Commission Notice on a guidance document on how to fill in section 9 of the standard model form in the Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/723

(2021/C 507/01)

Table of contents

1.

Purpose of the guidance document

2

2.

Point 9.1 ‘Overall conclusion on the level of compliance achieved’

2

3.

Point 9.2 ‘Identification of the member state/competent authority that submits the annual report’

2

4.

Table 1: Number of controls for all competent authorities-control authorities -control bodies

2

1.1.

Registered operators in possession of a certificate per 31 December of the reporting year

3

1.2.

Groups of operators (GoO) in possession of a certificate per 31 December of the reporting year

4

5.

Table 2: Non-compliances

4

2.1.

Number of cases of non-compliance established

4

2.2.

Measures taken for established cases of major and critical non-compliances

5

6.

Table 3: Supervision & audits

5

3.1.

New control bodies to whom the competent authority has delegated control tasks/ control bodies whose delegation has been withdrawn

5

3.2.

Supervision of control bodies by the competent authority (only relevant if the competent authority delegates controls tasks to control bodies)

5

3.3.

Audit activities carried out by the competent authority on control authorities (only relevant if the competent authority confers control tasks to control authorities)

5

7.

Table 4. Individual form in supervision of control body

6

8.

Table 5. Actions and measures undertaken by competent authority during the reporting year to ensure effectiveness of official controls by control authorities/control bodies

6

1.   Purpose of the guidance document

The purpose of this guidance document is to assist the Member States in submitting the information and data on organic production and labelling of organic products in their annual report on the implementation of their multi-annual national control plans (MANCP) in section 9 of part II of annex of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/723 (1), as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1935 of 8 November 2021 (2).

This guidance document is intended to be additional to the Commission Notice on a guidance document on how to fill in the standard model form in the Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/723 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the standard model form to be used in the annual reports submitted by Member States (3).

In this regard, the definitions in Section 4 of Commission Notice 2021/C 71/01 also apply to the organic sector.

Only the Court of Justice of the European Union is competent to authoritatively interpret Union law.

2.   Point 9.1 ‘Overall conclusion on the level of compliance achieved’

This information is presented in a text box, for free text.

Member States should take into account the guidance in Section A.1 of Part II of Commission Notice 2021/C 71/01.

3.   Point 9.2 ‘Identification of the member state/competent authority that submits the annual report’

This information is presented in a form template.

Member States shall provide the following identification information:

—	data from: the name of Member State and the name of the competent authority that submits the report;

—	number of competent authorities whose data has been integrated (A): the total number of competent authorities, as defined in Article 3, point (3), of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, including at the national, regional or local level if applicable;

—	number of control authorities whose data has been integrated (B): the total number of control authorities, as defined in point (55) of Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848, including at the national, regional or local level if applicable;

—	number of control bodies whose data has been integrated (C): the total number of control bodies, as defined in point (56) of Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (4);

—	total number of authorities / bodies whose data has been integrated (A) + (B) + (C): the sum of A, B and C;

—	reporting period: Member States should take into account the guidance in Section 6 of Commission Notice 2021/C 71/01.

4.   Table 1: Number of controls for all competent authorities/control authorities/control bodies

This information is presented in two tables 1.1 and 1.2.

1.1.   Registered operators in possession of a certificate per 31 December of the reporting year

For each line of table 1.1 (1.a, 1.b …), Member States should provide in the corresponding columns the following information:

—	code number or name of competent authority/control authority/control body:

for delegated bodies, this refers to the code number assigned to them by the competent authority in accordance with Article 28 (2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625;

for control authorities, this refers either to the name or the code number or both of the control authorities;

for competent authorities, this refers to the name of the competent authorities.

—	number of operators:

for competent authorities: the number of operators directly controlled and certified by the competent authorities that appear in the list of operators referred to in Article 34(6) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 as at 31 December of the reporting year;

for control authorities and control bodies: the number of operators controlled and certified by the control authorities/control bodies that appear in the list of operators referred to in Article 34(6) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 as at 31 December of the reporting year.

‘Suspended’ and ‘withdrawn’ operators should not be counted when the suspension or withdrawal of their certificate took place during the reporting year. The same applies for ‘operators whose certification is still pending’.

—	number of verifications of compliance referred to in Article 38(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (physical and non-physical):

this number refers to the total number of verifications of compliance that took place in the reporting year, regardless of whether they include physical on-the-spot inspections.

—

number of physical on-the-spot inspections carried out. This refers to controls that included physical on-the-spot inspections under the following cases: — annual controls for the delivery or renewal of certificate as referred to in Article 38(5) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848; — the additional risk based controls as referred to in Article 38(4), point (b), of Regulation (EU) 2018/848; — the sum of ‘annual controls’ and ‘additional risk based controls’; and — the sum of ‘annual controls’ and ‘additional risk based controls’ that were carried out without prior notice as referred to in Article 38 (4), point (a), of Regulation (EU) 2018/848.

Member States should also take into account the guidance by referring to the text in Section 4, point (a), of Commission Notice 2021/C 71/01 (How to count official controls).

—	number of samples taken according to Article 38(4), point (c), of Regulation (EU) 2018/848

Member States should provide the number of samples taken during all official controls (annual, additional risk based, unannounced) as following:

the total number of samples taken and analysed; and

the number of samples with detections of products and substances not authorised for use in organic production.

When multiple samples are taken from the same product lot from one operator on a single occasion, Member States should report them as one sample.

However, when multiple samples are taken from several lots/products from one operator on a single occasion, Member States should report each of them.

1.2.   Groups of operators (GoO) in possession of a certificate per 31 December of the reporting year

For each line of table 1.2 (2.a, 2.b …), the Member States shall insert in the corresponding columns the following information:

—	code number or name of competent authority/control authority/control body;

—	number of groups.

—	This refers to the total number of groups of operators controlled and certified by each competent authority/control authority/control body;

—	identification of the group. This refers to the name or other identification for each group of operators;

—	total number of operators that are member of groups. This refers to the total number of members for each group of operators;

—	total number of official controls on groups. This refers to the total number of official controls on each group of operators as following:

annual verification of the set-up and functioning of the internal control system regardless if it includes a physical on-the-spot inspection as referred to in Article 38(1), point (d), of Regulation (EU) 2018/848;

re-inspections of members of the groups, as referred to in Article 38(4), point (d), of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and in Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2021/279;

witness audits, as referred to in Article 2(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/771; and

additional risk-based inspections as referred to in Article 38(4), point (b), of Regulation (EU) 2018/848.

—	number of re- inspections of members of groups. This refers to the re-inspections of members carried out by the competent authority/control authority/control body for each group of operators; and

—	inspections in which at least one sample was taken.

5.   Table 2: Non-compliances

This information is presented in two tables 2.1 and 2.2.

2.1.   Number of cases of non-compliance established

For each line of table 2.1 (1.a, 1.b …), the Member States should provide in the corresponding columns the following information:

—	name or code number of competent authority/control authority/control body;

—	general production rules. This refers to established major and critical non-compliances that concern the general production rules referred to in Articles 9, 10 and 11 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and corresponding secondary legislation;

—	specific production rules. This refers to established major and critical non-compliances that concern the specific production rules referred to in Articles 12 to 21 and in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and in Regulations (EU) 2020/464 and (EU) 2021/1189;

—	non-authorised substances or products. This refers to established major and critical non-compliances that concern presence of products and substances non-authorised for organic production;

—	derogations. This refers to established major and critical non-compliances that concern the derogations referred to in Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and in Regulation (EU) 2020/1691

—	documents and records. This refers to established major and critical non-compliances that concern the documents and records referred to in Article 39 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and in Regulation (EU) 2021/1691;

—	rules for GoO. This refers to established major and critical non-compliances that concern the rules on GoO referred to in Article 36 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and in Articles 4 to 7 of Regulation (EU) 2021/279, and Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2021/771;

—	labelling. This refers to established major and critical non-compliances that concern the rules on labelling referred to in Articles 30 to 33 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2021/279; and

—	other. This refers to established major and critical non-compliances that concern any other rules not mentioned above.

2.2.   Measures taken for established cases of major and critical non-compliances

The Member States should provide both the total number of measures taken by the competent authorities/control authorities/control bodies to restore compliance and the number of measures under columns B1-B9 of table 2.2.

When providing such information, the Member States should take into account that competent authorities/control authorities/control bodies may take more than one measure for some cases of established non-compliances and thus the total number of established non-compliances and the total number of measures may be different.

6.   Table 3: Supervision & audits

This information is presented in three tables 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3

3.1.   New control bodies to whom the competent authority has delegated control tasks/ control bodies whose delegation has been withdrawn

The Member States should indicate the number of new bodies to whom the competent authority has delegated control tasks during the reporting year (line B) and the number of control bodies whose delegation has been withdrawn during the reporting year (line C).

In order to ensure consistency of the data, the Member States should also provide the number of delegated bodies at the beginning (line A) and the end of the reporting year (line D).

The Member States may also provide some comments if it is necessary to clarify a situation.

3.2.   Supervision of control bodies by the competent authority (only relevant if the competent authority delegates controls tasks to control bodies)

This table has two parts 3.2.a and 3.2.b.

The Member States should provide the overall information on supervision of control bodies in the first part 3.2.a. as indicated in columns D, E, and F of the table.

The ‘supervision audits’ in column E refer to the audits or inspections referred to in point (a) of Article 33 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.

The Member States may use the ‘comments’ column to provide explanations when the coverage is less than 100 % or more than 100 % if the Member State has more than one competent authority performing supervision.

In the second part 3.2.b of the table, the Member States should provide detailed information on the supervision of each control bodies as indicated in columns G to M of the table.

The ‘review of operators’ files’ in column J of the table refers to the review of control files of operators certified by the control body concerned either during the office audit or during on-the-spot physical inspection of the operator. The latter inspection may be carried out either directly by the staff of the competent authority or by the inspectors of the control body (witness audit).

Similarly, the ‘review of GoO files’ in column L of the table refers to the review of control files of groups of operators certified by the control body concerned and it may concern verifications of the set up and functioning of the Internal Control System (ICS), or re-inspections of members of the groups or witness audits.

The Member States should fill in column N of the table only if they also fill in the optional table 4. In such a case, they should provide the reference number of the ‘individual form’ for each control body.

3.3.   Audit activities carried out by the competent authority on control authorities (only relevant if the competent authority confers control tasks to control authorities)

The Member States should provide information on the audits of organic control authorities carried out in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 as indicated in columns K to M of table 3.3.

7.   Table 4. Individual form in supervision of control body

This information in table 4 is optional.

When Member States choose to fill in this table, they should create one individual form for each control body under their supervision and create one reference number for each individual form.

The Member States should provide summary text information on the main findings of the supervision audits under the five pre-defined categories of table 4. They may also add text information on other findings, which are not covered by the five pre-defined categories.

The Member States should indicate, in the conclusion, text information on the actions taken by the competent authority in order to restore conformity.

8.   Table 5. Actions and measures undertaken by competent authority during the reporting year to ensure effectiveness of official controls by control authorities/control bodies

This information is the same as the one requested under part I of Annex of Regulation (EU) 2019/723. By completing this table in the Organic Farming Information System (OFIS), the Member States do not need to fill in part I in the special module for the submission of annual reports of the computerised information management system for official controls (Annual Reporting on Official Controls).

The Member States should provide text information on the actions taken to ensure effectiveness of the national organic system of controls under the six pre-defined categories of text and may add other initiatives not pre-defined in table 5.

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(1)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/723 of 2 May 2019 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the standard model form to be used in the annual reports submitted by Member States (OJ L 124, 13.5.2019, p. 1).

(2)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1935 of 8 November 2021 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/723 as regards the information and data on organic production and labelling of organic products to be submitted by means of the standard model form (OJ L 396, 10.11.2021, p. 17).

(3)  OJ C 71, 1.3.2021, p. 1.

(4)  Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 (OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 1).

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10550 – PHILLIPS 66 / FORTRESS INVESTMENT GROUP / WESTERN OIL)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 507/02)

On 7 December 2021, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

—	in the merger section of the ‘Competition policy’ website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M10550. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.10418 – EFMS / GOLDMAN SACHS / PAREXEL)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2021/C 507/03)

On 3 November 2021, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

—	in the merger section of the ‘Competition policy’ website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

—	in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32021M10418. EUR-Lex is the online point of access to European Union law.

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

Euro exchange rates (1)

15 December 2021

(2021/C 507/04)

1 euro =

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,1262
JPY	Japanese yen	128,25
DKK	Danish krone	7,4362
GBP	Pound sterling	0,84980
SEK	Swedish krona	10,2565
CHF	Swiss franc	1,0416
ISK	Iceland króna	146,80
NOK	Norwegian krone	10,2278
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	25,271
HUF	Hungarian forint	369,09
PLN	Polish zloty	4,6272
RON	Romanian leu	4,9493
TRY	Turkish lira	16,5612
AUD	Australian dollar	1,5763
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,4496
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	8,7861
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,6689
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,5405
KRW	South Korean won	1 335,40
ZAR	South African rand	18,1976
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	7,1691
HRK	Croatian kuna	7,5208
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	16 165,75
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	4,7638
PHP	Philippine peso	56,574
RUB	Russian rouble	83,0838
THB	Thai baht	37,615
BRL	Brazilian real	6,4354
MXN	Mexican peso	23,8856
INR	Indian rupee	86,0345

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(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

New national sides of euro circulation coins

(2021/C 507/05)

Euro circulation coins have legal tender status throughout the euro area. The Commission publishes all new euro coin designs (1) with a view to informing all parties required to handle coins in the course of their work as well as the public at large.

The French national sides of the regular 1-euro and 2-euro coins are renewed for the first time since the introduction of the euro, in order to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the euro. It thus complies with the conditions set out in Article 7(1) of Regulation (EU) No 729/2014, which stipulates that changes to the designs used for the national sides of regular coins may only be made once every 15 years.

The French national sides of the other denominations remain unchanged.

1 Euro	2 Euro

Issuing country: France

Date of issue:1 January 2022

Description of the designs: The new design is in line with the symbolism that already existed on the regular 1-euro and 2-euro coins: the tree of life. The new design represents a mixture of the two species that make up the emblem of the Republic: the oak, image of strength and solidity, and the olive tree, symbol of peace.

The coins’ outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

The edge-lettering of the 2-euro coin is: 2 * *, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.

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(1)  See OJ C 373, 28.12.2001, p.1, OJ C 254, 20.10.2006, p.6 and OJ C 248, 23.10.2007, p. 8 for a reference to the other euro coins.

Special report No 27/2021

EU support to tourism: need for a fresh strategic orientation and a better funding approach

(2021/C 507/06)

The European Court of Auditors hereby informs you that special report No 27/2021 ‘EU support to tourism: need for a fresh strategic orientation and a better funding approach’ has just been published.

The report can be accessed for consultation or downloading on the European Court of Auditors’ Internet: http://eca.europa.eu

State aid – Decision to raise no objections

(2021/C 507/07)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority raises no objections to the following state aid measure:

Date of adoption of the decision	14 September 2021
Case No	87242
Decision No	206/21/COL
EFTA State	Iceland
Title (and/or name of the beneficiary)	Production grant scheme for private media outlets
Legal basis	Act No. 58/2021 amending the Media Act No 38/2011 and Regulation No. 770/2021
Type of measure	Scheme
Objective	Media pluralism
Form of aid	Direct grant
Budget	Annual budget: ISK 392 million (approx. EUR 2,6 million) The total budget: ISK 784 million (approx. EUR 4,8 million)
Intensity	Up to 25 %
Duration	Until 31 December 2022
Economic sectors	Publishing of newspapers (J58.1.3); Publishing of journals and periodicals (J58.1.4); Radio broadcasting (J60.1.0); Television programming and broadcasting activities (J60.2.0); News agency activities (J63.9.1).
Name and address of the granting authority	Ministry of Education, Science and Culture Sölvhólsgata 4 101 Reykjavík ICELAND

The authentic text of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found on the EFTA Surveillance Authority’s Internet: http://www.eftasurv.int/state-aid/state-aid-register/decisions/

Notice concerning the implementation of judgment of 3 December 2020 in case C-461/18 P in relation to Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 626/2012 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) No 349/2012 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of tartaric acid originating in the People’s Republic of China

(2021/C 507/08)

Judgment in case C-461/18 P

In its judgment of 3 May 2018, in case T-431/12, Distillerie Bonollo SpA and Others v Council of the European Union (1) (‘the judgment of the General Court’), the General Court of the European Union (‘the General Court’) annulled Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 626/2012 of 26 June 2012 amending Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 349/2012 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of tartaric acid originating in the People’s Republic of China (2) (‘the Regulation at issue’). The Regulation at issue led to an increase of the anti-dumping duties imposed on two exporting producers (Changmao Biochemical Engineering Co. Ltd, from 10,1 % to 13,1 %, and Ninghai Organic Chemical Factory, from 4,7 % to 8,3 %), following an interim review requested by several Union producers.

Specifically, the General Court determined that in the review investigation the Council calculated the normal value of tartaric acid based on costs of production in Argentina, whereas during the initial investigation, the Council calculated the normal value based on Argentinian domestic sales prices. The General Court concluded that this constituted a change in methodology within the meaning of Article 11(9) of Regulation 1225/2009 (3). The General Court annulled the Regulation at issue in its entirety but, following the request by the Union producers, maintained the higher anti-dumping duty imposed on one exporting producer (Ninghai Organic Chemical Factory). As regards Changmao, the General Court had already annulled the Regulation at issue insofar as that exporter was concerned in T-442/12 on the basis of other grounds (4).

On 3 December 2020, in case C-461/18 P Changmao Biochemical Engineering Co. Ltd v Distillerie Bonollo SpA and Others (5), the Court of Justice of the European Union (‘the ECJ’) ruled on the appeal lodged by Changmao Biochemical Engineering Co. Ltd (‘Changmao’) against the judgment of the General Court. The ECJ confirmed the findings of the General Court. As a result, the Regulation at issue was annulled with respect to both Changmao and Ninghai Organic Chemical Factory, but the higher anti-dumping duties remained in place as regards the latter, pending action by the Commission pursuant to Article 266 TFEU.

Consequences

Article 266 TFEU provides that the Institutions must take the necessary measures to comply with the Courts’ judgments.

According to the established case-law, in cases where proceedings consist of several administrative steps, as is the case with the anti-dumping proceedings, the annulment of one of those steps does not annul the complete proceeding (6). Instead, when taking the necessary measures in order to comply with a judgment annulling an act and to implement it, the procedure for replacing an annulled act may be resumed at the point at which the illegality occurred (7).

Accordingly, in complying with the judgments of the General Court and the ECJ (‘the Courts’), the European Commission (“the Commission”) has the possibility to remedy the aspects of the proceedings which led to the annulment, while leaving unchanged those parts which are not affected by the judgment (8).

The Regulation at issue was annulled because the Commission had not used the correct methodology for calculating the normal value of tartaric acid sold by the exporting producers concerned. Therefore, the normal value should be recalculated for both Changmao and Ninghai Organic Chemical Factory using the same methodology that was used in the initial proceedings, i.e. the calculation should be based on Argentinian domestic sales prices.

Findings reached in the Regulation at issue which were not contested, or which were contested but rejected by the judgments of the Courts or were not examined by the Courts, and therefore did not lead to the annulment of the Regulation at issue, remain valid.

Reopening procedure

On 7 September 2017, the Commission already reopened the anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of tartaric acid originating in the People’ Republic of China that led to the adoption of the Regulation at issue in order to implement the judgement of the General Court in case T-422/12 with regard to Changmao (9). However, the implementing obligations stemming from T-422/12 were superseded by the implementing obligations which came from C-461/18 P. Indeed, following C-461/18 P, the Commission should recalculate the normal value also for Changmao. Thus, the disclosure of the method used for calculating normal value for DL tartaric acid in the Regulation at issue would not be sufficient to comply with the findings in C-461/18 P, requiring to recalculate the normal value.

Therefore, through this Notice, the Commission extends the scope of the reopening to implement the findings in C-461/18 P with respect to both Changmao and Ninghai Organic Chemical Factory.

This reopening is limited in scope to the implementation of the judgments of the General Court and of the ECJ. The reopening does not affect other investigations. Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 349/2012 of 16 April 2012 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of tartaric acid originating in the People’s Republic of China following an expiry review pursuant to Article 11(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (10) is, therefore, still applicable in respect of Changmao. At the same time, the General Court maintained in force the effects of the Regulation at issue in respect of Ninghai Organic Chemical Factory.

Interested parties are informed of this reopening through the publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Written submissions

All interested parties, and in particular the exporting producers concerned and the Union industry, are invited to make their views known, submit information and provide supporting evidence on issues pertaining to the reopening of the investigation. Unless otherwise specified, this information and supporting evidence must reach the Commission within 20 days from the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Possibility to be heard by the Commission investigation services

The exporting producers concerned and the Union industry may request to be heard by the Commission investigation services. Any request to be heard should be made in writing and should specify the reasons for the request. For hearings on issues pertaining to the reopening of the investigation the request must be submitted within 15 days of the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union. Thereafter, a request to be heard must be submitted within the specific deadlines set by the Commission in its communication with these parties.

Instructions for making written submissions and sending correspondence

Information submitted to the Commission for the purpose of trade defence investigations shall be free from copyrights. Interested parties, before submitting to the Commission information and/or data which is subject to third party copyrights, must request specific permission to the copyright holder explicitly allowing (a) the Commission to use the information and data for the purpose of this trade defence proceeding; and (b) to provide the information and/or data to interested parties to this investigation in a form that allows them to exercise their rights of defence.

All written submissions, including the information requested in this Notice, completed questionnaires and correspondence provided by interested parties for which confidential treatment is requested shall be labelled ‘Sensitive’ (11). Parties submitting information in the course of this investigation are invited to reason their request for confidential treatment.

Interested parties providing ‘Sensitive’ information are required to furnish non-confidential summaries of it pursuant to Article 19(2) of the basic Regulation, which will be labelled ‘For inspection by interested parties’. These summaries must be sufficiently detailed to permit a reasonable understanding of the substance of the information submitted in confidence. If a party providing confidential information fails to show good cause for a confidential treatment request or does not furnish a non-confidential summary of it in the requested format and quality, the Commission may disregard such information unless it can be satisfactorily demonstrated from appropriate sources that the information is correct.

Interested parties are invited to make all submissions and requests via TRON.tdi (https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/tron/TDI) including scanned powers of attorney and certification sheets. By using TRON.tdi or email, interested parties express their agreement with the rules applicable to electronic submissions contained in the document ‘CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION IN TRADE DEFENCE CASES’ published on the website of the Directorate General for Trade:

http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2011/june/tradoc_148003.pdf

The interested parties must indicate their name, address, telephone and a valid email address and they should ensure that the provided email address is a functioning official business email which is checked on a daily basis. Once contact details are provided, the Commission will communicate with interested parties by TRON.tdi or email only, unless they explicitly request to receive all documents from the Commission by another means of communication or unless the nature of the document to be sent requires the use of a registered mail.

For further rules and information concerning correspondence with the Commission including principles that apply to submissions via TRON.tdi and by email, interested parties should consult the communication instructions with interested parties referred to above.

Commission address for correspondence:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Trade

Directorate G

Office: CHAR 04/039

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

TRON.tdi: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/tron/tdi

Email: TRADE-AD-R529A-TARTARIC-ACID@EC.EUROPA.EU

Internet: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/tdi/case_details.cfm?id=2280

Non-cooperation

In cases where any interested party refuses access to or does not provide the necessary information within the time limits, or significantly impedes the investigation, findings, affirmative or negative, may be made on the basis of facts available, in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation.

Where it is found that any interested party has supplied false or misleading information, the information may be disregarded and use may be made of facts available.

If an interested party does not cooperate or cooperates only partially and findings are therefore based on facts available in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation, the result may be less favourable to that party than if it had cooperated.

Failure to give a computerised response will not be deemed to constitute non-cooperation, provided that the interested party shows that presenting the response as requested would result in an unreasonable extra burden or unreasonable additional cost. The interested party should immediately contact the Commission.

Hearing Officer

Interested parties may request the intervention of the Hearing Officer for trade proceedings. The Hearing Officer reviews requests for access to the file, disputes regarding the confidentiality of documents, requests for extension of time limits and any other request concerning the rights of defence of interested parties and third parties as may arise during the proceeding.

The Hearing Officer may organise hearings and mediate between the interested party/-ies and Commissions services to ensure that the interested parties’ rights of defence are being fully exercised. A request for a hearing with the Hearing Officer should be made in writing and should specify the reasons for the request. The Hearing Officer will examine the reasons for the requests. These hearings should only take place if the issues have not been settled with the Commission services in due course.

Interested parties are invited to follow the timeframes set out in the Notice also as regards interventions, including hearings, by the Hearing Officer. Any request must be submitted in good time and expeditiously so as not to jeopardise the orderly conduct of proceedings. To that effect, interested parties should request the intervention of the Hearing Officer at the earliest possible time following the occurrence of the event justifying such intervention. The Hearing Officer will examine the reasons for late requests for interventions, the nature of the issues raised and the impact of those issues on the rights of defence, having due regard to the interests of good administration and the timely completion of the investigation.

For further information and contact details interested parties may consult the Hearing Officer’s web pages on DG Trade’s Internet:

http://ec.europa.eu/trade/trade-policy-and-you/contacts/hearing-officer/

Processing of personal data

Any personal data collected in this investigation will be treated in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council (12).

A data protection notice that informs all individuals of the processing of personal data in the framework of Commission’s trade defence activities is available on DG Trade’s Internet:

https://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/accessing-markets/trade-defence/

Disclosure

Interested parties registered during the investigation leading to the adoption of the Regulation at issue will be subsequently informed of the essential facts and considerations on the basis of which it is intended to implement the judgment and will be given an opportunity to comment.

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(1)  Judgment of the General Court of 3 May 2018, Distillerie Bonollo SpA and Others v Council of the European Union, case T-431/12, ECLI:EU:T:2018:251.

(2)  OJ L 182, 13.7.2012, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 51, replaced by Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Union (OJ L 176, 30.6.2016, p. 21: ‘the basic Regulation’).

(4)  Judgment of the General Court of 1 June 2017, Changmao Biochemical Engineering v Council, Case T-442/12, ECLI:EU:T:2017:372. In that case, the General Court found an infringement of the rights of the defence and of Article 20(2) of the basic regulation in so far as the institutions had not provided meaningful information on the method used for calculating normal value for DL tartaric acid.

(5)  Judgment of the Court of Justice of 3 December 2020, Changmao Biochemical Engineering Co. Ltd v Distillerie Bonollo SpA and Others, case C-461/18 P, ECLI:EU:C:2020:979.

(6)  Judgment of 15 October 1998, Industrie des poudres sphériques (IPS) v Council, Case T-2/95, ECLI:EU:T:1998:242.

(7)  Judgments of the Court of Justice of 3 October 2000, Industrie des poudres sphériques v Council, C-458/98 P, EU:C:2000:531, paragraphs 80 to 85, as well as of 28 January 2016, CM Eurologistik, C-283/14 and C-284/14, EU:C:2016:57, paragraphs 48 to 55.

(8)  Judgment of the Court of Justice of 14 June 2016, Commission v McBride, Case C-361/14 P, EU:C:2016:434, at paragraph 56; see also, in the area of dumping, judgment of the Court of Justice of 3 October 2000, Industrie des poudres sphériques v Council, Case C-458/98 P EU:C:2000:531, at paragraph 84.

(9)  Notice concerning the judgment of 1 June 2017 in case T-442/12 in relation to Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 626/2012 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) No 349/2012 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of tartaric acid originating in the People’s Republic of China (OJ C 296, 7.9.2017, p 16).

(10)  OJ L 110, 24.4.2012, p. 3.

(11)  A ‘Sensitive’ document is a document which is considered confidential pursuant to Article 19 of the basic Regulation and Article 6 of the WTO Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-Dumping Agreement). It is also a document protected pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43).

(12)  Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39).

Publication of an application for approval of an amendment, which is not minor, to a product specification pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2021/C 507/09)

This publication confers the right to oppose the amendment application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within three months from the date of this publication.

APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION OF PROTECTED DESIGNATIONS OF ORIGIN/PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS WHICH IS NOT MINOR

Application for approval of an amendment in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

‘Bra’

EU No: PDO-IT-0002-AM03 – 7 September 2020

PDO (X) PGI ( )

1.   Applicant group and legitimate interest

Consorzio Tutela Formaggio Bra DOP, Corso Dante 51, c/o Confindustria, 12100 Cuneo, tel. 0171 455455, Email: info@consorziobra.com

The Consorzio Tutela Formaggio Bra DOP, made up of ‘Bra’ cheese producers, is authorised to submit an amendment application under Article 13(1) of Decree No 12511 of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy of 14 October 2013.

2.   Member state or Third Country

Italy

3.   Heading in the product specification affected by the amendment(s)

☐	Name of product

☒	Product description

☐	Geographical area

☐	Proof of origin

☒	Method of production

☐

Link

☐

Labelling

☒	Other: Amended definition of ‘di Alpeggio’ [mountain pasture].

4.   Type of amendment

☒ Amendment to product specification of a registered PDO or PGI not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

☐ Amendment to product specification of registered PDO or PGI for which a Single Document (or equivalent) has not been published not to be qualified as minor in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012

5.   Amendment(s)

Product description

Amendments to Article 2 of the product specification and point 3.2 of the single document

Current version:

‘Description: “Bra” is a fat or semi-fat pressed cheese made from cow’s milk; semi-skimmed milk may be used for “Bra d’Alpeggio” and “Bra Duro”. Sheep’s/goat’s milk may be added up to a maximum of 20 %.

The finished product must have the following characteristics:

Shape: cylindrical with flat sides.

Dimensions: 30-40 cm in diameter, slightly convex heel of 6-10 cm, with variations in the minimum and maximum values for both characteristics depending on the technical means of production.

Weight: from 6 to 9 kg.

The measurements and weights refer to the cheese after the minimum ripening period.

Rind: inedible, light grey, elastic, smooth and regular for “Bra Tenero”;

inedible, hard, firm, ranging from golden brown to dark grey, possibly coated with edible oils to prevent mould growth for “Bra Duro”.

Texture of the body of the cheese: moderately firm and elastic with just a few small eyes for “Bra Tenero”; with just a few small eyes for “Bra Duro”.

Colour of the body of the cheese: white or ivory for “Bra Tenero”; light straw-coloured to ochre for “Bra Duro”.

Taste: pleasantly aromatic, moderately full-flavoured for “Bra Tenero”, full of flavour for “Bra Duro”.

Fat content in the dry matter: minimum 32 %.’

This has been replaced by:

‘Description: “Bra” is a fat or semi-fat pressed cheese made from cow’s milk; semi-skimmed milk may be used for “Bra d’Alpeggio” and “Bra Duro”. Sheep’s/goat’s milk may be added up to a maximum of 20 %.

The finished product must have the following characteristics:

Shape: cylindrical with flat sides.

Dimensions: 30-40 cm in diameter, slightly convex heel of 6-10 cm, with variations in the minimum and maximum values for both characteristics depending on the technical means of production.

Weight: from 6 to 9 kg.

The measurements and weights refer to the cheese after the minimum ripening period.

Rind: inedible, light grey, elastic, smooth and regular for “Bra Tenero”;

Rind: firm, hard, of a dark beige colour, possibly treated with edible oils to prevent mould growth for “Bra Duro”;

Texture of the body of the cheese: moderately firm and elastic with just a few small eyes for “Bra Tenero”; with just a few small eyes for “Bra Duro”.

Colour of the body of the cheese: white or ivory for “Bra Tenero”; light straw-coloured to ochre for “Bra Duro”; in both types fine natural veins sometimes appear just below the rind.

Taste: pleasantly aromatic, moderately full-flavoured for “Bra Tenero”, full of flavour for “Bra Duro”.

Fat content in the dry matter: minimum 32 %.’

—	There is a slight change in the description of the colour of the rind for the ‘Bra Duro’ type as the way the description was worded previously has led to some interpretation issues during checks.

—	The rind of ‘Bra Duro’ was described as inedible due to an error; this only applies to the rind of ‘Bra Tenero’. To correct this, the word ‘inedible’ has been deleted at the end of the description of the rind of ‘Bra Duro’.

—

In the description of the colour of cheese, the following has been added with respect to both ‘Bra Tenero’ and ‘Bra Duro’: ‘in both types fine natural veins sometimes appear just below the rind’. This characteristic, although it appears only occasionally, is a typical feature much appreciated by consumers as it is considered to make the cheese more noble, yet the inspection body has often recorded it as an indication of failure to comply with the product specification. It has therefore been decided to explicitly include this characteristic in the description of the cheese.

Method of production

Amendment to Article 5 of the product specification point 3.3 of the single document regarding the type of rennet to be used

Current version:

‘Curdling takes place at a temperature of between 27 °C and 38 °C using liquid calf rennet.’

This has been replaced by:

‘Curdling takes place at a temperature of between 27 °C and 38 °C.

If animal rennet is used it must contain at least 80 % chymosin.

Non-animal coagulant may be used.’

Over the years the producers have established that using rennet with at least 80 % chymosin produces a higher-quality cheese, which also keeps well, than if rennet with less chymosin is used. Moreover, the option of using non-animal rennet has been included to be able to respond to increasing consumer demand for this type of product.

Amendment to Article 5 of the product specification regarding the size of the curd particles

—	The amendment concerns the size of the curd particles after the second cutting when producing ‘Bra Duro’.

Current version:

‘After the second cutting the curd particles are of maize-kernel size for “Bra Tenero” and of rice-grain size for “Bra Duro”.’

This has been replaced by:

‘After the second cutting, the curd particles are, on average, of maize-kernel size for “Bra Tenero” and of paddy-rice-grain size for “Bra Duro”.’

This amendment was necessary in order to overcome some disputes in the control phase. Over the years, the inspectors in charge of the control have found that the size of the caseous granules obtained in the second break of the curd relative to the ‘Bra Duro’ is more appropriate to speak of grain of paddy rice.

Amendment to Article 5 of the product specification regarding the ripening of ‘Bra Duro’

—	The amendment allows producers to use the word ‘Stravecchio’ [extra mature] for ‘Bra Duro’ ripened for more than a year.

The following text has been added:

‘“Bra Duro” ripened for more than a year may bear the indication “Bra Duro DOP Stravecchio” on a band affixed to the paper label.’

This will allow a more accurate labelling of ‘Bra Duro’ ripened for more than a year, making it easily recognisable to consumers.

Amendment to Article 5 of the product specification regarding the ripening temperature for ‘Bra Duro’

—	The amendment increases the temperature at which ‘Bra Duro’ is ripened.

Current version:

‘The cheese is ripened in a suitable environment, at a maximum temperature of 15 °C and a maximum humidity of 95 %.’

This has been replaced by:

‘The cheese is ripened in a suitable environment, at a maximum temperature of 15 °C for “Bra Tenero” and 18 °C for “Bra Duro”, and at a maximum humidity of 95 % for both types.’

Thanks to improvements in milk hygiene in recent years, ‘Bra Duro’ can be ripened at 18 °C. This allows better deacidification, giving the cheese a milder taste even when it is ripened for more than 12 months.

Other

Amendment to Article 3 of the product specification and point 4 of the single document

—	The amendment does not affect the production area but aligns the definition of alpeggio (mountain pasture) with regulations of the Piedmont Region.

Current version:

‘The milk production and cheesemaking and ripening area consists of the entire Province of Cuneo and the municipality of Villafranca Piemonte in the Province of Turin.

“Bra Tenero” and “Bra Duro” may bear the indication “di Alpeggio” if produced and ripened in the mountain municipalities of Brondello, Castellar, Crissolo, Gambasca, Martiniana Po, Oncino, Ostana, Paesana, Pagno, Rifreddo, Sanfront, Bellino, Brossasco, Casteldelfino, Frassino, Isasca, Melle, Piasco, Pontechianale, Rossana, Sampeyre, Valmala, Venasca, Acceglio, Canosio, Cartignano, Celle Macra, Dronero, Elva, Macra, Marmora, Prazzo, Roccabruna, S. Damiano Macra, Stroppo, Villar S. Costanzo, Bernezzo, Castelmagno, Cervasca, Montemale, Monterosso Grana, Pradleves, Valgrana, Cignolo, Aisone, Argentera, Demonte, Gaiola, Moiola, Pietraporzio, Rittana, Roccasparvera, Sambuco, Valloriate, Vinadio, Chiusa Pesio, Entracque, Limone Piemonte, Roaschia, Robilante, Roccavione, Valdieri, Vernante, Briaglia, Frabosa Soprana, Frabosa Sottana, Monasterolo Casotto, Monastero di Vasco, Montaldo Mondovì, Pamparato, Roburent, Roccaforte Mondovì, S. Michele Mondovì, Torre Mondovì, Vicoforte Alto, Bagnasco, Battifollo, Briga Alta, Caprauna, Castelnuovo Ceva, Garessio, Lisio, Mombasiglio, Montezemolo, Nucetto, Ormea, Perlo, Priero, Priola, Sale S. Giovanni, Scagnello and Viola, and in parts of the following municipalities – classified as mountain municipalities by Law No 991 of 25 July 1952, as amended: Barge, Bagnolo Piemonte, Envie, Revello, Costigliole Saluzzo, Verzuolo, Busca, Caraglio, Borgo S. Dalmazzo, Boves, Peveragno, Villanova Mondovì, Ceva, Lesegno, Pianfei and Magliano Alpi, for the part bordering on the municipality of Ormea.’

This has been replaced by:

‘The milk production and cheesemaking and ripening area consists of the entire Province of Cuneo and the municipality of Villafranca Piemonte in the Province of Turin. “Bra Tenero d’Alpeggio” and “Bra Duro d’Alpeggio” are cheeses produced by processing milk from cows grazing on mountain pasture during the migration period from 1 June to 15 October. To supplement grazing, the cows may be fed food supplements accounting for up to 10 % of the dry matter in their daily feed. In the case of stable mountain farms, “Bra Tenero d’Alpeggio” and “Bra Duro d’Alpeggio” are cheeses produced by processing milk from animals grazing on pasture at altitudes above 900 metres, in accordance with the above dates and feed requirements.’

The amendment is justified by the need to bring ‘Bra Tenero d’Alpeggio’ and ‘Bra Duro d’Alpeggio’ into line with the Piedmont Region’s legislation on this type of product, as uniform rules on the use of the words ‘d’Alpeggio’ have been adopted for the whole region.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Bra’

EU No: PDO-IT-0002-AM03 – 7 September 2020

PDO (X) PGI ( )

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

‘Bra’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Italy

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product [listed in Annex XI]

Class 1.3 – Cheeses

3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies

Description: ‘Bra’ is a fat or semi-fat pressed cheese made from cow’s milk; semi-skimmed milk may be used for ‘Bra d’Alpeggio’ and ‘Bra Duro’. Sheep’s/goat’s milk may be added up to a maximum of 20 %.

The finished product must have the following characteristics:

Shape: cylindrical with flat sides.

Dimensions: 30-40 cm in diameter, slightly convex heel of 6-10 cm, with variations in the minimum and maximum values for both characteristics depending on the technical means of production.

Weight: from 6 to 9 kg.

The measurements and weights refer to the cheese after the minimum ripening period.

Rind: inedible, light grey, elastic, smooth and regular for ‘Bra Tenero’;

Rind: firm, hard, of a dark beige colour, possibly treated with edible oils to prevent mould growth for ‘Bra Duro’.

Texture of the body of the cheese: moderately firm and elastic with just a few small eyes for ‘Bra Tenero’; with just a few small eyes for ‘Bra Duro’.

Colour of the body of the cheese: white or ivory for ‘Bra Tenero’; light straw-coloured to ochre for ‘Bra Duro’; in both types fine natural veins sometimes appear just below the rind.

Taste: pleasantly aromatic, moderately full-flavoured for ‘Bra Tenero’, full of flavour for ‘Bra Duro’.

Fat content in the dry matter: minimum 32 %.

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

Most of the dairy animals’ (cows, possibly sheep or goats) basic diet must be green and/or preserved fodder, or hay fodder supplemented with appropriate feedingstuffs. More than 50 % (by weight) of this fodder must come from the production areas.

Cow’s milk, possibly with the addition of small amounts (maximum 20 %) of sheep’s and/or goat’s milk, possibly semi-skimmed for ‘Bra Duro’. The milk used may be semi-skimmed for both ‘Bra Tenero di Alpeggio’ and ‘Bra Duro di Alpeggio’.

Curdling takes place at a temperature of between 27 °C and 38 °C. If animal rennet is used it must contain at least 80 % chymosin. Non-animal coagulant may be used.

‘Bra Tenero d’Alpeggio’ and ‘Bra Duro d’Alpeggio’ are cheeses produced by processing milk from cows grazing on mountain pasture during the migration period from 1 June to 15 October. To supplement grazing, the cows may be fed food supplements accounting for up to 10 % of the dry matter in their daily feed. In the case of stable mountain farms, ‘Bra Tenero d’Alpeggio’ and ‘Bra Duro d’Alpeggio’ are cheeses produced by processing milk from animals grazing on pasture at altitudes above 900 metres, in accordance with the above dates and feed requirements.

3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area

The animals whose milk is used to produce ‘Bra’ cheese must be reared within the defined geographical area.

The milk must be produced and the cheese processed and ripened within the defined geographical area.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

—

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

After the cheese is moulded, special bands are used to stamp it with the origin markings, featuring the stylised letter B, the type (‘Duro’ or ‘Tenero’) and the producer’s code consisting of the abbreviation of the province and a two-digit number.

The conformity mark appears on a round paper label, 20-28 cm in diameter, on a straw-yellow halftone background for normal production and on a green halftone background for ‘Bra d’Alpeggio’, and on the markings stamped on the heel.

The conformity mark consists of a paper label bearing the words ‘Bra Tenero’ or ‘Bra Duro’, ‘Bra Tenero d’Alpeggio’ or ‘Bra Duro d’Alpeggio’, as well as the characteristic logo of a little man with moustache and hat carrying a cheese from which a piece has already been cut out.

The logo for ‘Bra’ PDO cheese is red for ‘Bra’, ‘Bra Tenero’ and ‘Bra Tenero d’Alpeggio’, and brown for ‘Bra Duro’ and ‘Bra Duro d’Alpeggio’. The EU logo must appear alongside this logo.

The product may be marketed with the ‘Bra’ Protected Designation of Origin only after such marking and labelling.

Edible glue may be used to affix the paper label. The same logo must appear on cheese sold in portions.

The possible variants of the logo are therefore as follows:

As well as whole, the cheese may be sold in portions, whether cut for sale or pre-packed. ‘Bra Duro’ may also be sold in pre-packed grated form. In these cases the logos may be reproduced in black and white. Cutting, pre-packing and grating may take place outside the geographical production area.

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The milk production and cheesemaking and ripening area consists of the entire Province of Cuneo and the municipality of Villafranca Piemonte in the Province of Turin.

5.   Link with the geographical area

The geographical area of production, between the Maritime and Cottian Alps which surround the Province of Cuneo from south to west, contained to the east by the high hills of the Langhe and Roero, is characterised by good fodder production, by the large quantities of milk available and by climatic conditions that are particularly suitable for the feeding and raising of dairy cattle breeds. The animals bred and the fodder crops grown there are in excellent health as there is hardly any fog in winter or mugginess in summer. Cuneo Province is also characterised by colder and drier winters and relatively cool summers compared to the more easterly parts of the Po Valley. Thanks to these environmental factors, ideal conditions for producing ‘Bra’ cheese developed in the production area.

Breezes from the mountains located in the area, which blow in different directions in the morning and at night, result in low humidity, the best conditions for ripening cheeses.

The area, on the slopes of the Alps and the hills, is a fertile plateau crossed by the rivers Po and Tanaro and by many tributaries converging in a fan shape.

‘Bra’ is a pressed cheese that, in both its soft (‘Tenero’) and hard (‘Duro’) versions, is an important part of the diet and traditions of those who produce and consume it. Despite its alpine origins, for over a century the cheese has also known in the plains for its high nutritional and cultural value, thanks to the cheese-making know-how of the mountain farmers who would come down into the valleys at the end of summer. The processing, moulding and pressing of the cheese are particularly important steps in its production.

The cheese is recognisable by its rind, light-coloured and elastic for ‘Bra Tenero’ and browner, firm and in some cases oiled for ‘Bra Duro’. When sliced, the cheese gives off a special aroma. ‘Bra Tenero’ has a delicate and inviting aroma and a remarkably mild flavour, while ‘Bra Duro’ has a fuller, stronger aroma with sweet and salty notes. It is used in salads and baked dishes which bring out these special qualities. Grated ‘Bra Duro’ can be used in many ways in the kitchen.

The cheese owes its particular characteristics to the interplay between soil and climate conditions and certain aspects of its production. Over the centuries, a selection of exceptional local microflora has been established, which brings out the cheese’s specific characteristics during ripening, making ‘Bra’ unique and recognisable among pressed cheeses.

‘Bra’ cheese is a key part of the history and culture of Cuneo Province. The town of Bra, as the main historical market for the product, has given its name to the cheese. It is a cheese that has kept its characteristic aroma and flavour over time. These product characteristics can be attributed to the geographical production area where they were developed and passed down. Moreover, the soft and hard versions of the cheese are the result of the cheesemakers’ ability to bring out distinctive flavours depending on the different techniques and ripening times used, albeit based on a similar method. The body of the cheese is compact but never dry, meaning it can also be grated.

Reference to publication of the product specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)

The full text of the product specification can be consulted at http://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/3335

or alternatively:

by going directly to the home page of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policy (www.politicheagricole.it) and clicking on ‘Qualità’ (at the top right of the screen), then on ‘Prodotti DOP IGP STG’ (on the left-hand side of the screen) and finally on ‘Disciplinari di Produzione all’esame dell’UE’.

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.