1.Notwithstanding the provisions in point IV of Annex XIa to Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007, immediately after slaughter, the category identification letter referred to in point II of Annex XIa to that Regulation shall be indicated on the outside surface of the carcass by using labels or stamps.
The labels shall be of a size not less than 50 cm2. The category identification letter shall be perfectly legible on the label and alterations shall only be permitted as provided for in the second subparagraph of Article 8(3) of this Regulation.
In case stamps are used, the letter shall be not less than two centimetres in height. The letter shall be stamped directly on the surface of the meat using an indelible ink.
The labels or stamps shall be applied on the hindquarters on the striploin at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra and on the forequarters, on the brisket between 10 and 30 centimetres from the cut edge of the sternum.
However, Member States may determine other positions on each quarter provided they inform the Commission beforehand. The Commission shall transmit this information to the other Member States.
2.The indications of the age of the bovine animal on slaughter and the sales description referred to in point IV of Annex XIa to Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 shall be:
(a)perfectly legible at each stage of production and marketing;
(b)presented in the same visual field and on the same label at the moment of the release of the meat to the final consumer.
3.Member States shall notify to the Commission the rules referred to in point IV of Annex XIa to Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 by 1 July 2009 at the latest and shall notify it without delay of any subsequent amendments of these rules.