Pigmeat

The common organisation of the market in pigmeat stabilises prices and ensures a fair level of income for farmers, while establishing a system of prices and arrangements for trade with third countries. It remains in force until 30 June 2008.

ACT

Regulation (EEC) No 2759/75 of the Council of 29 October 1975 on the common organisation of the market in pigmeat [See amending acts].

SUMMARY

This Regulation sets out the common organisation of the market in pigmeat, comprising the Community classification of the products concerned, the price arrangements and the arrangements for trade with third countries. It also contains general provisions on exceptional market support measures and the Management Committee for Pigmeat.

As of 1 July 2008, products falling within the scope of this Regulation are governed by the common organisation of agricultural markets.

SCOPE

The products concerned are live animals other than pure-bred breeding pigs and pigmeat products.

DIRECT AID

Following the 2003 reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP), pig farmers may receive direct aid and payments not linked to production.

PRICES

Support for industry initiatives

Support is granted for measures to encourage action designed to adapt the industry more closely to market requirements.

Basic price

The basic price for pig carcases is EUR 1 509.39 per tonne.

Intervention measures

In order to prevent a significant drop in prices, private storage aid and intervention measures make it possible for carcases, half-carcases, belly of pork and fresh or chilled pig fat to be bought in. Where the Community price weighted by a coefficient reflecting the size of the pig herd in each Member State is less than 103 % of the basic price, authorisation may be granted for the adoption of intervention measures. The buying-in price for pig carcases of a standard quality is between 78 % and 92 % of the basic price. The buying-in price for products other than pig carcases or products which are not of a standard quality is calculated on the basis of the price for pig carcases of a standard quality. Public buying-in has not been used for some 20 years.

TRADE WITH THIRD COUNTRIES

Import and export licences

Imports and exports may be subject to the issuing of an import or an export licence.

Common Customs Tariff

The rates of duty under the Common Customs Tariff apply to pigmeat products.

Imports

Where imports are liable to disturb the balance of the Community market, additional import duties may be levied.

Tariff quotas

Quotas are allocated on the basis of the applications submitted each quarter by operators.

Suspension of import duties

A sustained rise in prices on the Community market may result in the partial or total suspension of import duties.

Exports

To enable products to be exported, an export refund may be granted.

Processing

The use of inward processing arrangements may be prohibited.

Barriers to trade

Charges having an effect equivalent to customs duties and the application of quantitative restrictions or measures of equivalent effect are excluded in trade with third countries.

Safeguard measures

Safeguard measures may be taken if the Community market is likely to suffer disturbance as a result of imports or exports.

OTHER PROVISIONS

Animal diseases

At the request of the Member State concerned, exceptional market support measures may be taken in the event of animal disease, but for no longer than is strictly necessary. Such measures may be applied on condition that the Member State concerned has taken the appropriate veterinary and health action.

State aid

Unless where the Regulation contains provisions to the contrary, the Treaty rules on state aid apply to the pigmeat sector.

Notification

The Member States and the Commission exchange information required for implementing the Regulation.

Comitology

In implementing the Regulation, the Commission is assisted by a Management Committee for Pigmeat made up of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of the Commission.

RELATED ACTS

Exports:

Regulation (EC) No 303/2007 [Official Journal L 81, 22.3.2007]. Regulation setting the export refunds on pigmeat applicable from 22 March 2007.

Regulation (EC) No 1518/2003 [Official Journal L 217 of 29.8.2003].

Regulation laying down detailed rules for implementing the system of export licences in the pigmeat sector.

The successive amendments and corrections have been incorporated into the basic text. This consolidated version (pdf) is intended purely as a documentation tool.

Market prices:

Regulation (EC) No 1319/2006 [Official Journal L 243 of 6.9.2006].

Regulation on the exchange between the Member States and the Commission of information on quotations concerning pigmeat.

Regulation (EC) No 1128/2006 [Official Journal L 201 of 25.7.2006]. Regulation on the marketing stage to which the average price for pig carcasses refers.

Regulation (EC) No 908/2006 [Official Journal L 168 of 21.6.2006].

Regulation establishing the list of representative markets for pigmeat in the Community.

Support and aid measures:

Regulation (EC) No 1267/2007 [Official Journal L 283 of 27.10.2007]. Regulation on special conditions for the granting of private storage aid for pigmeat.

Regulation (EC) No 2246/2003 [Official Journal L 333 of 20.12.2003]. Regulation on special conditions for the granting of private storage aid for pigmeat.

Regulation (EC) No 3444/90 [Official Journal L 333 of 30.11.1990]. Regulation laying down detailed rules for granting private storage aid for pigmeat.

The successive amendments and corrections have been incorporated into the basic text. This consolidated version (pdf) is intended purely as a documentation tool.

See also

For further information on the common market organisation for the pigmeat sector, please see the relevant page on the Directorate-General for Agriculture website and the European legislation on the topic.

Last updated: 07.03.2008