# Official Journal L 115/2015

| | ISSN 1977-0677 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | L 115 |
| | |
| English edition | Legislation | Volume 586 May 2015 |

ISSN 1977-0677

Official Journal

of the European Union

L 115

English edition

Legislation

Volume 586 May 2015

---

| Contents | | I   Legislative acts | page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | DIRECTIVES |
| | * | Directive (EU) 2015/719 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 amending Council Directive 96/53/EC laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic (
  1
  ) | 1 |
| | * | Directive (EU) 2015/720 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 amending Directive 94/62/EC as regards reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags (
  1
  ) | 11 |

Contents

I   Legislative acts

page

DIRECTIVES

*

Directive (EU) 2015/719 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 amending Council Directive 96/53/EC laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic (
  1
  )

1

1

*

Directive (EU) 2015/720 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 amending Directive 94/62/EC as regards reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags (
  1
  )

1

11

| | | II   Non-legislative acts |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | | REGULATIONS |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/721 of 20 April 2015 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Vlaamse laurier (PGI)) | 16 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/722 of 5 May 2015 concerning the authorisation of taurine as a feed additive for Canidae, Felidae, Mustelidae and carnivorous fish (
  1
  ) | 18 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/723 of 5 May 2015 concerning the authorisation of biotin as a feed additive for all animal species (
  1
  ) | 22 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/724 of 5 May 2015 concerning the authorisation of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate as feed additives for all animal species (
  1
  ) | 25 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/725 of 5 May 2015 fixing the closing date for the submission of applications for private storage aid for pigmeat under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/360 | 32 |
| | | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/726 of 5 May 2015 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables | 34 |
| | | DECISIONS |
| | * | Decision (EU) 2015/727 of the European Central Bank of 10 April 2015 on the total amount of annual supervisory fees for the first fee period and for 2015 (ECB/2015/17) | 36 |

II   Non-legislative acts

REGULATIONS

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/721 of 20 April 2015 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Vlaamse laurier (PGI))

16

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/722 of 5 May 2015 concerning the authorisation of taurine as a feed additive for Canidae, Felidae, Mustelidae and carnivorous fish (
  1
  )

Canidae, Felidae, Mustelidae

1

18

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/723 of 5 May 2015 concerning the authorisation of biotin as a feed additive for all animal species (
  1
  )

1

22

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/724 of 5 May 2015 concerning the authorisation of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate as feed additives for all animal species (
  1
  )

1

25

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/725 of 5 May 2015 fixing the closing date for the submission of applications for private storage aid for pigmeat under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/360

32

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/726 of 5 May 2015 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

34

DECISIONS

*

Decision (EU) 2015/727 of the European Central Bank of 10 April 2015 on the total amount of annual supervisory fees for the first fee period and for 2015 (ECB/2015/17)

36

| | | Corrigenda |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | * | Corrigendum to Council Decision (EU) 2015/116 of 26 January 2015 appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020( OJ L 20, 27.1.2015 ) | 39 |
| | * | Corrigendum to Council Decision (EU) 2015/190 of 5 February 2015 appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020( OJ L 31, 7.2.2015 ) | 40 |

Corrigenda

*

Corrigendum to Council Decision (EU) 2015/116 of 26 January 2015 appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020( OJ L 20, 27.1.2015 )

( OJ L 20, 27.1.2015 )

39

*

Corrigendum to Council Decision (EU) 2015/190 of 5 February 2015 appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020( OJ L 31, 7.2.2015 )

( OJ L 31, 7.2.2015 )

40

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

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

| EN | Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.
  The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk. |
| --- | --- |

EN

Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.

The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk.

---

I Legislative acts

DIRECTIVES

| 6.5.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 115/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.5.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 115/1

---

DIRECTIVE (EU) 2015/719 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 29 April 2015

amending Council Directive 96/53/EC laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 91 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

After consulting the Committee of the Regions,

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (2),

Whereas:

| (1) | The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, to improve road safety, to adapt the relevant legislation to technological developments and changing market needs and to facilitate intermodal transport operations, while ensuring undistorted competition and protecting the road infrastructure, must be emphasised. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, to improve road safety, to adapt the relevant legislation to technological developments and changing market needs and to facilitate intermodal transport operations, while ensuring undistorted competition and protecting the road infrastructure, must be emphasised.

| (2) | Technological developments make it possible to attach retractable or foldable aerodynamic devices to the rear of vehicles. However, to do so would result in the maximum lengths permitted under Council Directive 96/53/EC (3) being exceeded. A derogation from the maximum lengths is therefore necessary. This Directive aims to allow the installation of such devices as soon as the necessary amendments to the technical requirements for type approval of the aerodynamic devices are transposed or applied and the Commission has adopted implementing acts laying down the operational rules for the use of such devices. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Technological developments make it possible to attach retractable or foldable aerodynamic devices to the rear of vehicles. However, to do so would result in the maximum lengths permitted under Council Directive 96/53/EC (3) being exceeded. A derogation from the maximum lengths is therefore necessary. This Directive aims to allow the installation of such devices as soon as the necessary amendments to the technical requirements for type approval of the aerodynamic devices are transposed or applied and the Commission has adopted implementing acts laying down the operational rules for the use of such devices.

| (3) | Improved aerodynamics of the cabs of motor vehicles would allow significant gains in respect of the energy performance of vehicles, possibly in conjunction with retractable or foldable aerodynamic devices attached to the rear of vehicles. However, under the current maximum lengths set by Directive 96/53/EC, such an improvement is not possible without reducing the vehicle load capacity and threatening the economic equilibrium of the road transport sector. For that reason, a derogation from the maximum lengths is also necessary. That derogation should not be used to increase the load capacity of the vehicle. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Improved aerodynamics of the cabs of motor vehicles would allow significant gains in respect of the energy performance of vehicles, possibly in conjunction with retractable or foldable aerodynamic devices attached to the rear of vehicles. However, under the current maximum lengths set by Directive 96/53/EC, such an improvement is not possible without reducing the vehicle load capacity and threatening the economic equilibrium of the road transport sector. For that reason, a derogation from the maximum lengths is also necessary. That derogation should not be used to increase the load capacity of the vehicle.

| (4) | Pursuant to the framework of Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (4), aerodynamic devices exceeding 500 mm in length and motor vehicles equipped with cabs that improve their aerodynamic performance, where such vehicles exceed the limits set by Directive 96/53/EC, are to be type approved before being placed on the market. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Pursuant to the framework of Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (4), aerodynamic devices exceeding 500 mm in length and motor vehicles equipped with cabs that improve their aerodynamic performance, where such vehicles exceed the limits set by Directive 96/53/EC, are to be type approved before being placed on the market.

| (5) | Enabling vehicles to have a new cab profile would contribute to improving road safety by reducing blind spots in the driver's vision, including those under the windscreen, and ought to help to save the lives of many vulnerable road users such as pedestrians or cyclists. A new cab profile could also incorporate energy absorption structures in the event of a collision. Furthermore, the potential gain in the volume of the cab should improve the driver's safety and comfort. Once improved safety requirements for longer cabs have been developed, consideration can be given to whether it is appropriate to apply them to vehicles which do not benefit from the length extension. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Enabling vehicles to have a new cab profile would contribute to improving road safety by reducing blind spots in the driver's vision, including those under the windscreen, and ought to help to save the lives of many vulnerable road users such as pedestrians or cyclists. A new cab profile could also incorporate energy absorption structures in the event of a collision. Furthermore, the potential gain in the volume of the cab should improve the driver's safety and comfort. Once improved safety requirements for longer cabs have been developed, consideration can be given to whether it is appropriate to apply them to vehicles which do not benefit from the length extension.

| (6) | Alternative powertrains, which include hybrid powertrains, are those which, for the purpose of mechanical propulsion, draw energy from consumable fuel and/or a battery or other electrical or mechanical power storage device. Their use for heavy duty vehicles or buses may generate extra weight, but reduces pollution. That extra weight should not be counted as part of the effective load of the vehicle, since this would penalise the road transport sector in economic terms. However, the extra weight should not result in the load capacity of the vehicle being increased either. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Alternative powertrains, which include hybrid powertrains, are those which, for the purpose of mechanical propulsion, draw energy from consumable fuel and/or a battery or other electrical or mechanical power storage device. Their use for heavy duty vehicles or buses may generate extra weight, but reduces pollution. That extra weight should not be counted as part of the effective load of the vehicle, since this would penalise the road transport sector in economic terms. However, the extra weight should not result in the load capacity of the vehicle being increased either.

| (7) | Future alternatively fuelled vehicles (with heavier powertrains than those used in conventionally fuelled vehicles) might also benefit from an extra weight allowance. Therefore, such alternative fuels may be included in the list of alternative fuels provided for by this Directive, if their use requires an additional weight allowance. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Future alternatively fuelled vehicles (with heavier powertrains than those used in conventionally fuelled vehicles) might also benefit from an extra weight allowance. Therefore, such alternative fuels may be included in the list of alternative fuels provided for by this Directive, if their use requires an additional weight allowance.

| (8) | This Directive provides for derogations from the maximum authorised weights and dimensions of vehicles and vehicle combinations laid down in Directive 96/53/EC. However, Member States should be able to restrict, for reasons related to road safety or infrastructure characteristics, the circulation of certain vehicles in specific parts of their road network. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

This Directive provides for derogations from the maximum authorised weights and dimensions of vehicles and vehicle combinations laid down in Directive 96/53/EC. However, Member States should be able to restrict, for reasons related to road safety or infrastructure characteristics, the circulation of certain vehicles in specific parts of their road network.

| (9) | In the area of containerisation, 45-foot containers are increasingly being used. Such containers are transported by all modes of transport. However, the road components of intermodal transport operations can currently only be undertaken if both the Member States and the transporters follow cumbersome administrative procedures, or if those containers have patented chamfered corners, the cost of which is prohibitive. Increasing the authorised length of the vehicles transporting such containers by 15 cm could eliminate those administrative procedures for transporters and facilitate intermodal transport operations, without risk or prejudice to the road infrastructure or other road users. The definition of intermodal transport operation in this Directive is without prejudice to work on the revision of Council Directive 92/106/EEC (5). |
| --- | --- |

(9)

In the area of containerisation, 45-foot containers are increasingly being used. Such containers are transported by all modes of transport. However, the road components of intermodal transport operations can currently only be undertaken if both the Member States and the transporters follow cumbersome administrative procedures, or if those containers have patented chamfered corners, the cost of which is prohibitive. Increasing the authorised length of the vehicles transporting such containers by 15 cm could eliminate those administrative procedures for transporters and facilitate intermodal transport operations, without risk or prejudice to the road infrastructure or other road users. The definition of intermodal transport operation in this Directive is without prejudice to work on the revision of Council Directive 92/106/EEC (5).

| (10) | To further promote intermodal transport operations and to take account of the unladen weight of containers or swap bodies of a length of up to 45 feet, the circulation of three-axle motor vehicles with two- or three-axle semi-trailers should be allowed up to a total authorised weight of 44 tonnes. Two-axle motor vehicles with three-axle semi-trailers transporting containers or swap bodies of a length of up to 45 feet should be allowed in intermodal transport operations up to a total authorised weight of 42 tonnes. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

To further promote intermodal transport operations and to take account of the unladen weight of containers or swap bodies of a length of up to 45 feet, the circulation of three-axle motor vehicles with two- or three-axle semi-trailers should be allowed up to a total authorised weight of 44 tonnes. Two-axle motor vehicles with three-axle semi-trailers transporting containers or swap bodies of a length of up to 45 feet should be allowed in intermodal transport operations up to a total authorised weight of 42 tonnes.

| (11) | Since the adoption of Directive 96/53/EC, the average weight of bus passengers and their luggage has increased substantially. Given the weight limits imposed by that Directive, this has resulted in a gradual reduction in the number of passengers carried. Moreover, the equipment needed to meet the current technical requirements, such as Euro VI, adds to the weight of the vehicles carrying them. The need to promote public transport over private transport in the interests of better energy efficiency means that the previous number of bus passengers must be re-established, taking into account the increase in their weight and that of their luggage. That can be done by increasing the authorised weight for buses with two axles, within limits that none the less ensure that road infrastructure is not damaged as a result of faster erosion. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Since the adoption of Directive 96/53/EC, the average weight of bus passengers and their luggage has increased substantially. Given the weight limits imposed by that Directive, this has resulted in a gradual reduction in the number of passengers carried. Moreover, the equipment needed to meet the current technical requirements, such as Euro VI, adds to the weight of the vehicles carrying them. The need to promote public transport over private transport in the interests of better energy efficiency means that the previous number of bus passengers must be re-established, taking into account the increase in their weight and that of their luggage. That can be done by increasing the authorised weight for buses with two axles, within limits that none the less ensure that road infrastructure is not damaged as a result of faster erosion.

| (12) | Infringements in relation to overloaded vehicles need to be addressed adequately by Member States in order to avoid any distortions of competition and to ensure road safety. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Infringements in relation to overloaded vehicles need to be addressed adequately by Member States in order to avoid any distortions of competition and to ensure road safety.

| (13) | In order to ensure undistorted competition between operators and to improve the detection of infringements, Member States should, by 27 May 2021, take specific measures to identify vehicles or vehicle combinations in circulation that are likely to have exceeded the relevant weight limits and that should therefore be checked. Such identification may be carried out by means of weighing mechanisms built into the road infrastructure, or by means of on-board sensors in vehicles that communicate data remotely to the relevant authorities. Such on-board data should be made available also to the driver. Every year, each Member State should perform an appropriate number of vehicle weight checks. The number of such checks should be proportionate to the total number of vehicles inspected each year in the Member State concerned. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

In order to ensure undistorted competition between operators and to improve the detection of infringements, Member States should, by 27 May 2021, take specific measures to identify vehicles or vehicle combinations in circulation that are likely to have exceeded the relevant weight limits and that should therefore be checked. Such identification may be carried out by means of weighing mechanisms built into the road infrastructure, or by means of on-board sensors in vehicles that communicate data remotely to the relevant authorities. Such on-board data should be made available also to the driver. Every year, each Member State should perform an appropriate number of vehicle weight checks. The number of such checks should be proportionate to the total number of vehicles inspected each year in the Member State concerned.

| (14) | In order to ensure compliance with this Directive, Member States should lay down rules on penalties for infringements of this Directive and should ensure their implementation. Those penalties should be effective, non-discriminatory, proportionate and dissuasive. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

In order to ensure compliance with this Directive, Member States should lay down rules on penalties for infringements of this Directive and should ensure their implementation. Those penalties should be effective, non-discriminatory, proportionate and dissuasive.

| (15) | In order to make checks of the weight of vehicles or vehicle combinations more effective at international level, and to facilitate the smooth operation of those checks, it is important that the competent authorities of the Member States exchange information. The contact point designated in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (6) should be used for such exchanges of information. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

In order to make checks of the weight of vehicles or vehicle combinations more effective at international level, and to facilitate the smooth operation of those checks, it is important that the competent authorities of the Member States exchange information. The contact point designated in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (6) should be used for such exchanges of information.

| (16) | The European Parliament and the Council should be regularly informed of the checks on road traffic carried out by the Member States' competent authorities. This information, provided by the Member States, will enable the Commission to ensure compliance by hauliers with the rules provided for by this Directive, as well as to determine whether or not additional coercive measures should be developed. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

The European Parliament and the Council should be regularly informed of the checks on road traffic carried out by the Member States' competent authorities. This information, provided by the Member States, will enable the Commission to ensure compliance by hauliers with the rules provided for by this Directive, as well as to determine whether or not additional coercive measures should be developed.

| (17) | In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Directive, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (7). |
| --- | --- |

(17)

In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Directive, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (7).

| (18) | The Commission should not adopt implementing acts relating to the operational requirements regarding the use of aerodynamic devices or detailed specifications concerning on-board weighing equipment where the committee established pursuant to this Directive delivers no opinion on the draft implementing act presented by the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

(18)

The Commission should not adopt implementing acts relating to the operational requirements regarding the use of aerodynamic devices or detailed specifications concerning on-board weighing equipment where the committee established pursuant to this Directive delivers no opinion on the draft implementing act presented by the Commission.

| (19) | In order to update the list of alternative fuels included in this Directive in light of the latest technological developments, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including consultations with Member States' experts, before adopting the delegated acts. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

In order to update the list of alternative fuels included in this Directive in light of the latest technological developments, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including consultations with Member States' experts, before adopting the delegated acts. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council.

| (20) | Since the objectives of this Directive cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of its scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives. |
| --- | --- |

(20)

Since the objectives of this Directive cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of its scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives.

| (21) | Directive 96/53/EC should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(21)

Directive 96/53/EC should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

Article 1

Directive 96/53/EC is amended as follows:

| (1) | point (a) of Article 1(1) is replaced by the following:






  ‘(a) | the dimensions of motor vehicles in categories M2 and M3 and their trailers in category 0 and motor vehicles in categories N2 and N3 and their trailers in categories 03 and 04, as defined in Annex II to Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (*1); |
| --- | --- | --- |

(1)

point (a) of Article 1(1) is replaced by the following:

‘(a)

(*1)  Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 September 2007 establishing a framework for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles (Framework Directive) (OJ L 263, 9.10.2007, p. 1).’
  "

| (2) | Article 2 is amended as follows:






  (a) | in the first paragraph, the following definitions are added:






  ‘— | “alternative fuels” shall mean fuels or power sources which serve, at least partly, as a substitute for fossil oil sources in the energy supply to transport and which have the potential to contribute to its decarbonisation and enhance the environmental performance of the transport sector, consisting of:






  (a) | electricity consumed in all types of electric vehicles; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

(2)

Article 2 is amended as follows:

(a)

in the first paragraph, the following definitions are added:

‘—

“alternative fuels” shall mean fuels or power sources which serve, at least partly, as a substitute for fossil oil sources in the energy supply to transport and which have the potential to contribute to its decarbonisation and enhance the environmental performance of the transport sector, consisting of:

(a)

electricity consumed in all types of electric vehicles;

| (b) | hydrogen; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

hydrogen;

| (c) | natural gas, including biomethane, in gaseous form (Compressed Natural Gas — CNG) and liquefied form (Liquefied Natural Gas — LNG); |
| --- | --- |

(c)

natural gas, including biomethane, in gaseous form (Compressed Natural Gas — CNG) and liquefied form (Liquefied Natural Gas — LNG);

| (d) | Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG); |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG);

| (e) | mechanical energy from on-board storage/on-board sources, including waste heat; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

mechanical energy from on-board storage/on-board sources, including waste heat;

| — | “alternatively fuelled vehicle” shall mean a motor vehicle powered wholly or in part by an alternative fuel and which has been approved under the framework of Directive 2007/46/EC, |
| --- | --- |

—

“alternatively fuelled vehicle” shall mean a motor vehicle powered wholly or in part by an alternative fuel and which has been approved under the framework of Directive 2007/46/EC,

| — | “intermodal transport operation” shall mean:






  (a) | the combined transport operations defined in Article 1 of Council Directive 92/106/EEC (*2) engaged in the transport of one or more containers or swap bodies, up to a total maximum length of 45 feet; or |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

“intermodal transport operation” shall mean:

(a)

the combined transport operations defined in Article 1 of Council Directive 92/106/EEC (*2) engaged in the transport of one or more containers or swap bodies, up to a total maximum length of 45 feet; or

| (b) | transport operations engaged in the transport of one or more containers or swap bodies, up to a total maximum length of 45 feet, using waterborne transport, provided that the length of the initial or the final road leg does not exceed 150 km in the territory of the Union. The distance of 150 km referred to above may be exceeded in order to reach the nearest suitable transport terminal for the envisaged service in the case of:






  (i) | vehicles complying with point 2.2.2(a) or (b) of Annex I; or |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

transport operations engaged in the transport of one or more containers or swap bodies, up to a total maximum length of 45 feet, using waterborne transport, provided that the length of the initial or the final road leg does not exceed 150 km in the territory of the Union. The distance of 150 km referred to above may be exceeded in order to reach the nearest suitable transport terminal for the envisaged service in the case of:

(i)

vehicles complying with point 2.2.2(a) or (b) of Annex I; or

| (ii) | vehicles complying with point 2.2.2(c) or (d) of Annex I, in cases where such distances are permitted in the relevant Member State. |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

vehicles complying with point 2.2.2(c) or (d) of Annex I, in cases where such distances are permitted in the relevant Member State.

For intermodal transport operations, the nearest suitable transport terminal providing a service may be located in a Member State other than the Member State in which the shipment was loaded or unloaded,

| — | “shipper” shall mean a legal entity or a natural or legal person who is named on the bill of lading or on an equivalent transport document, such as a “through” bill of lading, as the shipper and/or in whose name or on whose behalf a contract of carriage has been concluded with the transport company. |
| --- | --- |

—

“shipper” shall mean a legal entity or a natural or legal person who is named on the bill of lading or on an equivalent transport document, such as a “through” bill of lading, as the shipper and/or in whose name or on whose behalf a contract of carriage has been concluded with the transport company.

(*2)  Council Directive 92/106/EEC of 7 December 1992 on the establishment of common rules for certain types of combined transport of goods between Member States (OJ L 368, 17.12.1992, p. 38).’
  "

| (b) | in the second paragraph, the reference ‘Directive 70/156/EEC’ is replaced by the following:

  ‘Directive 2007/46/EC’; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

in the second paragraph, the reference ‘Directive 70/156/EEC’ is replaced by the following:

‘Directive 2007/46/EC’;

| (3) | Article 4 is amended as follows:






  (a) | the third and fourth subparagraphs of paragraph 4 are deleted; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(3)

Article 4 is amended as follows:

(a)

the third and fourth subparagraphs of paragraph 4 are deleted;

| (b) | paragraph 6 is deleted; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

paragraph 6 is deleted;

| (4) | Article 5 is replaced by the following:

  ‘Article 5
  Articulated vehicles put into circulation before 1 January 1991 which do not comply with the specifications contained in points 1.6 and 4.4 of Annex I shall be deemed to comply with such specifications for the purposes of Article 3 if they do not exceed a total length of 15,50 m.’
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Article 5 is replaced by the following:

‘Article 5

Articulated vehicles put into circulation before 1 January 1991 which do not comply with the specifications contained in points 1.6 and 4.4 of Annex I shall be deemed to comply with such specifications for the purposes of Article 3 if they do not exceed a total length of 15,50 m.’

| (5) | Articles 8, 8a and 9 are deleted; |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Articles 8, 8a and 9 are deleted;

| (6) | the following Articles are inserted:

  ‘Article 8b

  1.   With the aim of improving their energy efficiency, vehicles or vehicle combinations which are equipped with aerodynamic devices meeting the requirements laid down in paragraphs 2 and 3, and which comply with Directive 2007/46/EC, may exceed the maximum lengths provided for in point 1.1 of Annex I to this Directive, to allow the addition of such devices to the rear of vehicles or vehicle combinations. Vehicles or vehicle combinations equipped with such devices shall comply with point 1.5 of Annex I to this Directive, and any exceeding of the maximum lengths shall not result in an increase in the loading length of those vehicles or vehicle combinations.


  2.   Before being placed on the market, the aerodynamic devices referred to in paragraph 1 exceeding 500 mm in length shall be type-approved in accordance with the rules on type-approval within the framework of Directive 2007/46/EC.
  By 27 May 2017, the Commission shall assess the need to adopt or amend any technical requirements for type-approval of aerodynamic devices laid down within that framework taking into account the need to ensure road safety and the safety of intermodal transport operations, and in particular:






  (a) | the secure attachment of the devices in such a way as to reduce the risk of their becoming detached over time, including during an intermodal transport operation; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(6)

the following Articles are inserted:

‘Article 8b

1.   With the aim of improving their energy efficiency, vehicles or vehicle combinations which are equipped with aerodynamic devices meeting the requirements laid down in paragraphs 2 and 3, and which comply with Directive 2007/46/EC, may exceed the maximum lengths provided for in point 1.1 of Annex I to this Directive, to allow the addition of such devices to the rear of vehicles or vehicle combinations. Vehicles or vehicle combinations equipped with such devices shall comply with point 1.5 of Annex I to this Directive, and any exceeding of the maximum lengths shall not result in an increase in the loading length of those vehicles or vehicle combinations.

2.   Before being placed on the market, the aerodynamic devices referred to in paragraph 1 exceeding 500 mm in length shall be type-approved in accordance with the rules on type-approval within the framework of Directive 2007/46/EC.

By 27 May 2017, the Commission shall assess the need to adopt or amend any technical requirements for type-approval of aerodynamic devices laid down within that framework taking into account the need to ensure road safety and the safety of intermodal transport operations, and in particular:

(a)

the secure attachment of the devices in such a way as to reduce the risk of their becoming detached over time, including during an intermodal transport operation;

| (b) | the safety of other road users, especially vulnerable road users, by ensuring, inter alia, the visibility of contour markings when aerodynamic devices are fitted, by adapting the indirect vision requirements and, in the event of a collision with the rear of a vehicle or a vehicle combination, by not compromising rear underrun protection. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the safety of other road users, especially vulnerable road users, by ensuring, inter alia, the visibility of contour markings when aerodynamic devices are fitted, by adapting the indirect vision requirements and, in the event of a collision with the rear of a vehicle or a vehicle combination, by not compromising rear underrun protection.

To that end, the Commission shall submit, as appropriate, a legislative proposal to amend the relevant rules on type-approval within the framework of Directive 2007/46/EC.

3.   The aerodynamic devices referred to in paragraph 1 shall fulfil the following operational conditions:

| (a) | in circumstances where the safety of other road users or of the driver is at risk, they shall be folded, retracted or removed by the driver; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

in circumstances where the safety of other road users or of the driver is at risk, they shall be folded, retracted or removed by the driver;

| (b) | their use on urban and inter urban road infrastructures shall take into account the special characteristics of areas where the speed limit is less than or equal to 50 km/h and where vulnerable road users are more likely to be present; and |
| --- | --- |

(b)

their use on urban and inter urban road infrastructures shall take into account the special characteristics of areas where the speed limit is less than or equal to 50 km/h and where vulnerable road users are more likely to be present; and

| (c) | their use shall be compatible with intermodal transport operations and, in particular, when retracted/folded, they shall not exceed the maximum authorised length by more than 20 cm. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

their use shall be compatible with intermodal transport operations and, in particular, when retracted/folded, they shall not exceed the maximum authorised length by more than 20 cm.

4.   The Commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down detailed provisions ensuring uniform conditions for the implementation of paragraph 3. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 10i(2).

5.   Paragraph 1 shall apply from the date of transposition or application of the necessary amendments to the instruments referred to in paragraph 2, and after the adoption of the implementing acts referred to in paragraph 4, as appropriate.

Article 9a

1.   With the aim of improving energy efficiency, in particular as regards the aerodynamic performance of cabs, as well as road safety, vehicles or vehicle combinations which fulfil the requirements laid down in paragraph 2 and which comply with Directive 2007/46/EC may exceed the maximum lengths laid down in point 1.1 of Annex I to this Directive provided that their cabs deliver improved aerodynamic performance, energy efficiency and safety performance. Vehicles or vehicle combinations equipped with such cabs shall comply with point 1.5 of Annex I to this Directive and any exceeding of the maximum lengths shall not result in an increase in the load capacity of those vehicles.

2.   Before being placed on the market, the vehicles referred to in paragraph 1 shall be approved in accordance with the rules on type-approval within the framework of Directive 2007/46/EC. By 27 May 2017, the Commission shall assess the need to develop the technical requirements for type-approval of vehicles equipped with such cabs as laid down within that framework, taking into account the following:

| (a) | the improved aerodynamic performance of vehicles or vehicle combinations; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the improved aerodynamic performance of vehicles or vehicle combinations;

| (b) | vulnerable road users, and improvement of their visibility to drivers, in particular by reducing drivers' blind spots; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

vulnerable road users, and improvement of their visibility to drivers, in particular by reducing drivers' blind spots;

| (c) | the reduction in damage or injury caused to other road users in the event of a collision; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the reduction in damage or injury caused to other road users in the event of a collision;

| (d) | the safety and comfort of drivers. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the safety and comfort of drivers.

To that end, the Commission shall submit, as appropriate, a legislative proposal to amend the relevant rules on type-approval within the framework of Directive 2007/46/EC.

3.   Paragraph 1 shall apply from 3 years after the date of transposition or application of the necessary amendments to the instruments referred to in paragraph 2, as appropriate.’

| (7) | Article 10a is deleted; |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Article 10a is deleted;

| (8) | the following Articles are inserted:

  ‘Article 10b
  The maximum authorised weights of alternatively fuelled vehicles shall be those set out in points 2.3.1, 2.3.2 and 2.4 of Annex I.
  Alternatively fuelled vehicles shall also comply with the maximum authorised axle weight limits set out in point 3 of Annex I.
  The additional weight required by alternatively fuelled vehicles shall be defined on the basis of the documentation provided by the manufacturer when the vehicle in question is approved. That additional weight shall be indicated in the official proof required in accordance with Article 6.
  The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 10h to update, for the purposes of this Directive, the list of alternative fuels referred to in Article 2 that require additional weight. It is of particular importance that the Commission follow its usual practice and carry out consultations with experts, including Member States' experts, before adopting those delegated acts.


  Article 10c
  The maximum lengths laid down in point 1.1 of Annex I, subject where applicable to Article 9a(1), and the maximum distance laid down in point 1.6 of Annex I, may be exceeded by 15 cm for vehicles or vehicle combinations engaged in the transport of 45-foot containers or 45-foot swap bodies, empty or loaded, provided that the road transport of the container or swap body in question is part of an intermodal transport operation.


  Article 10d

  1.   By 27 May 2021, Member States shall take specific measures to identify vehicles or vehicle combinations in circulation that are likely to have exceeded the maximum authorised weight and that should therefore be checked by their competent authorities in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Directive. Those measures may be taken with the aid of automatic systems set up on the road infrastructure, or by means of on-board weighing equipment installed in vehicles in accordance with paragraph 4.
  A Member State shall not require on-board weighing equipment to be installed on vehicles or vehicle combinations which are registered in another Member State.
  Without prejudice to Union and national law, where automatic systems are used to establish infringements of this Directive and to impose penalties, such automatic systems shall be certified. Where automatic systems are used only for identification purposes, they need not be certified.


  2.   Each Member State shall carry out each calendar year an appropriate number of checks on the weight of vehicles or vehicle combinations in circulation, proportionate to the total number of vehicles inspected each year in its territory.


  3.   Member States shall, in accordance with Article 18 of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1), ensure that their competent authorities exchange information about infringements and penalties relating to this Article.


  4.   The on-board weighing equipment referred to in paragraph 1 shall be accurate and reliable, fully interoperable and compatible with all vehicle types.


  5.   By 27 May 2016, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts, laying down detailed provisions ensuring uniform conditions for the implementation of the rules on interoperability and compatibility set out in paragraph 4.
  In order to ensure interoperability, those detailed provisions shall enable the weight data to be communicated at any time from a moving vehicle to the competent authorities, as well as to its driver. That communication shall be done through the interface defined by the CEN DSRC standards EN 12253, EN 12795, EN 12834, EN 13372 and ISO 14906. In addition, such communication shall ensure that the competent authorities of the Member States can communicate and exchange information in the same way with vehicles and vehicle combinations registered in any Member State and using on-board weighing equipment.
  In order to ensure compatibility with all vehicle types, on-board systems of motor vehicles shall have the capability to receive and process any data coming from any type of trailer or semi-trailer attached to the motor vehicle.
  Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 10i(2).



  Article 10e
  Member States shall lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Directive and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. Those penalties shall be effective, non-discriminatory, proportionate and dissuasive. Member States shall notify those rules to the Commission.


  Article 10f

  1.   For the transport of containers and swap bodies, Member States shall lay down rules that require:






  (a) | the shipper to give to the haulier to whom it entrusts the transport of a container or swap body a statement indicating the weight of the container or swap body transported; and |
| --- | --- | --- |

(8)

the following Articles are inserted:

‘Article 10b

The maximum authorised weights of alternatively fuelled vehicles shall be those set out in points 2.3.1, 2.3.2 and 2.4 of Annex I.

Alternatively fuelled vehicles shall also comply with the maximum authorised axle weight limits set out in point 3 of Annex I.

The additional weight required by alternatively fuelled vehicles shall be defined on the basis of the documentation provided by the manufacturer when the vehicle in question is approved. That additional weight shall be indicated in the official proof required in accordance with Article 6.

The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 10h to update, for the purposes of this Directive, the list of alternative fuels referred to in Article 2 that require additional weight. It is of particular importance that the Commission follow its usual practice and carry out consultations with experts, including Member States' experts, before adopting those delegated acts.

Article 10c

The maximum lengths laid down in point 1.1 of Annex I, subject where applicable to Article 9a(1), and the maximum distance laid down in point 1.6 of Annex I, may be exceeded by 15 cm for vehicles or vehicle combinations engaged in the transport of 45-foot containers or 45-foot swap bodies, empty or loaded, provided that the road transport of the container or swap body in question is part of an intermodal transport operation.

Article 10d

1.   By 27 May 2021, Member States shall take specific measures to identify vehicles or vehicle combinations in circulation that are likely to have exceeded the maximum authorised weight and that should therefore be checked by their competent authorities in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Directive. Those measures may be taken with the aid of automatic systems set up on the road infrastructure, or by means of on-board weighing equipment installed in vehicles in accordance with paragraph 4.

A Member State shall not require on-board weighing equipment to be installed on vehicles or vehicle combinations which are registered in another Member State.

Without prejudice to Union and national law, where automatic systems are used to establish infringements of this Directive and to impose penalties, such automatic systems shall be certified. Where automatic systems are used only for identification purposes, they need not be certified.

2.   Each Member State shall carry out each calendar year an appropriate number of checks on the weight of vehicles or vehicle combinations in circulation, proportionate to the total number of vehicles inspected each year in its territory.

3.   Member States shall, in accordance with Article 18 of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1), ensure that their competent authorities exchange information about infringements and penalties relating to this Article.

4.   The on-board weighing equipment referred to in paragraph 1 shall be accurate and reliable, fully interoperable and compatible with all vehicle types.

5.   By 27 May 2016, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts, laying down detailed provisions ensuring uniform conditions for the implementation of the rules on interoperability and compatibility set out in paragraph 4.

In order to ensure interoperability, those detailed provisions shall enable the weight data to be communicated at any time from a moving vehicle to the competent authorities, as well as to its driver. That communication shall be done through the interface defined by the CEN DSRC standards EN 12253, EN 12795, EN 12834, EN 13372 and ISO 14906. In addition, such communication shall ensure that the competent authorities of the Member States can communicate and exchange information in the same way with vehicles and vehicle combinations registered in any Member State and using on-board weighing equipment.

In order to ensure compatibility with all vehicle types, on-board systems of motor vehicles shall have the capability to receive and process any data coming from any type of trailer or semi-trailer attached to the motor vehicle.

Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 10i(2).

Article 10e

Member States shall lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Directive and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. Those penalties shall be effective, non-discriminatory, proportionate and dissuasive. Member States shall notify those rules to the Commission.

Article 10f

1.   For the transport of containers and swap bodies, Member States shall lay down rules that require:

(a)

the shipper to give to the haulier to whom it entrusts the transport of a container or swap body a statement indicating the weight of the container or swap body transported; and

| (b) | the haulier to provide access to all relevant documentation provided by the shipper. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the haulier to provide access to all relevant documentation provided by the shipper.

2.   Member States shall lay down rules on the liability of both the shipper and the haulier as appropriate in cases where the information referred to in paragraph 1 is missing or is incorrect and the vehicle or vehicle combination is overloaded.

Article 10g

Every 2 years, and at the latest by 30 September of the year following the end of the 2-year period concerned, Member States shall send to the Commission the necessary information concerning:

| (a) | the number of checks carried out in the previous 2 calendar years; and |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the number of checks carried out in the previous 2 calendar years; and

| (b) | the number of overloaded vehicles or vehicle combinations detected. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the number of overloaded vehicles or vehicle combinations detected.

This information may be part of the information submitted under Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2).

The Commission shall analyse the information received pursuant to this Article, and shall include such analysis in the report to be forwarded to the European Parliament and to the Council pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 561/2006.

Article 10h

1.   The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article.

2.   The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 10b shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of 5 years from 26 May 2015. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than 9 months before the end of the 5-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than 3 months before the end of each period.

3.   The delegation of power referred to in Article 10b may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

4.   As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council.

5.   A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 10b shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of 2 months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by 2 months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

Article 10i

1.   The Commission shall be assisted by the Road Transport Committee referred to in Article 42 of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3). That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4).

2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.

3.   Where the committee delivers no opinion, the Commission shall not adopt the draft implementing act and the third subparagraph of Article 5(4) of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.

Article 10j

By 8 May 2020, the Commission shall submit, as appropriate, a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the amendments to this Directive introduced by Directive (EU) 2015/719 of the European Parliament and of the Council (5), including taking into consideration specific characteristics of certain market segments. On the basis of that report, the Commission shall, if appropriate, make a legislative proposal duly accompanied by an impact assessment. The report shall be made available at least 6 months prior to the submission of any legislative proposal.

1

| (1)* | Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing common rules concerning the conditions to be complied with to pursue the occupation of road transport operator and repealing Council Directive 96/26/EC (OJ L 300, 14.11.2009, p. 51). |
| --- | --- |

(1)*

1

Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing common rules concerning the conditions to be complied with to pursue the occupation of road transport operator and repealing Council Directive 96/26/EC (OJ L 300, 14.11.2009, p. 51).

"

2

| (2)* | Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending Council Regulations (EEC) No 3821/85 and (EC) No 2135/98 and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 (OJ L 102, 11.4.2006, p. 1). |
| --- | --- |

(2)*

2

Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending Council Regulations (EEC) No 3821/85 and (EC) No 2135/98 and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 (OJ L 102, 11.4.2006, p. 1).

"

3

| (3)* | Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 February 2014 on tachographs in road transport, repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 on recording equipment in road transport and amending Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport (OJ L 60, 28.2.2014, p. 1). |
| --- | --- |

(3)*

3

Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 February 2014 on tachographs in road transport, repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 on recording equipment in road transport and amending Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport (OJ L 60, 28.2.2014, p. 1).

"

4

| (4)* | Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13). |
| --- | --- |

(4)*

4

Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13).

"

5

| (5)* | Directive (EU) 2015/719 of the European Parliament and of The Council of 29 April 2015 amending Council Directive 96/53/EC laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic (OJ L 115, 6.5.2015, p. 1).’ |
| --- | --- |

(5)*

5

Directive (EU) 2015/719 of the European Parliament and of The Council of 29 April 2015 amending Council Directive 96/53/EC laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic (OJ L 115, 6.5.2015, p. 1).’

"

| (9) | Annex I is amended as follows:






  (a) | point 1.2(a) is replaced by the following:






  ‘(a) | all vehicles except the vehicles referred to in point (b): 2,55 m’ |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

(9)

Annex I is amended as follows:

(a)

point 1.2(a) is replaced by the following:

‘(a)

all vehicles except the vehicles referred to in point (b): 2,55 m’

;

| (b) | point 1.2(b) is replaced by the following:






  ‘(b) | superstructures of conditioned vehicles or conditioned containers or swap bodies transported by vehicles: 2,60 m’ |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

point 1.2(b) is replaced by the following:

‘(b)

superstructures of conditioned vehicles or conditioned containers or swap bodies transported by vehicles: 2,60 m’

;

| (c) | point 2.2.2(c) is replaced by the following:






  ‘(c) | two-axle motor vehicle with three-axle semi-trailer carrying, in intermodal transport operations, one or more containers or swap bodies, up to a total maximum length of 45 feet: 42 tonnes’ |
| --- | --- | --- |

(c)

point 2.2.2(c) is replaced by the following:

‘(c)

two-axle motor vehicle with three-axle semi-trailer carrying, in intermodal transport operations, one or more containers or swap bodies, up to a total maximum length of 45 feet: 42 tonnes’

;

| (d) | in point 2.2.2, the following point is added:






  ‘(d) | three-axle motor vehicle with two- or three-axle semi-trailer carrying, in intermodal transport operations, one or more containers or swap bodies, up to a total maximum length of 45 feet: 44 tonnes’ |
| --- | --- | --- |

(d)

in point 2.2.2, the following point is added:

‘(d)

three-axle motor vehicle with two- or three-axle semi-trailer carrying, in intermodal transport operations, one or more containers or swap bodies, up to a total maximum length of 45 feet: 44 tonnes’

;

| (e) | point 2.3.1 is replaced by the following:






  ‘2.3.1. | Two-axle motor vehicles other than buses: 18 tonnes
  Two-axle alternatively fuelled motor vehicles other than buses: the maximum authorised weight of 18 tonnes is increased by the additional weight required for the alternative fuel technology with a maximum of 1 tonne
  Two-axle buses: 19,5 tonnes’ |
| --- | --- | --- |

(e)

point 2.3.1 is replaced by the following:

‘2.3.1.

Two-axle motor vehicles other than buses: 18 tonnes

Two-axle alternatively fuelled motor vehicles other than buses: the maximum authorised weight of 18 tonnes is increased by the additional weight required for the alternative fuel technology with a maximum of 1 tonne

Two-axle buses: 19,5 tonnes’

;

| (f) | point 2.3.2 is replaced by the following:






  ‘2.3.2. | Three-axle motor vehicles: 25 tonnes, or 26 tonnes where the driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and air suspension or suspension recognised as being equivalent within the Union as defined in Annex II, or where each driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and the maximum weight of each axle does not exceed 9,5 tonnes.
  Three-axle alternatively fuelled motor vehicles: the maximum authorised weight of 25 tonnes, or 26 tonnes where the driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and air suspension or suspension recognised as being equivalent within the Union as defined in Annex II, or where each driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and the maximum weight of each axle does not exceed 9,5 tonnes, is increased by the additional weight required for the alternative fuel technology with a maximum of 1 tonne’ |
| --- | --- | --- |

(f)

point 2.3.2 is replaced by the following:

‘2.3.2.

Three-axle motor vehicles: 25 tonnes, or 26 tonnes where the driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and air suspension or suspension recognised as being equivalent within the Union as defined in Annex II, or where each driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and the maximum weight of each axle does not exceed 9,5 tonnes.

Three-axle alternatively fuelled motor vehicles: the maximum authorised weight of 25 tonnes, or 26 tonnes where the driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and air suspension or suspension recognised as being equivalent within the Union as defined in Annex II, or where each driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and the maximum weight of each axle does not exceed 9,5 tonnes, is increased by the additional weight required for the alternative fuel technology with a maximum of 1 tonne’

;

| (g) | point 2.4 is replaced by the following:






  ‘2.4. | Three-axle articulated buses: 28 tonnes
  Three-axle articulated buses alternatively fuelled: the maximum authorised weight of 28 tonnes is increased by the additional weight required for the alternative fuel technology with a maximum of 1 tonne’ |
| --- | --- | --- |

(g)

point 2.4 is replaced by the following:

‘2.4.

Three-axle articulated buses: 28 tonnes

Three-axle articulated buses alternatively fuelled: the maximum authorised weight of 28 tonnes is increased by the additional weight required for the alternative fuel technology with a maximum of 1 tonne’

.

Article 2

1.   Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 7 May 2017. They shall immediately inform the Commission thereof.

Where Member States adopt those measures, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference on the occasion of their official publication. The methods of making such reference shall be laid down by Member States.

2.   Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main measures of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.

Article 3

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

Article 4

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Strasbourg, 29 April 2015.

For the European Parliament

The President

M. SCHULZ

For the Council

The President

Z. KALNIŅA-LUKAŠEVICA

---

(1)  
  OJ C 327, 12.11.2013, p. 133.

1

(2)  Position of the European Parliament of 15 April 2014 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and position of the Council at first reading of 16 October 2014 (OJ C 40, 5.2.2015, p. 1). Position of the European Parliament of 10 March 2015 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and decision of the Council of 20 April 2015.

2

(3)  Council Directive 96/53/EC of 25 July 1996 laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic (OJ L 235, 17.9.1996, p. 59).

3

(4)  Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 September 2007 establishing a framework for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles (Framework Directive) (OJ L 263, 9.10.2007, p. 1).

4

(5)  Council Directive 92/106/EEC of 7 December 1992 on the establishment of common rules for certain types of combined transport of goods between Member States (OJ L 368, 17.12.1992, p. 38).

5

(6)  Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing common rules concerning the conditions to be complied with to pursue the occupation of road transport operator and repealing Council Directive 96/26/EC (OJ L 300, 14.11.2009, p. 51).

6

(7)  Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13).

7

---

| 6.5.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 115/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.5.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 115/11

---

DIRECTIVE (EU) 2015/720 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 29 April 2015

amending Directive 94/62/EC as regards reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 114 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national Parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (2),

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (3),

Whereas:

| (1) | European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC (4) was adopted in order to prevent or reduce the impact of packaging and packaging waste on the environment. Although plastic carrier bags constitute packaging within the meaning of that Directive, it does not contain specific measures on the consumption of such bags. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC (4) was adopted in order to prevent or reduce the impact of packaging and packaging waste on the environment. Although plastic carrier bags constitute packaging within the meaning of that Directive, it does not contain specific measures on the consumption of such bags.

| (2) | The current consumption levels of plastic carrier bags result in high levels of littering and an inefficient use of resources, and are expected to increase if no action is taken. Littering of plastic carrier bags results in environmental pollution and aggravates the widespread problem of litter in water bodies, threatening aquatic eco-systems worldwide. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The current consumption levels of plastic carrier bags result in high levels of littering and an inefficient use of resources, and are expected to increase if no action is taken. Littering of plastic carrier bags results in environmental pollution and aggravates the widespread problem of litter in water bodies, threatening aquatic eco-systems worldwide.

| (3) | Furthermore, the accumulation of plastic carrier bags in the environment has a clearly negative impact on certain economic activities. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Furthermore, the accumulation of plastic carrier bags in the environment has a clearly negative impact on certain economic activities.

| (4) | Plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness below 50 microns (‘lightweight plastic carrier bags’), which represent the vast majority of the total number of plastic carrier bags consumed in the Union, are less frequently reused than thicker plastic carrier bags. Consequently, lightweight plastic carrier bags become waste more quickly and are more prone to littering due to their light weight. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness below 50 microns (‘lightweight plastic carrier bags’), which represent the vast majority of the total number of plastic carrier bags consumed in the Union, are less frequently reused than thicker plastic carrier bags. Consequently, lightweight plastic carrier bags become waste more quickly and are more prone to littering due to their light weight.

| (5) | Current recycling rates of lightweight plastic carrier bags are very low and, due to a number of practical and economic difficulties, are not likely to reach significant levels in the near future. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Current recycling rates of lightweight plastic carrier bags are very low and, due to a number of practical and economic difficulties, are not likely to reach significant levels in the near future.

| (6) | According to the waste hierarchy, prevention comes first. Plastic carrier bags serve several purposes and their consumption will continue in the future. To ensure that the needed plastic carrier bags will not end up as waste in the environment, adequate measures should be in place and consumers should be informed about proper waste treatment. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

According to the waste hierarchy, prevention comes first. Plastic carrier bags serve several purposes and their consumption will continue in the future. To ensure that the needed plastic carrier bags will not end up as waste in the environment, adequate measures should be in place and consumers should be informed about proper waste treatment.

| (7) | Consumption levels of plastic carrier bags vary considerably across the Union due to differences in consumption habits, environmental awareness and effectiveness of policy measures taken by Member States. Some Member States have managed to reduce consumption levels of plastic carrier bags significantly, with the average consumption level in the seven best performing Member States amounting to only 20 % of the Union average consumption. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Consumption levels of plastic carrier bags vary considerably across the Union due to differences in consumption habits, environmental awareness and effectiveness of policy measures taken by Member States. Some Member States have managed to reduce consumption levels of plastic carrier bags significantly, with the average consumption level in the seven best performing Member States amounting to only 20 % of the Union average consumption.

| (8) | The availability and accuracy of data on the current consumption levels of lightweight plastic carrier bags vary between Member States. Accurate and comparable data on consumption is key to assess the effectiveness of reduction measures and to ensure uniform conditions for implementation. Therefore, a common methodology for the calculation of annual consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags per person should be developed with a view to monitoring progress in reducing consumption of such bags. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The availability and accuracy of data on the current consumption levels of lightweight plastic carrier bags vary between Member States. Accurate and comparable data on consumption is key to assess the effectiveness of reduction measures and to ensure uniform conditions for implementation. Therefore, a common methodology for the calculation of annual consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags per person should be developed with a view to monitoring progress in reducing consumption of such bags.

| (9) | Furthermore, consumer information has been shown to play a decisive role in achieving any goals regarding a reduction in the consumption of plastic carrier bags. Therefore, efforts at institutional level are necessary to increase awareness of the environmental impact of plastic carrier bags and end the current perception of plastic as a harmless and cheap commodity. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Furthermore, consumer information has been shown to play a decisive role in achieving any goals regarding a reduction in the consumption of plastic carrier bags. Therefore, efforts at institutional level are necessary to increase awareness of the environmental impact of plastic carrier bags and end the current perception of plastic as a harmless and cheap commodity.

| (10) | To promote sustained reductions of the average consumption level of lightweight plastic carrier bags, Member States should take measures to significantly reduce the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags in line with the overall objectives of the Union's waste policy and the waste hierarchy as provided for in Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (5). Such reduction measures should take account of current consumption levels of plastic carrier bags in individual Member States, with higher levels requiring more ambitious efforts, and take account of reductions already achieved. To monitor progress in reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags, it is necessary that national authorities provide data on their consumption in accordance with Article 12 of Directive 94/62/EC. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

To promote sustained reductions of the average consumption level of lightweight plastic carrier bags, Member States should take measures to significantly reduce the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags in line with the overall objectives of the Union's waste policy and the waste hierarchy as provided for in Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (5). Such reduction measures should take account of current consumption levels of plastic carrier bags in individual Member States, with higher levels requiring more ambitious efforts, and take account of reductions already achieved. To monitor progress in reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags, it is necessary that national authorities provide data on their consumption in accordance with Article 12 of Directive 94/62/EC.

| (11) | Measures to be taken by Member States may involve the use of economic instruments such as pricing, taxes and levies, which have proved particularly effective in reducing the consumption of plastic carrier bags, and marketing restrictions such as bans in derogation of Article 18 of Directive 94/62/EC provided that these restrictions are proportionate and non-discriminatory. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Measures to be taken by Member States may involve the use of economic instruments such as pricing, taxes and levies, which have proved particularly effective in reducing the consumption of plastic carrier bags, and marketing restrictions such as bans in derogation of Article 18 of Directive 94/62/EC provided that these restrictions are proportionate and non-discriminatory.

| (12) | Those measures may vary depending on the environmental impact of lightweight plastic carrier bags when they are recovered or disposed of, their recycling and composting properties, their durability or the specific intended use of those bags, and taking into account any possible adverse substitution effects. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Those measures may vary depending on the environmental impact of lightweight plastic carrier bags when they are recovered or disposed of, their recycling and composting properties, their durability or the specific intended use of those bags, and taking into account any possible adverse substitution effects.

| (13) | Member States may choose to exempt plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness below 15 microns (‘very lightweight plastic carrier bags’) provided as primary packaging for loose food when required for hygiene purposes or when their use helps prevent food wastage. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Member States may choose to exempt plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness below 15 microns (‘very lightweight plastic carrier bags’) provided as primary packaging for loose food when required for hygiene purposes or when their use helps prevent food wastage.

| (14) | Member States may freely use revenues generated by measures that are taken under Directive 94/62/EC to achieve a sustained reduction in the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

Member States may freely use revenues generated by measures that are taken under Directive 94/62/EC to achieve a sustained reduction in the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags.

| (15) | Awareness programmes for consumers in general and educational programmes for children can play an important role in reducing the consumption of plastic carrier bags. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

Awareness programmes for consumers in general and educational programmes for children can play an important role in reducing the consumption of plastic carrier bags.

| (16) | European Standard EN 13432 on ‘Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation — Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging’ sets out the characteristics that a material must possess to be considered ‘compostable’, namely that it can be recycled through a process of organic recovery comprised of composting and anaerobic digestion. The Commission should ask the European Committee for Standardization to develop a separate standard for home-compostable packaging. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

European Standard EN 13432 on ‘Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation — Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging’ sets out the characteristics that a material must possess to be considered ‘compostable’, namely that it can be recycled through a process of organic recovery comprised of composting and anaerobic digestion. The Commission should ask the European Committee for Standardization to develop a separate standard for home-compostable packaging.

| (17) | It is important to ensure Union-wide recognition of labels or marks for biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

It is important to ensure Union-wide recognition of labels or marks for biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags.

| (18) | Some plastic carrier bags are marked as ‘oxo-biodegradable’ or ‘oxo-degradable’ by their manufacturers. In such bags, additives are incorporated into conventional plastics. Due to the presence of those additives, the plastic fragments over time into small particles which remain in the environment. It can thus be misleading to refer to such bags as ‘biodegradable’ as they may not be a solution to littering and may, on the contrary, increase pollution. The Commission should examine the impact of the use of oxo-degradable plastic carrier bags on the environment and present a report to the European Parliament and the Council, including, if appropriate, a set of measures to limit their consumption or to reduce any harmful impacts. |
| --- | --- |

(18)

Some plastic carrier bags are marked as ‘oxo-biodegradable’ or ‘oxo-degradable’ by their manufacturers. In such bags, additives are incorporated into conventional plastics. Due to the presence of those additives, the plastic fragments over time into small particles which remain in the environment. It can thus be misleading to refer to such bags as ‘biodegradable’ as they may not be a solution to littering and may, on the contrary, increase pollution. The Commission should examine the impact of the use of oxo-degradable plastic carrier bags on the environment and present a report to the European Parliament and the Council, including, if appropriate, a set of measures to limit their consumption or to reduce any harmful impacts.

| (19) | Measures to be taken by Member States to reduce the consumption of plastic carrier bags should lead to a sustained reduction in the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags, and should not lead to an overall increase in the generation of packaging. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

Measures to be taken by Member States to reduce the consumption of plastic carrier bags should lead to a sustained reduction in the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags, and should not lead to an overall increase in the generation of packaging.

| (20) | The measures provided for by this Directive are consistent with the Commission Communication on the Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe and they should contribute to actions against marine littering, undertaken in accordance with Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (6). |
| --- | --- |

(20)

The measures provided for by this Directive are consistent with the Commission Communication on the Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe and they should contribute to actions against marine littering, undertaken in accordance with Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (6).

| (21) | Directive 94/62/EC should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(21)

Directive 94/62/EC should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

Article 1

Directive 94/62/EC is amended as follows:

| (1) | In Article 3, the following points are inserted:






  ‘1a. | “plastic” shall mean a polymer within the meaning of Article 3(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (*1), to which additives or other substances may have been added, and which is capable of functioning as a main structural component of carrier bags; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(1)

In Article 3, the following points are inserted:

‘1a.

“plastic” shall mean a polymer within the meaning of Article 3(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (*1), to which additives or other substances may have been added, and which is capable of functioning as a main structural component of carrier bags;

| 1b. | “plastic carrier bags” shall mean carrier bags, with or without handle, made of plastic, which are supplied to consumers at the point of sale of goods or products; |
| --- | --- |

1b.

“plastic carrier bags” shall mean carrier bags, with or without handle, made of plastic, which are supplied to consumers at the point of sale of goods or products;

| 1c. | “lightweight plastic carrier bags” shall mean plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness below 50 microns; |
| --- | --- |

1c.

“lightweight plastic carrier bags” shall mean plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness below 50 microns;

| 1d. | “very lightweight plastic carrier bags” shall mean plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness below 15 microns which are required for hygiene purposes or provided as primary packaging for loose food when this helps to prevent food wastage; |
| --- | --- |

1d.

“very lightweight plastic carrier bags” shall mean plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness below 15 microns which are required for hygiene purposes or provided as primary packaging for loose food when this helps to prevent food wastage;

| 1e. | “oxo-degradable plastic carrier bags” shall mean plastic carrier bags made of plastic materials that include additives which catalyse the fragmentation of the plastic material into micro-fragments; |
| --- | --- |

1e.

“oxo-degradable plastic carrier bags” shall mean plastic carrier bags made of plastic materials that include additives which catalyse the fragmentation of the plastic material into micro-fragments;

(*1)  Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 as well as Council Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC (OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1).’
  "

| (2) | In Article 4, the following paragraphs are inserted:

  ‘1a.   Member States shall take measures to achieve a sustained reduction in the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags on their territory.
  Those measures may include the use of national reduction targets, maintaining or introducing economic instruments as well as marketing restrictions in derogation from Article 18, provided that these restrictions are proportionate and non-discriminatory.
  Such measures may vary depending on the environmental impact of lightweight plastic carrier bags when they are recovered or disposed of, their composting properties, durability or specific intended use.
  The measures taken by Member States shall include either or both of the following:






  (a) | the adoption of measures ensuring that the annual consumption level does not exceed 90 lightweight plastic carrier bags per person by 31 December 2019 and 40 lightweight plastic carrier bags per person by 31 December 2025, or equivalent targets set in weight. Very lightweight plastic carrier bags may be excluded from national consumption objectives; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(2)

In Article 4, the following paragraphs are inserted:

‘1a.   Member States shall take measures to achieve a sustained reduction in the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags on their territory.

Those measures may include the use of national reduction targets, maintaining or introducing economic instruments as well as marketing restrictions in derogation from Article 18, provided that these restrictions are proportionate and non-discriminatory.

Such measures may vary depending on the environmental impact of lightweight plastic carrier bags when they are recovered or disposed of, their composting properties, durability or specific intended use.

The measures taken by Member States shall include either or both of the following:

(a)

the adoption of measures ensuring that the annual consumption level does not exceed 90 lightweight plastic carrier bags per person by 31 December 2019 and 40 lightweight plastic carrier bags per person by 31 December 2025, or equivalent targets set in weight. Very lightweight plastic carrier bags may be excluded from national consumption objectives;

| (b) | the adoption of instruments ensuring that, by 31 December 2018, lightweight plastic carrier bags are not provided free of charge at the point of sale of goods or products, unless equally effective instruments are implemented. Very lightweight plastic carrier bags may be excluded from those measures. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the adoption of instruments ensuring that, by 31 December 2018, lightweight plastic carrier bags are not provided free of charge at the point of sale of goods or products, unless equally effective instruments are implemented. Very lightweight plastic carrier bags may be excluded from those measures.

From 27 May 2018 Member States shall report on the annual consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags when providing data on packaging and packaging waste to the Commission in accordance with Article 12.

By 27 May 2016, the Commission shall adopt an implementing act laying down the methodology for the calculation of the annual consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags per person and adapting the reporting formats adopted under Article 12(3). That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure referred to in Article 21(2).

1b.   Without prejudice to Article 15, Member States may take measures such as economic instruments and national reduction targets, as regards any kind of plastic carrier bags, regardless of their wall thickness.

1c.   The Commission and the Member States shall, at least during the first year following the 27 November 2016, actively encourage public information and awareness campaigns concerning the adverse environmental impact of the excessive consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags.’

| (3) | The following Article is inserted:

  ‘Article 8a
  Specific measures for biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags
  By 27 May 2017, the Commission shall adopt an implementing act laying down the specifications of labels or marks to ensure Union-wide recognition of biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags and to provide consumers with the correct information about the composting properties of such bags. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure referred to in Article 21(2).
  18 months after the adoption of that implementing act, at the latest, Member States shall ensure that biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags are labelled in accordance with the specifications provided for in that implementing act.’
  . |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The following Article is inserted:

‘Article 8a

Specific measures for biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags

By 27 May 2017, the Commission shall adopt an implementing act laying down the specifications of labels or marks to ensure Union-wide recognition of biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags and to provide consumers with the correct information about the composting properties of such bags. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure referred to in Article 21(2).

18 months after the adoption of that implementing act, at the latest, Member States shall ensure that biodegradable and compostable plastic carrier bags are labelled in accordance with the specifications provided for in that implementing act.’

| (4) | The following Article is inserted:

  ‘Article 20a
  Reporting on plastic carrier bags

  1.   By 27 November 2021, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament and to the Council, assessing the effectiveness of measures in Article 4(1a) at Union level, in combating littering, changing consumer behaviour and promoting waste prevention. If the assessment shows that the measures adopted are not effective, the Commission shall examine other possible ways to achieve a reduction in the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags, including the setting of realistic and achievable targets at Union level, and present a legislative proposal, if appropriate.


  2.   By 27 May 2017, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament and to the Council, examining the impact of the use of oxo-degradable plastic carrier bags on the environment and present a legislative proposal, if appropriate.


  3.   By 27 May 2017, the Commission shall assess the life cycle impacts of different possibilities to reduce the consumption of very lightweight plastic carrier bags, and present a legislative proposal, if appropriate.’

  . |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The following Article is inserted:

‘Article 20a

Reporting on plastic carrier bags

1.   By 27 November 2021, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament and to the Council, assessing the effectiveness of measures in Article 4(1a) at Union level, in combating littering, changing consumer behaviour and promoting waste prevention. If the assessment shows that the measures adopted are not effective, the Commission shall examine other possible ways to achieve a reduction in the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags, including the setting of realistic and achievable targets at Union level, and present a legislative proposal, if appropriate.

2.   By 27 May 2017, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament and to the Council, examining the impact of the use of oxo-degradable plastic carrier bags on the environment and present a legislative proposal, if appropriate.

3.   By 27 May 2017, the Commission shall assess the life cycle impacts of different possibilities to reduce the consumption of very lightweight plastic carrier bags, and present a legislative proposal, if appropriate.’

| (5) | In Article 22(3a), the first subparagraph is replaced by the following:

  ‘3a.   Provided that the objectives set out in Article 4 and Article 6 are achieved, Member States may transpose the provisions set out in Articles 4(1a) and 7 by means of agreements between the competent authorities and the economic sectors concerned.’
  . |
| --- | --- |

(5)

In Article 22(3a), the first subparagraph is replaced by the following:

‘3a.   Provided that the objectives set out in Article 4 and Article 6 are achieved, Member States may transpose the provisions set out in Articles 4(1a) and 7 by means of agreements between the competent authorities and the economic sectors concerned.’

Article 2

1.   Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 27 November 2016. They shall immediately inform the Commission thereof.

When Member States adopt those measures, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference on the occasion of their official publication. The methods of making such reference shall be laid down by Member States.

2.   Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main measures of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.

Article 3

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

Article 4

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Strasbourg, 29 April 2015.

For the European Parliament

The President

M. SCHULZ

For the Council

The President

Z. KALNIŅA-LUKAŠEVICA

---

(1)  
  OJ C 214, 8.7.2014, p. 40.

1

(2)  
  OJ C 174, 7.6.2014, p. 43.

2

(3)  Position of the European Parliament of 16 April 2014 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and position of the Council at first reading of 2 March 2015 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Position of the European Parliament of 28 April 2015 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

3

(4)  European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste (OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 10).

4

(5)  Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives (OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3).

5

(6)  Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19).

6

---

II Non-legislative acts

REGULATIONS

| 6.5.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 115/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.5.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 115/16

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/721

of 20 April 2015

entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Vlaamse laurier (PGI))

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1), and in particular Article 52(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, Belgium's application to register the name ‘Vlaamse Laurier’ was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (2). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, Belgium's application to register the name ‘Vlaamse Laurier’ was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (2).

| (2) | As no statement of opposition under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 has been received by the Commission, the name ‘Vlaamse Laurier’ should therefore be entered in the register, |
| --- | --- |

(2)

As no statement of opposition under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 has been received by the Commission, the name ‘Vlaamse Laurier’ should therefore be entered in the register,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The name ‘Vlaamse Laurier’ (PGI) is hereby entered in the register.

The name specified in the first paragraph denotes a product in Class 2.13. Flowers and ornamental plants, as listed in Annex XI to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 668/2014 (3).

Article 2

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

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

Done at Brussels, 20 April 2015.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Phil HOGAN

Member of the Commission

---

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

1

(2)  
  OJ C 432, 2.12.2014, p. 12.

2

(3)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 668/2014 of 13 June 2014 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs (OJ L 179, 19.6.2014, p. 36).

3

---

| 6.5.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 115/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.5.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 115/18

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/722

of 5 May 2015

concerning the authorisation of taurine as a feed additive for Canidae, Felidae, Mustelidae and carnivorous fish

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition (1), and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such authorisation. Article 10 of that Regulation provides for the re-evaluation of additives authorised pursuant to Council Directive 70/524/EEC (2). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such authorisation. Article 10 of that Regulation provides for the re-evaluation of additives authorised pursuant to Council Directive 70/524/EEC (2).

| (2) | Taurine was authorised without a time limit in accordance with Directive 70/524/EEC as feed additive on all animal species. This substance was subsequently entered in the Register of feed additives as an existing product, in accordance with Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Taurine was authorised without a time limit in accordance with Directive 70/524/EEC as feed additive on all animal species. This substance was subsequently entered in the Register of feed additives as an existing product, in accordance with Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (3) | In accordance with Article 10(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, in conjunction with Article 7 thereof, an application was submitted for the re-evaluation of taurine and preparations of taurine as a feed additive for all animal species and, in accordance with Article 7 of that Regulation, for a new use in water for drinking. The applicant requested this additive to be classified in the additive category ‘nutritional additives’. That application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In accordance with Article 10(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, in conjunction with Article 7 thereof, an application was submitted for the re-evaluation of taurine and preparations of taurine as a feed additive for all animal species and, in accordance with Article 7 of that Regulation, for a new use in water for drinking. The applicant requested this additive to be classified in the additive category ‘nutritional additives’. That application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (4) | The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 22 May 2012 (3) that for use in diet for cats, dogs and carnivorous fish, synthetic taurine is considered efficacious. The historical use of diets containing up to 20 % feedingstuffs of animal origin led to the conclusion that up to 0,2 % taurine in complete feedingstuffs is tolerated by all animal species. The Authority recommends that taurine should no longer be authorised for use in poultry, pigs and ruminants. The Authority concluded that under the proposed conditions of use in feed and in water for drinking, taurine does not have adverse effects on animal health, human health or the environment. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 22 May 2012 (3) that for use in diet for cats, dogs and carnivorous fish, synthetic taurine is considered efficacious. The historical use of diets containing up to 20 % feedingstuffs of animal origin led to the conclusion that up to 0,2 % taurine in complete feedingstuffs is tolerated by all animal species. The Authority recommends that taurine should no longer be authorised for use in poultry, pigs and ruminants. The Authority concluded that under the proposed conditions of use in feed and in water for drinking, taurine does not have adverse effects on animal health, human health or the environment.

| (5) | The Authority further concluded that no safety concerns would arise for users. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the method of analysis of the feed additives in feed and water submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The Authority further concluded that no safety concerns would arise for users. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the method of analysis of the feed additives in feed and water submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (6) | The conclusions for cats and dogs can be extrapolated to species of the same family that is to Felidae and Canidae, as they are physiologically related species in terms of gastrointestinal function. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The conclusions for cats and dogs can be extrapolated to species of the same family that is to Felidae and Canidae, as they are physiologically related species in terms of gastrointestinal function.

| (7) | Mustelidae belongs to the order Carnivora as Felidae and Canidae. Mustelidae are carnivorous species and many of them obligate carnivorous. They require taurine and its precursors methionine or cysteine in the diet to maintain the normal taurine concentrations in the body. Traditional sources for taurine are muscle tissue, brain or viscera. Since heat processing and the use of alternative sources of protein (with low content of this amino acid) reduce the availability of taurine and its precursors in feeds, there is a historical use of diets containing taurine as a feed additive to ensure that the taurine requirements are satisfied for Mustelidae. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Mustelidae belongs to the order Carnivora as Felidae and Canidae. Mustelidae are carnivorous species and many of them obligate carnivorous. They require taurine and its precursors methionine or cysteine in the diet to maintain the normal taurine concentrations in the body. Traditional sources for taurine are muscle tissue, brain or viscera. Since heat processing and the use of alternative sources of protein (with low content of this amino acid) reduce the availability of taurine and its precursors in feeds, there is a historical use of diets containing taurine as a feed additive to ensure that the taurine requirements are satisfied for Mustelidae.

| (8) | The assessment of taurine shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of this substance should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The assessment of taurine shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of this substance should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation.

| (9) | Since safety reasons do not require the immediate application of the modifications to the conditions of authorisation, it is appropriate to allow a transitional period for interested parties to prepare themselves to meet the new requirements resulting from the authorisation. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Since safety reasons do not require the immediate application of the modifications to the conditions of authorisation, it is appropriate to allow a transitional period for interested parties to prepare themselves to meet the new requirements resulting from the authorisation.

| (10) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The substance specified in the Annex, belonging to the additive category ‘nutritional additives’ and to the functional group ‘vitamins, pro-vitamins and chemically well-defined substances having similar effect’, are authorised as an additive in animal nutrition subject to the conditions laid down in that Annex.

Article 2

1.   The substance specified in the Annex and premixtures containing that substance which are produced and labelled before 26 November 2015 in accordance with the rules applicable before 26 May 2015 may continue to be placed on the market and used until the existing stocks are exhausted.

2.   Compound feed and feed materials containing the substance as specified in the Annex which are produced and labelled before 26 November 2015 in accordance with the rules applicable before 26 May 2015 may continue to be placed on the market and used until the existing stocks are exhausted if they are intended for carnivorous fish.

3.   Compound feed and feed materials containing the substance as specified in the Annex which are produced and labelled before 26 May 2017 in accordance with the rules applicable before 26 May 2015 may continue to be placed on the market and used until the existing stocks are exhausted if they are intended for Canidae, Felidae and Mustelidae.

Article 3

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

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

Done at Brussels, 5 May 2015.

For the Commission

The President

Jean-Claude JUNCKER

---

(1)  
  OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 29.

1

(2)  Council Directive 70/524/EEC of 23 November 1970 concerning additives in feedingstuffs (OJ L 270, 14.12.1970, p. 1).

2

(3)  
  EFSA Journal 2012;10(6):2736.

3

EFSA Journal 2012;10(6):2736.

---

ANNEX

| Identification number of the additive | Name of the holder of authorisation | Additive | Composition, chemical formula, description, analytical method | Species or category of animal | Maximum age | Minimum content | Maximum content | Other provisions | End of period of authorisation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| mg of active substance/kg of complete feedingstuff with a moisture content of 12 % or mg of the active substance/l of water |
| Category of nutritional additives. Functional group: vitamins, provitamins and chemically well-defined substances having a similar effect |
| 3a370 | — | Taurine | Additive composition

  Taurine

  Active substance

  Taurine
  IUPAC name: 2-amino-ethanesulfonic acid
  C2H7NO3S
  CAS number: 107-35-7
  Taurine solid form, produced by chemical synthesis: min. 98 %.

  Method of Analysis
   (1)

  For the determination of taurine in feed additive: ion-exchange chromatography with post column ninhydrin derivatisation (European Pharmacopoeia method for the determination of amino acids (Ph. Eur. 6.6, 2.2.56 Method 1)).
  For the determination of taurine in premixtures and feedingstuffs: ion-exchange chromatography with post column ninhydrin derivatisation and photometric detection: based on Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 (Annex III, F), or Reverse Phase High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled to fluorescence detector (AOAC 999.12).
  For the determination of taurine in water: Liquid Chromatography coupled to UV or fluorescence detector (AOAC 997.05). | Canidae, Felidae, Mustelidae and carnivorous fish | — | — | — | 1. | Taurine may be placed on the market and used as an additive consisting of a preparation. |

Identification number of the additive

Name of the holder of authorisation

Additive

Composition, chemical formula, description, analytical method

Species or category of animal

Maximum age

Minimum content

Maximum content

Other provisions

End of period of authorisation

mg of active substance/kg of complete feedingstuff with a moisture content of 12 % or mg of the active substance/l of water

Category of nutritional additives. Functional group: vitamins, provitamins and chemically well-defined substances having a similar effect

3a370

—

Taurine

Additive composition

Taurine

Active substance

Taurine

IUPAC name: 2-amino-ethanesulfonic acid

C2H7NO3S

CAS number: 107-35-7

Taurine solid form, produced by chemical synthesis: min. 98 %.

Method of Analysis
   (1)

For the determination of taurine in feed additive: ion-exchange chromatography with post column ninhydrin derivatisation (European Pharmacopoeia method for the determination of amino acids (Ph. Eur. 6.6, 2.2.56 Method 1)).

For the determination of taurine in premixtures and feedingstuffs: ion-exchange chromatography with post column ninhydrin derivatisation and photometric detection: based on Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 (Annex III, F), or Reverse Phase High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled to fluorescence detector (AOAC 999.12).

For the determination of taurine in water: Liquid Chromatography coupled to UV or fluorescence detector (AOAC 997.05).

Canidae, Felidae, Mustelidae and carnivorous fish

—

—

—

1.

Taurine may be placed on the market and used as an additive consisting of a preparation.

| 2. | In the directions for use of the additive and premixtures, indicate storage and stability conditions. |
| --- | --- |

2.

In the directions for use of the additive and premixtures, indicate storage and stability conditions.

| 3. | Recommended levels for maximum content in mg of taurine/kg of complete feedingstuff with a moisture content of 12 %:






  — | Felidae: 2 500 |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

Recommended levels for maximum content in mg of taurine/kg of complete feedingstuff with a moisture content of 12 %:

—

Felidae: 2 500

| — | Carnivorous fish: 25 000 |
| --- | --- |

—

Carnivorous fish: 25 000

| — | Canidae and Mustelidae: 2 000 . |
| --- | --- |

—

Canidae and Mustelidae: 2 000 .

| 4. | For safety: breathing protection, safety glasses and gloves shall be worn during handling. |
| --- | --- |

4.

For safety: breathing protection, safety glasses and gloves shall be worn during handling.

| 5. | The additive may be used in water for drinking. |
| --- | --- |

5.

The additive may be used in water for drinking.

26 May 2025

---

(1)  Details of the analytical methods are available at the following address of the European Union Reference Laboratory for Feed Additives: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/eurl/feed-additives/evaluation-reports

---

| 6.5.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 115/22 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.5.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 115/22

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/723

of 5 May 2015

concerning the authorisation of biotin as a feed additive for all animal species

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition (1), and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such authorisation. Article 10 of that Regulation provides for the re-evaluation of additives authorised pursuant to Council Directive 70/524/EEC (2). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such authorisation. Article 10 of that Regulation provides for the re-evaluation of additives authorised pursuant to Council Directive 70/524/EEC (2).

| (2) | Biotin was authorised without a time limit in accordance with Directive 70/524/EEC as feed additive on all animal species. This product was subsequently entered in the Register of feed additives as existing product, in accordance with Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Biotin was authorised without a time limit in accordance with Directive 70/524/EEC as feed additive on all animal species. This product was subsequently entered in the Register of feed additives as existing product, in accordance with Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (3) | In accordance with Article 10(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, in conjunction with Article 7 thereof, two applications were submitted for the re-evaluation of biotin and preparations of biotin for all animal species and, in accordance with Article 7 of that Regulation, for a new use in water for drinking. The applicants requested these additives to be classified in the additive category ‘nutritional additives’. Those applications were accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In accordance with Article 10(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, in conjunction with Article 7 thereof, two applications were submitted for the re-evaluation of biotin and preparations of biotin for all animal species and, in accordance with Article 7 of that Regulation, for a new use in water for drinking. The applicants requested these additives to be classified in the additive category ‘nutritional additives’. Those applications were accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (4) | The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinions of 16 October 2012 and 17 October 2012 (3) that under the proposed conditions of use in feed and water for drinking, biotin do not have adverse effects on animal health, human health or the environment. The Authority also concluded that synthetic biotin is regarded as an effective source of biotin in animal nutrition and that no safety concerns would arise for users. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the method of analysis of the feed additives in feed and water for drinking submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinions of 16 October 2012 and 17 October 2012 (3) that under the proposed conditions of use in feed and water for drinking, biotin do not have adverse effects on animal health, human health or the environment. The Authority also concluded that synthetic biotin is regarded as an effective source of biotin in animal nutrition and that no safety concerns would arise for users. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the method of analysis of the feed additives in feed and water for drinking submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (5) | The assessment of biotin shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of this substance should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The assessment of biotin shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of this substance should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation.

| (6) | Since safety reasons do not require the immediate application of the modifications to the conditions of authorisation, it is appropriate to allow a transitional period for interested parties to prepare themselves to meet the new requirements resulting from the authorisation. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Since safety reasons do not require the immediate application of the modifications to the conditions of authorisation, it is appropriate to allow a transitional period for interested parties to prepare themselves to meet the new requirements resulting from the authorisation.

| (7) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The substance specified in the Annex, belonging to the additive category ‘nutritional additives’ and to the functional group ‘vitamins, pro-vitamins and chemically well-defined substances having similar effect’, is authorised as an additive in animal nutrition subject to the conditions laid down in that Annex.

Article 2

1.   The substance specified in the Annex and premixtures containing that substance, which are produced and labelled before 26 November 2015 in accordance with the rules applicable before 26 May 2015 may continue to be placed on the market and used until the existing stocks are exhausted.

2.   Compound feed and feed materials containing the substance specified in the Annex which are produced and labelled before 26 November 2015 in accordance with the rules applicable before 26 May 2015 may continue to be placed on the market and used until the existing stocks are exhausted if they are intended for food producing animals.

3.   Compound feed and feed materials containing the substance specified in the Annex which are produced and labelled before 26 May 2017 in accordance with the rules applicable before 26 May 2015 may continue to be placed on the market and used until the existing stocks are exhausted if they are intended for non-food producing animals.

Article 3

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

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

Done at Brussels, 5 May 2015.

For the Commission

The President

Jean-Claude JUNCKER

---

(1)  
  OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 29.

1

(2)  Council Directive 70/524/EEC of 23 November 1970 concerning additives in feedingstuffs (OJ L 270, 14.12.1970, p. 1).

2

(3)  
  EFSA Journal 2012;10(11):2925;EFSA Journal 2012;10(11):2926.

3

EFSA Journal

;EFSA Journal

.

---

ANNEX

| Identification number of the additive | Name of the holder of authorisation | Additive | Composition, chemical formula, description, analytical method | Species or category of animal | Maximum age | Minimum content | Maximum content | Other provisions | End of period of authorisation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| mg of active substance/kg of complete feedingstuff with a moisture content of 12 % or mg active substance/l of water. |
| Category of nutritional additives. Functional group: vitamins, provitamins and chemically well defined substances having a similar effect |
| 3a880 | — | Biotin | Additive composition

  Biotin

  Active substance

  D-(+)-biotin
  C10H16N2O3S






  — | CAS No: 58-85-5 |

Identification number of the additive

Name of the holder of authorisation

Additive

Composition, chemical formula, description, analytical method

Species or category of animal

Maximum age

Minimum content

Maximum content

Other provisions

End of period of authorisation

mg of active substance/kg of complete feedingstuff with a moisture content of 12 % or mg active substance/l of water.

Category of nutritional additives. Functional group: vitamins, provitamins and chemically well defined substances having a similar effect

3a880

—

Biotin

Additive composition

Biotin

Active substance

D-(+)-biotin

C10H16N2O3S

—

CAS No: 58-85-5

| — | Biotin, solid form, produced by chemical synthesis |
| --- | --- |

—

Biotin, solid form, produced by chemical synthesis

| — | Purity criteria: min. 97 % |
| --- | --- |

—

Purity criteria: min. 97 %

Method of Analysis
   (1)

For the determination of D-(+)-biotin in feed additive: a potentiometric titration assay and an optical rotation identification (European Pharmacopeia 6.0, method 01/2008:1073).

For the determination of D-(+)-biotin in premixtures and feedingstuffs: Reversed Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC-MS/MS).

For the determination of D-(+)-Biotin in water: microbiological assay (US Pharmacopoeia 21, 3rd supplement, method (88) 1986)

All animal species

—

—

—

| 1. | Biotin may be placed on the market and used as an additive consisting of a preparation. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Biotin may be placed on the market and used as an additive consisting of a preparation.

| 2. | In the directions for use of the additive and premixture, indicate the storage and stability conditions. |
| --- | --- |

2.

In the directions for use of the additive and premixture, indicate the storage and stability conditions.

| 3. | For safety: breathing protection shall be worn during handling. |
| --- | --- |

3.

For safety: breathing protection shall be worn during handling.

| 4. | The additive may be used in water for drinking. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The additive may be used in water for drinking.

26 May 2025

---

(1)  Details of the analytical methods are available at the following address of the European Union Reference Laboratory for Feed Additives: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/eurl/feed-additives/evaluation-reports

---

| 6.5.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 115/25 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.5.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 115/25

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/724

of 5 May 2015

concerning the authorisation of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate as feed additives for all animal species

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition (1), in particular Article 9(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such authorisation. Article 10 of that Regulation provides for the re-evaluation of additives authorised pursuant to Council Directive 70/524/EEC (2). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such authorisation. Article 10 of that Regulation provides for the re-evaluation of additives authorised pursuant to Council Directive 70/524/EEC (2).

| (2) | Vitamin A was authorised without a time limit in accordance with Directive 70/524/EEC as a feed additive for all animal species. That product was subsequently entered in the Register of feed additives as existing product, in accordance with Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Vitamin A was authorised without a time limit in accordance with Directive 70/524/EEC as a feed additive for all animal species. That product was subsequently entered in the Register of feed additives as existing product, in accordance with Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (3) | In accordance with Article 10(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, in conjunction with Article 7 thereof, an application was submitted for the re-evaluation of vitamin A in the form of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate as feed additives and their preparations for all animal species and, in accordance with Article 7 of that Regulation, for a new use in water for drinking. The applicant requested these additives to be classified in the additive category ‘nutritional additives’. That application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In accordance with Article 10(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, in conjunction with Article 7 thereof, an application was submitted for the re-evaluation of vitamin A in the form of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate as feed additives and their preparations for all animal species and, in accordance with Article 7 of that Regulation, for a new use in water for drinking. The applicant requested these additives to be classified in the additive category ‘nutritional additives’. That application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (4) | The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 12 December 2012 (3) that, under the proposed conditions of use in feed, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate do not have an adverse effects on animal health, human health or the environment. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinion of 12 December 2012 (3) that, under the proposed conditions of use in feed, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate do not have an adverse effects on animal health, human health or the environment.

| (5) | The Authority further concluded that retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate are effective sources of vitamin A and that no safety concerns would arise for users. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the method of analysis of the feed additives in feed submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The Authority further concluded that retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate are effective sources of vitamin A and that no safety concerns would arise for users. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the method of analysis of the feed additives in feed submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (6) | The assessment of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied except for water for drinking. Accordingly, the use of these substances should be authorised in feed as specified in the Annex to this Regulation. Maximum contents should be set for vitamin A irrespective of its form. Vitamin A should not be administered directly via water for drinking because an additional route of administration would increase the risk for consumers. Therefore, the authorisation of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate as nutritional additives belonging to the functional group ‘vitamins, pro-vitamins and chemically well-defined substances having similar effect’ should be denied as regards their use in water. This prohibition does not apply to those additives within a compound feed subsequently administered via water. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The assessment of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied except for water for drinking. Accordingly, the use of these substances should be authorised in feed as specified in the Annex to this Regulation. Maximum contents should be set for vitamin A irrespective of its form. Vitamin A should not be administered directly via water for drinking because an additional route of administration would increase the risk for consumers. Therefore, the authorisation of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate as nutritional additives belonging to the functional group ‘vitamins, pro-vitamins and chemically well-defined substances having similar effect’ should be denied as regards their use in water. This prohibition does not apply to those additives within a compound feed subsequently administered via water.

| (7) | Since safety reasons do not require the immediate application of the modifications to the conditions of authorisation, it is appropriate to allow a transitional period for interested parties to prepare themselves to meet the new requirements resulting from the authorisation. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Since safety reasons do not require the immediate application of the modifications to the conditions of authorisation, it is appropriate to allow a transitional period for interested parties to prepare themselves to meet the new requirements resulting from the authorisation.

| (8) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The substances specified in the Annex, belonging to the additive category ‘nutritional additives’ and to the functional group ‘vitamins, pro-vitamins and chemically well-defined substances having similar effect’, are authorised as additives in animal nutrition subject to the conditions laid down in that Annex.

Article 2

Authorisation of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl propionate, as additives belonging to the additive category ‘nutritional additives’ and to the functional group ‘vitamins, pro-vitamins and chemically well-defined substances having similar effect’, is denied for use in water.

Article 3

The substances specified in the Annex and premixtures containing these substances, which are produced and labelled 26 November 2015 in accordance with the rules applicable before 26 May 2015 may continue to be placed on the market and used until the existing stocks are exhausted.

Compound feed and feed materials containing the substances specified in the Annex which are produced and labelled before 26 May 2016 in accordance with the rules applicable before 26 May 2015 may continue to be placed on the market and used until the existing stocks are exhausted if they are intended for food-producing animals.

Compound feed and feed materials containing the substances specified in the Annex which are produced and labelled before 26 May 2017 in accordance with the rules applicable before 26 May 2015 may continue to be placed on the market and used until the existing stocks are exhausted if they are intended for non-food-producing animals.

Article 4

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

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

Done at Brussels, 5 May 2015.

For the Commission

The President

Jean-Claude JUNCKER

---

(1)  
  OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 29.

1

(2)  Council Directive 70/524/EEC of 23 November 1970 concerning additives in feedingstuffs (OJ L 270, 14.12.1970, p. 1).

2

(3)  
  EFSA Journal 2013;11(1):3037.

3

EFSA Journal 2013;11(1):3037.

---

ANNEX

| Identification number of the additive | Name of the holder of authorisation | Additive | Composition, chemical formula, description, analytical method | Species or category of animal | Maximum age | Minimum content | Maximum content | Other provisions | End of period of authorisation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| IU of vitamin A/kg of complete feedingstuff with a moisture content of 12 % |
| Category of nutritional additives. Functional group: vitamins, provitamins and chemically well defined substances having a similar effect |
| 3a672a | — | ‘Retinyl acetate’, or ‘Vitamin A’ | Additive composition

  Retinyl acetate
  Triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) ≤ 100 mg/kg

  Characterisation of the active substance

  Retinyl acetate
  C22H32O2

  CAS No: 127-47-9
  Retinyl acetate, solid form, produced by chemical synthesis.
  Purity criteria: min. 95 % (min. 2,76 MIU/g).

  Methods of analysis
   (1)

  For the determination of Vitamin A in the feed additive: thin Layer Chromatography and UV detection (TLC-UV) (Ph. Eur. 6th edition, monograph 0217).
  For the determination of Vitamin A in premixtures and feedingstuffs: Reversed Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) with UV or fluorescence detection — Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 (2). | Piglets (suckling and weaned) | — | — | 16 000 | 1. | The additive shall be incorporated into the feed via a premixture. |

Identification number of the additive

Name of the holder of authorisation

Additive

Composition, chemical formula, description, analytical method

Species or category of animal

Maximum age

Minimum content

Maximum content

Other provisions

End of period of authorisation

IU of vitamin A/kg of complete feedingstuff with a moisture content of 12 %

Category of nutritional additives. Functional group: vitamins, provitamins and chemically well defined substances having a similar effect

3a672a

—

‘Retinyl acetate’, or ‘Vitamin A’

Additive composition

Retinyl acetate

Triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) ≤ 100 mg/kg

Characterisation of the active substance

Retinyl acetate

C22H32O2

CAS No: 127-47-9

Retinyl acetate, solid form, produced by chemical synthesis.

Purity criteria: min. 95 % (min. 2,76 MIU/g).

Methods of analysis
   (1)

For the determination of Vitamin A in the feed additive: thin Layer Chromatography and UV detection (TLC-UV) (Ph. Eur. 6th edition, monograph 0217).

For the determination of Vitamin A in premixtures and feedingstuffs: Reversed Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) with UV or fluorescence detection — Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 (2).

Piglets (suckling and weaned)

—

—

16 000

1.

The additive shall be incorporated into the feed via a premixture.

| 2. | Retinyl acetate may be placed on the market and used as an additive consisting of a preparation. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Retinyl acetate may be placed on the market and used as an additive consisting of a preparation.

| 3. | For the content, as set out on the label the following equivalency shall be used: 1IU = 0,344 μg retinyl acetate. |
| --- | --- |

3.

For the content, as set out on the label the following equivalency shall be used: 1IU = 0,344 μg retinyl acetate.

| 4. | The mixture of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate or retinyl propionate shall not exceed the maximum content for the relevant species and categories. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The mixture of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate or retinyl propionate shall not exceed the maximum content for the relevant species and categories.

| 5. | In the directions for use of the additive and premixtures indicate storage and stability conditions. |
| --- | --- |

5.

In the directions for use of the additive and premixtures indicate storage and stability conditions.

| 6. | For safety: breathing protection, safety glasses and gloves shall be worn during handling. |
| --- | --- |

6.

For safety: breathing protection, safety glasses and gloves shall be worn during handling.

26 May 2025

Pigs for fattening

—

—

6 500

Sows

—

—

12 000

Other pigs

—

—

—

Chickens and minor poultry species

≤ 14 days

—

20 000

> 14 days

—

10 000

Turkeys

≤ 28 days

—

20 000

> 28 days

—

10 000

Other poultry

—

—

10 000

Dairy cows and cows for reproduction

—

9 000

Calves for rearing

4 months

—

16 000

Other calves and cows

—

—

25 000

Lambs and kids for rearing

≤ 2 months

—

16 000

> 2 months

—

—

Cattle, sheep and goats for fattening

—

—

10 000

Other bovines, sheep and goats

—

—

—

Mammals

—

—

Milk replacers only: 25 000

Other animal species

—

—

—

3a672b

‘Retinyl palmitate’ or ‘Vitamin A’

Additive composition

Retinyl palmitate

Triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) ≤ 100 mg/kg of the additive

Characterisation of the active substance

Retinyl palmitate

C36H60O2

Cas No:79-81-2

Retinyl palmitate, solid and liquid forms, produced by chemical synthesis: min. 90 % or 1,64 MIU/g.

Methods of analysis
   (1)

For the determination of Vitamin A in the feed additive: thin Layer Chromatography and UV detection (TLC-UV) (Ph. Eur. 6th edition, monograph 0217).

For the determination of Vitamin A in premixtures and feedingstuffs: Reversed Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) with UV or fluorescence detection — Regulation (EC) No 152/2009.

Piglets (suckling and weaned)

—

—

16 000

| 1. | The additive shall be incorporated into the feed via a premixture. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The additive shall be incorporated into the feed via a premixture.

| 2. | Retinyl palmitate may be placed on the market and used as an additive consisting of a preparation. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Retinyl palmitate may be placed on the market and used as an additive consisting of a preparation.

| 3. | For the content, as set out on the label, the following equivalency shall be used: 1IU = 0,5458 μg retinyl palmitate. |
| --- | --- |

3.

For the content, as set out on the label, the following equivalency shall be used: 1IU = 0,5458 μg retinyl palmitate.

| 4. | The mixture of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate or retinyl propionate shall not exceed the maximum content for the relevant species and categories. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The mixture of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate or retinyl propionate shall not exceed the maximum content for the relevant species and categories.

| 5. | In the directions for use of the additive and premixtures indicate storage and stability conditions. |
| --- | --- |

5.

In the directions for use of the additive and premixtures indicate storage and stability conditions.

| 6. | For safety: breathing protection, safety glasses and gloves shall be worn during handling. |
| --- | --- |

6.

For safety: breathing protection, safety glasses and gloves shall be worn during handling.

26 May 2025

Pigs for fattening

—

—

6 500

Sows

—

—

12 000

Other pigs

—

—

—

Chickens and minor poultry species

≤ 14 days

—

20 000

> 14 days

—

10 000

Turkeys

≤ 28 days

—

20 000

> 28 days

—

10 000

Other poultry

—

—

10 000

Dairy cows and cows for reproduction

—

—

9 000

Calves for rearing

4 months

—

16 000

Other calves and cows

—

—

25 000

Lambs and kids for rearing

≤ 2 months

—

16 000

> 2 months

—

—

Cattle, sheep and goats for fattening

—

—

10 000

Other bovines, sheep and goats

—

—

—

Mammals

—

—

Milk replacers only: 25 000

Other animal species

—

—

—

3a672c

‘Retinyl propionate’ or ‘Vitamin A’

Additive composition

Retinyl propionate

Triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) ≤ 100 mg/kg of the additive

Characterisation of the active substance

Retinyl propionate

C23H34O2

Cas No.:7069-42-3

Retinyl propionate, liquid form, produced by chemical synthesis: min. 95 % or 2,64 MIU/g

Methods of analysis
   (1)

For the determination of Vitamin A in the feed additive: thin Layer Chromatography and UV detection (TLC-UV) (Ph. Eur. 6th edition, monograph 0217).

For the determination of Vitamin A in premixtures and feedingstuffs: Reversed Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) with UV or fluorescence detection — Regulation (EC) No 152/2009.

Piglets (suckling and weaned)

—

—

16 000

| 1. | The additive shall be incorporated into the feed via a premixture. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The additive shall be incorporated into the feed via a premixture.

| 2. | Retinyl propionate may be placed on the market and used as an additive consisting of a preparation. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Retinyl propionate may be placed on the market and used as an additive consisting of a preparation.

| 3. | For the content, as set out on the label, the following equivalency shall be used: 1IU = 0,3585 μg retinyl propionate. |
| --- | --- |

3.

For the content, as set out on the label, the following equivalency shall be used: 1IU = 0,3585 μg retinyl propionate.

| 4. | The mixture of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate or retinyl propionate shall not exceed the maximum content for the relevant species and categories. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The mixture of retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate or retinyl propionate shall not exceed the maximum content for the relevant species and categories.

| 5. | In the directions for use of the additive and premixtures indicate storage and stability conditions |
| --- | --- |

5.

In the directions for use of the additive and premixtures indicate storage and stability conditions

| 6. | For safety: breathing protection, safety glasses and gloves shall be worn during handling. |
| --- | --- |

6.

For safety: breathing protection, safety glasses and gloves shall be worn during handling.

26 May 2025

Pigs for fattening

—

—

6 500

Sows

—

—

12 000

Other pigs

—

—

—

Chickens and minor poultry species

≤ 14 days

—

20 000

> 14 days

—

10 000

Turkeys

≤ 28 days

—

20 000

> 28 days

—

10 000

Other poultry

—

—

10 000

Dairy cows and cows for reproduction

—

—

9 000

Calves for rearing

4 months

—

16 000

Other calves or cows

—

—

25 000

Lambs and kids for rearing

≤ 2 months

—

16 000

> 2 months

—

—

Cattle, sheep and goats for fattening

—

—

10 000

Other bovines, sheep and goats

—

—

—

Mammals

—

—

Milk replacers only: 25 000

Other animal species

—

—

—

---

(1)  Details of the analytical methods are available at the following address of the European Union Reference Laboratory for Feed Additives: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/eurl/feed-additives/evaluation-reports

(2)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 of 27 January 2009 laying down the methods of sampling and analysis for the official control of feed (OJ L 54, 26.2.2009, p. 1).

---

| 6.5.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 115/32 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.5.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 115/32

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/725

of 5 May 2015

fixing the closing date for the submission of applications for private storage aid for pigmeat under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/360

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (1), and in particular point (b) of the first subparagraph and the second subparagraph of Article 18(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Private storage aid granted pursuant to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/360 (2) has had a favourable effect on the pigmeat market. A further stabilisation of prices is expected. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Private storage aid granted pursuant to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/360 (2) has had a favourable effect on the pigmeat market. A further stabilisation of prices is expected.

| (2) | The granting of private storage aid for pigmeat should therefore be ended and a closing date for the submission of applications should be set. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The granting of private storage aid for pigmeat should therefore be ended and a closing date for the submission of applications should be set.

| (3) | For the sake of legal certainty, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/360 should be repealed. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

For the sake of legal certainty, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/360 should be repealed.

| (4) | In order to avoid speculation, this Regulation should enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

In order to avoid speculation, this Regulation should enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

| (5) | The Committee for the Common Organisation of Agricultural Markets has not delivered an opinion within the time limit set by its Chair, |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The Committee for the Common Organisation of Agricultural Markets has not delivered an opinion within the time limit set by its Chair,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The closing date for the submission of applications for private storage aid for pigmeat under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/360 shall be 8 May 2015.

Article 2

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/360 is repealed with effect from 8 May 2015.

However, it shall continue to apply in respect of contracts concluded under that Regulation before the date of entry into force of this Regulation.

Article 3

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

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

Done at Brussels, 5 May 2015.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Phil HOGAN

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  
  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

1

(2)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/360 of 5 March 2015 opening private storage for pigmeat and fixing in advance the amount of aid (OJ L 62, 6.3.2015, p. 16).

2

---

| 6.5.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 115/34 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.5.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 115/34

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/726

of 5 May 2015

establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

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

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (1),

Having regard to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (2), and in particular Article 136(1) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 lays down, pursuant to the outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the standard values for imports from third countries, in respect of the products and periods stipulated in Annex XVI, Part A thereto. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 lays down, pursuant to the outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the standard values for imports from third countries, in respect of the products and periods stipulated in Annex XVI, Part A thereto.

| (2) | The standard import value is calculated each working day, in accordance with Article 136(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011, taking into account variable daily data. Therefore this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The standard import value is calculated each working day, in accordance with Article 136(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011, taking into account variable daily data. Therefore this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The standard import values referred to in Article 136 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 are fixed in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

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

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

Done at Brussels, 5 May 2015.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Jerzy PLEWA

Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

---

(1)  
  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

1

(2)  
  OJ L 157, 15.6.2011, p. 1.

2

---

ANNEX

Standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

| (EUR/100 kg) |
| --- |
| CN code | Third country code (1) | Standard import value |
| 0702 00 00 | IL | 153,9 |
| MA | 87,0 |
| MK | 119,9 |
| TN | 392,6 |
| ZZ | 188,4 |
| 0707 00 05 | AL | 49,4 |
| TR | 110,0 |
| ZZ | 79,7 |
| 0709 93 10 | MA | 130,6 |
| TR | 133,2 |
| ZZ | 131,9 |
| 0805 10 20 | EG | 44,6 |
| IL | 71,3 |
| MA | 53,6 |
| ZZ | 56,5 |
| 0805 50 10 | BR | 107,1 |
| TR | 101,0 |
| ZZ | 104,1 |
| 0808 10 80 | AR | 98,9 |
| BR | 93,6 |
| CL | 120,5 |
| MK | 32,8 |
| NZ | 135,8 |
| US | 161,3 |
| UY | 92,0 |
| ZA | 117,5 |
| ZZ | 106,6 |

(EUR/100 kg)

CN code

Third country code (1)

Standard import value

0702 00 00

IL

153,9

MA

87,0

MK

119,9

TN

392,6

ZZ

188,4

0707 00 05

AL

49,4

TR

110,0

ZZ

79,7

0709 93 10

MA

130,6

TR

133,2

ZZ

131,9

0805 10 20

EG

44,6

IL

71,3

MA

53,6

ZZ

56,5

0805 50 10

BR

107,1

TR

101,0

ZZ

104,1

0808 10 80

AR

98,9

BR

93,6

CL

120,5

MK

32,8

NZ

135,8

US

161,3

UY

92,0

ZA

117,5

ZZ

106,6

---

(1)  Nomenclature of countries laid down by Commission Regulation (EU) No 1106/2012 of 27 November 2012 implementing Regulation (EC) No 471/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Community statistics relating to external trade with non-member countries, as regards the update of the nomenclature of countries and territories (OJ L 328, 28.11.2012, p. 7). Code ‘ZZ’ stands for ‘of other origin’.

---

DECISIONS

| 6.5.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 115/36 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.5.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 115/36

---

DECISION (EU) 2015/727 OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

of 10 April 2015

on the total amount of annual supervisory fees for the first fee period and for 2015 (ECB/2015/17)

THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1163/2014 of the European Central Bank of 22 October 2014 on supervisory fees (ECB/2014/41) (1), and in particular Article 9 and Article 16(1) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | The European Central Bank (ECB) is required to decide the total amount of annual supervisory fees to be levied by issuing fee notices for each category of supervised entities and supervised groups and to publish this information on its website by 30 April of the relevant fee period. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The European Central Bank (ECB) is required to decide the total amount of annual supervisory fees to be levied by issuing fee notices for each category of supervised entities and supervised groups and to publish this information on its website by 30 April of the relevant fee period.

| (2) | The fee notice for the first fee period, i.e. November to December 2014, is to be issued together with the fee notice for the 2015 fee period. The total amount of annual supervisory fees levied in 2015 should therefore reflect the expenditure incurred by the ECB in relation to its supervisory tasks since November 2014. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The fee notice for the first fee period, i.e. November to December 2014, is to be issued together with the fee notice for the 2015 fee period. The total amount of annual supervisory fees levied in 2015 should therefore reflect the expenditure incurred by the ECB in relation to its supervisory tasks since November 2014.

| (3) | This expenditure primarily consists of costs directly related to the ECB's supervisory tasks, e.g. supervision of significant entities, oversight of the supervision of less significant entities and the conduct of horizontal tasks and specialised services. It also includes costs indirectly related to the ECB's supervisory tasks, e.g. services provided by the ECB's support areas, including premises, human resources management and information technology services. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

This expenditure primarily consists of costs directly related to the ECB's supervisory tasks, e.g. supervision of significant entities, oversight of the supervision of less significant entities and the conduct of horizontal tasks and specialised services. It also includes costs indirectly related to the ECB's supervisory tasks, e.g. services provided by the ECB's support areas, including premises, human resources management and information technology services.

| (4) | To calculate the annual supervisory fee payable in respect of each supervised entity or supervised group, the total costs are split into two parts: significant entities and groups, and less significant entities and groups. The costs have been split on the basis of the expenditure allocated to the relevant functions that perform the direct supervision of significant supervised entities and the indirect supervision of less significant supervised entities. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

To calculate the annual supervisory fee payable in respect of each supervised entity or supervised group, the total costs are split into two parts: significant entities and groups, and less significant entities and groups. The costs have been split on the basis of the expenditure allocated to the relevant functions that perform the direct supervision of significant supervised entities and the indirect supervision of less significant supervised entities.

| (5) | The expenditure related to banking supervision tasks incurred by the ECB in the first fee period and recoverable via supervisory fees was included in the ECB's Annual Accounts for 2014 (2). |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The expenditure related to banking supervision tasks incurred by the ECB in the first fee period and recoverable via supervisory fees was included in the ECB's Annual Accounts for 2014 (2).

| (6) | The estimated annual expenditure for the 2015 fee period is derived from the approved ECB budget, taking into account any developments in the estimated annual expenditure to be incurred by the ECB that were known at the time this Decision was prepared, |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The estimated annual expenditure for the 2015 fee period is derived from the approved ECB budget, taking into account any developments in the estimated annual expenditure to be incurred by the ECB that were known at the time this Decision was prepared,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Definitions

For the purpose of this Decision, the definitions contained in Regulation (EU) No 468/2014 of the European Central Bank (ECB/2014/17) (3) and Regulation (EU) No 1163/2014 (ECB/2014/41) shall apply.

3

Article 2

Total amount of annual supervisory fees for the first fee period and for 2015

1.   The total amount of annual supervisory fees for the first fee period and for 2015 shall be EUR 325 986 085, corresponding to the ECB's actual costs for November and December 2014 and an estimate of the ECB's annual costs for 2015 set out in Annex I to this Decision.

2.   Each category of supervised entities and supervised groups shall pay the total amount of annual supervisory fees as laid down in Annex II to this Decision.

Article 3

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on 29 April 2015.

Done at Frankfurt am Main, 10 April 2015.

The President of the ECB

Mario DRAGHI

---

(1)  
  OJ L 311, 31.10.2014, p. 23.

1

(2)  Published on the ECB's website at www.ecb.europa.eu in February 2015.

2

(3)  Regulation (EU) No 468/2014 of the European Central Bank of 16 April 2014 establishing the framework for cooperation within the Single Supervisory Mechanism between the European Central Bank and national competent authorities and with national designated authorities (SSM Framework Regulation) (ECB/2014/17) (OJ L 141, 14.5.2014, p. 1).

3

---

ANNEX I

| (EUR) |
| --- |
| | 2014 | 2015 | Total |
| Salaries and benefits | 18 456 945 | 151 665 635 | 170 122 580 |
| Rent and building maintenance | 2 199 243 | 22 563 517 | 24 762 760 |
| Other operating expenditure | 9 316 824 | 121 783 921 | 131 100 745 |
| Total | 29 973 012 | 296 013 073 | 325 986 085 |

(EUR)

2014

2015

Total

Salaries and benefits

18 456 945

151 665 635

170 122 580

Rent and building maintenance

2 199 243

22 563 517

24 762 760

Other operating expenditure

9 316 824

121 783 921

131 100 745

Total

29 973 012

296 013 073

325 986 085

---

ANNEX II

| (EUR) |
| --- |
| | 2014 | 2015 | Total |
| Supervisory fees | 29 973 012 | 296 013 073 | 325 986 085 |
| of which: | | | |
| Fees levied on significant entities or significant groups | 25 622 812 | 264 068 941 | 289 691 753 |
| Fees levied on less significant entities or less significant groups | 4 350 200 | 31 944 132 | 36 294 332 |

(EUR)

2014

2015

Total

Supervisory fees

29 973 012

296 013 073

325 986 085

of which:

Fees levied on significant entities or significant groups

25 622 812

264 068 941

289 691 753

Fees levied on less significant entities or less significant groups

4 350 200

31 944 132

36 294 332

---

Corrigenda

| 6.5.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 115/39 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.5.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 115/39

---

Corrigendum to Council Decision (EU) 2015/116 of 26 January 2015 appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020

(
  Official Journal of the European Union L 20 of 27 January 2015
  )

On page 49, Annex I:

for:

‘D. Francesc HOMS I MOLIST

Consejero de Presidencia’

read:

‘D. Francesc HOMS I MOLIST

Consejero de Presidencia de la Generalitat de Catalunya’

on page 50, Annex I:

for:

‘Sr. D. Juan VICENTE HERRERA

Presidente de la Junta de Castilla y León’

read:

‘Sr. D. Juan Vicente HERRERA CAMPO

Presidente de la Junta de Castilla y León’

on page 64, Annex II:

for:

‘Mr Joël RIGUELLE

Député bruxellois’

read:

‘Mr Joël RIGUELLE

Bourgmestre de la commune de Berchem-Ste-Agathe’

on page 69, Annex II:

for:

‘D. Roger ALBINYANA I SAIGÍ

Secretario de Asuntos Exteriores de la Generalitat de Catalunya’

read:

‘D. Roger ALBINYANA I SAIGÍ

Secretario de Asuntos Exteriores y de la Unión Europea de la Generalitat de Catalunya’

on page 69, Annex II:

for:

‘D. Enrique BARRASA SÁNCHEZ

Director General de Inversiones y Acción Exterior de Extremadura’

read:

‘D. Enrique BARRASA SÁNCHEZ

Director General de Acción Exterior del Gobierno de Extremadura’

---

| 6.5.2015 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 115/40 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

6.5.2015

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 115/40

---

Corrigendum to Council Decision (EU) 2015/190 of 5 February 2015 appointing the members and alternate members of the Committee of the Regions for the period from 26 January 2015 to 25 January 2020

(
  Official Journal of the European Union L 31 of 7 February 2015
  )

| 1. | Page 27, Annex I |
| --- | --- |

1.

Page 27, Annex I

for:

‘Cllr Stephen ALAMBRITIS

Leader of London Borough of Merton’

read:

‘Cllr Soterios ALAMBRITIS

Member of London Borough of Merton’

| 2. | Page 27, Annex I |
| --- | --- |

2.

Page 27, Annex I

for:

‘Mr Michael ANTONIW

Assembly Member for Pontypridd’

read:

‘Mr Michael ANTONIW AM

Member of the National Assembly for Wales’

| 3. | Page 27, Annex I |
| --- | --- |

3.

Page 27, Annex I

for:

‘Cllr Robert Charles BRIGHT

Leader of Newport City Council’

read:

‘Cllr Robert Charles BRIGHT

Member of Newport City Council’

| 4. | Page 27, Annex I |
| --- | --- |

4.

Page 27, Annex I

for:

‘Cllr Anthony Gerard BUCHANAN

Councillor East Renfrewshire Council’

read:

‘Cllr Anthony Gerard BUCHANAN

Member of East Renfrewshire Council’

| 5. | Page 27, Annex I |
| --- | --- |

5.

Page 27, Annex I

for:

‘Cllr Joseph COONEY

Leader of Pendle Council’

read:

‘Cllr Joseph COONEY

Member of Pendle Council’

| 6. | Page 27, Annex I |
| --- | --- |

6.

Page 27, Annex I

for:

‘Cllr Trevor CUMMINGS

Member of Ards Borough Council’

read:

‘Cllr Trevor William CUMMINGS

Member of Ards Borough Council’

| 7. | Page 27, Annex I |
| --- | --- |

7.

Page 27, Annex I

for:

‘Jeremy Roger EVANS

Assembly Member Greater London Authority’

read:

‘Mr Jeremy Roger EVANS AM

Member of the Greater London Assembly’

| 8. | Page 27, Annex I |
| --- | --- |

8.

Page 27, Annex I

for:

‘Ms Megan FEARON

Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly’

read:

‘Ms Megan FEARON MLA

Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly’

| 9. | Page 27, Annex I |
| --- | --- |

9.

Page 27, Annex I

for:

‘Ms Patricia Josephine FERGUSON

Constituency member for Glasgow Maryhill & Springburn’

read:

‘Ms Patricia Josephine FERGUSON MSP

Member of the Scottish Parliament’

| 10. | Page 28, Annex I |
| --- | --- |

10.

Page 28, Annex I

for:

‘Cllr Gordon Charles KEYMER

Leader of Tandridge District Council’

read:

‘Cllr Gordon Charles KEYMER

Member of Tandridge Council’

| 11. | Page 28, Annex I |
| --- | --- |

11.

Page 28, Annex I

for:

‘Cllr Cormack MCCHORD

Councillor for Stirling’

read:

‘Cllr Cormick MCCHORD

Member of Stirling Council’

| 12. | Page 28, Annex I |
| --- | --- |

12.

Page 28, Annex I

for:

‘Mr William Stewart MAXWELL

MSP for West of Scotland’

read:

‘Mr William Stewart MAXWELL MSP

Member of the Scottish Parliament’

| 13. | Page 28, Annex I |
| --- | --- |

13.

Page 28, Annex I

for:

‘Cllr Paul WATSON

Leader, Sunderland Council’

read:

‘Cllr Paul WATSON

Member of Sunderland Council’

| 14. | Page 29, Annex II |
| --- | --- |

14.

Page 29, Annex II

for:

‘Jennette ARNOLD

Assembly Member Greater London Authority’

read:

‘Ms Jennette ARNOLD AM

Member of the Greater London Assembly’

| 15. | Page 29, Annex II |
| --- | --- |

15.

Page 29, Annex II

for:

‘Cllr Barbara GRANT

East Renfrewshire Council’

read:

‘Cllr Barbara GRANT

Member of East Renfrewshire Council’

| 16. | Page 29, Annex II |
| --- | --- |

16.

Page 29, Annex II

for:

‘Cllr Arnold HATCH

Member of Craigavon Borough Council’

read:

‘Cllr Arnold George HATCH

Member of Craigavon Borough Council’

| 17. | Page 29, Annex II |
| --- | --- |

17.

Page 29, Annex II

for:

‘Mr James Robert HUME

Regional List member for South of Scotland’

read:

‘Mr James Robert HUME MSP

Member of the Scottish Parliament’

| 18. | Page 30, Annex II |
| --- | --- |

18.

Page 30, Annex II

for:

‘Sir James Angus Rhoderick MCGRIGOR

Regional List Member for the Highlands and Islands’

read:

‘Sir James Angus Rhoderick MCGRIGOR MSP

Member of the Scottish Parliament’

| 19. | Page 30, Annex II |
| --- | --- |

19.

Page 30, Annex II

for:

‘Mr Fearghal MCKINNEY

Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly’

read:

‘Mr Fearghal MCKINNEY

Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly’

| 20. | Page 30, Annex II |
| --- | --- |

20.

Page 30, Annex II

for:

‘Cllr Robert John PRICE

Leader of Oxford Council’

read:

‘Cllr Robert John PRICE

Member of Oxford Council’

| 21. | Page 30, Annex II |
| --- | --- |

21.

Page 30, Annex II

for:

‘Cllr Gary ROBINSON

Leader Shetland Islands Council’

read:

‘Cllr Gary ROBINSON

Member of Shetland Islands Council’

| 22. | Page 30, Annex II |
| --- | --- |

22.

Page 30, Annex II

for:

‘Rhodri Glyn THOMAS

Assembly Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr’

read:

‘Mr Rhodri Glyn THOMAS AM

Member of the National Assembly for Wales’

| 23. | Page 30, Annex II |
| --- | --- |

23.

Page 30, Annex II

for:

‘Cllr Martin John Beresford VEAL

Chairman, Bath & North East Somerset Council’

read:

‘Cllr Martin John Beresford VEAL

Member of Bath & North East Somerset Council’

---