solutions, |
| --- | --- |

—

for Connect: active in new mobility projects. Connect plans and implements projects around the core products consulting, charging infrastructure, sharing/pooling and charging and energy management for the housing industry, fleets, energy providers, automotive and infrastructure operators. Connect belongs (i) to the GP JOULE Group which is focused on the renewable energy sector and (ii) to the Minol Group which is predominantly active in metering services, billing services, and IoT, e-mobility, and sharing solutions,

| — | for the JV: The JV is intended to offer tailored and ready to use solutions to professional customers of different partner OEMs in terms of charging of electric vehicles (including analysis/project review, operations, support financing, installation, maintenance and charging optimization). In addition, the JV will provide customers with advice regarding electric mobility. The JV will be active in Germany and it is envisaged that the JV will develop activities in Austria and/or Switzerland. |
| --- | --- |

—

for the JV: The JV is intended to offer tailored and ready to use solutions to professional customers of different partner OEMs in terms of charging of electric vehicles (including analysis/project review, operations, support financing, installation, maintenance and charging optimization). In addition, the JV will provide customers with advice regarding electric mobility. The JV will be active in Germany and it is envisaged that the JV will develop activities in Austria and/or Switzerland.

3.

Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

4.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.10327 — Elexent/GP JOULE Connect/Elexent DACH JV

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below:

Email: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

1

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

2

---

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 16.6.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 231/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

16.6.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 231/11

---

Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2021/C 231/07)

This publication confers the right to oppose the amendment application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within three months from the date of this publication.

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION OF PROTECTED DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN/PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS WHICH IS NOT MINOR

Application for approval of an amendment in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 53(2), of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

’Aceto Balsamico di Modena’

EU No: PGI-IT-0430-AM01 – 23 November 2018

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

| Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico di Modena |
| --- |
| Via Ganaceto 134, 41121 Modena, Italy |
| Tel. +39 059208621 |
| Email: segreteria@consorziobalsamico.it |

Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico di Modena

Via Ganaceto 134, 41121 Modena, Italy

Tel. +39 059208621

Email: segreteria@consorziobalsamico.it

The Consorzio Tutela Aceto Balsamico di Modena is entitled to submit an amendment application pursuant to Article 13(1) of Decree No 12511 of 14 October 2013 of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy.

2.   Member State or Third Country

Italy

3.   Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment(s)

| ☐ | Name of product |
| --- | --- |

☐

Name of product

| ☒ | Description of product |
| --- | --- |

☒

Description of product

| ☐ | Geographical area |
| --- | --- |

☐

Geographical area

| ☒ | Proof of origin |
| --- | --- |

☒

Proof of origin

| ☒ | Method of production |
| --- | --- |

☒

Method of production

| ☐ | Link |
| --- | --- |

☐

Link

| ☒ | Labelling |
| --- | --- |

☒

Labelling

| ☒ | Other [packaging] |
| --- | --- |

☒

Other [packaging]

4.   Type of amendment(s)

| ☒ | Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. |
| --- | --- |

☒

Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

| ☐ | Amendment to product specification of registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 |
| --- | --- |

☐

Amendment to product specification of registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

5.   Amendment(s)

5.1.   Description of product

| — | Point 4.2 of the summary and point 3.2 of the single document |
| --- | --- |

—

Point 4.2 of the summary and point 3.2 of the single document

The following first paragraph has been added:

| | ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is a vinegar produced according to the following provisions and which has the characteristics set out below. |
| --- | --- |

‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is a vinegar produced according to the following provisions and which has the characteristics set out below.

This amendment to the wording has the purpose of specifying the type of product to which the designation refers.

| — | Point 4.2 of the summary and point 3.2 of the single document






  — | Aroma: persistent, delicate and slightly acidic with woody overtones, |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Point 4.2 of the summary and point 3.2 of the single document

—

Aroma: persistent, delicate and slightly acidic with woody overtones,

| — | Taste: bitter-sweet, balanced, |
| --- | --- |

—

Taste: bitter-sweet, balanced,

have been amended to read:

| — | Aroma: distinctive, long-lasting, intense and subtle, pleasantly acidic, possibly with woody notes, |
| --- | --- |

—

Aroma: distinctive, long-lasting, intense and subtle, pleasantly acidic, possibly with woody notes,

| — | Taste: sweet and sour, balanced, pleasant and distinctive. |
| --- | --- |

—

Taste: sweet and sour, balanced, pleasant and distinctive.

This amendment was made to align the description of the product provided in the summary with that of the product specification. It is therefore an amendment to the wording which does not entail any change to the characteristics of the aroma or flavour of ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’.

| — | Article 2, first paragraph, fifth indent, of the product specification

  density at 20 °C: not less than 1,06 for the matured product, |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 2, first paragraph, fifth indent, of the product specification

density at 20 °C: not less than 1,06 for the matured product,

has been supplemented as follows:

| | density at 20 °C: not less than 1,06 for the matured product, not less than 1,15 for the ‘aged’ product |
| --- | --- |

density at 20 °C: not less than 1,06 for the matured product, not less than 1,15 for the ‘aged’ product

Along with ageing, high density is a very important quality factor for consumers. The aim of this amendment is to encourage the production of products of high ‘perceived quality’ sought by consumers in that category; thanks to the ageing period of at least three years, these products are clearly differentiated in terms of price from the product termed ‘affinato’, which is matured in wood for less than 3 years.

This amendment also concerns point 4.2 of the summary and applies to point 3.2 of the single document

| — | Article 2, first paragraph, eighth indent of the product specification:

  Minimum total acidity: 6 per cent |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 2, first paragraph, eighth indent of the product specification:

Minimum total acidity: 6 per cent

has been supplemented as follows:

| | Minimum total acidity: 6 % for the matured product and 5,5 % for the aged product |
| --- | --- |

Minimum total acidity: 6 % for the matured product and 5,5 % for the aged product

Given the current limit, this amendment is aimed at factoring into the production system the possible physiological drop in the acidity level over the three-year ageing period.

Now that this amendment referring to the minimum percentage acidity and density has been introduced, ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ will be classified in two categories:

| — | Aceto Balsamico di Modena: matured in wood for a period of between 60 days and 3 years, total acidity not less than 6 %, density at 20 oC not less than 1,06 |
| --- | --- |

—

Aceto Balsamico di Modena: matured in wood for a period of between 60 days and 3 years, total acidity not less than 6 %, density at 20 oC not less than 1,06

| — | Aceto Balsamico di Modena ‘invecchiato’ [aged]: aged in wood for a period of more than 3 years, total acidity not less than 5,5 % density at 20 oC not less than 1,15. |
| --- | --- |

—

Aceto Balsamico di Modena ‘invecchiato’ [aged]: aged in wood for a period of more than 3 years, total acidity not less than 5,5 % density at 20 oC not less than 1,15.

This amendment also concerns point 4.2 of the summary and applies to point 3.2 of the single document

| — | The following third paragraph has been added to Article 2 of the product specification:

  Should deviations from the parameters referred to in this article be observed, a procedure is allowed whereby the product concerned may be corrected by adding a certain quantity of raw materials (wine vinegar and cooked or concentrated grape must) up to a maximum of 3 % by mass. Where this correction procedure is required, it is carried out at the end of the maturing or ageing period and in any case before the product is certified. |
| --- | --- |

—

The following third paragraph has been added to Article 2 of the product specification:

Should deviations from the parameters referred to in this article be observed, a procedure is allowed whereby the product concerned may be corrected by adding a certain quantity of raw materials (wine vinegar and cooked or concentrated grape must) up to a maximum of 3 % by mass. Where this correction procedure is required, it is carried out at the end of the maturing or ageing period and in any case before the product is certified.

The purpose of this amendment is to regulate the procedure to correct the product where there are deviations from the analytical limits laid down in the product specification by introducing a maximum limit beyond which corrective actions are not possible.

This amendment also concerns point 4.2 of the summary and applies to point 3.2 of the single document

5.2.   Proof of origin

| — | Article 4, first paragraph, of the product specification: |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 4, first paragraph, of the product specification:

the following sentence:

| | This process – with the inspection body keeping registers of the cadastral parcels on which the grapes are grown and of the grape growers, must producers, processors and bottlers – coupled with the timely reporting to the inspection body of the quantities produced and the quantities packaged and labelled, guarantees product traceability. |
| --- | --- |

This process – with the inspection body keeping registers of the cadastral parcels on which the grapes are grown and of the grape growers, must producers, processors and bottlers – coupled with the timely reporting to the inspection body of the quantities produced and the quantities packaged and labelled, guarantees product traceability.

has been amended as follows:

| | This process – with the inspection body keeping registers of the cadastral parcels on which the grapes of the seven varieties listed in Article 5 are grown and of the grape growers, must and wine vinegar producers, processors and bottlers – coupled with the timely reporting to the inspection body of the quantities produced and the quantities packaged and labelled, guarantees product traceability. |
| --- | --- |

This process – with the inspection body keeping registers of the cadastral parcels on which the grapes of the seven varieties listed in Article 5 are grown and of the grape growers, must and wine vinegar producers, processors and bottlers – coupled with the timely reporting to the inspection body of the quantities produced and the quantities packaged and labelled, guarantees product traceability.

The insertion of the reference to ‘of the seven varieties listed in Article 5’ does not make any substantial changes; it was introduced solely for the purpose of ensuring that the text is clear. This amendment is also intended to supplement the current text by including wine vinegar producers in the categories of parties who are subject to inspection. Establishing, in the list of parties subject to inspection, a section for to wine vinegar producers is a necessary step to ensure the maximum transparency of the entire production chain by indicating all the suppliers of the raw materials used to produce ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ and testing these raw materials by means of the isotopic analyses to verify compliance with the limits set out in the product specification.

This amendment also concerns the first paragraph of point 4.4 of the summary.

5.3.   Method of production

| — | Article 5, first paragraph, of the product specification:

  ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is produced using specific, traditional techniques, from grape must obtained from grapes of the following varieties: Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Albana, Ancellotta, Fortana and Montuni, partially fermented and/or cooked and/or concentrated, with the addition of a quantity of vinegar that has been aged for at least 10 years to give the product its typical organoleptic characteristics, and with the addition of at least 10 % of vinegar produced from the acetification of wine only. |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 5, first paragraph, of the product specification:

‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is produced using specific, traditional techniques, from grape must obtained from grapes of the following varieties: Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Albana, Ancellotta, Fortana and Montuni, partially fermented and/or cooked and/or concentrated, with the addition of a quantity of vinegar that has been aged for at least 10 years to give the product its typical organoleptic characteristics, and with the addition of at least 10 % of vinegar produced from the acetification of wine only.

has been supplemented as follows:

| | ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is produced using specific, traditional techniques, from grape must obtained from grapes of the following varieties: Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Albana, Ancellotta, Fortana and Montuni, partially fermented and/or cooked and/or concentrated, with the addition of a quantity of vinegar that has been aged for at least 10 years to give the product its typical organoleptic characteristics, and with the addition of at least 10 % of vinegar produced from the acetification of wine only in accordance with the following isotope ratios:







  — | 13C/12C ratio (expressed as
  δ13C) in acetic acid: from -29,3 ‰ to -24,3 ‰; |
| --- | --- | --- |

‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is produced using specific, traditional techniques, from grape must obtained from grapes of the following varieties: Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Albana, Ancellotta, Fortana and Montuni, partially fermented and/or cooked and/or concentrated, with the addition of a quantity of vinegar that has been aged for at least 10 years to give the product its typical organoleptic characteristics, and with the addition of at least 10 % of vinegar produced from the acetification of wine only in accordance with the following isotope ratios:

—

13C/12C ratio (expressed as
  δ13C) in acetic acid: from -29,3 ‰ to -24,3 ‰;

| — | 18O/16O ratio (expressed as δ18O) in water, for wine vinegar with an acidity of over 9 %: not less than -2 ‰; |
| --- | --- |

—

18O/16O ratio (expressed as δ18O) in water, for wine vinegar with an acidity of over 9 %: not less than -2 ‰;

| — | 18O/16O ratio (expressed as δ

  18O) in water, for wine vinegar with an acidity of between 9 % and 6 %: not less than -5 ‰; |
| --- | --- |

—

18O/16O ratio (expressed as δ

  18O) in water, for wine vinegar with an acidity of between 9 % and 6 %: not less than -5 ‰;

| — | Deuterium/Hydrogen (D/H) ratio at the methyl site:(CH3) in the acetic acid extract: from 98,8 to 106 ppm. |
| --- | --- |

—

Deuterium/Hydrogen (D/H) ratio at the methyl site:(CH3) in the acetic acid extract: from 98,8 to 106 ppm.

The main ingredient of ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is wine vinegar; to be defined as such and used as a raw material used to produce this PGI, the wine vinegar must be produced in compliance with the EU definition set out in Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013. Isotopic analyses are an essential tool for verifying the legality of the product, both for the purposes of the product certification system and for companies’ internal quality checks, and for monitoring possible adulteration of the wine vinegar. In this regard, there is a growing problem on the EU market of trade in wine vinegar made from raw materials other than grapes and wine, and therefore contrary to European legislation. In the light of this growing risk, the need to deploy more effective anti-adulteration detection systems than those that have been used until now is therefore urgent. Isotopic analysis is the method currently used to detect any possible adulteration of the wine vinegar, which is the also method officially recognised by the Organizzazione Internazionale della Vigna e del Vino (OIV) for wine vinegar. To be able to apply such analyses to wine vinegars used to produce ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’, the general isotopic parameters have to be added to the product specification. A grid will therefore be added clearly and explicitly indicating the limits beyond which the product is considered to have been adulterated. These ratios and their limits are the result of much research that has been published in official scientific publications (Food Control 29 (2013) 107–111- F. Camin et al.; Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research 19 (2013) 324–330 N. Dordevic et al.; Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry 62 (2014) 8197–8203 M. Perini et al.). This amendment will therefore enable a system of checks and alerts to be deployed whenever there is a suspicion that the wine vinegar intended for the production of ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ may have been adulterated.

This amendment also concerns point 4.5 of the summary and applies to point 3.3 of the single document

| — | Article 5, second paragraph, of the product specification

  For the ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ to acquire the characteristics described in Article 2, the cooked and/or concentrated grape must has to comply with the following characteristics:







  — | minimum total acidity: 8 g per kg |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Article 5, second paragraph, of the product specification

For the ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ to acquire the characteristics described in Article 2, the cooked and/or concentrated grape must has to comply with the following characteristics:

—

minimum total acidity: 8 g per kg

| — | minimum dry extract content: 55 g per kg |
| --- | --- |

—

minimum dry extract content: 55 g per kg

has been supplemented as follows:

| | For the ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ to acquire the characteristics described in Article 2, the cooked and/or concentrated grape must has to comply with the following characteristics:







  — | minimum total acidity: 8 g per kg |
| --- | --- | --- |

For the ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ to acquire the characteristics described in Article 2, the cooked and/or concentrated grape must has to comply with the following characteristics:

—

minimum total acidity: 8 g per kg

| — | minimum dry extract content: 55 g per kg |
| --- | --- |

—

minimum dry extract content: 55 g per kg

| — | isotopic ratio parameters:







  — | 13C/12C ratio (expressed as δ13C) in the alcohol produced by fermentation of the sugars: from -29,3 ‰ to -24,3 ‰; |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

isotopic ratio parameters:

—

13C/12C ratio (expressed as δ13C) in the alcohol produced by fermentation of the sugars: from -29,3 ‰ to -24,3 ‰;

| — | D/H ratio at the methyl site (CH3) in the alcohol produced by fermentation of the sugars: from 98,8 to 106 ppm. |
| --- | --- |

—

D/H ratio at the methyl site (CH3) in the alcohol produced by fermentation of the sugars: from 98,8 to 106 ppm.

Cooked or concentrated grape must is the other key ingredient of ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’; to be defined as such and thus used as a raw material to produce this PGI, it must be produced in compliance with the EU definition set out in Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013. Isotopic analyses are an essential tool for verifying the legality of the product, both for the purposes of the product certification system and for companies’ internal quality checks, and for monitoring possible adulteration of the grape must. In recent years, there has been a growing risk of adulterated grape must produced in breach of both EU and national legislation being present on the market. In the light of this growing risk, the need to deploy more effective anti-adulteration detection systems than those that have been used until now is therefore urgent. Isotopic analysis is the method used to check the authenticity of the grape must too; a grid showing the general ratios and limits is therefore required to be able to test the must used to produce ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’. These ratios and their limits are the result of much research that has been published in official scientific publications (Food Control 29 (2013) 107–111- F. Camin et al.; Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research 19 (2013) 324–330 N. Dordevic et al.; Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry 62 (2014) 8197–8203 M. Perini et al.). This amendment will therefore enable a system of checks and alerts to be deployed whenever there is a suspicion that the grape must intended for the production of ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ may have been adulterated.

This amendment also concerns point 4.5 of the summary and applies to point 3.3 of the single document

| — | Article 5, third paragraph, of the product specification: |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 5, third paragraph, of the product specification:

The sentence:

| | Concentration continues until the initial amount of must attains a density of at least 1,240 at a temperature of 20 °C. |
| --- | --- |

Concentration continues until the initial amount of must attains a density of at least 1,240 at a temperature of 20 °C.

has been supplemented as follows:

| | The concentration and/or cooking continues until the initial amount of must attains a density of at least 1,240 at a temperature of 20 °C. |
| --- | --- |

The concentration and/or cooking continues until the initial amount of must attains a density of at least 1,240 at a temperature of 20 °C.

The purpose of this addition is to specify that the minimum density requirement for the must refers to both cooked and concentrated must and therefore it does not introduce any substantial change and merely clarifies the text.

This amendment also concerns point 4.5 of the summary.

| — | Article 5, seventh paragraph, of the product specification: |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 5, seventh paragraph, of the product specification:

The sentence:

| | In any case, acidification and refining take place in high-quality wood receptacles, such as oak, in particular sessile oak, chestnut, mulberry or juniper, for at least 60 days from the date at which the raw materials are assembled and ready for processing. |
| --- | --- |

In any case, acidification and refining take place in high-quality wood receptacles, such as oak, in particular sessile oak, chestnut, mulberry or juniper, for at least 60 days from the date at which the raw materials are assembled and ready for processing.

and point 4.5 of the summary:

| | In any case, acidification and refining take place in high-quality wood receptacles, such as oak, chestnut, sessile oak, mulberry or juniper, for at least 60 days from the date at which the raw materials are assembled and ready for processing. |
| --- | --- |

In any case, acidification and refining take place in high-quality wood receptacles, such as oak, chestnut, sessile oak, mulberry or juniper, for at least 60 days from the date at which the raw materials are assembled and ready for processing.

are therefore reworded as follows:

In any case, acetification and maturing take place in casks, barrels or other containers of high-quality wood, such as oak, in particular sessile oak, chestnut, mulberry or juniper, for at least 60 days from the date at which the raw materials are assembled and ready for processing and the product has been placed in the above-mentioned wooden containers.

This purpose of this rewording is to correct a textual inconsistency between the product specification and the summary as regards the containers and the types of wood that may be used in the maturing and ageing stages.

The purpose of this addition ‘the product has been placed in the above-mentioned wooden containers’ is to more clearly describe the production step in question.

The same indent has been added in full to point 3.4 of the single document to align it with the same principle set out in the product specification and in the data sheet.

5.4.   Labelling

| — | Article 8, third, fourth and fifth paragraphs, of the product specification: |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 8, third, fourth and fifth paragraphs, of the product specification:

The following two paragraphs:

| | The packaging must bear the name of the designation ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ along with the wording ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ [protected geographical indication] written in clear and legible lettering, in full or abbreviated, in Italian and/or in the language of the country of destination. |
| --- | --- |

The packaging must bear the name of the designation ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ along with the wording ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ [protected geographical indication] written in clear and legible lettering, in full or abbreviated, in Italian and/or in the language of the country of destination.

| | Only the word ‘invecchiato’ (aged) without any further additions may also appear, provided that the product is aged for a period of three years or more in casks, barrels or other wooden receptacles. |
| --- | --- |

Only the word ‘invecchiato’ (aged) without any further additions may also appear, provided that the product is aged for a period of three years or more in casks, barrels or other wooden receptacles.

are amended as follows:

| | The packaging must bear the name of the designation ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ along with the wording ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ [protected geographical indication] written in clear and legible lettering, in full or abbreviated, in Italian and/or in the language of the country of destination. The EU symbol associated to the PGI designation must feature on the label. |
| --- | --- |

The packaging must bear the name of the designation ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ along with the wording ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ [protected geographical indication] written in clear and legible lettering, in full or abbreviated, in Italian and/or in the language of the country of destination. The EU symbol associated to the PGI designation must feature on the label.

| | The term ‘invecchiato’ [aged] may also appear alongside the name, when the product has been aged for a period of three years or more in casks, barrels or other wooden containers. The term ‘invecchiato’ may be accompanied by an indication of the minimum ageing period of three years. |
| --- | --- |

The term ‘invecchiato’ [aged] may also appear alongside the name, when the product has been aged for a period of three years or more in casks, barrels or other wooden containers. The term ‘invecchiato’ may be accompanied by an indication of the minimum ageing period of three years.

The sentence ‘The EU symbol associated to the PGI designation must feature on the label’ has been added to clarify the provisions of Article 12(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 in the single document.

So as to enable even the uninitiated consumer to understand the characteristics of Aceto Balsamico di Modena ‘invecchiato’, the minimum ageing period of three years, as laid down in the product specification, may be specified on the label.

This amendment also concerns point 4.8 of the summary and applies to point 3.6 of the single document

5.5.   Other

Packaging

| — | Article 8, second paragraph, of the product specification: |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 8, second paragraph, of the product specification:

The sentence:

| | The containers in which ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is released for direct consumption must be made of glass, wood, ceramic or terracotta with the following capacity: 0,250 l; 0,500 l; 0,750 l; 1 l; 2 l; 3 l or 5 l; or in single-dose containers of a maximum capacity of 25 ml made of plastic or composite materials, bearing the same wording as that on the labels of the bottles. |
| --- | --- |

The containers in which ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is released for direct consumption must be made of glass, wood, ceramic or terracotta with the following capacity: 0,250 l; 0,500 l; 0,750 l; 1 l; 2 l; 3 l or 5 l; or in single-dose containers of a maximum capacity of 25 ml made of plastic or composite materials, bearing the same wording as that on the labels of the bottles.

and point 4.5 of the summary:

| | The receptacles in which ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is released for direct consumption must be made of glass, wood, ceramic or terracotta with the following capacity: 0,250 l; 0,500 l; 0,750 l; 1 l; 2 l; 3 l; 5 l; and in single-dose sachets of a maximum capacity of 25 ml made of plastic or composite materials, bearing the same wording as that on the labels of the bottles. |
| --- | --- |

The receptacles in which ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is released for direct consumption must be made of glass, wood, ceramic or terracotta with the following capacity: 0,250 l; 0,500 l; 0,750 l; 1 l; 2 l; 3 l; 5 l; and in single-dose sachets of a maximum capacity of 25 ml made of plastic or composite materials, bearing the same wording as that on the labels of the bottles.

have been merged and reworded as follows:

| | The containers in which ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is released for direct consumption must be made of glass, wood, ceramic or terracotta with the following capacity: 0,100 l; 0,150 l; 0,200 l; 0,250 l; 0,500 l; 0,750 l; 1 l; 1.5 l; 2 l; 3 l or 5 l; or in single-dose containers of a maximum capacity of 25 ml made of glass, plastic or composite materials, bearing the same wording as that on the labels of the bottles. |
| --- | --- |

The containers in which ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is released for direct consumption must be made of glass, wood, ceramic or terracotta with the following capacity: 0,100 l; 0,150 l; 0,200 l; 0,250 l; 0,500 l; 0,750 l; 1 l; 1.5 l; 2 l; 3 l or 5 l; or in single-dose containers of a maximum capacity of 25 ml made of glass, plastic or composite materials, bearing the same wording as that on the labels of the bottles.

This purpose of this rewording is to correct a textual inconsistency between the product specification and the summary as regards the single-dose containers referred to in the summary as ‘sachets’.

In recent years, both on the Italian market and above all in other countries, there has been a growing demand for a more varied range of products, particularly with regard to the capacity of the bottles. In addition, in some non-European countries, the diversity of units of measurement used forces producers to refuse requests from wholesalers and retailers, precisely because of the impossibility of making containers of capacities other than those currently permitted by the product specification. This amendment, without betraying the spirit of the current rules, aims to make them sufficiently flexible to meet market demands.

The amendment applies to point 3.5 of the single document.

| — | Article 8, third paragraph, of the product specification: |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 8, third paragraph, of the product specification:

The following paragraph has been added:

| | Containers with a capacity of 0,100 l; 0,150 l; 0,200 l, may not be spherical in shape or have a spherical body and must have a ratio between overall height and the length of the largest side, or the diameter if the container is cylindrical, of over 1,85. |
| --- | --- |

Containers with a capacity of 0,100 l; 0,150 l; 0,200 l, may not be spherical in shape or have a spherical body and must have a ratio between overall height and the length of the largest side, or the diameter if the container is cylindrical, of over 1,85.

For containers with a capacity of less than 0,250 litres, it has been deemed expedient to lay down some general principles regulating the shape of the containers, thus ensuring a minimum standard of uniformity among the bottles in which the product will be sold.

The amendment applies to point 3.5 of the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

’ACETO BALSAMICO DI MODENA’

EU No: PGI-IT-0430-AM01 – 23 November 2018

PDO ( ) PGI (X)

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

’Aceto Balsamico di Modena’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Italy

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.8. Other products listed in Annex I to the Treaty (spices, etc.)

3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies

‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is a vinegar produced according to the following provisions and which has the characteristics set out below.

Analytical characteristics:

| — | density at 20 °C: not less than 1,06 for the matured product, not less than 1,15 for the ‘aged’ product |
| --- | --- |

—

density at 20 °C: not less than 1,06 for the matured product, not less than 1,15 for the ‘aged’ product

| — | actual alcohol strength no more than 1,5 % by volume, |
| --- | --- |

—

actual alcohol strength no more than 1,5 % by volume,

| — | Minimum total acidity: 6 % for the matured product and 5,5 % for the aged product |
| --- | --- |

—

Minimum total acidity: 6 % for the matured product and 5,5 % for the aged product

| — | total sulphur dioxide: not more than 100 mg/l, |
| --- | --- |

—

total sulphur dioxide: not more than 100 mg/l,

| — | ash: not less than 2,5 per thousand, |
| --- | --- |

—

ash: not less than 2,5 per thousand,

| — | minimum dry matter: 30 g per litre, |
| --- | --- |

—

minimum dry matter: 30 g per litre,

| — | reducing sugars: not less than 110 g/l, |
| --- | --- |

—

reducing sugars: not less than 110 g/l,

Organoleptic characteristics:

| — | clarity: clear and bright; |
| --- | --- |

—

clarity: clear and bright;

| — | colour: deep brown, |
| --- | --- |

—

colour: deep brown,

| — | aroma: distinctive, long-lasting, intense and subtle, pleasantly acidic, possibly with woody notes, |
| --- | --- |

—

aroma: distinctive, long-lasting, intense and subtle, pleasantly acidic, possibly with woody notes,

| — | taste: sweet and sour, balanced, pleasant and distinctive. |
| --- | --- |

—

taste: sweet and sour, balanced, pleasant and distinctive.

Should deviations from the parameters referred to in this article be observed, a procedure is allowed whereby the product concerned may be corrected by adding a certain quantity of raw materials (wine vinegar and cooked or concentrated grape must) up to a maximum of 3 % by mass. Where this correction procedure is required, it is carried out at the end of the maturing or ageing period and in any case before the product is certified.

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed
  products only)

‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is produced, using specific, traditional techniques, from grape must obtained from grapes of the following varieties: Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Albana, Ancellotta, Fortana and Montuni, partially fermented and/or cooked and/or concentrated, with the addition of a quantity of vinegar that has been aged for at least 10 years to give the product its typical organoleptic characteristics, and with the addition of at least 10 % of vinegar produced from the acetification of wine only in accordance with the following isotope ratios:

| — | 13C/12C ratio (expressed as δ13C) in acetic acid: from -29,3 ‰ to -24,3 ‰; |
| --- | --- |

—

13C/12C ratio (expressed as δ13C) in acetic acid: from -29,3 ‰ to -24,3 ‰;

| — | 18O/16O ratio (expressed as δ18O) in water, for wine vinegar with an acidity of over 9 %: not less than -2 ‰; |
| --- | --- |

—

18O/16O ratio (expressed as δ18O) in water, for wine vinegar with an acidity of over 9 %: not less than -2 ‰;

| — | 18O/16O ratio (expressed as δ18O) in water, for wine vinegar with an acidity of between 9 % and 6 %: not less than -5 ‰; |
| --- | --- |

—

18O/16O ratio (expressed as δ18O) in water, for wine vinegar with an acidity of between 9 % and 6 %: not less than -5 ‰;

| — | Deuterium/Hydrogen (D/H) ratio at the methyl site:(CH3) in the acetic acid extract: from 98,8 to 106 ppm. |
| --- | --- |

—

Deuterium/Hydrogen (D/H) ratio at the methyl site:(CH3) in the acetic acid extract: from 98,8 to 106 ppm.

For the ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ to acquire the characteristics described in Article 3.2, the cooked and/or concentrated grape must has to comply with the following characteristics:

| — | minimum total acidity: 8 g per kg |
| --- | --- |

—

minimum total acidity: 8 g per kg

| — | minimum dry extract content: 55 g per kg |
| --- | --- |

—

minimum dry extract content: 55 g per kg

| — | isotopic ratio parameters:






  — | 13C/12C ratio (expressed as δ13C) in the alcohol produced by fermentation of the sugars: from -29,3 ‰ to -24,3 ‰; |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

isotopic ratio parameters:

—

13C/12C ratio (expressed as δ13C) in the alcohol produced by fermentation of the sugars: from -29,3 ‰ to -24,3 ‰;

| — | D/H ratio at the methyl site (CH3) in the alcohol produced by fermentation of the sugars: from 98,8 to 106 ppm. |
| --- | --- |

—

D/H ratio at the methyl site (CH3) in the alcohol produced by fermentation of the sugars: from 98,8 to 106 ppm.

3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area

The steps of assembling the raw materials, processing them, maturing and, where applicable, ageing must take place in the area defined in point 4.

In any case, acetification and maturing take place in casks, barrels or other containers of high-quality wood, such as oak, in particular sessile oak, chestnut, mulberry or juniper, for at least 60 days from the date at which the raw materials are assembled and ready for processing and the product has been placed in the above-mentioned wooden containers.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

The containers in which ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ is released for direct consumption must be made of glass, wood, ceramic or terracotta with the following capacity: 0,100 l; 0,150 l; 0,200 l; 0,250 l; 0,500 l; 0,750 l; 1 l; 1,5 l; 2 l; 3 l or 5 l; or in single-dose containers of a maximum capacity of 25 ml made of glass, plastic or composite materials, bearing the same wording as that on the labels of the bottles.

Containers with a capacity of 0,100 l; 0,150 l; 0,200 l, may not be spherical in shape or have a spherical body and must have a ratio between overall height and the length of the largest side, or the diameter if the container is cylindrical, of over 1,85.

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

The packaging must bear the name ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ along with the wording ‘Indicazione Geografica Protetta’ [protected geographical indication] written in clear and legible lettering, in full or abbreviated, in Italian and/or in the language of the country of destination. The EU symbol associated to the PGI designation must feature on the label. The name ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ may not be qualified in any way, even in numerical form, other than by those adjectives expressly provided for in this specification, including ‘extra’, ‘fine’, ‘scelto’, ‘selezionato’, ‘riserva’, ‘superiore’, ‘classico’ or similar.

The term ‘invecchiato’ [aged] may also appear alongside the name, when the product has been aged for a period of three years or more in casks, barrels or other wooden containers. The term ‘invecchiato’ may be accompanied by an indication of the minimum ageing period of three years.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ must be produced within the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia.

5.   Link with the geographical area

’The link between ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ and the geographical area is based on the product’s reputation’. ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ has an excellent reputation on both the national and international markets, amply demonstrated by its frequent use in countless recipes and the many references to it on the Internet, in the press and in the other media. This reputation means consumers immediately recognise the uniqueness and authenticity of the product.

‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ has for a long time represented the culture and history of Modena and its worldwide reputation is undeniable. The product is closely linked to the knowledge, traditions and skills of the local people, who have created an exclusive and distinctive local product. ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ has become part of the social and economic fabric of the area and is the source of income for many operators and an integral part of the local culinary tradition, as an essential ingredient in many regional recipes. Dedicated festivals and events stemming from time-honoured traditions have taken place for many years, and are attended by local producers who meet and compare their produce, thereby perpetuating local customs. As a specific and special product, ‘Aceto Balsamico di Modena’ has built its reputation and appreciation over the years to achieve worldwide acclaim, and consumers mentally associate the product ‘experience’ with the image of quality cuisine in the two provinces of Emilia-Romagna.

Reference to publication of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)

The full text of the product specification is available on the following website:

http://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/3335

or

by going directly to the homepage of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy (www.politicheagricole.it) and clicking on ‘Prodotti DOP e IGP’ (at the top right-hand side of the screen), then on ‘Prodotti DOP IGP STG’ (on the left-hand side of the screen), and finally by clicking on ‘Disciplinari di Produzione all’esame dell’UE’.

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

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