The scheme is available to officially recognised Producer Organisations (PO's).

Community Selling Prices for eligible species are set annually by the Commission.

To participate in the scheme PO's must adopt and apply Community Selling Prices throughout the year.

If a buyer cannot be found at the pre-set selling price the fish must be temporarily withdrawn from the market, frozen on board, stored in certain conditions for a minimum period and then returned to the human consumption market. Only then may the PO claim aid.