CHAPTER IIPROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS

SECTION IIRecognition

Article 16Recognition of inter-branch organisations

1

Member States may recognise as inter-branch organisations the groups of operators established on their territory which apply for such recognition, provided that they:

a

comply with the principles set out in Article 17 and with the rules adopted for their application;

b

represent a significant share of production activity and of either processing or marketing activities or of both, concerning fishery and aquaculture products or products processed from fishery and aquaculture products;

c

are not themselves engaged in the production, processing or marketing of fishery and aquaculture products or products processed from fishery and aquaculture products;

d

have legal personality under the national law of a Member State, are established there and have their official headquarters in its territory;

e

are capable of pursuing the objectives laid down in Article 12;

f

take into account the interest of consumers;

g

do not hinder the sound operation of the CMO; and

h

comply with the competition rules referred to in Chapter V.

2

Organisations established before 29 December 2013 may be recognised as inter-branch organisations for the purposes of this Regulation provided that the Member State concerned is satisfied that they comply with the provisions of this Regulation regarding inter-branch organisations.

3

Inter-branch organisations recognised before 29 décembre 2013 shall be considered to be inter-branch organisations for the purposes of this Regulation and to be bound by its provisions.