FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE U.S. MISSION TO THE EUROPEAN UNION Last update:  September 15, 2009
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EU Marketing Standards for Fruit and Vegetables

On July 1, 2009, Commission Regulation 1221/2008 (amended by Commission Regulation 771/2009) entered into force.  This regulation repeals  existing marketing standards for 26 products (apricots, artichokes, asparagus, aubergines (eggplant), avocadoes, beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflowers, cherries, courgettes (zucchini), cucumbers, cultivated mushrooms, garlic, hazelnuts in shell, headed cabbage, leeks, melons, onions, peas, plums, ribbed celery, spinach, walnuts in shell, water melons and chicory) and replaces them with a general marketing standard.  Specific marketing standards, set out in Part B of Annex I to Regulation 1221/2008, are being maintained for 10 products: apples, citrus fruit, kiwi fruit, lettuces, peaches and nectarines, pears, strawberries, sweet peppers, table grapes and tomatoes.  Fruit and vegetables not covered by a specific standard must conform to the general marketing standard.  Products that are in conformity with any applicable standards adopted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) will be considered as conforming the general marketing standard.  Marketing standards include criteria such as quality, size, labeling, packaging and presentation.

For more information see GAIN report E49013 "Fruit and Vegetables: EU Marketing Standards (February 2009)

For additional information on marketing standards for fruit & vegetables, please contact Mr. Dorian LaFond (International Standards Coordinator), USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, phone 202-690-4944, fax 202-720-8871, e-mail:  Dorian.Lafond@usda.gov

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