The Free-Range Poultrymeat Marketing Standards (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2025

Made22 October 2025

Coming into force21 November 2025

The Welsh Ministers make the following Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 34(1) and 50(3) of the Agriculture (Wales) Act 20231.

There has been open and transparent consultation as required by Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety 2.

In accordance with section 50(6) and (7)(n) of the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023, a draft of this instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, Senedd Cymru.

Title, application and coming into force1.

(1)

The title of these Regulations is the Free-Range Poultrymeat Marketing Standards (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2025.

(2)

These Regulations apply in relation to Wales.

(3)

These Regulations come into force on 21 November 2025.

Amendment to Commission Regulation (EC) No 543/20082.

(1)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 543/2008 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 as regards the marketing standards for poultrymeat3 is amended as follows.

(2)

In Annex 5, in the second sub-paragraph, for “with a special reference to the method of rearing for the duration of the restriction but under no circumstances for more than 12 weeks” substitute “as free-range despite any such restrictions”.

Huw Irranca-Davies

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, one of the Welsh Ministers

22 October 2025

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend, in relation to Wales, Commission Regulation (EC) No 543/2008 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 as regards the marketing standards for poultrymeat (EUR 2008/543).

Regulation 2 amends Annex 5 to Commission Regulation (EC) 543/2008 to remove the current maximum time period that poultry reared in accordance with free range production methods can have its access to open-air runs restricted (by measures put in place to protect public and animal health) whilst its meat may continue to be marketed, in Wales, as free-range.

The Welsh Ministers’ Code of Practice on the carrying out of Regulatory Impact Assessments was considered in relation to these Regulations. As a result, a regulatory impact assessment has been prepared as to the likely costs and benefits of complying with these Regulations. A copy can be obtained from Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ and is published on www.gov.wales.