IPMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
COM(94) 108 final 
Brussels, 13.04.1994 
REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION 
ON THE DEFINITION OF THE COMMUNITY STANDARD QUALITY 
OF FRESH OR CHILLED SHEEP CARCASES 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) 
amending Regulation (EEC) No 338/91 determining the 
Community standard quality of fresh or chilled sheep carcases 
and Regulation (EEC) No 2137/92 concerning the Community scale 
for the classification of carcases of ovine animals and 
determining the Community standard quality of fresh or chilled sheep 
carcases and extending Regulation (EEC) No 338/91 
(presented by the Commission) 
INTRODUCTION 
The central feature on the Community sheepmeat regime is a premium paid 
once a year on eligible ewes which is designed to compensate for the 
difference between the basic price established each year by the Council 
and the observed price of lamb on Community markets. In order for this 
regime to operate correctly, it is necessary to fix a standard quality 
of lamb to be taken into account by Member States in observing market 
prices and reporting them to the Commission. in order to ensure that 
the reported prices fairly represent the returns for the typical 
Community producer it is necessary that this standard quality excludes 
from the price reported the high prices which are obtained for very 
light lambs and the low pices which are obtained for overfat lambs. 
In view of the differences in market traditions in the different Member 
State, in particular the different importance of livestock markets, the 
different progress which has been made from one Member State to another 
is establishing carcase classification systems, and the different 
importance of the various weight categories in individual Member-
States, the establishment of a generally acceptable standard quality-
has not proved easy. When, therefore, the Council adopted Regulation 
(EEC) No 2137/92 which provides the present definition of the standard 
quality it provided for a review and for a new decision on the standard 
quality to apply from July 1994. 
According to statements included in the minutes of the Council, the 
proposal for the future system should take account of a review of the 
possibility of setting up a system of live grading comparable to 
carcase classification ; a report to be made by the Commission of the 
application of the existing standard quality; and a study of the Greek 
market with a view to determining whether animals of fat class 3 should 
be included in the standard quality. 
This report and the proposal which accompany it have been prepared to 
respond to these requirements. 
A 
REPORT 
1. Standard Quality 
Article 4(1) of Regulation (EEC) No 3013/89 requires that a weekly 
average weighted price for the carcases of sheep, fresh or chilled, 
on the representative Community markets be established on the basis 
of the prices recorded on the representative market or markets of 
each quotation area for the Community standard quality of fresh or 
chilled sheep carcases. 
This concept of standard quality was introduced following the 1989 
reform unifying the sheepmeat regime by the gradual discarding of 
regional premia and their replacement by a Community premium based 
on the difference between the Community market price and the basic 
price. 
The current definition of standard quality contained in Council 
Regulation (EEC) No 338/91 reads 
"lamb of less than one year old at slaughter of acceptable fat 
level with a carcase weight or estimated carcase weight of at 
least 12 kg." 
It was applied for the 1991, 1992 and 1993 marketing years for the 
purposes of price formation and premium calculation and up to 30 
June of the 1994 marketing year applies for the purposes of private 
storage. 
The practical implementation of this definition has involved the 
elimination, from price reporting, of lightweight carcases of 
between 9 and 11.9 kg in Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal. 
Furthermore, the Commission implementing provisions interpreted the 
phrase "acceptable fat level", in the absence of carcase 
classification standards, by the application of different upper 
weight limits for carcases reflecting Member State production 
practices. These limits are 16 kg in Spain, Italy, Greece and 
Portugal, 21.5 kg in Great Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland, 
22 kg in France and 23 kg in Denmark, Germany, Belgium and the 
Netherlands. 
Since its introduction in May 1991, price reporting based on 
standard quality has worked well in so far as its practical 
operation is concerned. Except in respect of Italy in 1991 where 
prices had to be adjusted to align them to standard quality, 
prices for the lamb weight categories included in it have been 
recorded without difficulty. Member States, for the most part, 
have expressed satisfaction with the present definition. 
Furthermore there has been a tendency for Member State market 
prices to converge and this tendency was most notable in 1993 when 
the difference between the highest and lowest Member State prices 
was only 103 ECU per 100 kg compared to 168 ECU in 1992 and an 
average of 176 ECU each year in the period 1986-1990. The graph in 
Annex I shows the trend in prices since 1980 and the convergence 
evident in recent years. 
The ending of the variable slaughter premium and clawback in 1991 
has led to the practical unification of the sheep mearket. 
Nevertheless certain factors, including the variation in production 
and consumption patterns, seasonality of supply and degree of self 
sufficiency together with transport costs continue to influence 
prices and to account for the differences still evident in them 
between Member States. 
Carcase Classification 
Commission Regulation (EEC) No 461/93 laying down detailed rules 
for the Community scale for the classification of carcases of ovine 
animals entered into force on 6 March 1993 with provision for price 
reporting based on classification with effect from 8 April 1993. 
To date, only the UK, France, Denmark, Spain and Greece have 
provided prices based on classification (see Annex II). Among 
these, only the UK, Denmark and Greece have provided a breakdown 
of classification of carcases based on lamb numbers but no Member 
State has provided prices on the basis of the percentage in weight 
terms of each quality in order to provide a true Member State 
average market price. Furthermore apart from Denmark, the UK in 
respect of Northern Ireland and perhaps France, the size of the 
sample of carcases graded is not sufficient to enable a judgement 
of the value of the reported prices to be made. 
Germany has reported prices based on the subsequent grading of lots 
of lamb already paid for but, for a large variety of reasons, other 
Member States have not yet begun price reporting based on carcase 
classification. Among these reasons are both producer and abattoir 
reluctance to be paid or pay on the basis of classification, 
slaughter of lambs by private operators in municipal slaughter 
houses, the common practice of selling lambs in live lots which 
means that payment to producers is on a flat rate, disagreements 
about who pays for classification and who classifies and more 
general disagreements between abattoir owners and the national 
authorities. Despite this list of difficulties encountered in 
setting up price reporting based on carcase classification, most 
Member States have indicated that progress is being made and that 
they expect to begin price reporting in the near future. A 
detailed description of progress on classification at Member State 
level is included in Annex III. 
In this context, it should be noted that work is now almost 
completed on the preparation of explanatory leaflets with colour 
photographs depicting the various conformation and fat classes in 
the SEUROP grid and is in progress in respect of the grid for 
light carcases. Furthermore, the Control Committee examining the 
operation of classification has already visited France with visits 
to most other Member States foreseen during this and next year. 
Live grading of lamb 
In order to examine the possibility of setting up a system of live 
grading of sheep comparable to carcase classification, a series of 
exercises were carried out in conjunction with the industry at 
Carlisle (U.K.), Sancoins (France) and Bunnik (Netherlands). Sales 
of lambs via livestock markets or other arrangements are 
significantly more important in the Union than direct sales to 
abattoirs and in the two major producing Member States, the United 
Kingdom and Spain, account for up to 80 % of producer lamb sales. 
The results of the exercises carried out at Carlisle and Sancoins 
indicate that the correlation between estimated conformation and 
fat classes carried out on live lambs and actual conformation and 
fat classes assessed after slaughter is not sufficiently accurate 
to warrant the setting up of a live grading system comparable to 
that of carcase classification. Among the difficulties encountered 
in attempting live grading are the lack of adequate penning 
facilities for this purpose in most markets, the variation in 
conformation and fat cover between different sheep breeds, the 
variation in cover and dryness of wool and gut fill. 
At Bunnink, however, where manning and penning conditions were 
adequate for individual handling and marking of lamb, where only 
two similar breed types were present and where wool tended to be 
uniform, live grading did relate very well to carcase grading. 
4. Grading of light weight (<13 kg) carcases 
In response to the Council's request concerning the suitable fat 
classes to be considered as first quality carcases within the 
classification grid defined in Article 3(2) third subparagraph and 
Annex III of Regulation (EEC) No 2137/92, the Commission's Services 
undertook an examination of carcases in Greece together with 
experts from Southern Member States. 
As a result of this examination it was agreed that, for each weight 
category, to be considered as first quality, carcases should fall 
within fat classes 2 or 3. This was considered to be in line with 
commercial reality, particularly as carcases falling within fat 
class 1 are generally associated with illness arising for 
nutritional or disease reasons. 
Conclusions 
The lack of progress in implementing price reporting based on 
carcase classification in effect makes it very difficult to base 
standard quality on classification at this stage. 
In addition, the practical importance of live lamb sales by 
producers through livestock markets or other live outlets and the 
general incompatibility of that practice with formal grading 
suggests that price reporting, on a weight basis, should be 
maintained in the future for live animals in Member States where 
that practice is important. 
The fact that from a practical viewpoint the present definition of 
standard quality is working well together with the trend in price 
convergence apparent in it suggests that this definition should 
continue to be used until such time as a definition based on 
carcase classification can be constructed and fully implemented 
while at the same time accepting the continuation of some 
liveweight price reporting. 
There is still need for considerable further progress in so far as 
the practical implementation of carcase classification is concerned 
so that only when this has taken place can a judgement be made as 
to its use in the context of standard quality. However it is also 
necessary to set a target date at which a definition based on 
classification can be introduced with prices therefrom contributing 
ideally alongside the present definition, to the make up of 
Member State and the Union average market prices. The Commission 
takes the view that current progress needs to be increased so that 
such a dual system could operate from the beginning of the 1998 
marketing year. This would be on the basis of proposals to be made 
in the context of the report already foreseen before 31 December 
1995 in Article 9 of Regulation (EEC) No 2137/92 but which should 
now be made before 31 December 1996. 
In these circumstances, the Commission proposes to the Council to 
postpone * to the beginning of the 1998 marketing year the 
introduction of the new definition of Community Standard Quality 
foreseen for 1 July 1994 and in consequence to repeal Article 8 of 
Regulation (EEC) No 2137/92. 
The accompanying proposal entrains no financial consequences. 
Only the Union has power to act as regards the measures proposed. 
These proposals extend the duration of an existing regulation and 
the time scale for a report provided for in a second regulation. 
Prix sur les marches comr nauiaires 
ou ins abattus - geschlachtete laemmer - slaughtered lambs ŒCU/'Wg) r\ A7V'ZT-A / 
Prix ECU 
500,00 J 
450.00 J 
400.00 J 
350.00 J 
300.00 J 
250.00 J 
200.00 
i—-—i——i 1 i i 1 r~ 1 1 1 1— 1 r~ 
1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 198S 1987 1988 1989 1990' 1991 1992 1993 
RNMEES 
Produced by Dg vl a/4 20.01,94 
PMOvIRN/OvIRM H—»• United Kingdom 
*—* Portugal 
*- -* Nederland 
Q--s Italia 
*--* Ireland 
*—A France 
•*--+ Espana 
H—v Elias 
&--* BR Deutschland 
B- -s Danmark 
Q—B Belgique/Belgie 
Moyenne pondérée CE. 
\ 
ANNEXE 2 / ANNEX 2 / ANHANG 2 
VIANDE OVINE 
PRIX GRILLE "SEUROP" 
6-RID PRICES ''SfVRPP' 
19 9 3 
~v 
VI-D2 01.62.94 
VIANDE OVINE- SHEEPMEAT - SCHAFFFLEISCH LEB/ 
GRANOE-BRETAGNE - GREAT BRITAIN - GROSS BRETANIEN 
1. PRIX en Ecu/tookg se ton La grille- Prices in ECU/100 kg based on grid - Preise in ECU/100 kg nach SEUROP 
Janvier Février Mars Avril Mai Juin Juillet Août Septembre Octobre Novembre Décembre 1993 
E 1 
2 
3 291 295 265 230 216 193 192 195 220 233 
4 292 244 217 181 172 149 160 164 197 197 
5 
U 1 
2 277 270 265 235 221 197 183 207 219 230 
3 293 289 262 227 212 193 194 209 215 233 
4 271 264 231 196 182 163 164 170 189 203 
5 250 256 191 146 145 137 134 145 175 176 
R 1 
2 279 279 257 227 207 191 190 212 211 228 
3 284 286 258 224 206 190 189 199 213 228 
4 266 267 232 203 185 168 168 174 191 206 
5 259 244 211 154 155 142 141 164 170 182 
0 1 
2 262 266 244 215 187 179 176 191 205 214 
3 275 265 248 222 200 185 183 190 207 220 
4 
5 
P 1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
2. Prix en ECU/100 kg (actuelle qualité' type ) -^Present Standard Qualtiy) -(Aktuelle Standardqualitat ] 
201,0- 229,7 264,8 303,8 299,3 259,5 221,5 206,0 187,5 185,9 196,4 215,5 230,9 
V1-D2 VIANDE OVINE " SHEEPMEAT - SCHAFFLEISCH °IIB°/2'^ 
IRLANDE ou NORD - Northern Ireland - Nordirland 
1. PRIX en Ecu/iookg se Ion la grille - Prices in ECU/100 kg based on grid - Preise in ECU/100 kg nach SEUROP-System 
Janvier Février Mars Avril Mai Juin Juillet Août Septembre Octobre Novembre Décembre 1993 
E 1 
3 295 283 256 223 212 183 183 198 225 229 
4 266 250 285 183 160 179 221 
5 
U J 301 290 260 221 212 192 190 207 221 233 
3 298 287 266 218 211 189 187 203 216 231 
4 265 262 240 193 189 172 171 184 197 208 
5 254 226 206 158 149 138 143 153 168 177 
R 2 283 290 266 221 213 190 191 207 221 231 
3 284 288 268 199 212 188 187 204 218 228 
4 259 261 243 197 188 170 169 185 198 208 
5 250 224 214 162 156 141 150 160 172 181 
° 2 152 236 206 170 159 143 149 167 180 174 
3 253 260 247 196 188 168 173 190 204 209 
4 
5 
P 1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
2. PRIX en ECU/100 kg (actuelle qualité type) - (Present Standard Quality) - (Aktuelle Standardqualitat) 
173,3 197,9 233,3 266,3 277,6 244,2 204,6 193,3 175,8 171,4 185,7 200,8 210,4 
VI -02 01.02.94 
VIANDE OVINE- SHEEPMEAT - SCHAFFLEISCH LEB/ 
ALLEMAGNE - GERMANY - DEUTSCHLAND 
1. PRIX en Ecu/iookg se Ion la grille - Prices in ECU/100 kg based on grid - Preise in ECU/100 kg nach SEUROP-System 
Janvier Février Mars Avril Mai Juin Juillet Août Septembre Octobre Novembre Décembre 1993 
E 1 235 239 237 
2 
3 213 207 210 
4 
5 
U 1 
2 232 235 233 
3 218 223 220 
4 238 247 242 
5 238 248 243 
R 1 246 246 
2 242 248 245 
3 225 239 232 
A 233 252 243 
5 234 254 244 
0 1 237 247 242 
2 236 247 242 
3 232 246 239 
4 234 252 243 
5 232 255 244 
P 1 237 246 242 
2 231 240 235 
3 228 245 237 
4 236 238 237 
5 
2. PRIX en ECU/100 kg (actuelle qualité' type) -(Present Standard Quality)-(Aktuelle Standardqualitat) 
247,4 240,4 264,9 283,3 298,9 295,4 261,1 249,2 250,5 234,9 231,8 250,2 259,1 
WI-D2 . 01.02.94 
,ID . v i A N D E o v i N E - SHEEPMEAT 6 SCHAFFLEISCH LEB/ 
DANMARK - DENMARK - DfiNEMARKEN 
1. PRIX en Ecu/iookg se Ion la grille - Prices in ECU/100 kg based on grid - Preise in ECU/100 kg nach SEUROP-System 
Janvier Février Mars Avril Mai Juin Juillet Août Septembre Octobre Novembre Décembre 1993 
E 1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
U 1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
R 1 
2 257 257 257 243 223 202 195 207 210 217 227 
3 257 257 257 243 223 202 195 207 210 217 227 
4 235 235 235 221 201 181 173 185 189 195 205 
5 
0 1. 
2 206 206 206 193 174 154 149 172 175 182 182 
3 206 206 206 193 174 154 149 172 175 182 182 
4 
5 
P 1 
2 134 134 134 120 102 83 79 102 105 112 110 
3 
4 
5 
2. PRIX en ECU/100 kg (actuelle qualité type) - (Present Standard Quality) - (Aktuelle Standardqualitat) 
213,4 215,3 220,9 220,9 220,9 214,0 204,2 186,0 180,0 189,9 191,7 197,0 204,4 
01.02.9A 
VIANDE OVINE" SHEEPMEAT - SCHAFFLEISCH LEB/ 
FRANCE "" France - Frankreich VI-D2 
1. PRIX en Ecu/iookg seLon La griLte_i__P_ri ces in ECU/100 kg based on grid - Preise in ECU/100 kg nach SEUROP-System 
2. PRIX en ECU/100 kg (actuelle qualite* type) - (Present Standard Quality) - (AktueLle StandardquaLitat) 
263,2 265,2 288,3 314,4 313,2 298,4 281,9 269,6 258,4 246,1 248,1 262,1 275,8 E 1 
2 
3 
A 
5 
U 1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
R 1 
2 
3 
A 
5 
0 1 
2 
3 
A 
5 
P 1 
2 
3 
A 
5 Janvier Fevrier Mars 
378 
371 
279 
261 
352 
3A7 
259 
2A0. 
32A 
320 
230 
205 
269 
276 
195 
177 
196 
215 
151 
126 Avri I 
A00 
397 
316 
297 
376 
366 
296 
280 
294 
352 
351 
268 
2A6 
270 
301 
301 
2A1 
216 
258 
287 
292 
2A1 Mai 
A01 
393 
302 
280 
372 
371 
292 
275 
298 
357 
3A3 
275 
250 
274 
297 
306 
259 
A07 
262 
269 
28A 
235 Juin 
378 
374 
291 
270 
363 
355 
277 
257 
298 
336 
330 
260 
231 
274 
293 
239 
199 
2A7 
276 
223 
183 Juillet 
213 
351 
339 
26A 
241 
213 
339 
338 
259 
242 
264 
317 
316 
248 
221 
235 
259 
269 
223 
188 
213 
230 
2A3 
202 
167 Aout 
198 
341 
328 
262 
240 
209 
323 
316 
232 
232 
207 
298 
297 
227 
215 
202 
253 
262 
201 
180 
198 
221 
231 
183 
1A2 Septembre 
197 
335 
323 
213 
20A 
225 
326 
319 
241 
231 
218 
293 
295 
226 
216 
187 
249 
256 
194 
184 
197 
229 
230 
201 
184 Octobre 
326 
302 
187 
175 
324 
309 
218 
191 
286 
283 
202 
175 
226 
224 
240 
173 
143 
235 
235 
211 
222 Novembre 
317 
296 
182 
16A 
324 
310 
212 
152 
287 
282 
199 
127 
225 
233 
237 
173 
102 
235 
235 
218 Decembre 
343 
320 
205 
192 
319 
315 
206 
180 
298 
290 
202 
155 
226 
244 
248 
180 
129 
200 
200 
192 1993 
203 
357 
344 
250 
232 
216 
342 
335 
249 
228 
263 
315 
311 
234 
204 
231 
260 
269 
208 
193 
225 
235 
2AA 
206 
171 
VI-02 
VIANDE OVINE- SHEEPMEAT - SCHAFFLEISCH 
GRECE - GREECE - GRIECHENLAND 
1. PRIX en Ecu/iookg se Ion la grille - Prices in ECU/100 kg based on Grid - Preise in ECU/100 kg nach SEUROP-System 
Semaine n° 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 
420.0 
420.0 
392.6 
392.6 
366.7 356.1 
356.1 
350.0 
350.0 
325.7 334.8 
334.8 
325, 
325 
319.6 
319.6 319.6 
319.6 
310.4 
310.4 
304.4 319.6 
319.6 
312.0 
312.0 
304.4 368.3 
368.3 
362.2 
362.2 
356.1 334.8 
334.8 
325.7 
325.7 
319.6 304.4 
304.4 
298.3 
298.3 
292.2 
2. PRIX en ECU/100 kg (actuelle qualité type) - (Present Standard Quality) - (Aktuelle Standardqualitat) 
327,2 324,8 309,2 304,9 300,5 305,4 290,4 282,7 281,9 275,8 281,5 280,6 283,6 
ANNEX 3 
Subject; Implementation of classification scale by Member States 
I. SUMMARY OF STATEMENTS MADE AT MEETING OF WORKING PARTY ON 22 
OCTOBER 1993 AND 4 FEBRUARY 1994 
BELGIUM 
Nothing officially. No volunteers. 
Two groups had undertaken a promotion campaign (classification in 
accordance with the scale). 
Direct sales by producer to consumer (50%). 
DENMARK 
Producers very favourable. 
One volunteer undertaking (computerized system). 
40% of payments based on scale. 
- Objective: to extend classification in accordance with the scale to 
all slaughterhouses. 
GERMANY 
Price recording represents 5% of national production. 
Producers reticent (lack of confidence vis-a-vis the slaughterhouse 
and some preference for flat-rate payment per head or kilogram of 
carcase). 
Four volunteer slaughterhouses in three Lander; some irregularities 
in prices. 
Direct sales by producer to consumer (50%). 
GREECE 
Producers favourable. 
One volunteer slaughterhouse. 
Problems in presentation of carcases. 
SPAIN 
Determination on part of authorities to make progress quickly. 
"EUROP" scale: difficulty in application (does not correspond to 
trade practices); prices paid based on carcase weight: 13-16 kg; 
16-18 kg; > 18 kg. 
Second scale: seven volunteer slaughterhouses which provide prices 
regularly (good geographical distribution). 
20% direct sales by producer to slaughterhouse. 
FRANCE 
"EUROP" scale operational (15% of national production). 
Introduction of price collection system (10 correspondents). 
Reticence on part of producers (price stage different from present 
stage). 
70% direct sales by producer to slaughterhouse. 
M 
IRELAND 
No spectacular progress (reticence on part of producers and 
slaughterhouses). 
Definite intention on part of slaughterhouses to apply the scale in 
a manner adapted to the requirements of slaughterhouses (in 
particular with a view to export). 
Consideration being given to a simplified classification scale. 
60% direct sales by producer to slaughterhouse. 
ITALY 
Contacts being made. 
Four slaughterhouses ready. 
Difficulties in working out price paid to producer (lambs are sold 
in batches). 
Producers reticent (they fear that the price will be lower). 
35% direct sales by prodcer to slaughterhouse. 
NETHERLANDS 
"SEUROP" classification operational (with training of classifiers). 
- Little interest in slaughterhouses. 
- Particularly interesting for export of live animals: one group 
classifies and purchases live animals in accordance with the scale 
(60 000 head); cost of classification HFL 0.5 per animal with a 
view to exporting live lambs to France (60 000 head). 
- 5% direct sales by producer to slaughterhouse. 
PORTUGAL 
- Producers interested. 
Three to six volunteer slaugtherhouses, but no price recording at 
present. Classification should present no particular difficulties. 
Administrative difficulties due to restructuring of IROMA (replaced 
by IPA). 
UNITED KINGDOM 
Three to six volunteer slaughterhouses in Great Britain. 
Two volunteer slaughterhouses in Northern Ireland. These 
slaughterhouses account for 4% of the first placing on market at 
slaughterhouse stage. 
Two problems: 
1. slaughterhouse owners are not convinced that notifying prices 
paid to producers is in their interest (in particular vis-a-vis 
their main purchasers) 
2. lack of cooperation between slaughterhouses and the Ministry 
mainly for commercial reasons. 
20% direct sales by producer to slaughterhouse. 
J< 
II. NATIONAL PROVISIONS (forwarded by the Member States) 
DENMARK 
Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture of 10 December 1993 (entry 
into force on 1 January 1994). 
All carcases over 7 kg must be classified. 
The five "EUROP" grades are subdivided into 15 sub-grades (see 
Annex) 
A five-colour scale has been introduced. 
Two categories of carcases (L: lambs less than 12 months old; S: 
other animals of ovine species). 
There is no obligation in Denmark to use the classification scale, 
but once a decision is taken to do so, checks become obligatory. 
Price paid to producer: price warm -2%. 
Other corrections possible: the undertaking must fill in a 
correction form (see Annex). 
Weekly reports of market prices for joint committee on meat 
industry. 
Unannounced checks followed by an inspection report. This may 
result in an infringement being reported. Where the slaughterhouse 
disputes the case, an expert opinion is requested. 
GREECE 
Correcting factors used: 
head 7% 
offal 10% 
genital organs 0.2% 
TOTAL 17.2% 
The 17.2% is deducted from the total weight of the carcase in order 
to arrive at the Community reference presentation. This results in 
a price forwarded to the Commission which is increased by 17.2%. 
This provision only applies to heavy lambs (more than 13 kg). 
Decision of regional prefect fixing the list of approved 
slaughterhouses and designating the veterinarians and agronomists 
responsible for checks on classification and price gathering. At 
present, this decision applies only to the region of Ioannina 
(prices forwarded every Tuesday to the animal production 
directorate). 
Correction for weight warm/weight cold: 2%. 
GERMANY 
Classification of lambs compusory (letter L followed by category: e.g. 
L.E.I.). Entry into force: 1 July 1993. 
Je 
PROPOSAL 
for a 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No .../94 
of 1994 
amending Regulation (EEC) No 338/91 determining the 
Community standard quality of fresh or chilled sheep carcases 
and Regulation (EEC) No 2137/92 concerning the Community scale 
for the classification of carcases of ovine animals and 
determining the Community standard quality of fresh or chilled sheep 
carcases and extending Regulation (EEC) No 338/91 
The Council of the European Union/ 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, 
Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) 3013/89 of 25 September 1989, 
on the common organisation of the market in sheepmeat and goatmeat (1), 
as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 233/94 (2), and in particular 
Article 4 (2) thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Whereas Council Regulation (EEC) No 338/91 of 5 February 1991, 
determining the Community standard quality of fresh or chilled sheep 
carcases (3), as last amended by Regulation (EEC) 2137/92 (4) applies 
until the end of the 1993 marketing year pending the setting up of 
Community carcase classification standards; 
Whereas sufficient progress in the application of carcase 
classification has not yet been made to permit the setting up of the 
standards in question at present; whereas the current standard quality 
should be extended until the end of the 1997 marketing year; 
Whereas the Commission report on the application of Regulation (EEC) 
2137/92 foreseen for not later than 31 December 1995 should now be 
foreseen for not later than 31 December 1996 and should be accompanied 
by a proposal for a new definition of standard quality to apply 
progressively from the start of the 1998 marketing year; whereas as a 
consequence the objective of compulsory application of the Community 
scale initially foreseen for 1996 at the earliest, can now be realized 
in 1999 at the earliest; 
Whereas, Annex III of Regulation (EEC) No 2137/92 should be modified to 
take account of quality requirements in relation to fat class; 
(1) OJ No L 289, 07.10.1989, p. 1. 
(2) OJ No L 30, 03.02.1994, p. 9. 
(3) OJ No L 41, 14.02.1991, p. 1. 
(4) OJ No L 214, 30.07.1992, p. 1. 
^ 
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION : 
Article 1 
The text of the second paragraph of Article 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 
338/91 is replaced by the following: 
"It shall apply for the marketing years 1991 to 1997 inclusive. 
Article 2 
Regulation (EEC) No 2137/92 is hereby amended as follows: 
1) Article 8 is repealed. 
2) The text of Article 9 is amended as follows : 
In the first subparagraph "31 December 1995" is replaced by 
"31 December 1996". 
In the second subparagraph the "1996 marketing year" is 
replaced by the "1999 marketing year" and "1 January 1997" is 
replaced by "1 January 2000". 
3) Annex III shall be replaced by the annex to this regulation. 
Article 3 
This Regulation shall enter into force on the seventh day following its 
publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. 
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly 
applicable in all Member States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council 
The President 
It 
30. 7. 92 journal officiel dc3 Communautés européennes- N" L &>m-
ANNEXE 
Classement des carcasses selon l'article 3 paragraphe 3 troisième alinéa 
Catégorie 
Poids 
Qualité 
Couleur de la viande 
Teneur en graisse (*) A 
< 7 kg 
I 
rose 
clair 
(2) (3) 2 
autre couleur 
ou teneur en 
graisse B 
7,1 — 10 kg 
1 
rose 
clair 
(2) (3) 2 
autre couleur 
ou teneur en 
graisse C 
10,1 — 13 kg 
1 
rose 
clair 
(2) (3) 2 
autre couleur ou 
teneur 
en graisse 
(') Définie à l'annexe II. 
/9 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(94) 108 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 03 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-94-127-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-67135-1 
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