Those fresh horticultural products covered by the Specific Marketing Standards must meet the requirements and must be marketed throughout the marketing chain, in the following classes, as set out in the relevant Specific Marketing Standard:
- Extra Class - Superior quality
- Class I - Good quality produce
- Class II - Reasonable quality produce
Those products covered by a Specific Marketing Standard (read the relevant standard) must also show:
- The identity of packer or dispatcher
- Quality Class of the produce
- The variety
- The size and weight or count in the boxes
Products covered by the Specific Marketing Standards cannot be sold for fresh consumption unless they meet those standards.
General Marketing Standard
The General Marketing Standard applies at all stages of the marketing chain. Commission Regulation (EC) 1221/2008 lays out the requirements for the General Marketing Standard.
Products which do not meet the Specific Marketing Standard but do meet the General Marketing Standard can be sold at retail, only if clearly labelled 'Intended for processing' or equivalent.
Products that are intended for home processing that are traded through the marketing chain should be clearly labelled 'Intended for processing' while in distribution.
To assist traders in interpretating the General Marketing Standards on most other products we have prepared some interpretative notes. Please note that these interpretative notes are intended as a guide to the application of the General Marketing Standard. They are not intended as a definative guide and will be updated when necessary.
If you have any queries regarding the application of the EC Marketing Standards contact your local Regional Horticultural Marketing Inspector
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