Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations, which come into force on 10th July 2013, amend the Specified Products from China (Restriction on First Placing on the Market) (England) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1079 as previously amended by S.I. 2012/47) (“the 2008 Regulations”) in order to implement certain requirements introduced by Commission Implementing Decision 2013/287/EU amending Implementing Decision 2011/884/EU on emergency measures regarding unauthorised genetically modified rice in rice products originating from China (OJ No. L162, 14.6.2013, p.10) (“Decision 2013/287”).
In particular these Regulations amend the 2008 Regulations by —
amending the definition of “the Commission Decision” so as to include reference to Decision 2013/287 (regulation 2(2));
providing that rice products from China may not be lawfully placed on the market if they do not comply with certain requirements, including new conditions contained in Article 3.2 of the Commission Decision (regulation 3(3)); and
providing for transitional arrangements in relation to rice products imported into the EU from China before 5th August 2013 in the case of some products and 5th October 2013 in the case of others (regulation 2(4)).
These Regulations contain provisions requiring the Food Standards Agency to carry out a review of the 2008 Regulations as amended by these Regulations at intervals of not more than 5 years (regulation 3).