Review of Selected Commission Implementing Regulations (EU)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/278
This regulation updates the conditions for importing fresh poultry and game bird meat into the EU from Argentina and Moldova. It reinstates Argentina’s authorization, previously suspended due to avian influenza, and authorizes the entire territory of Moldova for fresh poultry meat imports. It also specifies permitted treatments for meat products from these countries.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/279
This regulation expands the authorization for Canada to export germinal products of equine animals to the EU. In addition to semen, it now includes oocytes and embryos of registered horses, registered equidae, and other equine animals not for slaughter.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/306
This regulation officially registers ‘Norrlandsströmming’ as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). This protects the name for products originating from a specific geographical area and meeting defined criteria.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/287
This regulation grants a Union authorization for the ‘Divodes FG Family’ of biocidal products, which includes disinfectants and algaecides for use in areas related to food and feed. The authorization is valid from March 1, 2026, to February 29, 2036, and specifies the authorized uses, target organisms, application methods, and risk mitigation measures in its annex.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/313
This regulation mandates the registration of imports of lightweight thermal paper originating in China. This registration enables the possible retroactive application of countervailing duties, pending the outcome of an anti-subsidy investigation.
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/278 of 6 February 2026 amending Annexes XIV and XV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 as regards the entries for Argentina and Moldova in the lists of third countries, territories, or zones thereof authorised for the entry into the Union of consignments of fresh meat of poultry and game birds and meat products from poultry
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/278 amends Annexes XIV and XV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404, focusing on the conditions for the entry of fresh meat and meat products from poultry and game birds into the EU from Argentina and Moldova. The regulation updates the lists of third countries, territories, or zones authorized for such imports, considering recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and the measures taken by these countries to control the disease.
The regulation modifies Annex XIV, Part 1, Section B, by reinstating Argentina’s authorization for the entry of fresh meat of poultry and game birds, which had been suspended due to an HPAI outbreak. It also updates the entry for Moldova to include the entire territory for the entry of fresh meat of poultry. Furthermore, the regulation amends Annex XV, Part 1, Section A, to reflect these changes, particularly regarding the permitted treatments for meat products from poultry and ratites from Argentina and Moldova.
The most important provisions of this regulation are the re-authorization of Argentina for the entry of fresh meat of poultry and game birds, and the authorization of the entire territory of Moldova for the same. Additionally, the regulation specifies the permitted treatments for meat products from these countries, ensuring that imports meet the EU’s animal health standards.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/279 of 6 February 2026 amending Annex XII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 as regards the entry for Canada in the list of third countries or territories, or zones thereof, authorised for the entry into the Union of consignments of germinal products of equine animals
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/279 amends Annex XII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404, specifically concerning the entry for Canada in the list of third countries authorized for the entry into the Union of consignments of germinal products of equine animals. The amendment expands the authorization for Canada to include oocytes and embryos of registered horses, registered equidae, and other equine animals not for slaughter, in addition to the already authorized semen. This update reflects Canada’s request and the provision of necessary animal health guarantees.
The structure of the act is straightforward. It consists of a preamble that outlines the legal basis, context, and justification for the amendment, followed by two articles. Article 1 introduces the amendment to Annex XII of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404, as detailed in the Annex to the current regulation. Article 2 specifies that the regulation will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Annex provides the new entry for Canada in Part 1 of Annex XII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404, replacing the previous entry. The main change is the addition of “Oocytes and embryos” to the list of authorized germinal products for entry into the EU from Canada, alongside the existing authorization for semen.
The most important provision is the expanded authorization for Canada to export oocytes and embryos of specific equine animals to the EU. This change allows for a broader range of germinal products from Canadian equine animals to enter the EU market, potentially benefiting breeders and other stakeholders involved in equine reproduction. The regulation also specifies the codes and requirements related to processing and storage.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/306 of 2 February 2026 on the registration of the geographical indication Norrlandsströmming (PDO) in the Union register of geographical indications pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/306 officially registers ‘Norrlandsströmming’ as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the Union register of geographical indications. This registration is based on an application from Sweden and follows the procedures outlined in Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, which governs geographical indications for various products. The regulation confirms that no objections were received during the opposition period, paving the way for the inclusion of ‘Norrlandsströmming’ in the register.
The structure of the act is straightforward. It consists of a preamble that outlines the legal basis and the background to the decision, followed by two articles. Article 1 formally registers ‘Norrlandsströmming’ as a PDO. Article 2 specifies that the regulation will come into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and confirms that the regulation is binding and directly applicable in all Member States. This regulation implements provisions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, repealing Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.
The most important provision is Article 1, which grants ‘Norrlandsströmming’ (PDO) a protected status within the EU. This means that only products that meet the specific criteria outlined in the product specification and originate from the designated geographical area can be marketed under the name ‘Norrlandsströmming’. This protection helps to preserve the authenticity and reputation of the product, while also preventing unfair competition from products that do not meet the required standards.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/287 of 6 February 2026 granting a Union authorisation for the biocidal product family Divodes FG Family in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council
This is a description of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/287, which grants a Union authorisation for the biocidal product family named ‘Divodes FG Family’. The authorisation allows Diversey Europe Operations B.V. to make the ‘Divodes FG Family’ products available on the market and use them within the European Union. The product family includes disinfectants and algaecides, specifically for product-types 2 (disinfectants not for direct human or animal use) and 4 (food and feed area). The regulation specifies the period of validity for the authorisation, from March 1, 2026, to February 29, 2036.
The structure of the act includes the main body of the regulation and an annex detailing the summary of product characteristics for the ‘Divodes FG Family’. The annex is divided into three parts: administrative information, second information level meta SPC(s), and third information level individual products in the meta SPC 1. The second part describes two meta SPCs: Meta SPC 1 for liquid formulations and Meta SPC 2 for impregnated wipes. Each meta SPC includes information on composition, hazard and precautionary statements, authorized uses, and general directions for use. This regulation establishes the framework for the authorized use of the ‘Divodes FG Family’ biocidal products across the Union.
The most important provisions for the use of this act are in the Annex, which details the authorized uses for the biocidal product family. It specifies the target organisms, fields of use, application methods, rates, and frequency, as well as categories of users. It also outlines use-specific instructions, risk mitigation measures, and conditions for storage and shelf-life. The inclusion of two Meta SPCs allows for different formulations (liquid and wipes) with specific instructions and risk mitigation measures tailored to each type.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/313 of 6 February 2026 making imports of lightweight thermal paper originating in the People’s Republic of China subject to registration
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/313 concerns the registration of imports of lightweight thermal paper originating in the People’s Republic of China. The regulation is introduced following the initiation of an anti-subsidy proceeding regarding these imports. The purpose of this registration is to allow for the possible retroactive application of countervailing duties if the investigation determines that such duties are warranted.
The regulation consists of two articles. Article 1 directs customs authorities to register imports of lightweight thermal paper as specifically defined in the regulation and provides the CN and TARIC codes for the product. Article 2 states that the regulation will enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and that the registration requirement will expire nine months after the regulation’s entry into force.
The most important provision is Article 1, which mandates the registration of specific lightweight thermal paper imports from China. This means that customs authorities must record all imports of the defined product. This registration is a prerequisite for potentially imposing duties retroactively, depending on the outcome of the anti-subsidy investigation.
