Commission Regulation (EC) No 501/2008 of 5 June 2008 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 3/2008 on information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third countries
Modified by
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1313/2008of 19 December 2008amending Regulation (EC) No 501/2008 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 3/2008 on information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third countries, 32008R1313, December 20, 2008
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1085/2011of 27 October 2011amending Regulation (EC) No 501/2008 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 3/2008 on information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third countries, 32011R1085, October 28, 2011
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 737/2013of 30 July 2013amending Regulation (EC) No 501/2008 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 3/2008 on information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third countries, 32013R0737, July 31, 2013
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 796/2014of 23 July 2014amending Regulation (EC) No 501/2008 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 3/2008 on information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third countries, 32014R0796, July 24, 2014
(a) comply with Community rules governing the products concerned and their marketing; (b) comply with the specifications stipulating exclusion, selection and award criteria distributed to that end by the Member States concerned; (c) contain sufficient detail to enable their compliance with the applicable rules and their cost/benefit ratio to be evaluated.
(a) consistency between the strategies proposed and the objectives set; (b) the quality of the proposed measures; (c) their likely impact in increasing demand for the products concerned; (d) assurances that the proposing organisations are effective and representative; (e) the technical capacities of the proposed implementing body and assurances that it is effective.
(a) the Union rules; or (b) the guidelines, in the case of the internal market; or (c) the criteria referred to in Article 9(2), in the case of third countries.
(a) the proposing organisation meets the requirements set out in Article 11(3) of Regulation (EC) No 3/2008; (b) the proposing organisation has at least five years’ experience of implementing such measures; (c) the part of the programme carried out by the proposing organisation accounts for no more than 50 % of its total cost, except in duly justified cases and after the Commission has given its written authorisation; (d) the proposing organisation ensures that the cost of the measure which it plans to carry out itself is not in excess of the normal market rates.
(a) the obligations entered into are properly discharged; and (b) the sums received are used properly to discharge the obligations entered into.
(a) a summary of the work carried out and an evaluation of the results obtained, as can be ascertained at the date of the report; (b) a summary financial statement showing all expenditure scheduled and incurred.
(a) the information and supporting documents supplied are accurate; and (b) all the obligations laid down in the contract referred to in Article 16(1) have been fulfilled.
Fresh fruit and vegetables Processed fruit and vegetables Fibre flax Live plants and products of ornamental horticulture Olive oil and table olives Seed oils Milk and milk products Fresh, chilled or frozen meat, produced in accordance with a Community or a national quality scheme Marking of eggs for human consumption Honey and beekeeping products Wines with a protected designation of origin or a protected geographical indication, wines with an indication of the wine grape variety Graphic symbol for the outermost regions as laid down in agricultural legislation Products covered by the schemes for protected designations of origin (PDO), protected geographical indications (PGI), traditional specialties guaranteed (TSG) or optional quality terms in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1 .Organic farming in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 OJ L 198, 22.7.1991, p. 1 .Poultrymeat Sheep meat
when programmes are proposed by more than one Member State they should have coordinated strategies, actions and messages, programmes should preferably be multiannual and with a sufficient scope to have a significant impact on the targeted markets. Where appropriate, they may be implemented on the markets of more than one Member State, the messages of the programmes should provide objective information about the intrinsic characteristics and/or nutritional value of the products as part of a balanced diet, about their production methods or how environmentally friendly they are, programmes should have key messages which are of interest to the consumers, professionals and/or the trade of several Member States.
Households Children in educational establishments Mass caterers Doctors and nutritionists
To promote a "five-a-day"-type approach (recommendation to eat at least five servings of fruit or vegetable per day). This approach should be favoured in the case of promotion of fresh fruit and vegetables specifically targeting children and adolescents in educational establishments The products are natural and fresh Quality (safety, nutritional value and taste, production methods, environmental protection, link with the product’s origin) Enjoyment Balanced diet Variety and seasonal nature of the supply of fresh products; information on their tastes and uses Traceability Accessibility and ease of preparation: many fresh fruit and vegetables require no cooking
Electronic channels (Internet sites presenting available products, with online games for young people) Telephone information lines PR contacts with the media and advertising (e.g. specialised journals, women’s press, youth magazines and papers) Contacts with doctors and nutritionists Educational measures targeting children and adolescents in educational establishments by involving teachers and school canteen managers Point-of-sale information actions to consumers Other channels (leaflets and brochures with information on the products and recipes, children’s games, etc.) Visual media (cinema, specialised TV channels) Radio spots Participation in trade fairs
Households Mass caterers and school canteens Doctors and nutritionists
Quality (safety, nutritional value and taste, preparation methods) Ease of use Enjoyment Variety of supply and availability throughout the year Balanced diet Traceability
Electronic (Internet sites) Telephone information lines PR contacts with the media and advertising (e.g. specialised journals, women’s press, culinary and trade press), Demonstrations at points of sale Contacts with doctors and nutritionists Other channels (leaflets and brochures featuring products and recipes) Visual media Participation in trade fairs
To develop the image and reputation of Community flax and to capitalise on its distinctive qualities To increase consumption of this product To inform consumers about the characteristics of new products placed on the market
Leading professionals in the sector (stylists, designers, makers, editors) Distributors Textiles, fashion and interior design educational establishments (teachers and students) Opinion leaders Consumers
The quality of the product comes from the conditions in which the raw material is produced, the use of suitable varieties and the know-how brought to bear all along the production chain Community flax offers a wide range of products (clothing, decoration, household linen) and a wealth of creativity and innovation
Electronic channels (Internet sites) Trade shows and fairs Information measures targeting users downstream (designers, makers, distributors, editors) Information at points of sale Relations with the specialist press Educational information measures in fashion colleges, textile engineering courses, etc.
To increase the consumption of flowers and plants of Community origin To encourage practices which benefit the environment and increase knowledge about environmentally friendly production methods To strengthen the partnership between professionals from several Member States, allowing, among other things, the most advanced knowledge in the sector to be shared, and to better inform all participants in the production chain.
Producers, nurseries, distributors and other operators in the sector Students and schoolchildren Opinion multipliers: journalists, teachers Consumers
Information on the quality and variety of Community products Environmentally friendly production methods Techniques for producing more durable products An optimum mix of varieties of plants and flowers The role of plants and flowers in well-being and quality of life
Media contacts Fairs and exhibitions: stands representing products of several Member States Training measures for professionals, consumers and students Actions for sharing knowledge about greater product durability Consumer information measures through the press, and also through initiatives such as catalogue publishing, gardener’s calendars and possibly "plant of the month" campaigns Increased use of electronic media (Internet, CD-ROM, etc.)
As a priority: to increase consumption in the "new consumer" Member States by increasing market penetration, and to increase consumption by diversifying the use of these products and by providing necessary information To consolidate and develop consumption in the "traditional consumer" Member States by improving information to consumers about lesser-known aspects and getting young people into the habit of buying the products
Persons responsible for purchases: in the case of "traditional consumer" Member States mainly those between 20 and 40 years of age Opinion leaders (food critics, chefs, restaurants, journalists) and general and specialised press (gastronomy, women’s, various lifestyle magazines) Medical and paramedical press Distributors (in the "new consumer" Member States)
The gastronomic qualities and organoleptic characteristics of virgin olive oil (flavour, colour, taste) have nuances connected with the varieties, production areas, harvests, PDOs/PGIs, etc. This diversity offers a wide range of culinary sensations and possibilities The different categories of olive oil Olive oil, due to its nutritional qualities, is a major element in a healthy and balanced diet: it succeeds in combining culinary pleasures with the requirements of a balanced and healthy diet Information on the rules concerning control, certification of quality and of labelling of olive oils Information on all olive oils and/or table olives registered as PDOs/PGIs throughout the Community Table olives constitute a healthy and natural product, adapted both for a user-friendly consumption and for the preparation of elaborate dishes Varietal characteristics of table olives
Olive oil, and in particular the extra virgin category, is a natural product, resulting from tradition and ancient know-how, which is appropriate for a modern cooking style emphasising flavour; it can easily be associated with both Mediterranean cuisine and with any contemporary cooking Advice concerning use
the advantages of purchase of bottled olive oil (with labelling containing useful information to the consumer), modernisation of the image of a product with a long history and a major cultural dimension.
Internet and other electronic means (e.g. CD-ROM, DVD) Promotion at points of sale (tasting, recipes, information) Press relations and public relations (events, participation in consumer fairs, etc.) Publicity (or publicity editorials) in the press (general, women’s, gastronomy, lifestyle) Joint actions with the medical and paramedical profession (public relations in medical circles) Audiovisual media (TV and radio) Participation in trade fairs
To improve awareness of the characteristics of rapeseed oil and recent developments To increase consumption by informing consumers and the medical and paramedical professions about the use and nutritional value of rapeseed oil
Households, in particular persons responsible for purchases Opinion leaders (journalists, chefs, medical and nutritional professions) Distributors Medical and paramedical press Agri-food industry
The nutritional value of rapeseed oil makes it an important part of a balanced and healthy diet The beneficial fatty acids composition of rapeseed oil Advice for use Information on the evolution of the product and its varieties
Promotion at points of sale (tasting, recipes, information) Publicity (or publicity editorials) in the press (general, women’s, gastronomy, lifestyle) Public relations (events, participation in food fairs) Joint actions taken with the medical and paramedical profession Joint actions with restaurants, the catering business and chefs The Internet
different uses of sunflower oil, its characteristics and nutritional value, legislation and standards governing quality rules on labelling.
Households, in particular persons responsible for purchases Opinion leaders (journalists, chefs, medical and nutritional professions) Distributors Agri-food industry
benefits of the appropriate use of sunflower oil. For example, oil produced from sunflower seeds has a higher vitamin E content than other vegetable oils. Sunflower oil is well known for its light taste and frying performance, legislation and standards governing the quality of sunflower oil, fatty acids composition and nutritional value of sunflower oil, results of scientific research and technical development of sunflower oil and other vegetable oils.
Distribution of information materials at points of sale (POS and to the trade) Publicity (or publicity editorials) in the press (general, women’s, gastronomy, lifestyle) Public relations (events, participation in food fairs) The Internet
To increase liquid milk consumption in markets where potential for growth exists and to maintain consumption levels in saturated markets To increase the consumption of milk products in general To encourage consumption of milk and milk products by young people as future adult consumers
children and adolescents, especially girls aged 8 to 13, women of different age groups, elderly people.
Milk and milk products are healthy and natural, suited to modern living and enjoyable Milk and milk products have specific nutritional value beneficial in particular for certain age groups Messages must be positive and take account of the specific nature of consumption on the different markets There is a large variety of milk products suitable for different consumers in different consumption situations Low-fat choices of milk and milk products are available and are more appropriate for certain consumers The continuity of the main messages must be ensured during the entire programme in order to convince consumers of the benefits of regular consumption of milk and milk products
Electronic channels Telephone helplines Contacts with the media and advertising (e.g. specialised journals, women’s press, the youth press) Contacts with doctors and nutritionists Contacts with teachers and schools Other channels (leaflets and brochures, children’s games, etc.) Demonstrations at points of sale Visual media (cinema, specialised TV channels) Radio spots Participation in exhibitions and fairs
Information campaigns are limited to products produced under the Community quality schemes (PDO/PGI/TSG, optional quality terms and organic farming) and under quality schemes recognised by the Member States and fulfilling the criteria defined in Article 32 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005. Without prejudice to Article 15(2) of this Regulation, information campaigns funded under this Regulation cannot be funded under Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 as well. Their aim is to ensure objective and exhaustive information on the rules of Community and national quality schemes for meat products. They should inform consumers, opinion leaders and distributors of the product specifications and effective controls required under these quality systems.
Consumers and their associations Persons responsible for household purchases Institutions (restaurants, hospitals, schools, etc.) Distributors and their associations Press and opinion leaders
Quality schemes guarantee a specific production method and controls which are stricter than those required by legislation Quality meat products have specific characteristics or a quality which is superior to usual commercial standards Community and national quality regimes are transparent and ensure complete traceability of products The labelling of meats allows the consumer to identify quality products, their origin and their characteristics
The Internet Public relations with the media and advertising (scientific and specialised press, women’s and culinary journals, newspapers) Contacts with consumer associations Audiovisual media Written documents (leaflets, brochures, etc.) Information at points of sale
To inform the consumer of the new standards for marking eggs and fully explain the meaning of the code printed on eggs To provide information on egg-production systems by means of the code printed on eggs To provide information about existing traceability systems
Consumers and distributors Opinion leaders
To publicise and explain the new code printed on eggs in compliance with Commission Directive 2002/4/EC OJ L 30, 31.1.2002, p. 44 .The messages should not express preference for one production method over another and not include claims concerning the nutritional value and health impacts of the consumption of eggs. There should be no discrimination between eggs originating from different Member States
Electronic channel (website, etc.) Printed material (brochures, leaflets, etc.) Information at points of sale Advertising in the press and in food magazines, women’s magazines, etc. Relations with the media
Inform consumers about the diversity, organoleptic qualities and the conditions of production of Community beekeeping products Inform consumers about the qualities of non-filtered and non-pasteurised Community honeys Help consumers understand the labelling of Community honey and encourage producers to develop clear labelling Orient consumption of honey towards quality products by drawing attention to their traceability
Consumers, particularly those in the 20-40 age group Elderly people and children Opinion leaders
Information on the Community legislation on food safety, hygiene in production, quality certification and labelling Honey is a natural product based on tradition and established know-how, which has various uses in a contemporary cuisine The great diversity of honeys of different geographical and botanical origins and of different seasons Advice on use and nutritional value Safeguarding pollination is essential to the maintenance of biodiversity
Advertisements in the general and specialised press (gastronomy, lifestyle) Internet, cinema, and other audiovisual media (TV, radio) Points of sale Participation in exhibitions and fairs Public relations for the general public, organisation of events for actions in restaurants and the catering industry Information in colleges (presentations for teachers and students at hotel and catering colleges)
To inform consumers about the variety, quality and production conditions of Community wines and the results of scientific studies To inform consumers about responsible drinking patterns and the risks of alcohol abuse
Distributors Consumers, excluding young people and adolescents referred to in Council Recommendation 2001/458/EC OJ L 161, 16.6.2001, p. 38 .Opinion leaders: journalists, gastronomic experts Educational establishments in the hotel and catering sector
Community legislation strictly regulates production, quality indications, labelling and marketing, so guaranteeing for consumers the quality and traceability of the wine on offer The attraction of being able to choose from a very wide selection of Community wines of different origins Information on Community wine cultivation and its links with regional and local conditions, customs and tastes Information on responsible drinking patterns and the harmful effects of alcohol
Information and public relations measures Training for distributors and caterers Contacts with the specialised press Other channels (Internet site, leaflets and brochures) to guide consumers in their choice Fairs and exhibitions: stands presenting products of several Member States
provide comprehensive information on the content, the operation and the Union nature of the schemes and, in particular, on their effects on the commercial value of the products with protected names or optional quality terms which after registration benefit from the protection granted by those schemes, enhance knowledge of the Union symbols for products covered by the schemes for PDO/PGI/TSG or optional quality terms among consumers, distributors and food professionals, encourage producer/processor groups not yet taking part in those schemes to register the names of products which satisfy the basic requirements and to apply optional quality terms, encourage producers and processors in the regions concerned but not yet taking part in the schemes to participate in the production of the products bearing the registered names by conforming to the approved specifications and inspection requirements laid down for the various protected names, stimulate demand for the products concerned by informing consumers and distributors of the existence, significance and benefits of the schemes, and of the logos, the criteria for awarding designations, the relevant checks and controls, and the traceability system.
Producers and processors Distributors (supermarkets, wholesalers, retailers, caterers, canteens, restaurants) Consumers and consumer associations Opinion multipliers
The products bearing the protected names have specific characteristics associated with their geographical origin; in the case of products with a PDO, the quality or characteristics of the products are essentially or exclusively linked to the particular geographical environment with its inherent natural and human factors. In the case of products with a PGI, the products possess a specific quality or reputation which can be attributed to the geographical origin; the geographical link must occur in at least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation The products with a TSG have specific characteristics associated with their particular traditional methods of production or with the use of traditional raw materials The Union symbols for PDO, PGI and TSG are symbols that are understood throughout the Union as designating products meeting specific conditions of production linked to their geographical origin or to their tradition and subject to inspection Optional quality terms relate to a characteristic of one or more categories of products, or to a farming or processing attribute which applies in specific areas The use of the optional quality term adds value to the product as compared to products of a similar type Optional quality terms have a Union’s dimension The presentation of some products covered by the schemes for PDO, PGI, TSG or optional quality terms as examples for the potential of successful commercial enhancement of products whose names are registered under the protection schemes These protection schemes support the Union cultural heritage, support the diversity of agricultural production and the maintenance of the countryside
Internet and other electronic means Public relations contacts with the media (specialised, women’s and culinary press) Contacts with consumer associations Point of sale information and demonstrations Audiovisual media (specific television spots, etc.) Printed documents (leaflets, brochures, etc.) Participation at trade fairs and shows Information and training seminars and actions on the functioning of the Union schemes for PDO, PGI, TSG or optional quality terms
To publicise the existence, meaning and benefits of the logo To encourage producers and processors in the regions concerned to use the logo To improve awareness of the logo among distributors and consumers
Local producers and processors Distributors and consumers Opinion multipliers
The product is typical and natural It originates in a Community region Quality (safety, nutritional value and taste, production method, link with origin) The product’s exotic nature Variety of the supply, including out of season Traceability
Electronic channels (Internet site, etc.) Telephone helplines PR contacts with the media (specialised, women’s and culinary press) Demonstrations at points of sale, fairs and shows, etc. Contacts with doctors and nutritionists Other channels (leaflets, brochures, recipes, etc.) Audiovisual media Publicity in the specialised and local press.
encourage the consumption of organic farming products, enhance consumer awareness of the labelling, including the Community logo for organic products, provide comprehensive information and broaden awareness of the benefits of organic farming, in particular with regard to environmental protection, animal welfare, maintenance of the countryside and development in rural areas, provide comprehensive information on the content and the functioning of the Community rules on organic farming, encourage individual producers, processors and producer/processor/retailer groups not yet taking part in organic farming to convert to this production method; encourage retailers, retailer groups and restaurants to sell organic products.
Consumers in general, consumer associations and specific subgroups of consumers Opinion multipliers Distributors (supermarkets, wholesalers, specialised retailers, caterers, canteens, restaurants) Teachers and schools
Organic products are natural, suited to modern daily living and a pleasure to consume; they result from production methods that particularly respect the environment and animal welfare; organic farming supports the diversity of agricultural production as well as the maintenance of the countryside The products are subject to stringent production and inspection rules, including full traceability to ensure that products originate from farms under an organic inspection system Use of the words "organic", "ecological" and "biological" and their equivalents in other languages with respect to food products is protected by law. The Community logo is the symbol for organic products which is understood throughout the Community and which indicates that the products meet strict Community production criteria and have undergone stringent checks. Information on the Community logo may be supplemented with information on the logos introduced in the Member States Other quality aspects (safety, nutritional value, taste) of the products concerned can be underlined
Electronic (Internet sites) Telephone helplines PR contacts with the media (specialised journalists, women’s press, culinary press, food industry press) Contacts with consumer associations Information at points of sale Actions in schools Audiovisual media (in particular specific TV spots) Written documents (leaflets, brochures, etc.) Participation at trade fairs and shows Information and training seminars/actions on the functioning of the arrangements for organic food and farming
The information and promotion campaigns are restricted to products from the EU. The aim is to: ensure that objective and complete information is provided on the rules for the Community and national production systems for the safety of poultrymeat products; in particular consumers must be provided with complete and precise information on marketing standards, inform consumers of the diversity and organoleptic and nutritional properties of poultrymeat, draw consumers’ attention to traceability.
Consumers and consumer associations The person responsible for shopping in the household Institutions (restaurants, hospitals, schools, etc.) Distributors and distributors’ associations Journalists and opinion leaders
Poultrymeat marketed on the territory of the EU is governed by Community rules covering the entire chain of production, slaughter and consumption Safety measures are in place, including controls General health advice on the handling of food products of animal origin
The Internet PR contacts with the media and advertising (scientific and specialised press, women’s press, newspapers and food and cookery magazines) Contacts with consumer associations Audiovisual communication Written documentation (folders, brochures, etc.) Point-of-sale information
To increase awareness of the target groups about the quality, the sustainable production conditions of the sheep meat and the special role it plays in the culinary heritage in the Union To increase sheep meat consumption
Producers and processors Distributors (supermarkets, wholesalers, retailers, caterers, canteens, restaurants) Consumers (especially the young ones, aged 18 to 40 years) and consumer associations Opinion multipliers, journalists, gastronomic experts
Environmentally friendly and traditional production methods Traceability (electronic identification) The labeling of meats allows the consumer to identify the origin and the characteristics of the products Inform consumers of the diversity and organoleptic and nutritional properties of sheep meat Advice for use, recipes The information and promotion campaigns are restricted to products from the Union
Internet and other electronic means Promotion at points of sale (tasting, recipes, information) Press relations and public relations (events, participation in consumer fairs, etc.) Publicity (or publicity editorials) in the press Audiovisual media (television and radio) Participation in trade fairs Other channels
Fresh, chilled and frozen beef, veal and pigmeat; food preparations based on these products Quality poultrymeat Milk products Olive oil and table olives Wines with a protected designation of origin or a protected geographical indication, wines with an indication of the wine grape variety Spirit drinks with a protected geographical indication Fresh and processed fruit and vegetables Products processed from cereals and rice Fibre flax Live plants and ornamental horticulture products Products covered by the schemes for protected designations of origin (PDO), protected geographical indications (PGI), or traditional specialities guaranteed (TSG) in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 Organic farming products in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 Sheep meat
South Africa Albania Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Armenia Australia Azerbaijan Belarus Bosnia and Herzegovina China South Korea Croatia Georgia India Japan Kazakhstan Kosovo Moldova Montenegro Norway New Zealand Uzbekistan Russia Serbia Switzerland Turkey Ukraine
Africa North Africa North America Latin America South-east Asia Middle East
| Article 1 | Article 1 | Article 1 |
| Article 2 | Article 2 | Article 2 |
| Article 3 | Article 3 | Article 3 |
| Article 4 | Article 4 | — |
| — | Article 5 | Article 4 |
| Article 5 | Article 6(1) | — |
| — | Article 6(2) | Article 5 |
| Article 7(2)(b) | Article 6(3) in part | — |
| — | Article 7 | Article 6 and second subparagraph of Article 10(3) |
| Article 7(1)(2)(a) and (c), and Article 7(3) | Article 8 | Article 7(1), second subparagraph of Article 7(2), and Article 7(3) |
| Article 7(2) except for points (a) and (c), and Article 7(4) | Article 9 | Article 7(2) except for first subparagraph, and Article 7(4) and (5) |
| — | Article 10 | Article 8 |
| Article 8 | Article 11 | Article 9 |
| Article 9(1) | Article 12 | Article 10(1) |
| Article 9(2) and (3) | Article 13 | Article 10(2) and first subparagraph of Article 10(3) |
| Article 10(1), (2) and (3) | Article 14 | Article 11 |
| Articles 6 and 10(4) | Article 15 | — |
| Article 11 | Article 16 | Article 12 |
| Article 12 | Article 17 | Article 13 |
| Article 13 | Article 18 | Article 14 |
| Article 14 | Article 19 | Article 15 |
| Article 15 | Article 20 | Article 16 |
| Article 16 | Article 21 | Article 17 |
| Article 17 | Article 22 | Article 18 |
| Article 18 | Article 23 | Article 19 |
| Article 19 | Article 24 | Article 20 |
| Article 20 | Article 25 | Article 21 |
| Article 21 | Article 26 | Article 22 |
| Article 22 | Article 27 | Article 23 |
| Article 23 | Article 28 | Article 24 |
| Article 25 | Article 29 | Article 26 |