# Official Journal C 135/2023

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 135 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6618 April 2023 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 135

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6618 April 2023

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| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 135/01 | Commission Notice – GUIDANCE DOCUMENT on the export, re-export and intra-EU trade of captive-born and bred live tigers and their parts and derivatives | 1 |

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2023/C 135/01

Commission Notice – GUIDANCE DOCUMENT on the export, re-export and intra-EU trade of captive-born and bred live tigers and their parts and derivatives

1

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| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 135/02 | Euro exchange rates – 17 April 2023 | 9 |
| 2023/C 135/03 | Summary of European Commission Decisions on authorisations for the placing on the market for the use and/or for use of substances listed in Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
  (Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
  )

   (
  1
  ) | 10 |
| 2023/C 135/04 | Summary of European Commission Decisions on authorisations for the placing on the market for the use and/or for use of substances listed in Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
  (Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006)
   (
  1
  ) | 11 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

2023/C 135/02

Euro exchange rates – 17 April 2023

9

2023/C 135/03

Summary of European Commission Decisions on authorisations for the placing on the market for the use and/or for use of substances listed in Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
  (Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
  )

   (
  1
  )

(Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006

)

1

10

2023/C 135/04

Summary of European Commission Decisions on authorisations for the placing on the market for the use and/or for use of substances listed in Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
  (Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006)
   (
  1
  )

(Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006

1

11

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| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | European Commission |
| 2023/C 135/05 | Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 | 12 |

V   Announcements

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

2023/C 135/05

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

12

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

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

| EN | |
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EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 18.4.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 135/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.4.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 135/1

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COMMISSION NOTICE

GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

on the export, re-export and intra-EU trade of captive-born and bred live tigers and their parts and derivatives (1)

(2023/C 135/01)

Table of Contents

| 1. | Background information and justification | 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

| a) | Threats to the conservation of wild tigers and the EU’s involvement in the trade of captive-born and bred live tigers and their parts and derivatives | 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |

a)

| b) | The international and EU legal framework governing the trade in tigers and their parts and derivatives | 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |

b)

| c) | Measures in EU Member States | 4 |
| --- | --- | --- |

c)

| 2. | Purpose and status of the document | 4 |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Guidance on the interpretation of EU rules on export, re-export and intra-EU trade of captive-born and bred live tigers, and tiger parts and derivatives | 5 |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

| a) | Applications for permits or certificates pursuant to Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 338/97 (export and re-export) | 5 |
| --- | --- | --- |

a)

| b) | Applications for certificates pursuant to Article 8(3) of Regulation (EC) No 338/97 (intra-EU trade) | 6 |
| --- | --- | --- |

b)

| c) | Additional recommendation to be considered by the Member States | 7 |
| --- | --- | --- |

c)

ANNEX

| Evidence to substantiate legitimacy of purposes that are not detrimental to the conservation of the species pursued by licensed zoological institutions and breeding and conservation programmes | 8 |
| --- | --- |

1.   Background information and justification

a)   Threats to the conservation of wild tigers and the EU’s involvement in the trade of captive-born and bred live tigers and their parts and derivatives

With an estimated 3 900 tigers reportedly remaining in the wild, illegal trade and trafficking of tigers and tiger parts and derivatives is the primary threat to their survival (2). High value is placed on nearly all tiger parts and derivatives, and as a result, poaching of wild tigers to meet demand for tiger parts and products has led to the disappearance of populations across otherwise suitable habitats in Asia (3). The most recent analysis of global tiger seizures over a 19-year period between 2000 and 2018 shows that specimens, parts and products of at least 2 359 tigers were seized in 1 142 incidents across 32 countries/territories globally (4). In recent years, there has also been mounting evidence that tigers born and bred in captive facilities are entering commercial illegal trade (5). This complicates enforcement efforts and may facilitate the use of (illegally obtained) tiger parts and products and stimulate market demand.

CITES legal trade data identify several EU Member States among the top 30 global exporters and importers of tigers between 1975 and 2018 (6). Based on these data, trade routes exist between Europe and Asia, where tigers are (re-)exported to countries that have facilities, which are breeding tigers and are alleged to be involved in the illegal tiger trade. CITES trade data for 2013-2018 indicate that live captive-born and bred tigers and their parts and derivatives are legally (re-)exported for commercial purposes, including to Asian countries.

While most EU Member States only allow licensed zoos or rescue centres to breed and hold tigers in captivity (7), several EU countries permit tigers to be kept and bred in private facilities (8) or circuses and travelling exhibitions (9). Four EU Member States currently allow tigers to be used in circuses and allow private owners to obtain licences to keep tigers in private facilities (10). The lack of harmonisation across the EU Member States regarding the rules governing the keeping and breeding of tigers in captivity provides an opportunity for illegal commercial trade (11).

In 2018, an EU Member State disclosed evidence of organised criminal groups, including private breeders, middlemen and traders, being involved in the captive breeding of tigers for illegal export to Asia (12). Evidence of traders involved in the sale of captive-born and bred tigers from captive facilities in the EU and the transfer of these specimens across the EU has also been substantiated in recent years. For example, EU-TWIX (13) seizures data for 2013-2018 show that live captive-born and bred tigers and their parts and derivatives continue to be seized internally within the EU and on (re-)export. Furthermore, in 2019, a circus family transported 10 tigers through several countries in the EU, allegedly destined for a zoo in a third country. It was verified that no operational zoos existed in the area and that the consignee was a meat and alcohol import company registered in a third country (14).

b)   The international and EU legal framework governing the trade in tigers and their parts and derivatives

Tigers (Panthera tigris) are included in Appendix-I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Under the current CITES rules, international trade in wild tigers, their parts and derivatives for commercial purposes is prohibited, with strictly limited exemptions. Trade in live tigers born and bred in captivity and their parts and derivatives is allowed, subject to conditions applicable to Appendix-II species (Articles VII(4) and VII(5) of CITES (15)).

In 2002, the parties to CITES first adopted Resolution Conf. 12.5 (Rev. CoP18) (16) on conservation of and trade in tigers and other Appendix-I Asian big cat species. Resolution Conf. 12.5 urges parties and non-parties where there are facilities keeping tigers and other Asian big cat species in captivity to ensure that adequate management practices and controls are in place and strictly implemented, including for the disposal of Asian big cats that die in captivity, to prevent parts and derivatives from entering illegal trade from or through such facilities. Resolution Conf. 12.5 also urges all parties in whose jurisdiction there is a legal domestic market for tiger specimens and other Asian big cat species that is contributing to poaching or illegal trade to take all necessary legislative, regulatory and enforcement measures to close their domestic markets for commercial trade in tigers and other Asian big cat specimens.

At the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP14) in 2007, CITES parties also adopted Decision 14.69 (17). This Decision directs Parties, especially Appendix-I Asian big cat range States with intensive operations breeding tigers on a commercial scale to implement measures to restrict the captive population to a level supportive only to conserving wild tigers. Decision 14.69 also states that tigers should not be bred for trade in their parts and derivatives (18). At the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP17) in 2016, the parties also adopted Decision 17.226 (19). This Decision requests that all parties in whose territory there are facilities keeping Asian big cats in captivity: a) review national management practices and controls that are in place for such facilities, to ensure that these management practices and controls are adequate to prevent Asian big cat specimens from entering illegal trade from or through such facilities; b) ensure strict application of all management practices and controls implemented to regulate the activities of facilities that keep Asian big cats in captivity, including with regard to the disposal of specimens from Asian big cats that die in captivity; and c) report to the Secretariat on progress in implementing this Decision.

CITES is implemented in the EU through Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 (20) (Basic Regulation) and associated Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 (21) (together the ‘EU Wildlife Trade Regulations’). Since 1997, tigers have been listed in Annex A of the Basic Regulation, which generally prohibits the commercial use of the species (22).

Pursuant to Article 7(1) of the Basic Regulation, captive born and bred Annex A species are subject to rules on export and re-export from the EU applicable to Annex B species. Further, based on Article 5(4) of the Regulation, some of the provisions applicable to Annex A species are also applicable to species listed in Annex B and therefore also to captive-born and bred specimens of Annex A species. This is notably the case of Article 5(2)(d) of the Basic Regulation, which stipulates that when assessing applications for export and re-export from the EU of specimens of the species listed in its Annex A, Member States’ management authorities need to be ‘satisfied, following consultation with the competent scientific authority, that there are no other factors relating to the conservation of the species which militate against issuance of the export permit’ (emphasis added).

Intra-EU commercial trade of Annex A specimens is, as a matter of principle, prohibited under Article 8(1) of Regulation (EC) No 338/97. According to Article 8(3) of this Regulation, exemption from that prohibition may only be granted by Member States’ authorities on a case-by-case basis if certain conditions (listed in subparagraphs (a) to (h)) as well as in Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 are met.

It should be noted that the use of the term ‘may’ in Article 8(3) of Regulation (EC) No 338/97 implies that Member States are not obliged to grant a certificate for intra-EU trade even when those conditions are met, except if otherwise required by EU law. In other words, Article 8(3) cannot be considered to confer the right for an applicant to obtain a certificate for intra-EU trade (23). Member States can refuse to grant a certificate if this is appropriate to protect the species or to guarantee its conservation, and if the refusal does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve that aim.

c)   Measures in EU Member States

As a precautionary measure, some EU Member States have implemented stricter domestic measures regarding the commercial trade of captive-born and bred tigers and their parts and derivatives and rules on the keeping of these animals. These stricter measures include the suspension of (re-)export of live captive-born and bred tigers and tiger parts and derivatives to third countries for commercial purposes. Exemptions to these stricter measures apply only for the purposes of breeding in licensed zoos and/or for the conservation of the species. These measures also include the suspension of issuance of intra-EU trade certificates for live captive-born and bred tigers, and their parts and derivatives, except in certain circumstances such as for the purposes of breeding, research, and education in licensed zoos. If certificates are issued, only transaction-specific certificates can be granted. Other measures concern strengthening national legislation regarding the movement, keeping and use for entertainment purposes of live captive-born and bred tigers. In addition to the measures in place in some EU Member States, several other EU countries intend to strengthen their domestic legislation regarding keeping tigers in private facilities or circuses.

The different measures in place, lead to varying practices across the EU. Guidance is therefore needed to ensure all EU Member States follow a similar approach for the export, re-export, and intra-EU trade of live captive-born and bred tigers and their parts and derivatives that is compatible with Regulation (EC) No 338/97, as well as the precautionary principle.

2.   Purpose and status of the document

Guidance documents are used for providing information to Member States on the ways to ensure a full and effective implementation of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations on some issues. Species-specific guidance is only adopted in very specific circumstances and only when a particular issue needs to be tackled, for example when there are significant concerns relating to the conservation of a species. As outlined in Section 1, there is a risk that live tigers and parts and derivatives from captive-born and bred specimens are entering commercial illegal trade, stimulating the supply chain for consumer markets, and strengthening demand from end users. To avoid these consequences, which are detrimental to the conservation of the species, it is necessary to apply a strict interpretation of the Regulations for commercial trade with third countries as well as for the EU internal trade in live tigers born and bred in captivity and their parts and derivatives.

The purpose of this notice is to provide guidance to the competent authorities of the EU Member States on the interpretation of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations, in light of the current state of conservation of this species and of other information relevant for that purpose to ensure all EU Member States follow an approach to the export, re-export and intra-EU trade of captive-born and bred live tigers and their parts and derivatives that is compatible with Regulation (EC) No 338/97 and the precautionary principle.

The EU’s regulatory framework on wildlife trade needs to be interpreted in the light of its terms and objectives, the precautionary principle, and with due regard to recent information on the state of conservation of the concerned species as well as other relevant information, for instance indication of persistence of or increase in illegal trade.

This guidance document was prepared by European Commission and a draft was endorsed by the Expert group of the competent CITES management authorities and thus by the competent authorities of the Member States in a written consultation in the course of 2022.

The guidance document is intended to assist national authorities in applying Regulation (EC) No 338/97 and Regulation (EC) No 865/2006. It is not legally binding; its sole purpose is to provide information on certain aspects of Wildlife Trade Regulations, and on measures considered to be best practice. It does not replace, add to, or amend the provisions of applicable EU law. The document should also not be considered in isolation; it must be used in conjunction with the legislation, and not as a ‘stand-alone’ reference. Only the Court of Justice of the European Union is competent to authoritatively interpret EU law.

The document will be published by the Commission on its website and may be published by the EU Member States.

3.   Guidance on the interpretation of EU rules on export, re-export and intra-EU trade of captive-born and bred live tigers, and tiger parts and derivatives

Acts of EU law must be interpreted in accordance with their terms and aims. Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No 338/97 states that the aim of that Regulation is ‘to protect species of wild fauna and flora and to guarantee their conservation by regulating trade therein’. The interpretation of the provisions of the Regulation must therefore be construed in a manner consistent with that aim.

In addition, Article 191(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union states that environmental policy is to be based on the precautionary principle. This means that if an action or policy risks resulting in serious or irreversible harm to the public or to the environment, a lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent such damage. The principle aims to ensure a higher level of environmental protection through preventive decision-making in the case of such risks.

In accordance with the consistent case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, the precautionary principle applies, inter alia, when interpreting and applying the EU environmental acquis, and therefore also to interpreting and applying Regulation (EC) No 338/97 and Regulation (EC) No 865/2006. EU Member States should apply the precautionary principle in exercising their discretion pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 338/97 (24).

a)   Applications for permits or certificates pursuant to Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 338/97 (export and re-export)

In the circumstances described in Section 1 a) of this document, taking into account the precautionary principle and unless conclusive scientific evidence to the contrary comes to light, EU Member States should consider that there are indeed serious factors relating to the conservation of tigers that militate against the issuance of export permits and re-export certificates.

As a result, EU Member States should, in principle, not grant an export permits or re-export certificates for live captive-born and bred tigers and their parts and derivatives, except if the management authority is satisfied that the permit or certificate will be used for purposes that are not detrimental to the conservation of the species, more specifically in the following cases:

| (i) | Live captive-born and bred tigers are intended for licensed zoological institutions (25) and/or exchange between licenced zoos as part of breeding or conservation programmes of zoological institutions (26) and not for primarily commercial purposes. |
| --- | --- |

(i)

Live captive-born and bred tigers are intended for licensed zoological institutions (25) and/or exchange between licenced zoos as part of breeding or conservation programmes of zoological institutions (26) and not for primarily commercial purposes.

| (ii) | Live captive-born and bred tigers are moved, for rescue purposes, to officially registered sanctuaries/rescue centres in third countries if no suitable sanctuary/rescue centre or zoological institution is available in the European Union, under the condition that the animals are kept in species-appropriate enclosures. Before issuing the export permit or re-export certificate, the Member State should receive confirmation from the CITES management authority of the destination country that the receiving sanctuary/rescue centre is an officially registered sanctuary/rescue centre, which has no known links to illegal activities and illegal trade. When deciding on whether to issue the permit or the re-export certificate, the management authority should take into account the country specific risk linked to illegal trade in live tigers and their parts and derivatives. Where relevant, other available options should be assessed, such as those specified in the guidelines annexed to CITES Resolution 17.8 on disposal of illegally traded and confiscated specimens of CITES-listed species. |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

Live captive-born and bred tigers are moved, for rescue purposes, to officially registered sanctuaries/rescue centres in third countries if no suitable sanctuary/rescue centre or zoological institution is available in the European Union, under the condition that the animals are kept in species-appropriate enclosures. Before issuing the export permit or re-export certificate, the Member State should receive confirmation from the CITES management authority of the destination country that the receiving sanctuary/rescue centre is an officially registered sanctuary/rescue centre, which has no known links to illegal activities and illegal trade. When deciding on whether to issue the permit or the re-export certificate, the management authority should take into account the country specific risk linked to illegal trade in live tigers and their parts and derivatives. Where relevant, other available options should be assessed, such as those specified in the guidelines annexed to CITES Resolution 17.8 on disposal of illegally traded and confiscated specimens of CITES-listed species.

| (iii) | Live captive-born and bred tigers and their parts and derivatives are part of a legitimate research project, including scientific or (bio-) medical research, where specimens are intended for the advancement of science or for essential biomedical purposes, and where the species proves to be the only one suitable. |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

Live captive-born and bred tigers and their parts and derivatives are part of a legitimate research project, including scientific or (bio-) medical research, where specimens are intended for the advancement of science or for essential biomedical purposes, and where the species proves to be the only one suitable.

| (iv) | Specimens are to be used for law enforcement purposes or judicial proceedings. |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

Specimens are to be used for law enforcement purposes or judicial proceedings.

| (v) | Parts and derivatives from captive-born and bred tigers are moved where:






  — | the specimen is part of a genuine exchange of cultural or artistic goods between reputable institutions (e.g., museums); or |
| --- | --- | --- |

(v)

Parts and derivatives from captive-born and bred tigers are moved where:

—

the specimen is part of a genuine exchange of cultural or artistic goods between reputable institutions (e.g., museums); or

| — | the management authority of the Member State concerned is satisfied that the specimen is a recognised piece of art and is confident that its value makes it certain that it will not be used for other purposes; or |
| --- | --- |

—

the management authority of the Member State concerned is satisfied that the specimen is a recognised piece of art and is confident that its value makes it certain that it will not be used for other purposes; or

| — | the specimen is an heirloom moving as part of a family relocation or as part of a bequest and will not be sold. |
| --- | --- |

—

the specimen is an heirloom moving as part of a family relocation or as part of a bequest and will not be sold.

If there is any doubt or scientific uncertainty, in light of the precautionary principle and the objectives of the legislation, Member States may always use their discretionary power to refuse the issuance of a permit.

b)   Applications for certificates pursuant to Article 8(3) of Regulation (EC) No 338/97 (intra-EU trade)

As explained in Section 1 b) Member States can refuse to grant a certificate if this is appropriate to protect the species or to guarantee its conservation, and if the refusal does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve that aim. This will be the case where the transaction is incompatible and inconsistent with the terms and objectives of Regulation (EC) No 338/97.

Due to the circumstances described in the first section of this document, Member States should, in principle, not make use of the exception under Article 8(3)(d) of Regulation (EC) No 338/97 to grant any certificate for intra-EU trade of live captive-born and bred tigers and their parts and derivatives. Member States may only consider granting certificates guided, inter alia, by the exemptions referred to in Article 8(3)(e)(f)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 338/97 for the following purposes that are not detrimental to conservation of the species:

| (vi) | Live captive-born and bred tigers are intended for licensed zoological institutions (27) and/or exchange between licensed zoos as part of the breeding or conservation programme of zoological institutions and not primarily for commercial purposes; |
| --- | --- |

(vi)

Live captive-born and bred tigers are intended for licensed zoological institutions (27) and/or exchange between licensed zoos as part of the breeding or conservation programme of zoological institutions and not primarily for commercial purposes;

| (vii) | Live captive-born and bred tigers are moved for rescue purposes to an officially registered facility (28), under the condition that the animals are kept in species-appropriate enclosures and not used for further breeding. Before issuing the certificate, the Member State should receive confirmation from the CITES management authority of the destination Member State that the facility receiving the specimen is officially registered and has no known links to illegal activities and illegal trade; |
| --- | --- |

(vii)

Live captive-born and bred tigers are moved for rescue purposes to an officially registered facility (28), under the condition that the animals are kept in species-appropriate enclosures and not used for further breeding. Before issuing the certificate, the Member State should receive confirmation from the CITES management authority of the destination Member State that the facility receiving the specimen is officially registered and has no known links to illegal activities and illegal trade;

| (viii) | Live captive-born and bred tigers and their parts and derivatives are part of a legitimate research project, including scientific or (bio-) medical research, where specimens are intended for the advancement of science or for essential biomedical purposes, and where the species proves to be the only one suitable; |
| --- | --- |

(viii)

Live captive-born and bred tigers and their parts and derivatives are part of a legitimate research project, including scientific or (bio-) medical research, where specimens are intended for the advancement of science or for essential biomedical purposes, and where the species proves to be the only one suitable;

| (ix) | Specimens are to be used for the purposes of law enforcement or judicial proceedings. |
| --- | --- |

(ix)

Specimens are to be used for the purposes of law enforcement or judicial proceedings.

| (x) | Parts and derivatives from captive-born and bred tigers are moved where:






  — | the specimen is part of a genuine exchange of cultural or artistic goods between reputable institutions (e.g., museums); or |
| --- | --- | --- |

(x)

Parts and derivatives from captive-born and bred tigers are moved where:

—

the specimen is part of a genuine exchange of cultural or artistic goods between reputable institutions (e.g., museums); or

| — | the management authority of the Member State concerned is satisfied that the specimen is a recognised piece of art and is confident that its value makes it certain that it will not be used for other purposes; or |
| --- | --- |

—

the management authority of the Member State concerned is satisfied that the specimen is a recognised piece of art and is confident that its value makes it certain that it will not be used for other purposes; or

| — | the specimen is intended for research or education aimed at the preservation or conservation of the species. |
| --- | --- |

—

the specimen is intended for research or education aimed at the preservation or conservation of the species.

If there is any doubt or scientific uncertainty, in light of the precautionary principle and the objectives of the legislation, Member States may always use their discretionary power to refuse the issuance of a certificate.

Where provisions under the domestic law of an EU Member State do not allow its authorities exercise the discretion allowed under Article 8(3) of Regulation (EC) No 338/97 and to refuse applications for intra-EU certificates for commercial trade in live captive-born and bred tigers and their parts and derivatives when conditions under Article 8(3) of Regulation (EC) No 338/97 are met, and where specimens are traded for non-commercial purposes within the EU, the Member State’s CITES management authority should follow a risk-based approach and ensure maximum scrutiny in handling applications for intra-EU certificates.

Prior to an intra-EU certificate being issued, Article 66 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 requires that the live specimen be individually marked. It is recommended that the primary marking technique for live tigers be a microchip. Member States should consider the use of a combination of two different identification or marking techniques, including individual DNA profiling, if appropriate. The certificate should describe the live specimen and/or the relevant parts and derivatives with sufficient detail to ensure that it can only be used for that specific specimen and cannot be used to launder other specimens.

Certificates for intra-EU trade should only be issued on a transaction-specific basis – allowing one transaction only – to ensure that the certificate is only valid for the holder named in Box 1 of the certificate. This recommendation is based on the second subparagraph of Article 11(3) of Regulation (EC) No 865/2006, allowing Member States to ‘issue transaction-specific certificates where it is considered that there are other factors, as described in Section 1 a) of this document, relating to the conservation of the species that militate against the issuance of a specimen-specific certificate’.

c)   Additional recommendation to be considered by the Member States

It is recommended that Member State CITES management authorities gather and maintain records of the numbers of tigers held in all captive facilities nationwide, including licensed zoological institutions, sanctuaries /rescue centres, circuses and travelling exhibitions, and where applicable other private facilities. All facilities should be asked to submit details of any changes to their inventories so that authorities have up-to-date information. To implement this measure, EU Member States should conduct regular inventories of all facilities that keep tigers in their country, and work with relevant organisations, such as the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, for best practices in developing such inventories. Management authorities should make this data available to all relevant authorities.

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(1)  ‘Captive born and bred tigers’ in this document are those that meet the criteria in Article 54 of Regulation (EC) No 865/2006.

(2)  Goodrich, J., Lynam, A., Miquelle, D., Wibisono, H., Kawanishi, K., Pattanavibool, A., Htun, S., Tempa, T., Karki, J., Jhala, Y. Karanth, U. (2015). Panthera tigris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T15955A50659951.

(3)  Goodrich, J., Lynam, A., Miquelle, D., Wibisono, H., Kawanishi, K., Pattanavibool, A., Htun, S., Tempa, T., Karki, J., Jhala, Y. Karanth, U. (2015). Panthera tigris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T15955A50659951.

(4)  Wong, R. and Krishnasamy, K. (2019). Skin and Bones Unresolved: An Analysis of Tiger Seizures from 2000-2018. TRAFFIC South East Asia Regional Office. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

(5)  Mainly in Thailand and Vietnam, also Laos, Malaysia, and Cambodia. See: Wong, R. and Krishnasamy, K. (2019). Skin and Bones Unresolved: An Analysis of Tiger Seizures from 2000-2018. TRAFFIC South East Asia Regional Office. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. pages 1, 2, 13, 21, 28, 36, 37.

(6)  CITES Trade database. Available at: https://trade.cites.org/.

(7)  Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, and Sweden only permit the keeping and breeding of tigers in legitimate and licensed zoos.

(8)  Croatia, Estonia, Luxembourg, Slovakia, and Slovenia permit the keeping and/or breeding of tigers in private facilities.

(9)  Italy, Lithuania, and Poland permit the keeping and breeding of tigers in circuses and travelling exhibitions.

(10)  Czech Republic, France, Germany, and Spain permit the keeping and breeding of tigers in private facilities and circuses.

(11)  Musing, L. (2020) Falling through the system: The role of the European Union captive tiger population in the trade in tigers. A TRAFFIC and WWF report. Cambridge, UK.

(12)  SC70. (2018a). Illegal tiger trade in the Czech Republic. Inf. Doc. 24. Seventieth meeting of the CITES Standing Committee Rosa Khutor, Sochi (Russian Federation), 1-5 October 2018.

(13)  EU-TWIX is a tool that facilitates information exchange on illegal wildlife trade in Europe. It is a centralised database on seizure and offences reported by all EU Member States. see: https://www.eu-twix.org

(14)  https://tvn24.pl/magazyn-tvn24/bulion-z-kosci-jak-tygrysy-ida-na-czesci,243,4203.

(15)  Available at: https://cites.org/eng/disc/text.php#VII.

(16)  Available at: https://www.cites.org/sites/default/files/document/E-Res-12-05-R18.pdf.

(17)  Available at https://cites.org/eng/taxonomy/term/42069.

(18)  According to CITES Notification 2008/059 regarding tiger breeding operations and matters relating to Decision 14.69, parties were invited to consider guidance issued by the CITES Secretariat in determining whether Decision 14.69 is applicable to a party. This included guidance that ‘trade, in the opinion of the Secretariat, may be regarded for the purposes of this Decision as referring to both domestic and international trade’. See: Annex ‘Matters related to Decision 14.69’ to Notification No 2008/059 of the CITES Secretariat ‘Tiger-breeding operation’: https://cites.org/sites/default/files/notif/E059.pdf.

(19)  Available at: https://cites.org/eng/taxonomy/term/42047.

(20)  Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=celex:31997R0338.

(21)  Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32006R0865.

(22)  According to Article 8(1) the purchase, offer to purchase, acquisition for commercial purposes, display to the public for commercial purposes, use for commercial gain and sale, keeping for sale, offering for sale or transporting for sale of specimens of the species listed in Annex A is prohibited.

(23)  See paragraph 34 of the ruling of the European Court of Justice in Case C-510/99: ‘That provision authorises, but does not require, exemptions from the prohibition it lays down’.

(24)  For further considerations on the application of the precautionary principle, please refer also to the Communication from the Commission on the precautionary principle of 2 February 2000, COM(2000) 1 – https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A52000DC0001 .

(25)  In the EU, a licenced zoo must be registered in line with Council Directive 1999/22/EC, the ‘EU Zoos Directive’. For third countries, a licenced zoo must be part of a recognised breeding programme. See also Annex.

(26)  Relevant examples include the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), American Species Survival Plan (SSP), Australasian Species Management Program (ASMP) or Global Species Management Plans (GSMP). See Annex I for further details.

(27)  In the EU, a licenced zoo must be registered in line with Council Directive 1999/22/EC, the ‘EU Zoos Directive’.

(28)  An officially registered facility with the intention of rescue includes rescue centres, sanctuaries, and zoological institutions.

---

ANNEX

Evidence to substantiate legitimacy of purposes that are not detrimental to the conservation of the species pursued by licensed zoological institutions and breeding and conservation programmes

Sections 3(a) and (b) of this guidance outline instances where the Member State CITES management authority may issue an export and re-export permits, or intra-EU certificate provided they are satisfied that the permit or certificate will be used for legitimate purposes that are not detrimental to the conservation of the species.

To ensure a harmonised approach across the EU in determining the legitimacy of purposes that are not detrimental to the conservation of the species, pursued by licensed zoos (1) and breeding and conservation programmes, further details are provided. As applications for export permits, re-export permits or intra-EU certificates may differ, Member States will generally need to assess the evidence furnished by the applicant on a case-by-case basis.

As a minimum requirement, all applicants need to provide evidence to substantiate the following:

| — | In the EU, a zoological institution must be registered in line with Council Directive 1999/22/EC (2) (the ‘EU Zoos Directive’). |
| --- | --- |

—

In the EU, a zoological institution must be registered in line with Council Directive 1999/22/EC (2) (the ‘EU Zoos Directive’).

| — | For third countries, the zoological institution must be part of a recognised breeding programme. Examples of recognised breeding and conservation programmes of zoological institutions include the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), American Species Survival Plan (SSP), Australasian Species Management Program (ASMP) or Global Species Management Plans (GSMP). |
| --- | --- |

—

For third countries, the zoological institution must be part of a recognised breeding programme. Examples of recognised breeding and conservation programmes of zoological institutions include the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), American Species Survival Plan (SSP), Australasian Species Management Program (ASMP) or Global Species Management Plans (GSMP).

| — | The sanctuary/rescue centre must be registered with and monitored by the competent authorities of the destination country. |
| --- | --- |

—

The sanctuary/rescue centre must be registered with and monitored by the competent authorities of the destination country.

Where the information provided in the application is unclear, or there are doubts/concerns as to the legitimacy of the goal pursued by the institution or the breeding and conservation programme, the management authority should request more detailed information.

---

(1)  See footnote 25.

(2)  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:31999L0022

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

| 18.4.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 135/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.4.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 135/9

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

17 April 2023

(2023/C 135/02)

1 euro =

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,0981 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 146,97 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4520 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,88373 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 11,3163 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 0,9812 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 149,70 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 11,3640 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 23,345 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 371,70 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,6288 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,9425 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 21,2835 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6356 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4673 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 8,6200 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7717 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,4615 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 444,13 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 19,8937 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 7,5433 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 16 299,22 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,8558 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 61,449 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | |
| THB | Thai baht | 37,753 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 5,3861 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 19,7526 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 90,0607 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,0981

JPY

Japanese yen

146,97

DKK

Danish krone

7,4520

GBP

Pound sterling

0,88373

SEK

Swedish krona

11,3163

CHF

Swiss franc

0,9812

ISK

Iceland króna

149,70

NOK

Norwegian krone

11,3640

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

23,345

HUF

Hungarian forint

371,70

PLN

Polish zloty

4,6288

RON

Romanian leu

4,9425

TRY

Turkish lira

21,2835

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6356

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4673

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,6200

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7717

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,4615

KRW

South Korean won

1 444,13

ZAR

South African rand

19,8937

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,5433

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

16 299,22

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,8558

PHP

Philippine peso

61,449

RUB

Russian rouble

THB

Thai baht

37,753

BRL

Brazilian real

5,3861

MXN

Mexican peso

19,7526

INR

Indian rupee

90,0607

---

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

---

| 18.4.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 135/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.4.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 135/10

---

Summary of European Commission Decisions on authorisations for the placing on the market for the use and/or for use of substances listed in Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

(Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (1)
  )

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 135/03)

Decision granting an authorisation

| Reference of the decision (2) | Date of decision | Substance name | Holder of the authorisation | Authorisation number | Authorised use | Date of expiry of review period | Reasons for the decision |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| C(2023) 2259 | 11 April 2023 | Chromium trioxide
  EC No. 215-607-8, CAS No. 1333-82-0 | Oras Oy, Isometsäntie 2, 26100 Rauma, Finland | REACH/23/11/0 | Electroplating of metal and plastic substrates using chromium trioxide to achieve functional surfaces for sanitary applications | 31 December 2028 | In accordance with Article 60(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, the socio-economic benefits outweigh the risk to human health and the environment from the use of the substance and there are no suitable alternative substances or technologies. |
| Oras Olesno Sp. z o.o, Lesna 2 46-300 Olesno, Poland | REACH/23/11/1 |
| Oras Oy, Isometsäntie 2, 26100 Rauma, Finland | REACH/23/11/2 | Pre-treatment (‘etching’) of plastic substrates using chromium trioxide for electroplating processes in sanitary applications |

Reference of the decision (2)

Date of decision

Substance name

Holder of the authorisation

Authorisation number

Authorised use

Date of expiry of review period

Reasons for the decision

C(2023) 2259

11 April 2023

Chromium trioxide

EC No. 215-607-8, CAS No. 1333-82-0

Oras Oy, Isometsäntie 2, 26100 Rauma, Finland

REACH/23/11/0

Electroplating of metal and plastic substrates using chromium trioxide to achieve functional surfaces for sanitary applications

31 December 2028

In accordance with Article 60(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, the socio-economic benefits outweigh the risk to human health and the environment from the use of the substance and there are no suitable alternative substances or technologies.

Oras Olesno Sp. z o.o, Lesna 2 46-300 Olesno, Poland

REACH/23/11/1

Oras Oy, Isometsäntie 2, 26100 Rauma, Finland

REACH/23/11/2

Pre-treatment (‘etching’) of plastic substrates using chromium trioxide for electroplating processes in sanitary applications

---

(1)  OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

(2)  The decision is available on the European Commission website at: Authorisation (europa.eu).

---

| 18.4.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 135/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.4.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 135/11

---

Summary of European Commission Decisions on authorisations for the placing on the market for the use and/or for use of substances listed in Annex XIV to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

(Published pursuant to Article 64(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (1))

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2023/C 135/04)

Decision granting an authorisation

| Reference of the decision (2) | Date of decision | Substance name | Holder of the authorisation | Authorisation number | Authorised use | Date of expiry of review period | Reasons for the decision |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| C(2023) 2321 | 11 April 2023 | Chromium trioxide
  EC No. 215-607-8, CAS No. 1333-82-0 | Viega GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefelder Strasse 94, 57368 Lennestadt Elspe, Germany | REACH/23/10/0 | Electroplating of different types of substrates using chromium trioxide to achieve functional surfaces with high durability and a bright silvery appearance for sanitary applications | 31 December 2028 | In accordance with Article 60(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, the socio-economic benefits outweigh the risk to human health and the environment from the use of the substance and there are no suitable alternative substances or technologies. |
| REACH/23/10/1 | Etching of plastics with chromium trioxide as pre-treatment step for electroplating processes for sanitary applications |

Reference of the decision (2)

Date of decision

Substance name

Holder of the authorisation

Authorisation number

Authorised use

Date of expiry of review period

Reasons for the decision

C(2023) 2321

11 April 2023

Chromium trioxide

EC No. 215-607-8, CAS No. 1333-82-0

Viega GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefelder Strasse 94, 57368 Lennestadt Elspe, Germany

REACH/23/10/0

Electroplating of different types of substrates using chromium trioxide to achieve functional surfaces with high durability and a bright silvery appearance for sanitary applications

31 December 2028

In accordance with Article 60(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, the socio-economic benefits outweigh the risk to human health and the environment from the use of the substance and there are no suitable alternative substances or technologies.

REACH/23/10/1

Etching of plastics with chromium trioxide as pre-treatment step for electroplating processes for sanitary applications

---

(1)  OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

(2)  The decision is available on the European Commission website at: Authorisation (europa.eu).

---

V Announcements

OTHER ACTS

European Commission

| 18.4.2023 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 135/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.4.2023

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 135/12

---

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2023/C 135/05)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).

COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας’

PDO-GR-A1240-AM01

Date of communication: 18 January 2022

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   The amendment includes correcting the alcoholic strength of the dry white wine

In particular:

| — | The range of natural alcoholic strength has increased from 11,0-12,6 % vol. to 11,0-13,6 % vol. |
| --- | --- |

—

The range of natural alcoholic strength has increased from 11,0-12,6 % vol. to 11,0-13,6 % vol.

| — | The maximum actual alcoholic strength has increased from 12,5 % to 13,5 % vol. |
| --- | --- |

—

The maximum actual alcoholic strength has increased from 12,5 % to 13,5 % vol.

| — | The maximum total alcoholic strength has increased from 12,5 % to 13,5 % vol. |
| --- | --- |

—

The maximum total alcoholic strength has increased from 12,5 % to 13,5 % vol.

| — | Minimum actual alcoholic strength has been defined as 11,0 % vol. |
| --- | --- |

—

Minimum actual alcoholic strength has been defined as 11,0 % vol.

Rationale: extremely hot and dry weather conditions have become more and more frequent in recent years. As a result, the grapes lose moisture and ripen rapidly, making it difficult to keep the level of alcoholic strength below 12,5 % vol.

Specifically, in recent years, the parameter ‘maximum temperature’ has shown a marked increase for the months of May to August, which are key for the development and ripening of the grapes. This observation is based on meteorological data from the website ‘meteoblue’ for 1990 to 2020, as well as local data from the Robola area. The latter come from the three weather stations established by the Robola Cooperative with the Ionian University, and in place since 2013.

Organoleptic checks show that Robola wines maintain their typicity between 12,5 % and 13,6 % vol., while in many cases, the quality characteristics of the wines are actually enhanced.

In general, the Robola grape variety has small berries. Each berry has two to three seeds, meaning that the weight of the seeds represents a higher than average part of the overall weight. In the Robola variety, the seeds begin to show ripeness after 12 degrees Baumé. When the grapes are pressed, unripe seeds contribute green ‘unripe’ tannins to the wine, which is an undesirable characteristic for Robola.

Furthermore, in order to make best use of new wine-making techniques, such as cold maceration, and really bring out the characteristics of the variety as much as possible, the grapes must be nicely ripe at 12,5 to 13,0 degrees Baumé.

The section on ‘Description of the wine’ has been amended.

2.   Updating of the technical file for the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας PDO

In the context of updating the technical files, the following changes have been made to the product specification:

| i) | The section on ‘Link with the geographical area’ has been expanded, specifically the parts on ‘Details of the geographical area’, ‘Product details’ and ‘Causal interaction’. |
| --- | --- |

i)

The section on ‘Link with the geographical area’ has been expanded, specifically the parts on ‘Details of the geographical area’, ‘Product details’ and ‘Causal interaction’.

| ii) | National provisions have been added and replaced regarding the applicable requirements and controls for PDO wines. |
| --- | --- |

ii)

National provisions have been added and replaced regarding the applicable requirements and controls for PDO wines.

| iii) | Details of the competent control authorities have been changed. |
| --- | --- |

iii)

Details of the competent control authorities have been changed.

The sections on ‘Link with the geographical area’, ‘Applicable requirements’ and ‘Details of control authorities and bodies’ have been amended.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO - Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

| 1. | Wine |
| --- | --- |

1.

4.   Description of the wine(s)

Dry white wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

Appearance: greenish white colour with golden-yellow tints, depending on the wine-making technique and the time of bottling.

Aroma: floral aromas of citrus and fruity aromas of peach, citron and apple, medium intensity. The aroma is characterised by a presence of minerality, a steeliness, which is a typical expression of the grape variety in the island’s terroir.

Taste: flavoursome in the mouth with characteristic refreshing acidity, presence of carbon dioxide bubbles, and a long aftertaste.

| — | Natural alcoholic strength: 11,0-13,6 % vol. |
| --- | --- |

—

Natural alcoholic strength: 11,0-13,6 % vol.

| — | Maximum actual alcoholic strength: 13 5,% vol. |
| --- | --- |

—

Maximum actual alcoholic strength: 13 5,% vol.

| — | Total sugar content: Maximum 4,0 grams per litre






  General analytical characteristics |
| --- | --- |
| Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 13,5 |
| Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume) | 11 |
| Minimum total acidity | 4 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid |
| Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre) | 18 |
| Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre) | 200 |

—

Total sugar content: Maximum 4,0 grams per litre

General analytical characteristics

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

13,5

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

11

Minimum total acidity

4 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

18

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

200

5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

1.   Vine training systems

Cultivation method

The vines are trained to gobelet or single cordon with up to six spurs, each with two buds. Vines become productive more than 4 years after grafting. Cultivation techniques not part of the region’s ancestral traditions are not permitted.

2.   Specific oenological practices used to make the wines

Specific oenological practice

In order to use the indication ‘Επιλεγμένος’ or ‘Réserve’, the dry white wines with the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας (Robola of Kephalonia) PDO must:

| — | have undergone a total ageing of at least 1 year, of which at least 6 months must be in oak barrels and 3 months in bottles. |
| --- | --- |

—

have undergone a total ageing of at least 1 year, of which at least 6 months must be in oak barrels and 3 months in bottles.

In order to use the indication ‘Ειδικά Επιλεγμένος’ or ‘Grande Réserve’, the dry white wines with the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας (Robola of Kephalonia) PDO must:

| — | have undergone a total ageing of at least 2 years, of which at least 12 months must be in oak barrels and 6 months in bottles. |
| --- | --- |

—

have undergone a total ageing of at least 2 years, of which at least 12 months must be in oak barrels and 6 months in bottles.

3.   White wine-making

Restrictions related to wine-making

White wine with the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας PDO is made by the classic method for white wine. The crushing of grapes and transformation of the must into wine takes place in wineries with appropriate facilities for the use of modern production technology for white wines. The grapes must not be crushed in continuous presses. The temperature during alcoholic fermentation must be less than 20 °C.

5.2.   Maximum yields

| 1. | Maximum yield in hectolitres of end product per hectare
  56 hectolitres per hectare |
| --- | --- |

1.

Maximum yield in hectolitres of end product per hectare

56 hectolitres per hectare

| 2. | Maximum yield in kilograms of grapes per hectare
  8 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare |
| --- | --- |

2.

Maximum yield in kilograms of grapes per hectare

8 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας PDO area is situated at least 50 metres above sea-level, within the boundaries of the following local communities: Omala, Davgata, Dilinata, Troianata and Faraklata. Also included are the areas located above the Argostoli - Poros provincial road in the local communities of Moussata and Vlachata of Cephalonia.

7.   Wine grape varieties

Robola Β

8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   Historical, cultural, social and economic link

I.   Historical link

Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας wine is the island’s flagship product. It represents local products and is a point of reference for the local people and for emigrants from Cephalonia all over the world.

Vine cultivation on Cephalonia has deep roots which are shrouded in legend. Cephalus arrived in order to settle in the colony of his homeland, Athenian land as it was. No sooner had he set foot on the island, he planted the vine which he had with him to remind of his homeland. In time, the Athenian land became the land of Thinia, from which the island took its name.

In later years, the first written record of the cultivation of Robola comes from a document dated 1520, and concerns an inventory of church property. Shortly after, there is another reference in a letter of 25 January 1544, from a certain Guglielmo Defarana to the Roman Catholic bishop of the island. In 1557, the Italian traveller Pellegrino Brocardi also mentioned Robola, both the grape and the wine made from it, which he praised highly.

While some speculate that there are links with Italian white varieties, it is safer to assume that it is a local grape variety. Indeed, recent archaeological studies have shown that vine cultivation was known in Greece from the Neolithic period. In addition, the early Greek colonisation of all parts of the Mediterranean laid the foundations for the subsequent development of vine cultivation.

Cultivation of Robola has followed the island’s fortunes and development ever since. In 1836, Andreas Laskaratos, iconic man of letters for Cephalonia in the 19th century, in his canonical work Lixouri in 1836, Book II, verse 54, says: ‘Forgive me for everything I have said, as I have drunk Robola wine’. It is a part of the character of this variety that its cultivation has been part of the foundations of local rural culture since ancient times.

II.   Cultural, social and economic link

The Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας PDO is the only Greek wine PDO to take the name not only of the area but also of the grape variety. Robola is the most widely planted variety on Cephalonia. It thrives in generally poor, infertile soils, sometimes so poor that the Italians called the wine ‘Vino di Sasso’ meaning ‘stone wine’.

On the slopes of Mount Ainos, there are still many ungrafted vines which are especially old. ‘Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας’ wine is woven deep into the culture, the local cuisine and the daily life of the local people, as well as tourism on the island.

8.2.   Geographical environment and geographical origin

Geographical environment and geographical origin

Terrain

The terrain of the ‘Robola Area’ is mainly sub-moutainous, limestone, infertile, gravelly and sloping. However, the grape variety has fully adapted to such terrain and produces a wine with the noted specific characteristics.

Terrain of this type produces low yields: 5 000 to 6 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare.

Climate

The climate of the region means that the grapes ripen early, between 15 and 18 August, which helps to produce good quality raw materials. Early ripening prevents the diseases caused by the early September rains, for example botrytis and sour rot, to which Robola is particularly susceptible.

The area records high rainfall in winter, with an average of 1 200 millimetres per year. The summers, however, are very dry but this is not disastrous as summer evenings are especially cool as a result of the damp island breeze from Mount Ainos. All of these factors enable the plants to cope with the heat shock of the day.

Topography

The topography of Cephalonia is mountainous. There are significant differences of elevation, steep slopes and significant vertical displacement. The highest elevation is 1 628 metres, the highest peak of Mount Ainos, known as Megas Soros.

Mount Ainos is a national park. It is largely covered by the island’s native Greek fir trees (Abies cephalonica), especially on the eastern side.

Located in the south-west part of the island, the national park extends in a north-west to south-east direction. In general, the peaks of Mount Ainos extend in the same north-northwest direction. They are: Roudi (1 125 m), Manolati (1 000 m), Vrochonas (946 m), Xerakias (1 068 m), Merovigli (994 m), Agia Dynati (1 131 m) and Kalon Oros (901 m). Other peaks extend southeast-east, including the rather more detached mountains of Atros (895 m), Kokkini Rachi (1 082 m) and Avgo (929 m).

The mountain ranges, valleys and plains follow three main axes: i) NW-SE, ii) NE-SW and iii) N-S with minor deviations. These axes correspond to geological folds, fractures along the length of which precipitous descents have formed, for example steep coastlines, also fractures along which the mechanical stress of rocks has facilitated selective corrosion, giving rise to the formation of numerous ravines and valleys.

On account of its tectonic position, Cephalonia is an island with a rich geology, providing an excellent illustration of the power of geological processes with its numerous and very varied geological formations. It is a characteristic of the island that the greater part of its surface is covered by limestone.

The aforementioned characteristics can also be found in the ‘Robola Area’. The Robola vineyards are situated in the sub-mountainous terrain of the island, that is below 1 000 metres in altitude, in a morphologically diverse landscape, unlike an island landscape, in the ‘hinterland’ of Cephalonia. In this sloping sub-mountainous landscape, two poljes (depressions) have been formed. One is in Omala and the other in Troianata.

8.3.   Product details and causal interaction

I.   Product details

The combination of the climate conditions with the varieties of soils in the area, the grape variety grown and the vine-cultivation and wine-making techniques used, contributes to the quality characteristics of the wines with the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας PDO.

Wine with the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας PDO is produced exclusively from the local Greek grape variety Robola. Robola is especially sensitive to diseases and also to drought. It requires suitable conditions in order to display its virtues. The Ionian island of Cephalonia is its main area of cultivation. It is also where the wines with the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας PDO are produced.

Despite its vulnerable nature, which requires infertile and preferably mountainous terrain, it is productive. As a result, for good Robola, it is necessary to limit the yields in certain parts of the area. As it oxidises easily, it requires the same care in wine-making, which usually takes place entirely in stainless steel containers.

Wines with the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας PDO are a greenish-white colour with golden-yellow tints, depending on the wine-making technique and time of bottling. Aromas vary according to the type of wine and ageing. The characteristic aromas are of medium intensity, with floral aromas of citrus and fruity aromas of peach, citron and apple. The wines have a fresh and intense acidity, and are full-bodied with a long aftertaste. There is also a ‘European’ minerality present, which is a typical expression of the grape variety in the island’s terroir.

II.   Causal interaction

The specific characteristics of the area include: the west south-west aspect of the vineyards, proximity to Mount Ainos with its fir tree forests, and the proximity to the sea. In combination with the grape variety and the wine-making techniques used, these characteristics are responsible for the uniqueness of the wines with the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας PDO.

The Robola area is sub-mountainous with steep slopes, characterised by limestone, gravel and infertile soils. Its climate is characterised by high levels of rainfall in winter and hot, dry summer days. However, these are offset by exceptionally cool nights, a phenomenon caused by the sea breeze that ascends through the vineyards to the peak of Mount Ainos. The Ionian Sea ‘quenches the thirst’ of the Robola area while the moisture of the summer nights, ‘lifting’ like a magic veil, gives ‘the breath of life’ to the varied natural landscape of the Mount Ainos national park. There, in that rare configuration of mountain and sea, the land of Robola renders its treasure to humanity.

Specifically, the methods of cultivation for Robola have remained very much the same over the years because the form of the holdings has not changed.

Land holdings are small. The agricultural inputs used are generally mild, as are the traditional methods of combating diseases, with use of copper sulphate predominating. It is a characteristic of the entire area that weeds are not managed by the use of weed-killer, but by working the land, sometimes even manually.

On account of the infertile soil, the slopes and the lack of moisture during the summer, the vines are trained to low gobelet with four to five shoots. Each spur is pruned to two buds.

Given the above conditions, development of the plants’ foliage is limited. In order to shade the inner parts of the plants and protect the grapes from the sun’s rays, producers use a traditional technique of twisting the stems inwards and binding them. Locally this is known as ‘koutsouniama’.

All of the above combine with the gentle cultivation practices followed by the producers for centuries. As a result, the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας wines demonstrate specific characteristics, including the very distinctive aromas which combine with ‘incisive steeliness’, characteristic acidity, balance and consistency of flavour.

In conclusion, wine with the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας PDO is the island’s flagship product. Chief among local products, it is a point of reference for the local people and for people from Cephalonia all over the world.

The vines have pale yellowish-coloured, thin-skinned, round grapes. They are especially well adapted to the mountains, which are usually steep with poor, limestone and gravelly soils, and grow in an environment of high rainfall in winter and dry summers. The result is the presence of aromas combined with ‘incisive steeliness’, characteristic acidity, balance and consistency of flavour.

9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Derogations

Legal framework:

In EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation for production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

Article 5(1) of Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/33

supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards applications for protection of designations of origin, geographical indications and traditional terms in the wine sector, the objection procedure, restrictions of use, amendments to product specifications, cancellation of protection, and labelling and presentation

Derogations

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation for production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

Decision No 386323/3803/10.11.1976 of the Minister for Agriculture (Government Gazette, Series II, No 1407/25.11.1976) on the processing of grapes outside the area for wines with a designation of origin.

The Decision confers the right the crush the grapes and vinify the must to make wines with the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας PDO in any winery on the island of Cephalonia, provided that they meet the requirements for producing the PDO wines.

Additional provisions relating to wine labelling

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

I.   Terms referring to certain production methods

In Ministerial Decision No 280557/9.6.2005 laying down the time of maturation, ageing and placing on the market of wines with a Superior Quality Designation of Origin and Local Wines, and the terms used in the labelling of such wines that relate to their production method or preparation methods (Government Gazette, Series II, No 818/15.6.2005), Article 1 refers to the conditions for using the following indications:

| — | ‘ΝΕΟΣ ΟΙΝΟΣ’ or ‘ΝΕΑΡΟΣ ΟΙΝΟΣ’ (NEW WINE) |
| --- | --- |

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‘ΝΕΟΣ ΟΙΝΟΣ’ or ‘ΝΕΑΡΟΣ ΟΙΝΟΣ’ (NEW WINE)

| — | ‘ΩΡΙΜΑΝΣΗ ΣΕ ΒΑΡΕΛΙ’ or ‘ΩΡΙΜΑΣΕ ΣΕ ΒΑΡΕΛΙ’ (BARREL MATURED) |
| --- | --- |

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‘ΩΡΙΜΑΝΣΗ ΣΕ ΒΑΡΕΛΙ’ or ‘ΩΡΙΜΑΣΕ ΣΕ ΒΑΡΕΛΙ’ (BARREL MATURED)

| — | ‘ΠΑΛΑΙΩΜΕΝΟΣ ΣΕ ΒΑΡΕΛΙ’ or ‘ΠΑΛΑΙΩΣΗ ΣΕ ΒΑΡΕΛΙ’ (BARREL AGED) |
| --- | --- |

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‘ΠΑΛΑΙΩΜΕΝΟΣ ΣΕ ΒΑΡΕΛΙ’ or ‘ΠΑΛΑΙΩΣΗ ΣΕ ΒΑΡΕΛΙ’ (BARREL AGED)

II.   Stating the vintage on the label

Where the terms ‘ΝΕΟΣ ΟΙΝΟΣ’ or ‘ΝΕΑΡΟΣ ΟΙΝΟΣ’ (‘NEW WINE’) are used on the labelling of wines, it is mandatory to print the vintage year, in accordance with Article 1(2) of Ministerial Decision No 280557/9.6.2005 laying down the time of maturation, ageing and placement on the market of wines with Superior Quality Designation of Origin and Local Wines, as well as of the terms used in labelling thereof relating to their production method or preparation methods (Government Gazette, Series II, No 818/15.6.2005).

III.   Traditional terms

| — | Traditional terms in accordance with Ministerial Decision No 235309/7.2.2002 on the approval of traditional terms used for wines which are linked to the designation of origin or the geographical indication.
  Under the above Ministerial Decision, the traditional terms which can be used on the labelling of wines with the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας PDO are:
  ΛΕΥΚΟΣ ΑΠΟ ΛΕΥΚΑ ΣΤΑΦΥΛΙΑ / Blanc de blancs, ΟΙΝΟΣ ΛΟΦΩΝ / Vin de collines [Wine from hillsides], ΟΙΝΟΣ ΠΛΑΓΙΩΝ / Vin de côteaux [Wine from slopes], ΑΠΟ ΝΗΣΙΩΤΙΚΟ(ΥΣ) ΑΜΠΕΛΩΝΑ(ΕΣ)/ Vin de vignobles insulaires [Wine from island vineyards], ΑΠΟ ΟΡΕΙΝΟ(ΥΣ) ΑΜΠΕΛΩΝΑ(ΕΣ) Ή ΑΠΟ ΟΡΕΙΝΑ ΚΡΑΣΑΜΠΕΛΑ / Vin de vignobles montagneux [Wine from mountain vines]. |
| --- | --- |

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Traditional terms in accordance with Ministerial Decision No 235309/7.2.2002 on the approval of traditional terms used for wines which are linked to the designation of origin or the geographical indication.

Under the above Ministerial Decision, the traditional terms which can be used on the labelling of wines with the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας PDO are:

ΛΕΥΚΟΣ ΑΠΟ ΛΕΥΚΑ ΣΤΑΦΥΛΙΑ / Blanc de blancs, ΟΙΝΟΣ ΛΟΦΩΝ / Vin de collines [Wine from hillsides], ΟΙΝΟΣ ΠΛΑΓΙΩΝ / Vin de côteaux [Wine from slopes], ΑΠΟ ΝΗΣΙΩΤΙΚΟ(ΥΣ) ΑΜΠΕΛΩΝΑ(ΕΣ)/ Vin de vignobles insulaires [Wine from island vineyards], ΑΠΟ ΟΡΕΙΝΟ(ΥΣ) ΑΜΠΕΛΩΝΑ(ΕΣ) Ή ΑΠΟ ΟΡΕΙΝΑ ΚΡΑΣΑΜΠΕΛΑ / Vin de vignobles montagneux [Wine from mountain vines].

| — | Traditional terms in accordance with Article 112 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 which are linked to the designation of origin or geographical indication.
  In accordance with Article 113 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 and as defined and registered in the electronic database ‘E-Bacchus’, traditional terms that may be used in the labelling of wines with the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας Protected Designation of Origin, on condition that they meet the relevant conditions of EU and national legislation, are as follows:
  Ονομασία Προέλευσης Ανωτέρας Ποιότητας (ΟΠΑΠ) (Superior Quality Designation of Origin (SQDO)) instead of the PDO, Αγρέπαυλη (Agrepavlis), Αμπέλι (Ampeli), Αμπελώνας (ες) (Ampelonas(es)), Αρχοντικό (Archontiko), Ειδικά επιλεγμένος (Specially selected), Επιλογή or Επιλεγμένος (Selection or Selected), Κάστρο (Kastro), Κτήμα (Ktima), Μετόχι (Metochi), Μοναστήρι (Monastiri), Ορεινό Κτήμα (Oreino Ktima), Ορεινοί Αμπελώνες (Oreinoi Ampelones) and Πύργος (Pyrgos). |
| --- | --- |

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Traditional terms in accordance with Article 112 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 which are linked to the designation of origin or geographical indication.

In accordance with Article 113 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 and as defined and registered in the electronic database ‘E-Bacchus’, traditional terms that may be used in the labelling of wines with the Ρομπόλα Κεφαλληνίας Protected Designation of Origin, on condition that they meet the relevant conditions of EU and national legislation, are as follows:

Ονομασία Προέλευσης Ανωτέρας Ποιότητας (ΟΠΑΠ) (Superior Quality Designation of Origin (SQDO)) instead of the PDO, Αγρέπαυλη (Agrepavlis), Αμπέλι (Ampeli), Αμπελώνας (ες) (Ampelonas(es)), Αρχοντικό (Archontiko), Ειδικά επιλεγμένος (Specially selected), Επιλογή or Επιλεγμένος (Selection or Selected), Κάστρο (Kastro), Κτήμα (Ktima), Μετόχι (Metochi), Μοναστήρι (Monastiri), Ορεινό Κτήμα (Oreino Ktima), Ορεινοί Αμπελώνες (Oreinoi Ampelones) and Πύργος (Pyrgos).

Additional provisions relating to wine labelling

Legal framework:

In EU legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

Article 53(1)(2) and (6) of Regulation (EU) 2019/33 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards applications for protection of designations of origin, geographical indications and traditional terms in the wine sector, the objection procedure, restrictions of use, amendments to product specifications, cancellation of protection, and labelling and presentation.

Link to the product specification

http://www.minagric.gr/images/stories/docs/agrotis/POP-PGE/2021/prodiagrafh_rompola_kef170122.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

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