# L_2015329EN.01000101.xml

| 15.12.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 329/1 |
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15.12.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 329/1

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/2333

of 14 December 2015

amending Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the integrated administration and control system, rural development measures and cross compliance

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the financing, management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 352/78, (EC) No 165/94, (EC) No 2799/98, (EC) No 814/2000, (EC) No 1290/2005 and (EC) No 485/2008 (1), and in particular Articles 58(4), 62(2)(a) to (d), (g) and (h) and Article 78(a) to (d) and (f) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Article 10 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 (2) sets out rules for the granting of advances for direct payments where financial discipline referred to in Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) applies in respect of the relevant claim year. In order to ensure the uniform application of those rules in all Member States, it is appropriate to clarify that financial discipline should not be taken into account for the calculation of advances for direct payments, given that the final adjustment rate to be set by 1 December may not yet be known at the moment of paying advances. |
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(1)

Article 10 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 (2) sets out rules for the granting of advances for direct payments where financial discipline referred to in Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) applies in respect of the relevant claim year. In order to ensure the uniform application of those rules in all Member States, it is appropriate to clarify that financial discipline should not be taken into account for the calculation of advances for direct payments, given that the final adjustment rate to be set by 1 December may not yet be known at the moment of paying advances.

| (2) | In order to enhance the correctness of the aid application or payment claim, it should be explicitly stated that Member States are able to introduce, on a voluntary basis, a system of ‘preliminary checks’ that will inform beneficiaries about potential non-compliances and will allow them to change their aid applications and payments claim in time in order to avoid reductions and administrative penalties. Full administrative checks will still have to be carried out before payment is made. In order to avoid a different treatment between farmers of the same Member State, such system should be applied at the Member State level, not at holding level. Since that system is based on the existence of the geo-spatial aid application, it can only be applied once such a system is fully in place in the Member State concerned. As the responsibility of submitting a correct aid application or payment claim remains with the beneficiary, any results of ‘preliminary checks’ should be without prejudice to the subsequent results of the administrative cross-checks. Such system can be applied at regional level provided that the pre-established form and corresponding graphic material referred to in Article 72(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 provided through a GIS-based interface, enabling the processing of the spatial and alphanumerical data of the areas declared, are set up at regional level. |
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(2)

In order to enhance the correctness of the aid application or payment claim, it should be explicitly stated that Member States are able to introduce, on a voluntary basis, a system of ‘preliminary checks’ that will inform beneficiaries about potential non-compliances and will allow them to change their aid applications and payments claim in time in order to avoid reductions and administrative penalties. Full administrative checks will still have to be carried out before payment is made. In order to avoid a different treatment between farmers of the same Member State, such system should be applied at the Member State level, not at holding level. Since that system is based on the existence of the geo-spatial aid application, it can only be applied once such a system is fully in place in the Member State concerned. As the responsibility of submitting a correct aid application or payment claim remains with the beneficiary, any results of ‘preliminary checks’ should be without prejudice to the subsequent results of the administrative cross-checks. Such system can be applied at regional level provided that the pre-established form and corresponding graphic material referred to in Article 72(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 provided through a GIS-based interface, enabling the processing of the spatial and alphanumerical data of the areas declared, are set up at regional level.

| (3) | The possibility that a group of farmers applying for support under some of the rural development measures is treated as the beneficiary (hereinafter referred to as ‘collective’) is relevant especially for agro-environment-climate measures as referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4) implemented at the level of habitat, such as biodiversity and nature conservation measures. A legal framework should therefore be provided for the management and control of such collectives. In order to give further flexibility to those beneficiaries to facilitate a result-oriented approach, Member States should also be given the possibility to combine this system with a system of real-time notification of commitments, where the beneficiaries would notify commitments planned no later than 14 days before they are actually carried out. Tailor-made checks should complete the mechanism. |
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(3)

The possibility that a group of farmers applying for support under some of the rural development measures is treated as the beneficiary (hereinafter referred to as ‘collective’) is relevant especially for agro-environment-climate measures as referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4) implemented at the level of habitat, such as biodiversity and nature conservation measures. A legal framework should therefore be provided for the management and control of such collectives. In order to give further flexibility to those beneficiaries to facilitate a result-oriented approach, Member States should also be given the possibility to combine this system with a system of real-time notification of commitments, where the beneficiaries would notify commitments planned no later than 14 days before they are actually carried out. Tailor-made checks should complete the mechanism.

| (4) | As regards the fulfilment of the greening obligations, beneficiaries need to declare the use of agricultural parcels at the latest by the final date for submission of the single application or aid application as referred to in Article 13 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014. However, during growing season the beneficiary might need to adapt the cultivation plan as regards the crop or its location. Therefore, beneficiaries should be given the possibility to modify, in duly justified circumstances, and for the purpose of the greening only, their declaration with respect to the agricultural parcels declared. This possibility should be applicable provided that it does not have an effect on the status of compliance with the greening obligations with respect to the initial declaration. |
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(4)

As regards the fulfilment of the greening obligations, beneficiaries need to declare the use of agricultural parcels at the latest by the final date for submission of the single application or aid application as referred to in Article 13 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014. However, during growing season the beneficiary might need to adapt the cultivation plan as regards the crop or its location. Therefore, beneficiaries should be given the possibility to modify, in duly justified circumstances, and for the purpose of the greening only, their declaration with respect to the agricultural parcels declared. This possibility should be applicable provided that it does not have an effect on the status of compliance with the greening obligations with respect to the initial declaration.

| (5) | The on-the-spot control sample of beneficiaries who are exempted from the greening requirements is currently not selected according to the sampling methodology via the cascade mechanism as set out in Article 34 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014. As a consequence, it is not counted against the sample of beneficiaries applying for the basic payment scheme or the single area payment scheme, contrary to the sample of beneficiaries who are subject to the greening requirements. In order to increase the efficiency of the sample selection and to lower the number of beneficiaries to be checked on-the-spot, this sample should be selected according to the same sampling methodology. |
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(5)

The on-the-spot control sample of beneficiaries who are exempted from the greening requirements is currently not selected according to the sampling methodology via the cascade mechanism as set out in Article 34 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014. As a consequence, it is not counted against the sample of beneficiaries applying for the basic payment scheme or the single area payment scheme, contrary to the sample of beneficiaries who are subject to the greening requirements. In order to increase the efficiency of the sample selection and to lower the number of beneficiaries to be checked on-the-spot, this sample should be selected according to the same sampling methodology.

| (6) | The on-the-spot control sample for animal-aid schemes is currently not selected according to the sampling methodology via the cascade mechanism as set out in Article 34 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014. In order to further increase the efficiency of the sample selection and to minimise the number of beneficiaries to be checked on-the-spot, it should be provided that this sample can be selected according to the same sampling methodology. |
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(6)

The on-the-spot control sample for animal-aid schemes is currently not selected according to the sampling methodology via the cascade mechanism as set out in Article 34 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014. In order to further increase the efficiency of the sample selection and to minimise the number of beneficiaries to be checked on-the-spot, it should be provided that this sample can be selected according to the same sampling methodology.

| (7) | In order to reduce the administrative burden and to increase the efficiency of the selection of samples for on-the-spot checks, it is appropriate to provide for the explicit possibility for Member States to combine the sample selection for on-the-spot checks under the direct payment schemes and some rural development support measures covered by the integrated administration and control system (‘integrated system’). As the direct payments and rural development populations do not fully match one to one, Member States need to ensure the representativeness of the resulting samples. |
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(7)

In order to reduce the administrative burden and to increase the efficiency of the selection of samples for on-the-spot checks, it is appropriate to provide for the explicit possibility for Member States to combine the sample selection for on-the-spot checks under the direct payment schemes and some rural development support measures covered by the integrated administration and control system (‘integrated system’). As the direct payments and rural development populations do not fully match one to one, Member States need to ensure the representativeness of the resulting samples.

| (8) | The current rules on the selection of the control sample for the purpose of on-the-spot checks within the integrated system do not include a provision on the type of sampling selection which should apply to the additional beneficiaries to be selected where the ecological focus areas are not identified in the identification system for agricultural parcels. It is appropriate to provide for that this additional sample is to be selected on the basis of a risk analysis. |
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(8)

The current rules on the selection of the control sample for the purpose of on-the-spot checks within the integrated system do not include a provision on the type of sampling selection which should apply to the additional beneficiaries to be selected where the ecological focus areas are not identified in the identification system for agricultural parcels. It is appropriate to provide for that this additional sample is to be selected on the basis of a risk analysis.

| (9) | When applying the current provisions on the reduction of the control rate for the purpose of on-the-spot checks within the integrated system in respect of claim years 2015 and 2016, only those Member States which have implemented a voluntary system for the certification of the error rate by their certification body in the last years can actually benefit from a possible reduction of the control rate. For all other Member States, the first opportunity to reduce the control rate starts only as from claim year 2017. For that reason, it is appropriate to open the possibility to reduce the control rates for certain direct payments to other Member States that in respect of claim year 2016 certify their error rates in accordance with the new methodology drawn up at Union level taking account of Article 7(4) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 908/2014 (5) from financial year 2015. |
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(9)

When applying the current provisions on the reduction of the control rate for the purpose of on-the-spot checks within the integrated system in respect of claim years 2015 and 2016, only those Member States which have implemented a voluntary system for the certification of the error rate by their certification body in the last years can actually benefit from a possible reduction of the control rate. For all other Member States, the first opportunity to reduce the control rate starts only as from claim year 2017. For that reason, it is appropriate to open the possibility to reduce the control rates for certain direct payments to other Member States that in respect of claim year 2016 certify their error rates in accordance with the new methodology drawn up at Union level taking account of Article 7(4) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 908/2014 (5) from financial year 2015.

| (10) | Article 42 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 sets out rules as regards the on-the-spot checks of livestock aid applications and payment claims under animal-related support measures that are to be carried out during the retention period for animals. Those rules aim at ensuring that the respect of the retention period obligation can be checked adequately. However, it is appropriate to give Member States the possibility to decide that on-the-spot checks are to be spread where the retention period starts before an aid application or payment claim is submitted or where it cannot be fixed in advance. |
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(10)

Article 42 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 sets out rules as regards the on-the-spot checks of livestock aid applications and payment claims under animal-related support measures that are to be carried out during the retention period for animals. Those rules aim at ensuring that the respect of the retention period obligation can be checked adequately. However, it is appropriate to give Member States the possibility to decide that on-the-spot checks are to be spread where the retention period starts before an aid application or payment claim is submitted or where it cannot be fixed in advance.

| (11) | Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 should therefore be amended accordingly. |
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(11)

Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 should therefore be amended accordingly.

| (12) | The amendments made by this Regulation should apply to aid applications, applications for support or payment claims relating to claim years or premium periods starting as from 1 January 2016. However, taking into account the fact that beneficiaries might need to adapt the cultivation plan as regards the crop or its location in claim year 2015, the provision allowing Member States to authorise the beneficiary to modify the content of the single application as regards the use of the agricultural parcels should apply from 1 January 2015. In addition, taking into account the difficulties encountered in claim year 2015 by the Member States having set up such a retention period, the provision allowing to spread on-the-spot checks where the retention period starts before an aid application or payment claim is submitted or where it cannot be fixed in advance should also apply from 1 January 2015. |
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(12)

The amendments made by this Regulation should apply to aid applications, applications for support or payment claims relating to claim years or premium periods starting as from 1 January 2016. However, taking into account the fact that beneficiaries might need to adapt the cultivation plan as regards the crop or its location in claim year 2015, the provision allowing Member States to authorise the beneficiary to modify the content of the single application as regards the use of the agricultural parcels should apply from 1 January 2015. In addition, taking into account the difficulties encountered in claim year 2015 by the Member States having set up such a retention period, the provision allowing to spread on-the-spot checks where the retention period starts before an aid application or payment claim is submitted or where it cannot be fixed in advance should also apply from 1 January 2015.

| (13) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for Direct Payments and the Rural Development Committee, |
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(13)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for Direct Payments and the Rural Development Committee,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Amendment of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014

Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 is amended as follows:

| (1) | Article 10 is replaced by the following:

  ‘Article 10
  Advances for direct payments
  Where a Member State pays advances for direct payments in accordance with Article 75 of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013, the adjustment rate for financial discipline referred to in Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 shall not be taken into account for calculating those advance payments.
  The balance payment to be granted to beneficiaries as from 1 December shall take into account the adjustment rate for financial discipline applicable to the relevant claim year for the total amount of direct payments in relation to that year.’ |
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(1)

Article 10 is replaced by the following:

‘Article 10

Advances for direct payments

Where a Member State pays advances for direct payments in accordance with Article 75 of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013, the adjustment rate for financial discipline referred to in Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 shall not be taken into account for calculating those advance payments.

The balance payment to be granted to beneficiaries as from 1 December shall take into account the adjustment rate for financial discipline applicable to the relevant claim year for the total amount of direct payments in relation to that year.’

| (2) | In Article 11, the following paragraphs 4 and 5 are added:

  ‘4.   Where the integrated system provides for the pre-established form and the corresponding graphic material referred to in Article 72(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 through a GIS-based interface, enabling the processing of the spatial and alphanumerical data of the areas declared (hereinafter referred to as “geo-spatial aid application form”), Member States may decide to introduce a system of preliminary cross-checks (hereinafter referred to as “preliminary checks”), which shall include at least the cross-checks referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) of the first subparagraph of Article 29(1) of this Regulation. The results shall be notified to the beneficiary within a period of 26 calendar days after the final date of submission of the single application, aid application or payment claims referred to in Article 13 of this Regulation. However, where this period of 26 calendar days expires before the final date for notification of amendments in accordance with Article 15(2) of this Regulation, the results shall be notified to the beneficiary at the latest the calendar day following the final date for notification of amendments of the year concerned.
  Member States may decide to carry-out such preliminary checks at regional level, provided that the system using the geo-spatial aid application form is set up at regional level.


  5.   Where the beneficiary is a group of persons applying for support for agri-environment-climate operations as referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 (hereinafter referred to as “collective”), the Member State may decide to derogate from the requirement in Article 14 of this Regulation that the payment claim is to contain all information necessary to establish eligibility for the support and from the restriction in Article 13 of this Regulation that all relevant data for the proper administrative and financial management of the support is to be submitted by the final date of submission of the payment claim, by introducing a simplified annual payment claim (hereinafter referred to as “collective claim”) that shall be submitted by a collective.
  Articles 2, 3, 4, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 16, 17(1) and (3) to (9), and Articles, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 35, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43 and 45 of this Regulation and Articles 4, 12 and 13 of Regulation (EU) No 640/2014 shall apply mutadis mutandis in respect of the particular requirements established in view of the collective claim.
  For collectives, Member States shall include a description of the administrative arrangements in the rural development programme.’ |
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(2)

In Article 11, the following paragraphs 4 and 5 are added:

‘4.   Where the integrated system provides for the pre-established form and the corresponding graphic material referred to in Article 72(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 through a GIS-based interface, enabling the processing of the spatial and alphanumerical data of the areas declared (hereinafter referred to as “geo-spatial aid application form”), Member States may decide to introduce a system of preliminary cross-checks (hereinafter referred to as “preliminary checks”), which shall include at least the cross-checks referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) of the first subparagraph of Article 29(1) of this Regulation. The results shall be notified to the beneficiary within a period of 26 calendar days after the final date of submission of the single application, aid application or payment claims referred to in Article 13 of this Regulation. However, where this period of 26 calendar days expires before the final date for notification of amendments in accordance with Article 15(2) of this Regulation, the results shall be notified to the beneficiary at the latest the calendar day following the final date for notification of amendments of the year concerned.

Member States may decide to carry-out such preliminary checks at regional level, provided that the system using the geo-spatial aid application form is set up at regional level.

5.   Where the beneficiary is a group of persons applying for support for agri-environment-climate operations as referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 (hereinafter referred to as “collective”), the Member State may decide to derogate from the requirement in Article 14 of this Regulation that the payment claim is to contain all information necessary to establish eligibility for the support and from the restriction in Article 13 of this Regulation that all relevant data for the proper administrative and financial management of the support is to be submitted by the final date of submission of the payment claim, by introducing a simplified annual payment claim (hereinafter referred to as “collective claim”) that shall be submitted by a collective.

Articles 2, 3, 4, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 16, 17(1) and (3) to (9), and Articles, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 35, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43 and 45 of this Regulation and Articles 4, 12 and 13 of Regulation (EU) No 640/2014 shall apply mutadis mutandis in respect of the particular requirements established in view of the collective claim.

For collectives, Member States shall include a description of the administrative arrangements in the rural development programme.’

| (3) | In Article 14, the following paragraph 4 is added:

  ‘4.   For the purpose of the payment for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment in accordance with Chapter 3 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, Member States may authorise the beneficiary to modify, in duly justified circumstances, the content of the single application as regards the use of the agricultural parcels, provided that this does not put the beneficiary in a more favourable position with regard to the fulfilment of the greening obligations based on the initial application. Member States may decide to set a final date for the notification of these modifications to the competent authority.
  Where the competent authority has already informed the beneficiary of any case of non-compliance in the single application or payment claim or where it has given notice to the beneficiary of its intention to carry out an on-the-spot check or where an on-the-spot check reveals any non-compliance, modifications in accordance with the first subparagraph shall not be authorised in respect of the agricultural parcels affected by the non-compliance.’ |
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(3)

In Article 14, the following paragraph 4 is added:

‘4.   For the purpose of the payment for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment in accordance with Chapter 3 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, Member States may authorise the beneficiary to modify, in duly justified circumstances, the content of the single application as regards the use of the agricultural parcels, provided that this does not put the beneficiary in a more favourable position with regard to the fulfilment of the greening obligations based on the initial application. Member States may decide to set a final date for the notification of these modifications to the competent authority.

Where the competent authority has already informed the beneficiary of any case of non-compliance in the single application or payment claim or where it has given notice to the beneficiary of its intention to carry out an on-the-spot check or where an on-the-spot check reveals any non-compliance, modifications in accordance with the first subparagraph shall not be authorised in respect of the agricultural parcels affected by the non-compliance.’

| (4) | The following Article 14a is inserted:

  ‘Article 14a
  Collective claims

  1.   Where a Member State uses the option to introduce collective claims, Article 14 shall not apply in respect of such collective claims.


  2.   The collective shall submit one collective claim per year.


  3.   The collective claim shall contain all information necessary to establish eligibility for the support, with the exception of information in respect of the commitments covered by the agri-environment-climate operations as referred to in Article 28 of Regulation EU (No) 1305/2013. The collective claim shall contain in particular:






  (a) | the identity of the collective; |
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(4)

The following Article 14a is inserted:

‘Article 14a

Collective claims

1.   Where a Member State uses the option to introduce collective claims, Article 14 shall not apply in respect of such collective claims.

2.   The collective shall submit one collective claim per year.

3.   The collective claim shall contain all information necessary to establish eligibility for the support, with the exception of information in respect of the commitments covered by the agri-environment-climate operations as referred to in Article 28 of Regulation EU (No) 1305/2013. The collective claim shall contain in particular:

(a)

the identity of the collective;

| (b) | the unique identification of each participating member of the collective; |
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(b)

the unique identification of each participating member of the collective;

| (c) | a reference to the application for support submitted by the collective; |
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(c)

a reference to the application for support submitted by the collective;

| (d) | details of the agri-environment-climate operations concerned; |
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(d)

details of the agri-environment-climate operations concerned;

| (e) | particulars permitting the unambiguous identification of all agricultural parcels on the holding, their area expressed in hectares to two decimal places, their location and, where required, further specifications on the use of the agricultural parcels; |
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(e)

particulars permitting the unambiguous identification of all agricultural parcels on the holding, their area expressed in hectares to two decimal places, their location and, where required, further specifications on the use of the agricultural parcels;

| (f) | where applicable, particulars permitting the unambiguous identification of non-agricultural land for which support under rural development measures is being claimed; |
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(f)

where applicable, particulars permitting the unambiguous identification of non-agricultural land for which support under rural development measures is being claimed;

| (g) | where appropriate, any supporting documents needed to establish the eligibility for the measure concerned; |
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(g)

where appropriate, any supporting documents needed to establish the eligibility for the measure concerned;

| (h) | a statement by the collective stating that the participating members are aware of the conditions pertaining to the rural development measures in question and of the financial consequences in cases of non-compliances. |
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(h)

a statement by the collective stating that the participating members are aware of the conditions pertaining to the rural development measures in question and of the financial consequences in cases of non-compliances.

Where the application for support submitted by the collective contains the information referred to in points (b), (d) and (h) of the first subparagraph, that information may be substituted by a reference to that application for support.

4.   By way of derogation from the first subparagraph of paragraph 3, Member States may decide that the collective claim shall contain all details in respect of the commitments covered by the agri-environment-climate operations.

5.   The collective shall notify the competent authority of each commitment covered by the agri-environment-climate operations no later than 14 calendar days before the commitment is undertaken. Member States shall provide for appropriate procedures for this notification.

Where the details in respect of the commitments covered by the agri-environment-climate operations are contained in the collective claim in accordance with paragraph 4, the commitments do not need to be notified in accordance with the first subparagraph of this paragraph, unless a change in type, timing or location of the commitment occurs.’

| (5) | Article 15 is amended as follows:






  (a) | the title is replaced by the following:
  ‘Article 15
  Amendments to the single application or payment claim and modifications following the preliminary checks’; |
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(5)

Article 15 is amended as follows:

(a)

the title is replaced by the following:

‘Article 15

Amendments to the single application or payment claim and modifications following the preliminary checks’;

| (b) | the following paragraph 1a is inserted:

  ‘1a.   Where a beneficiary has been notified of the results of the preliminary checks as referred to in Article 11(4), that beneficiary may modify the single application or payment claim in order to include all necessary corrections with respect to individual parcels in accordance with the results of those cross-checks where they indicated a potential non-compliance.’; |
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(b)

the following paragraph 1a is inserted:

‘1a.   Where a beneficiary has been notified of the results of the preliminary checks as referred to in Article 11(4), that beneficiary may modify the single application or payment claim in order to include all necessary corrections with respect to individual parcels in accordance with the results of those cross-checks where they indicated a potential non-compliance.’;

| (c) | paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

  ‘2.   Amendments made in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be notified to the competent authority by 31 May of the year concerned, except in the case of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Sweden, where they shall be notified by 15 June of the year concerned.
  Such notifications shall be made in writing or via the geo-spatial aid application form.
  By way of derogation from the first subparagraph, Member States may set an earlier final date for the notification of such amendments. That date shall however not be earlier than 15 calendar days after the final date for submitting the single application or payment claim fixed in accordance with Article 13(1).’; |
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(c)

paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

‘2.   Amendments made in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be notified to the competent authority by 31 May of the year concerned, except in the case of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Sweden, where they shall be notified by 15 June of the year concerned.

Such notifications shall be made in writing or via the geo-spatial aid application form.

By way of derogation from the first subparagraph, Member States may set an earlier final date for the notification of such amendments. That date shall however not be earlier than 15 calendar days after the final date for submitting the single application or payment claim fixed in accordance with Article 13(1).’;

| (d) | the following paragraph 2a is inserted:

  ‘2a.   Modifications following the preliminary checks made in accordance with paragraph 1a shall be notified to the competent authority at the latest 35 calendar days after the final date of submission of the single application, aid application or payment claims referred to in Article 13. However, where this period of 35 calendar days expires before the final date for notification of amendments in accordance with paragraph 2 of this Article, the modifications shall be notified to the competent authority at the latest 10 calendar days after the final date for notification of amendments of the year concerned.
  Such notifications shall be made in writing or via the geo-spatial aid application form.’ |
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(d)

the following paragraph 2a is inserted:

‘2a.   Modifications following the preliminary checks made in accordance with paragraph 1a shall be notified to the competent authority at the latest 35 calendar days after the final date of submission of the single application, aid application or payment claims referred to in Article 13. However, where this period of 35 calendar days expires before the final date for notification of amendments in accordance with paragraph 2 of this Article, the modifications shall be notified to the competent authority at the latest 10 calendar days after the final date for notification of amendments of the year concerned.

Such notifications shall be made in writing or via the geo-spatial aid application form.’

| (6) | In Article 17, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

  ‘1.   For the purpose of the identification of all agricultural parcels on the holding and/or non-agricultural land as referred to in Article 14(1)(d) and (e), the competent authority shall provide the beneficiary with the geo-spatial aid application form.’ |
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(6)

In Article 17, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

‘1.   For the purpose of the identification of all agricultural parcels on the holding and/or non-agricultural land as referred to in Article 14(1)(d) and (e), the competent authority shall provide the beneficiary with the geo-spatial aid application form.’

| (7) | In Article 25, the second subparagraph is replaced by the following:
  ‘However, for on-the-spot checks concerning livestock aid applications or payment claims under animal-related support measures or commitments notified in accordance with Article 14a(5), the announcement shall not exceed 48 hours, except in duly justified cases. Furthermore, where the legislation applicable to the acts and standards relevant to cross-compliance requires the on-the-spot check to be unannounced, those rules shall also apply in the case of on-the-spot checks related to cross-compliance.’ |
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(7)

In Article 25, the second subparagraph is replaced by the following:

‘However, for on-the-spot checks concerning livestock aid applications or payment claims under animal-related support measures or commitments notified in accordance with Article 14a(5), the announcement shall not exceed 48 hours, except in duly justified cases. Furthermore, where the legislation applicable to the acts and standards relevant to cross-compliance requires the on-the-spot check to be unannounced, those rules shall also apply in the case of on-the-spot checks related to cross-compliance.’

| (8) | In Article 26(2), the following second subparagraph is added:
  ‘The on-the-spot checks on commitments notified in accordance with Article 14a(5) shall be carried out within the time limits that ensure an effective verification of the commitment notified.’ |
| --- | --- |

(8)

In Article 26(2), the following second subparagraph is added:

‘The on-the-spot checks on commitments notified in accordance with Article 14a(5) shall be carried out within the time limits that ensure an effective verification of the commitment notified.’

| (9) | In Article 31, the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:

  ‘3.   Where the ecological focus areas are not identified in the identification system for agricultural parcels as referred to in Article 70 of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013, the control rate laid down in points (a) and (c) to (e) of paragraph 1 shall be supplemented by 5 % of all beneficiaries of the respective control population who are required to have ecological focus area on the agricultural area in accordance with Articles 43 and 46 of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013.’ |
| --- | --- |

(9)

In Article 31, the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:

‘3.   Where the ecological focus areas are not identified in the identification system for agricultural parcels as referred to in Article 70 of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013, the control rate laid down in points (a) and (c) to (e) of paragraph 1 shall be supplemented by 5 % of all beneficiaries of the respective control population who are required to have ecological focus area on the agricultural area in accordance with Articles 43 and 46 of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013.’

| (10) | Article 32 is amended as follows:






  (a) | the following paragraph 2a is inserted:

  ‘2a.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, where a Member State uses the option to introduce the collective claim, the control sample for on-the-spot checks carried out each year shall cover at least:






  (a) | 5 % of all collectives submitting a collective claim; this sample shall, at the same time, cover at least 5 % of the total area declared in the collective claim in accordance with Article 14a(3); and |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

(10)

Article 32 is amended as follows:

(a)

the following paragraph 2a is inserted:

‘2a.   By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, where a Member State uses the option to introduce the collective claim, the control sample for on-the-spot checks carried out each year shall cover at least:

(a)

5 % of all collectives submitting a collective claim; this sample shall, at the same time, cover at least 5 % of the total area declared in the collective claim in accordance with Article 14a(3); and

| (b) | 5 % of the commitments notified in accordance with Article 14a(5).’; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

5 % of the commitments notified in accordance with Article 14a(5).’;

| (b) | in paragraph 3, the following third subparagraph is added:
  ‘Where a Member State uses the option to introduce the collective claim, this paragraph shall not apply to collectives.’ |
| --- | --- |

(b)

in paragraph 3, the following third subparagraph is added:

‘Where a Member State uses the option to introduce the collective claim, this paragraph shall not apply to collectives.’

| (11) | Article 34 is amended as follows:






  (a) | paragraph 2 is amended as follows:






  (i) | the first subparagraph is amended as follows:






  — | in point (a), the following sentences are added:


  ‘Beneficiaries selected randomly in accordance with the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 of this Article may be considered as part of the control sample provided for in the first sentence of this point. The number of such beneficiaries in the control sample shall not go beyond their proportion in the control population;’; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

(11)

Article 34 is amended as follows:

(a)

paragraph 2 is amended as follows:

(i)

the first subparagraph is amended as follows:

—

in point (a), the following sentences are added:

‘Beneficiaries selected randomly in accordance with the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 of this Article may be considered as part of the control sample provided for in the first sentence of this point. The number of such beneficiaries in the control sample shall not go beyond their proportion in the control population;’;

| — | the following point (ba) is inserted:







  ‘(ba) | between 0,6 % and 0,75 % of the control population as referred to in Article 31(1)(b) shall be selected randomly from all beneficiaries selected in accordance with point (a) of this subparagraph. Where necessary to reach that percentage, additional beneficiaries shall be selected randomly among the control population as referred to in Article 31(1)(b);’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

the following point (ba) is inserted:

‘(ba)

| — | point (c) is replaced by the following:







  ‘(c) | the remaining number of beneficiaries in the control sample referred to in Article 31(1)(a) and (b) shall be selected on the basis of a risk analysis;’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

point (c) is replaced by the following:

‘(c)

| — | point (e) is replaced by the following:







  ‘(e) | all beneficiaries selected in accordance with points (a) to (d) of this subparagraph and those selected on the basis of a risk analysis in accordance with the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 of this Article may be considered as part of the control sample provided for in Article 30(a). Where necessary to respect the minimum control rate, additional beneficiaries shall be selected randomly from all beneficiaries applying for the basic payment scheme or the single area payment scheme in accordance with Chapter 1 of Title III of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013;’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

point (e) is replaced by the following:

‘(e)

| — | point (g) is deleted; |
| --- | --- |

—

point (g) is deleted;

| — | point (h) is replaced by the following:







  ‘(h) | between 20 % and 25 % of the minimum number of beneficiaries referred to in Article 31(1)(c) shall be selected randomly from all beneficiaries selected in accordance with point (a) of this subparagraph.. The remaining number of beneficiaries referred to in Article 31(1)(c) shall be selected on the basis of a risk analysis from all beneficiaries selected in accordance with point (e) of this subparagraph. Where necessary to respect the minimum control rates, additional beneficiaries shall be selected on the basis of a risk analysis from their respective control populations;’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

point (h) is replaced by the following:

‘(h)

| — | the following point (ha) is inserted:







  ‘(ha) | between 20 % and 25 % of the minimum number of beneficiaries referred to in Article 31(1)(d) and (h) shall be selected randomly from all beneficiaries selected in accordance with point (b) of this subparagraph. Where necessary to reach that percentage, additional beneficiaries shall be selected randomly from all beneficiaries selected in accordance with point (a) of this subparagraph. The remaining number of beneficiaries referred to in Article 31(1)(d) and (h) shall be selected on the basis of a risk analysis from all beneficiaries selected in accordance with point (c) of this subparagraph. Where necessary to respect the minimum control rates, additional beneficiaries shall be selected on the basis of a risk analysis from their respective control populations;’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

the following point (ha) is inserted:

‘(ha)

| (ii) | the second and third subparagraphs are replaced by the following:
  ‘The on-the-spot check regarding the additional beneficiaries selected in accordance with points (d), (e), (h) and (ha) of the first subparagraph as well as the beneficiaries selected in accordance with point (f) of the first subparagraph may be limited to the aid scheme they have been selected for if the minimum control rates of the other aid schemes they applied for are already respected.
  The on-the-spot check regarding the additional beneficiaries selected in accordance with Article 31(3) and the beneficiaries selected in accordance with points (h), (ha) and (i) of the first subparagraph of this paragraph may be limited to the greening practices they have been selected for if the minimum control rates of the other aid schemes and greening practices they are required to observe are already respected.’; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

the second and third subparagraphs are replaced by the following:

‘The on-the-spot check regarding the additional beneficiaries selected in accordance with points (d), (e), (h) and (ha) of the first subparagraph as well as the beneficiaries selected in accordance with point (f) of the first subparagraph may be limited to the aid scheme they have been selected for if the minimum control rates of the other aid schemes they applied for are already respected.

The on-the-spot check regarding the additional beneficiaries selected in accordance with Article 31(3) and the beneficiaries selected in accordance with points (h), (ha) and (i) of the first subparagraph of this paragraph may be limited to the greening practices they have been selected for if the minimum control rates of the other aid schemes and greening practices they are required to observe are already respected.’;

| (iii) | the following fifth subparagraph is added:
  ‘The additional beneficiaries to be subject to on-the-spot checks for the purposes of the first subparagraph of Article 31(3) shall be selected on the basis of a risk analysis.’; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

the following fifth subparagraph is added:

‘The additional beneficiaries to be subject to on-the-spot checks for the purposes of the first subparagraph of Article 31(3) shall be selected on the basis of a risk analysis.’;

| (b) | paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:

  ‘3.   For the purposes of Articles 32 and 33, first between 20 % and 25 % of the minimum number of beneficiaries to be subject to on-the-spot checks and where Article 32(2a) is applied 100 % of the collectives and between 20 % and 25 % of the commitments to be subject to on-the-spot checks shall be selected randomly. The remaining number of beneficiaries and commitments to be subject to on-the-spot checks shall be selected on the basis of a risk analysis.
  For the purposes of Articles 32 and 33, the random part of the sample may also include beneficiaries already selected in accordance with the first sentence of point (a) of the first subparagraph of paragraph 2 of this Article. The number of such beneficiaries in the control sample shall not go beyond their proportion in the control population.
  For the purposes of Article 32, Member States may, as a result of the risk analysis, select specific rural development measures which apply to the beneficiaries.’ |
| --- | --- |

(b)

paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:

‘3.   For the purposes of Articles 32 and 33, first between 20 % and 25 % of the minimum number of beneficiaries to be subject to on-the-spot checks and where Article 32(2a) is applied 100 % of the collectives and between 20 % and 25 % of the commitments to be subject to on-the-spot checks shall be selected randomly. The remaining number of beneficiaries and commitments to be subject to on-the-spot checks shall be selected on the basis of a risk analysis.

For the purposes of Articles 32 and 33, the random part of the sample may also include beneficiaries already selected in accordance with the first sentence of point (a) of the first subparagraph of paragraph 2 of this Article. The number of such beneficiaries in the control sample shall not go beyond their proportion in the control population.

For the purposes of Article 32, Member States may, as a result of the risk analysis, select specific rural development measures which apply to the beneficiaries.’

| (12) | Article 36 is amended as follows:






  (a) | paragraph 2 is amended as follows:






  (i) | the second and third subparagraphs are replaced by the following:
  ‘The first subparagraph shall only apply if a system of spatial intersection of all aid applications with the identification system for agricultural parcels is in place in accordance with Article 17(2) for all beneficiaries.
  In respect of claim year 2015 the rate of errors found in the random sample checked on the spot shall not exceed 2 % in the preceding two financial years. That rate of errors shall be certified by the Member State in accordance with the established methodology drawn up at Union level.’; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

(12)

Article 36 is amended as follows:

(a)

paragraph 2 is amended as follows:

(i)

the second and third subparagraphs are replaced by the following:

‘The first subparagraph shall only apply if a system of spatial intersection of all aid applications with the identification system for agricultural parcels is in place in accordance with Article 17(2) for all beneficiaries.

In respect of claim year 2015 the rate of errors found in the random sample checked on the spot shall not exceed 2 % in the preceding two financial years. That rate of errors shall be certified by the Member State in accordance with the established methodology drawn up at Union level.’;

| (ii) | the following fourth subparagraph is added:
  ‘In respect of claim year 2016 the rate of errors found in the random sample checked on the spot shall not exceed 2 % in the preceding financial year. That rate of errors shall be certified by the Member State in accordance with the new methodology drawn up at Union level taking account of Article 7(4) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 908/2014 (*1).

  (*1)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 908/2014 of 6 August 2014 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to paying agencies and other bodies, financial management, clearance of accounts, rules on checks, securities and transparency (OJ L 255, 28.8.2014, p. 59)’;" |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

the following fourth subparagraph is added:

‘In respect of claim year 2016 the rate of errors found in the random sample checked on the spot shall not exceed 2 % in the preceding financial year. That rate of errors shall be certified by the Member State in accordance with the new methodology drawn up at Union level taking account of Article 7(4) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 908/2014 (*1).

*1

(*1)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 908/2014 of 6 August 2014 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to paying agencies and other bodies, financial management, clearance of accounts, rules on checks, securities and transparency (OJ L 255, 28.8.2014, p. 59)’;"

*1

| (b) | in paragraph 3, the seventh subparagraph is replaced by the following:
  ‘The third and fourth subparagraphs of paragraph 2 shall apply mutatis mutandis.’; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

in paragraph 3, the seventh subparagraph is replaced by the following:

‘The third and fourth subparagraphs of paragraph 2 shall apply mutatis mutandis.’;

mutatis mutandis

| (c) | in paragraph 4, the second subparagraph is replaced by the following:
  ‘However, the first subparagraph shall not apply in relation to beneficiaries that include equivalent practices as referred to in Article 43(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 and to collectives and commitments which are selected in accordance with Article 32(2a) of this Regulation.’ |
| --- | --- |

(c)

in paragraph 4, the second subparagraph is replaced by the following:

‘However, the first subparagraph shall not apply in relation to beneficiaries that include equivalent practices as referred to in Article 43(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 and to collectives and commitments which are selected in accordance with Article 32(2a) of this Regulation.’

| (d) | in paragraph 5, the first sentence is replaced by the following:

  ‘Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 shall only apply if the general conditions for reducing the minimum level of on-the-spot checks laid down in Article 41 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 908/2014 are fulfilled.’ |
| --- | --- |

(d)

in paragraph 5, the first sentence is replaced by the following:

‘Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 shall only apply if the general conditions for reducing the minimum level of on-the-spot checks laid down in Article 41 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 908/2014 are fulfilled.’

| (13) | In Article 37, the following paragraph 4 is added:

  ‘4.   For collectives selected in accordance with point (a) of Article 32(2a), the on-the-spot checks shall cover the area measurement, verification of the eligibility criteria and other obligations of the area declared in the collective claim.
  For commitments selected in accordance with point (b) of Article 32(2a), the on-the-spot check shall cover the verification of the commitments notified.’ |
| --- | --- |

(13)

In Article 37, the following paragraph 4 is added:

‘4.   For collectives selected in accordance with point (a) of Article 32(2a), the on-the-spot checks shall cover the area measurement, verification of the eligibility criteria and other obligations of the area declared in the collective claim.

For commitments selected in accordance with point (b) of Article 32(2a), the on-the-spot check shall cover the verification of the commitments notified.’

| (14) | In Article 41(2), the following subparagraph is inserted after the first subparagraph:
  ‘By way of derogation from the first subparagraph, where the Member State uses the option to introduce collective claims, the Member State may decide not to give the collective the opportunity to sign the control report if no non-compliance is revealed during the check. If any non-compliance is revealed as a consequence of such checks, the opportunity to sign the report shall be given before the competent authority draws its conclusions from the findings with regard to any resulting reductions, refusals, withdrawals or penalties.’ |
| --- | --- |

(14)

In Article 41(2), the following subparagraph is inserted after the first subparagraph:

‘By way of derogation from the first subparagraph, where the Member State uses the option to introduce collective claims, the Member State may decide not to give the collective the opportunity to sign the control report if no non-compliance is revealed during the check. If any non-compliance is revealed as a consequence of such checks, the opportunity to sign the report shall be given before the competent authority draws its conclusions from the findings with regard to any resulting reductions, refusals, withdrawals or penalties.’

| (15) | In the second subparagraph of Article 42(1), the following sentence is added:

  ‘However, where the retention period starts before an aid application or payment claim has been submitted or where it cannot be fixed in advance, Member States may decide that the on-the-spot checks provided for in Article 32 or 33 shall be spread over the period in which an animal may qualify for the payment or support.’ |
| --- | --- |

(15)

In the second subparagraph of Article 42(1), the following sentence is added:

‘However, where the retention period starts before an aid application or payment claim has been submitted or where it cannot be fixed in advance, Member States may decide that the on-the-spot checks provided for in Article 32 or 33 shall be spread over the period in which an animal may qualify for the payment or support.’

Article 2

Entry into force and application

This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Official Journal of the European Union

It shall apply to aid applications, applications for support or payment claims relating to claim years or premium periods starting as from 1 January 2016.

However, points 3 and 15 of Article 1 shall apply from 1 January 2015.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 14 December 2015.

For the Commission

The President

Jean-Claude JUNCKER

---

(1)  
  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 549.

1

(2)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 of 17 July 2014 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the integrated administration and control system, rural development measures and cross compliance (OJ L 227, 31.7.2014, p. 69).

2

(3)  Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing rules for direct payments to farmers under support schemes within the framework of the common agricultural policy and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 637/2008 and Council Regulation (EC) No 73/2009 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 608).

3

(4)  Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 487).

4

(5)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 908/2014 of 6 August 2014 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to paying agencies and other bodies, financial management, clearance of accounts, rules on checks, securities and transparency (OJ L 255, 28.8.2014, p. 59).

5

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