The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010

Statutory Rules of Northern Ireland

2010 No. 198

Horticulture

The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010

Made

3rd June 2010

Coming into operation

25th June 2010

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is designated(1) for the purposes of section 2(2) of the European Communities Act (1972)(2) in relation to the common agricultural policy of the European Community.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development makes the following Regulations under the powers conferred by section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972.

These Regulations make provision for a purpose mentioned in section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972, and it appears to the Department that it is expedient for references to provisions of Community instruments to be construed as a reference to those provisions as amended from time to time.

There has been open and transparent public consultation during the preparation of these Regulations as required by Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002(3) 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.

Title and commencement N.I.

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and shall come into operation on 25th June 2010.

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 1 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Interpretation N.I.

2.—(1) In these Regulations—

“authorised officer” means an officer appointed by the Department in accordance with Regulation 3(3);

[F1 “Commission Implementing Regulation 543/2011” means Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors(5), as amended from time to time;]

[F2 “Community marketing rules” means the general marketing standard and the specific marketing standards covering fresh fruit and vegetables listed in Part IX of Annex I to Council Regulation 1234/2007, and includes the rules relating to those standards contained in Articles 113 and 113a of that Council Regulation and in Title II of Commission Implementing Regulation 543/2011;]

“container” includes any basket, pail, tray, package or receptacle of any kind, whether open or closed;

“controlled” in relation to horticultural produce, means that the power conferred by regulation 10 (1) has been exercised in relation to it and that no consent to its movement has been given under regulation 13(1) when the circumstances in paragraph 13(2) and (3) apply;

“Council Regulation 1234/2007” means Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation)(4) as amended from time to time;

“the Department” means the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development(5)

[F3 “general marketing standard” means the requirements of Article 113a(1) of Council Regulation 1234/2007 as detailed in Article 3(1) of, and Part A of Annex I to, Commission Implementing Regulation 543/2011]

“horticultural produce” means fruit and vegetables listed in Part IX of Annex I to Council Regulation 1234/2007 to which Community marketing rules apply;

“label” includes any device for conveying information by written characters or other symbols, and any characters or symbols stamped or otherwise placed directly on to any horticultural produce or container, and references to the affixing of a label are construed accordingly;

“Lay magistrate” means a lay magistrate appointed under section 9 of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002(6);

“non compliance label” means a label indicating that a produce is not compliant with Community marketing rules;

“premises” includes any place, vehicle or trailer, stall, vessel, container, moveable structure, aircraft, or hovercraft;

[F4 “specific marketing standards” means the marketing standards provided for under Article 113(1)(b) of Council Regulation 1234/2007 as detailed in Article 3(2) of, and Part B of Annex I to, Commission Implementing Regulation 543/2011;]

“stop notice label” has the meaning given in regulation 12.

(2) Unless otherwise provided in this regulation, terms used in these Regulations have the same meaning as they have in Council Regulation 1234/2007 and [F5 Commission Implementing Regulation 543/2011] .

(3) A reference in these Regulations to anything done “in writing” or produced “in written form” includes a reference to an electronic communication as defined in the Electronic Communications Act (Northern Ireland) 2001(7).

(4) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954(8), except section 20(2) and (3), shall apply to these Regulations as it applies to an Act of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in reg. 2(1) substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 3(a)(i)

F2 Words in reg. 2(1) substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 3(a)(ii)

F3 Words in reg. 2(1) substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 3(a)(iii)

F4 Words in reg. 2(1) substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 3(a)(iv)

F5 Words in reg. 2(2) substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 3(b)

Commencement Information

I2 Reg. 2 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Designations, provisions of information and appointment of authorised officers N.I.

3.—(1) The Department is designated as the inspection body responsible for the purposes of [F6 Article 9(1)(b) of Commission Implementing Regulation 543/2011] .

(2) For the purposes of fulfilling the obligations on inspection bodies contained in the Community marketing rules and for the enforcement of these Regulations, the Department may as appropriate or where required to do so provide information to the Secretary of State, the Scottish and Welsh inspection bodies or the European Commission.

(3) The Department may appoint officers for the purposes of the enforcement of these Regulations, in these Regulations referred to as authorised officers.

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in reg. 3(1) substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 4

Commencement Information

I3 Reg. 3 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Authorised officer: powers of entry N.I.

4.—(1) An authorised officer may enter any premises at any reasonable hour for the purposes of the enforcement of these Regulations.

(2) An authorised officer must, if requested to do so, produce a duly authenticated authorisation document.

(3) An authorised officer may be accompanied by any other persons and any equipment as the authorised officer considers necessary.

(4) If a lay magistrate on sworn information in writing, is satisfied there are reasonable grounds for entry into any premises for the purpose of enforcing these Regulations, and either—

(a) admission to an authorised officer has been refused, or a refusal is expected, and (in either case) that notice of the intention to apply for a warrant has been given to the occupier; or

(b) that an application for admission to the premises, or the giving of such a notice, would defeat the object of the entry; or

(c) that the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is temporarily absent; or

(d) that the case is one of urgency,

the lay magistrate may by signed warrant authorise the authorised officer to enter the premises, if need be by reasonable force.

(5) A warrant granted under paragraph (4) is valid for a period of three months.

(6) An authorised officer who enters, by virtue of this regulation, any premises which are unoccupied or the occupier of which is temporarily absent, must leave them as effectively secured against unauthorised entry as they were before entry.

(7) It is an offence for a person who has obtained confidential information in the course of acting for the purposes of the enforcement of these Regulations to disclose that information, whether it was obtained on premises entered under or by virtue of these Regulations or otherwise, unless the disclosure is made in the performance of that person’s duty or in accordance with section 17(2) of the Anti‑terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001(9).

Commencement Information

I4 Reg. 4 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Authorised officer: other powers N.I.

5.—(1) An authorised officer who has lawfully entered premises for the purpose of the enforcement of these Regulations, may for that purpose—

(a) require any person to provide such assistance, information or facilities as the authorised officer may reasonably require;

(b) make any enquiries, observe any activity or process, and take photographs;

(c) inspect and search the premises;

(d) inspect any machinery or equipment and any other article on the premises;

(e) inspect and take samples of any horticultural produce found on the premises;

(f) identify, with demarcation tape or other material, horticultural produce or a specified lot of horticultural produce which is found not to be compliant with Community marketing rules;

(g) inspect, seize and detain any container used in connection with horticultural produce;

(h) have access to, inspect and copy any label, notice, document or record (in whatever form they are held) and remove them to enable them to be copied or require copies to be made;

(i) detach, or give permission to be detached, any produce not compliant with community marketing rules label, or stop notice label when the reasons for their being affixed no longer apply;

(j) have access to, inspect and check the data on, and operation of, any computer and any associated apparatus or material that is or has been in use in connection with a label, notice, document or record mentioned in this Regulation, including data relating to deleted files and activity logs; and for this purpose may require any person having charge of, or otherwise concerned with the operation of the computer, apparatus or material to afford such assistance (including the provision of passwords) as may reasonably be required and, where these items are kept by means of a computer, may require them to be produced in a visible and legible form in which they may be taken away;

(k) seize any computers and associated equipment for the purpose of copying any data, but only if that authorised officer has a reasonable suspicion that an offence under these Regulations has been committed, and provided they are returned as soon as practicable; and

(l) seize and detain any items in sub‑paragraph (h) if the authorised officer has reason to believe they may be required as evidence in proceedings under these Regulations.

(2) An authorised officer must—

(a) as soon as is reasonably practicable, provide to the person appearing to be responsible for any items that that authorised officer seizes and detains under paragraph (1) a written receipt identifying those items; and

(b) as soon as is reasonably practicable after deciding that those items are no longer required, return them, apart from those to be used as evidence in proceedings under these Regulations.

Commencement Information

I5 Reg. 5 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Authorised officer: power to affix a non compliance label N.I.

6.—(1) Where an authorised officer, who has lawfully entered premises for the purpose of the enforcement of these Regulations, finds horticultural produce subject to a specific marketing standard which has affixed to it a label or is accompanied by a notice or a document required by Community marketing rules, or is in a container to which such a label is affixed or which is accompanied by such a notice or document—

(a) indicating in either case that that horticultural produce is of a particular class under the relevant specific marketing standard; but

(b) which the authorised officer has reasonable cause to believe to be of an inferior class under that specific marketing standard,

the authorised officer may amend or cancel the label, notice or document and may affix to the horticultural produce, or, as the case may be, to the notice or container, a non compliance label.

(2) For the purposes of regulations 6, 7 and 8, a non compliance label shall be—

(a) in the form set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1; and

(b) completed in accordance with Part 2 of that Schedule.

Commencement Information

I6 Reg. 6 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

7.—(1) Where an authorised officer, who has lawfully entered premises for the purpose of the enforcement of these Regulations, finds any horticultural produce which either has affixed to it a label or is accompanied by a notice or a document required by Community marketing rules, or is in a container to which such a label is affixed or which is accompanied by such a notice or document, indicating in either case that one of the situations in paragraphs (2) to (4) applies, an authorised officer may amend or cancel the label, notice or document and may affix to the horticultural produce, or, as the case may be, to the notice or container, a non compliance label.

(2) Situation 1 is where the label, notice or document indicates—

(a) that horticultural produce is of a class marketable under the specific marketing standard applicable to it; but

(b) which the authorised officer has reasonable cause to believe does not comply with any class of that specific marketing standard but only complies with the general marketing standard.

(3) Situation 2 is where the label, notice or document indicates—

(a) that horticultural produce is of a class marketable under the specific marketing standard applicable to it; but

(b) which the authorised officer has reasonable cause to believe is not of a standard marketable under Community marketing rules.

(4) Situation 3 is where the label, notice or document indicates—

(a) that horticultural produce complies with the general marketing standard; but

(b) which the authorised officer has reasonable cause to believe is not of a standard marketable under Community marketing rules.

Commencement Information

I7 Reg. 7 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

8.—(1) Where an authorised officer, who has lawfully entered premises for the purpose of the enforcement of these Regulations, finds any horticultural produce, or container holding horticultural produce, which—

(a) does not have a label required by the Community marketing rules affixed to it;

(b) is not accompanied by a notice or document required by the Community marketing rules;

(c) has a label required by the Community marketing rules affixed to it, or to its container, but the label appears to the authorised officer to be incorrect (other than in relation to a particular class under the specific marketing standard applying to that horticultural produce, if applicable), or to have been altered or defaced; or

(d) is accompanied by a notice or document required by the Community marketing rules but which appears to the authorised officer to be incorrect (other than in relation to a particular class under the specific marketing standard applying to that horticultural produce, if applicable), or to have been altered or defaced with the result that it is incorrect,

the authorised officer may, as appropriate, amend or cancel the label, notice or document and may affix to the horticultural produce, or, as the case may be, to the container, a non compliance label.

Commencement Information

I8 Reg. 8 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Authorised officer: Requirement to serve a notice in terms of regulations 6, 7 and 8 N.I.

9.—(1) If an authorised officer deems it appropriate to affix a non compliance label to horticultural produce or to its container in terms of regulation 6, 7 or 8, the officer must, at the same time serve a written notice on the owner of the horticultural produce or an agent or employee of the owner, advising of the reasons for non compliance and clearly indicating:–

(a) in the case where regulation 6 applies, which of the circumstances contained in regulation 6(1)(a) or (b) is applicable;

(b) in the case where regulation 7 applies, which of the circumstances contained in regulation 7(2) to (4) is applicable; or

(c) in the case where regulation 8 applies, which of the circumstances contained in regulation 8(1)(a) to (d) is applicable.

(2) Any notice issued by an authorised officer in terms of this regulation shall, in addition to the information required in terms of regulation 9(1)(a), (b) or (c) (as applicable), also contain the following information:–

(a) the Notice shall be named “Notice of Non compliance with Community marketing rules”;

(b) reference to the Marketing of Fresh Horticultural Produce Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010;

(c) a reference number to correspond with the compliance check, this reference number to be entered on the non compliance label affixed to the produce;

(d) the name and address of the trader or importer or exporter responsible for the horticultural produce;

(e) reasons for the non compliance with the Community marketing rules;

(f) a warning that it is an offence in terms of these Regulations to display or offer for sale, deliver or market in any other manner horticultural produce in contravention of or in non compliance with the Community marketing rules;

(g) the product (with the variety or type claimed, if applicable);

(h) origin of produce claimed;

(i) class of produce claimed or attained, if applicable;

(j) quantity of the consignment;

(k) signature of the authorised officer;

(l) date, time and place of the compliance check; and

(m) an official stamp bearing the number identifying the authorised officer.

Commencement Information

I9 Reg. 9 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Authorised officer: powers to control the movement of horticultural produce N.I.

10.—(1) An authorised officer may, by written notice pursuant to paragraph (2), prohibit the movement of any horticultural produce if the authorised officer reasonably suspects that an offence under these Regulations is being committed in respect of that horticultural produce.

(2) The written notice referred to in paragraph (1) must be served on the person appearing to the authorised officer to be in charge of the horticultural produce concerned and must—

(a) specify the date, place and time of service of the notice;

(b) identify the recipient of the notice;

(c) specify the horticultural produce in relation to which the power has been exercised;

(d) state the reason for its detention;

(e) confirm that options for bringing the horticultural produce into conformity with the Community marketing rules within a specified time or for the appropriate disposal of that horticultural produce within a specified time in such a manner that no offence under these Regulations will be committed in respect of it have been discussed between the authorised officer and the person appearing to be in charge of the horticultural produce;

(f) state the location of that horticultural produce;

(g) state that the horticultural produce may not be moved from that location without the written consent of an authorised officer; and

(h) contain the authorised officer’s official stamp and number.

[F7 (3) Any notice served under paragraph (1) shall state—

(a) the right of review under regulation 11; and

(b) how it may be exercised.]

Textual Amendments

F7 Reg. 10(3) substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 5

Commencement Information

I10 Reg. 10 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Review N.I.

11.—(1) The request for review may be brought by the person on whom the stop notice is served, or the owner of the horticultural produce or an agent or employee acting on behalf of the owner.

(2) The request for review must be made in the manner provided for in paragraph (6) as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event within the time limit specified in paragraph (3) or (5) as is applicable.

(3) The time limit for a person on whom the stop notice was served is 48 hours from service of the stop notice.

(4) Where the person on whom the notice is served is not the owner, or an agent or employee acting on behalf of the owner, the authorised officer must use best endeavours to identify such a person and bring the contents of the stop notice to that person’s attention within 48 hours from service of the notice.

(5) The time limit for a person referred to in paragraph (4) is within 48 hours of the contents of the stop notice coming to that person’s attention or within 96 hours from the time of service of the notice whichever is the sooner.

(6) A request for a review must be exercised by informing an authorised officer either in person, or by telephone to be confirmed in writing as soon as reasonably practicable, or by email or fax at the contact details indicated in the stop notice.

(7) The Department must maintain arrangements for the conduct of a review by an authorised officer unconnected with the original decision to determine whether there were valid grounds for serving the stop notice.

(8) The authorised officer conducting the review may cancel the notice or confirm it, with or without modification.

(9) The authorised officer must complete the review as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within 48 hours of the request, and notify the person who requested it, and, if different, the person on whom the notice was served and any other person in possession of the horticultural produce, of the outcome, as soon as reasonably practicable.

Commencement Information

I11 Reg. 11 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Authorised officer: power to affix a stop notice label N.I.

12.—(1) An authorised officer may affix to any controlled horticultural produce, or to any container in which the controlled horticultural produce is packed, a label warning of the exercise of the power in regulation 10(1) (a “stop notice label”).

(2) A stop notice label must be—

(a) in the form set out in Part 3 of Schedule 1 to these Regulations; and

(b) completed in accordance with Part 4 of that Schedule.

Commencement Information

I12 Reg. 12 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Authorised officer: consents to the movement of controlled horticultural produce N.I.

13.—(1) An authorised officer may, at any time, give written consent to the movement of controlled horticultural produce and to the lifting of the stop notice.

(2) An authorised officer must, upon request, give written consent to the movement of controlled horticultural produce and to the lifting of the stop notice if the circumstances in paragraph (3) apply.

(3) The circumstances in which this paragraph applies are where—

(a) the authorised officer is satisfied that no offence under these Regulations would be committed in respect of the horticultural produce if it were sold in circumstances in which Community marketing rules apply; or

(b) the authorised officer, or another authorised officer, has been given a written undertaking that the horticultural produce will be sold or disposed of in a specified manner and the authorised officer is satisfied that if the horticultural produce is sold or disposed of in that manner no offence under these Regulations will be committed in respect of it and the authorised officer has no reason to doubt that the terms of the undertaking will be met.

(4) An authorised officer must, upon request, give written consent to the movement of controlled horticultural produce if the circumstances in paragraph (5) apply.

(5) The circumstances in which this paragraph applies are where—

(a) the authorised officer, or any other authorised officer, has been given a written undertaking to the effect that—

(i) the horticultural produce will be moved to a place approved by an authorised officer;

(ii) at the approved place the steps required to ensure that the horticultural produce may be sold in circumstances in which Community marketing rules apply without an offence under these Regulations being committed in respect of it will be taken;

(iii) the horticultural produce will not be moved from that place without the written consent of an authorised officer; and

(b) the authorised officer has no reason to doubt that the terms of the undertaking will be met.

[F8 (6) A consent given by an authorised officer under this regulation must—

(a) specify the horticultural produce to which it relates;

(b) include the terms of any undertaking given under paragraph (3) or (5); and

(c) where the consent is given under paragraph (4), state that the horticultural produce continues to be controlled.]

Textual Amendments

F8 Reg. 13(6) substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 6

Commencement Information

I13 Reg. 13 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Exercise of powers on premises N.I.

14.  The powers under regulations 4 to 10 and 12 to 13 of these Regulations may not be exercised on premises used wholly as a private dwelling house.

Commencement Information

I14 Reg. 14 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Community marketing rules offences N.I.

15.—(1) A person is guilty of an offence if they display, offer for sale, deliver or market in any other manner, horticultural produce in contravention of or which is not compliant with—

(a) the general marketing standard, if applicable; or

(b) any specific marketing standard applying to that horticultural produce.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply in the circumstances mentioned in regulation 16.

(3) A person is guilty of an offence if they fail to comply with any provision of [F9 Commission Implementing Regulation 543/2011] mentioned in column 1 of Schedule 2, as read with any provision mentioned in any corresponding entry in column 2 of that Schedule.

(4) Where—

(a) an authorised officer has inspected horticultural produce and found it not to be compliant with Community marketing rules; and

(b) the person in charge of that horticultural produce has given an undertaking, or has been responsible for the giving of an undertaking in relation to that horticultural produce,

it is an offence for that person to act in breach of the undertaking or to cause or permit their agent or employee to act in breach of the undertaking.

(5) A person is guilty of an offence if, in purporting to provide the information particulars required by Community marketing rules for horticultural produce, they give an inaccurate or false description of that horticultural produce on a label affixed to, or in a notice or document accompanying, that horticultural produce.

(6) A person, other than an authorised officer, is guilty of an offence if they affix, or cause or permit to be affixed, a non compliance label to any container of horticultural produce, or to the horticultural produce itself, or to any notice or document which is required by Community marketing rules to accompany that horticultural produce.

(7) A person, other than an authorised officer, is guilty of an offence if they remove, conceal, deface or alter, or cause or permit to be removed, concealed, defaced or altered—

(a) any notice or document which is required by Community marketing rules to accompany horticultural produce or any label which is required by Community marketing rules to be affixed to that horticultural produce or to its container;

(b) a non compliance label which has been applied by an authorised officer in the execution of these Regulations to the horticultural produce or to its container;

(c) any demarcation tape or other material used by an authorised officer in accordance with regulation 5(1)(f) to identify horticultural produce or a specific lot of horticultural produce which is found not to be compliant with Community marketing rules.

(8) A person is guilty of an offence if they export or import any consignment of horticultural produce to or from any place outside the European Community without a document, label or notice required by Community marketing rules to accompany that horticultural produce.

Textual Amendments

F9 Words in reg. 15(3) substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 7

Commencement Information

I15 Reg. 15 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

[F10 Provision of information – trader database N.I.

15A.— (1) A trader must provide to the Department such information as the Department considers necessary to set up and update the database established for the purpose of Article 10 of Commission Implementing Regulation 543/2011.

(2) A person is guilty of an offence if they fail to provide any information required by the Department in accordance with paragraph (1).]

Textual Amendments

F10 Regs. 15A, 15B inserted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 8

Provision of information – conformity checks N.I.

15B.—(1) A trader must provide to an authorised officer such information as that officer considers necessary—

(a) for organising and carrying out a conformity check in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Implementing Regulation 543/2011; or

(b) for the purposes of Article 17 of Commission Implementing Regulation 543/2011.

(2) A person is guilty of an offence if they fail to provide any information required by an authorised officer in accordance with paragraph (1).

Derogation from specific marketing standards N.I.

16.  Horticultural produce to which a specific marketing standard applies is not required to comply(10) with that specific marketing standard if that horticultural produce complies with the general marketing standard and if it is—

(a) presented for retail to consumers for their personal use;

(b) labelled “product intended for processing” or with any other equivalent wording; and

(c) not intended for industrial use.

Commencement Information

I16 Reg. 16 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Offences relating to movement of controlled horticultural produce N.I.

17.— [F11 (1) A person is guilty of an offence if they move controlled horticultural produce, or a container with controlled horticultural produce in it, or causes or permits it to be moved—

(a) without the written consent; or

(b) other than in accordance with the written consent,

of an authorised officer given under regulation 13(1).]

(2) A person, other than an authorised officer, is guilty of an offence if they remove or cause or permit to be removed from that controlled horticultural produce or its container a stop notice label affixed by an authorised officer under regulation 12(1).

F12 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this Regulation, to prove that, when the power conferred by regulation 10(1) was exercised, there was no failure to comply with these Regulations in respect of the horticultural produce concerned.

Textual Amendments

F11 Reg. 17(1) substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 9(a)

F12 Reg. 17(3) omitted (27.8.2012) by virtue of The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 9(b)

Commencement Information

I17 Reg. 17 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Obstruction N.I.

18.—(1) A person is guilty of an offence if they—

(a) F13 ...obstruct an authorised officer acting for the purpose of the enforcement of these Regulations, or a person accompanying such an authorised officer under regulation 4(3);

[F14 (b) fail without reasonable excuse to give an authorised officer acting for the purpose of the enforcement of these Regulations any assistance or information or to provide any record or facilities that the authorised officer may reasonably require;] 

(c) fail to make any request for inspection when required by Community marketing rules or to give any notice or information required by Community marketing rules; or

(d) [F15 supply] to an authorised officer acting for the purpose of the enforcement of these Regulations any information knowing it to be false or misleading.

Textual Amendments

F13 Word in reg. 18(1)(a) omitted (27.8.2012) by virtue of The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 10(a)

F14 Reg. 18(1)(b) substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 10(b)

F15 Word in reg. 18(1)(d) substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 10(c)

Commencement Information

I18 Reg. 18 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Offence due to fault of another person N.I.

19.—(1) Where the commission by a person (“A”) of an offence under these Regulations was due to an act or default of another person (“B”), B is guilty of an offence.

[F16 (2) Proceedings may be taken against B whether or not proceedings are taken against A .] 

Textual Amendments

F16 Reg. 19(2) substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 11

Commencement Information

I19 Reg. 19 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Defences N.I.

20.—(1) It is a defence for a person charged (“A”) with an offence under these Regulations, except for the offences in regulation 18 (obstruction), to prove that their actions were carried out with lawful authority or that they took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence.

(2) Where A wishes to rely on the defence in paragraph (1), A must serve on the prosecutor a written notice of that fact in accordance with paragraph (4).

(3) Where the defence provided by paragraph (1) involves an allegation that the commission of the offence was due to the act or default of another person, A is not, without leave of the court, entitled to rely on that defence unless A has served on the prosecutor a written notice in accordance with paragraph (4) giving such information identifying or assisting in the identification of that person as was then in A’s possession.

(4) The notice must be served—

(a) at least seven clear days before the hearing, and

(b) where A has previously appeared before a court in connection with the alleged offence, within one month of A’s first such appearance.

Commencement Information

I20 Reg. 20 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Offences by bodies corporate N.I.

[F17 21.— (1) Where—

(a) an offence under these Regulations has been committed by a body corporate or a partnership or other unincorporated association;

(b) it is proved that the offence was committed with the consent or connivance of, or was attributable to any neglect on the part of—

(i) a relevant individual; or

(ii) an individual purporting to act in the capacity of a relevant individual,

the individual as well as the body corporate, partnership or unincorporated association is guilty of the offence and is liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(2) In paragraph (1), “relevant individual” means—

(a) in relation to a body corporate—

(i) a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body;

(ii) where the affairs of the body are managed by its members, a member;

(b) in relation to a partnership, a partner;

(c) in relation to an unincorporated association other than a partnership, a person who is concerned in the management or control of the association.]

Textual Amendments

F17 Reg. 21 substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 12

Commencement Information

I21 Reg. 21 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Penalties N.I.

22.  A person guilty of an offence under these Regulations is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Commencement Information

I22 Reg. 22 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Revocation N.I.

23.  The Grading of Horticultural Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1973(11) are revoked.

Commencement Information

I23 Reg. 23 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Disapplications N.I.

24.—(1) The Horticulture Act (Northern Ireland) 1966(12) does not apply to horticultural produce.

(2) Insofar as they apply to Northern Ireland, the following Acts do not apply to horticultural produce—

(a) the Agriculture and Horticulture Act 1964(13) and the Horticultural Produce Act 1986(14) which modifies it;

(b) the Agricultural Marketing Act 1958(15).

Commencement Information

I24 Reg. 24 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on 3rd June 2010.

John Speers

A senior officer of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Regulations 6, 7, 8 and 12

SCHEDULE 1 N.I. Form and Completion of Labels

PART 1 N.I. Regulations 6, 7 and 8

Commencement Information

I25 Sch. 1 Pt. 1 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Form of non compliance Label N.I.

PRODUCE NOT COMPLIANT WITH
COMMUNITY MARKETING RULES
It is an offence to remove, conceal, deface or alter this label without prior authorisation.
(a)	(b)

PART 2 N.I. Completion of non compliance Label

1.  The reference number assigned to the label shall be inserted at (a). N.I.

Commencement Information

I26 Sch. 1 Pt. 2 para. 1 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

2.  The personal number assigned to the authorised officer shall be inserted at (b). N.I.

Commencement Information

I27 Sch. 1 Pt. 2 para. 2 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

PART 3 N.I. Regulation 12

Commencement Information

I28 Sch. 1 Pt. 3 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Form of Stop Notice Label N.I.

DO NOT MOVE THIS PRODUCE
This consignment is subject to a Stop Notice. Unauthorised movement of this consignment from these premises or the unauthorised removal of this label is an offence under the Marketing of Fresh Horticultural Produce Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.
(a)	(b)

PART 4 N.I. Completion of Stop Notice Label

1.  The reference number assigned to the label shall be inserted at (a). N.I.

Commencement Information

I29 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 para. 1 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

2.  The personal number assigned to the authorised officer shall be inserted at (b). N.I.

Commencement Information

I30 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 para. 2 in operation at 25.6.2010, see reg. 1(1)

Regulation 15(3)

[F18 SCHEDULE 2 N.I. Provisions of Commission Implementing Regulation 543/2011

Textual Amendments

F18 Sch. 2 substituted (27.8.2012) by The Marketing of Fresh Horticulture Produce (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/299), regs. 1, 13

Column 1 Relevant provision of Commission Implementing Regulation 543/2011	Column 2 Provision of Commission Implementing Regulation 543/2011 to be read with the provision in column 1	Column 3 Subject matter
Article 5(1)	Annex I, Art. 4(3), Art. 5(2) to (4), Art. 6, Art. 7	General requirements for information particulars
Article 5(2)	Annex I, Art. 5(1), (3) and (4), Art. 7	Requirements for information particulars in documents accompanying bulk shipments and goods loaded directly onto a means of transport
Article 5(3)	Annex I, Art. 5(1) and (4), Art. 7	Requirement for information particulars in the case of distance contracts to be available before the purchase is concluded
Article 5(4)	Annex I, Art. 5(1) to (3), Art. 7	Requirement for information particulars on invoices and accompanying documents
Article 6	Annex I, Art. 4(3), Art. 7	Requirement for information particulars at the retail stage
Article 7(1)	Annex I, Art. 4(3), Art. 6, Art. 7(2) and (3)	Requirements for sale of mixes of different types of fruit and vegetables]

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations provide a new statutory framework for the enforcement of the Community marketing rules in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector provided for in Articles 113 and 113a of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 (O.J. No. L 299, 16.11.2007, p.1) establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation), and contained in Title II of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1580/2007 (O.J. No. L 350, 31.12.2007, p.1) laying down implementing rules of Council Regulations (EC) No. 2200/96, (EC) No. 2201/96 and (EC) No. 1182/2007 in the fruit and vegetable sector. In particular, they implement the revisions made to the Community marketing rules introduced by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1221/2008 (O.J. No. L 336, 13.12.2008, p.1) amending Regulation (EC) No. 1580/2007 laying down implementing rules of Council Regulations (EC) No. 2200/96, (EC) No. 2201/96 and (EC) No. 1182/2007 in the fruit and vegetable sector as regards marketing standards.

These Regulations revoke the Grading of Horticultural Produce (Amendment) Regulations 1973 (S.R. 1973 No. 19).

These Regulations disapply the Horticulture Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, the Agriculture and Horticulture Act 1964 (c.28) and the Horticultural Produce Act 1986 (c.20) which modifies the 1964 Act and the Agricultural Marketing Act 1958 (c.47) from the Community marketing rules in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector.

These Regulations make the failure to comply with Article 113a(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1234/2007, and the provisions of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1580/2007 mentioned in the Schedule, an offence. They contain some additional offences necessary for the effective enforcement of the Community marketing rules (Regulation 16 and Schedule 2).

They exercise the derogation in Article 3(3) of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1580/2007 (Regulation 16(2)). This derogation exempts products presented for retail sale to consumers for their personal use from the specific marketing standards provided they are labelled “product intended for processing”, or with other equivalent wording.

Regulation 14 provides that powers in the Regulations cannot be exercised on premises used wholly as a dwelling house. The Regulations confer powers of entry (Regulation 4) and other powers (Regulation 5), including seizure powers which require authorised officers to fulfil certain duties in relation to any items seized. They contain powers to affix labels indicating non compliance with the Community marketing rules (regulations 6, 7 and 8) and at the same time to serve notice containing detailed reasons for the non compliance.

They confer power to control the movement of horticultural produce (regulation 10) and the power to affix a stop notice label warning of its exercise (regulation 12). There is provision for giving consent to the movement of controlled horticultural produce when certain conditions are met (regulation 13). There are provisions on offences relating to the unlawful movement of controlled horticultural produce, to unlawfully removing stop notice labels and relating to failure to comply with an undertaking given in relation to controlled horticultural produce (regulation 15).

These Regulations make obstruction an offence (regulation 18). They also contain provisions relating to the commission of an offence due to the fault of another person (regulation 19). They provide for defences of acting with lawful authority or exercising due diligence and taking reasonable precautions (regulation 20), and for the commission of offences by bodies corporate (regulation 21). They provide for penalties for offences (regulation 22).

(1)

S.I. 2000/2812

(2)

1972 c.68; paragraph 1A of Schedule 2 was inserted by section 28 of the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006 (c.51).

(3)

O.J. No L 31, 1.2.2002, p.1, last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 202/2008 (O.J. No L 60, 5.3.2008, p.17)

(4)

OJ No L 299, 16.11.2007, p 1, last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 183/2009 (OJ No L63, 7.3.2009, p 9)

(5)

Formerly the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland; see S.I. 1999/283 (N.I.1), Article 3(4)

(6)

2002 c.26 (N.I.)

(7)

2001 c.26 c.9; amended by paragraph 170 of Schedule 17 to the Communications Act 2003 (c.21)

(8)

1954 c.33 (N.I.)

(9)

2001 c.24.

(10)

Regulation 16 exercises the derogation from Article 113(a)(3) of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1234/2007 in Article 3 (3) of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1580/2007, as amended by Article 1(2)(a) and (c) of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1221/2008 amending Regulation (EC) No. 1580/2007 laying down implementing rules of Council Regulations (EC) No. 2200/96, (EC) No. 2201/96 and (EC) No. 1182/2007 in the fruit and vegetable sector as regards marketing standards (O.J. No. L 336, 13.12.2008, p.1 as corrected by Corrigendum (OJ No L 36, 5.3.2009, p.84).

(11)

S.R. 1973 No. 19

(12)

1966 c.15 (N.I.)

(13)

1964 c. 28

(14)

1986 c. 20

(15)

1958 c. 47.