Ovalbumin and laktalbumin

This Regulation establishes common rules for trade in ovalbumin (egg white protein) and lactalbumin (milk protein). These rules concern procedures for the importation of such products, and measures which may be adopted by the Commission in order to maintain the equilibrium of the market.

ACT

Council Regulation (EC) No 614/2009 of 7 July 2009 on the common system of trade for ovalbumin and lactalbumin.

SUMMARY

Ovalbumin is the main protein in egg white. However, the common organisation of agricultural markets in the egg sector does not include trade in this protein or in its substitute, lactalbumin.

Trade in these two proteins may influence common policy in the egg sector. This Regulation therefore establishes a common system of trade for ovalbumin and lactalbumin corresponding to that established for eggs.

Import licences

The import of ovalbumin and lactalbumin into the European Union (EU) may be subject to presentation of an import licence. These licences shall be issued by Member States and shall be valid throughout the EU.

Import safeguard clause

The Commission may impose additional duties on imports of ovalbumin and lactalbumin. These additional duties shall take the form of additional payments on imports of these products.

However, such measures may be taken only where trade in ovalbumin and lactalbumin has harmful effects on the European market.

Tariff quotas

Imports of ovalbumin and lactalbumin may also benefit from tariff quotas. In other words, certain predetermined quantities of ovalbumin and lactalbumin may be imported into the EU at a reduced rate during a certain period.

Tariff quotas shall be administered under the responsibility of the Commission. In particular, the latter must take account of the supply needs and general equilibrium of the European market.

Marketing standards

The Council, acting on a proposal from the Commission, may adopt certain standards relating to the marketing of ovalbumin and lactalbumin. These standards may relate to, for example, packaging, storage, transport, presentation or marking.

Inward processing

Inward processing enables European manufacturers to process products imported into the EU with a view to re-exporting them without having to pay the customs duties.

In certain special cases, the Council shall therefore be able to prohibit the inward processing of ovalbumin and lactalbumin. It shall do so acting on a proposal from the Commission. However, in urgent cases and where such a practice disturbs or is liable to disturb the European market, the Commission shall be authorised to take exceptional measures on its own initiative, which shall be valid for no more than six months.

Special measures

Finally, the Commission shall be authorised to take all appropriate measures concerning trade in ovalbumin or lactalbumin where it observes an unusual rise in prices on the European market.

Last updated: 19.07.2010