These Regulations lay down, in relation to holdings in respect of which the Scottish Ministers are the competent authority for IACS purposes, implementing measures for the extensification payment scheme introduced by Article 13 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1254/1999 on the common organisation of the market in beef and veal (O.J. No. L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 21) for beef producers who comply with certain stocking density requirements.

The rules relating to administration provide for the two Community methods of checking stocking density (regulations 4 and 5), require producers to supply information in support of their claims (regulation 6), define “pasture land” for the purposes of the scheme (regulation 7), provide for withholding or recovery of extensification payments where there is a breach of the rules of the scheme (regulation 8) and provide for the relevant rate of interest on payments due (regulation 9).

The enforcement provisions confer powers of entry and inspection on and permit collection of evidence by authorised persons (regulations 10 to 13). These include the powers required under Articles 15 to 29 of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2419/2001 laying down detailed rules for applying the integrated administration and control system for certain Community aid schemes (O.J. No. L327, 12.12.01, p. 11). Regulations 14 to 16 deal with offences and penalties.

No Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared in respect of these Regulations.