All sections were updated. This report should be read in conjunction with the Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) – Country Report written by the U.S. Mission to the EU in Brussels, Belgium, GAIN E70048. The report focuses on the import regulations and standards that are not harmonized in the EU or where the Netherlands varies. The EU Regulations that were published in 2012 and measures that went into force in 2012 are detailed in this report.
Section 1. Food Laws
EU legislation is made up of Directives and Regulations which must be translated into the 23 official languages in use in the EU-27. Directives define the result that must be achieved but leave to each Member State the choice of form and methods to transpose the directive into national laws (usually within 2-3 years after adoption). Regulations are binding in their entirety and automatically enter into force on a set date in all Member States.
Amendments to EU legislation are usually published in new and separate Directives and Regulations. A Decision is binding entirely on those to whom it is addressed. No national implementing legislation is required. A Recommendation has no binding effect as it is not a law.
