Explanatory note

These Regulations make modifications to improve the operation of the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 (the “Horizontal Regulation”), Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 (the “Direct Payments Regulation”), and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 (the integrated administration and control regulation or “IACS Regulation”).

Regulation 2 modifies Article 77 of the Horizontal Regulation, with the effect that the Scottish Ministers do not require to apply an administrative penalty in respect of any failure to comply with Article 43a of the Direct Payments Regulation as inserted by regulation 3 of these Regulations.

Regulation 3 modifies the Direct Payments Regulation by inserting a new Article 43a and a new Annex IXa. The effect is that it is a condition for receipt of basic payments that the claimant has in place any two or more of the plans as specified in Article 43a(2) and as described in Annex IXa.

Regulation 4 modifies Articles 14 and 14a of the IACS Regulation, with the effect that a claimant must state in the single application form that includes a claim for basic payment which such plans or reports they will prepare in respect of the applicable claim year.