SL(6)653 – The Free-Range Poultrymeat Marketing Standards (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2025

Background and Purpose

These Regulations amend, in relation to Wales, Commission Regulation (EC) No 543/2008 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 as regards the marketing standards for poultrymeat (EUR 2008/543).

Regulation 2 amends Annex 5 to Commission Regulation (EC) 543/2008 to remove the current maximum time period that poultry reared in accordance with free range production methods can have its access to open-air runs restricted (by measures put in place to protect public and animal health) whilst its meat may continue to be marketed, in Wales, as free-range.

Procedure

Draft Affirmative  

The Welsh Ministers have laid a draft of the Regulations before the Senedd. The Welsh Ministers cannot make the Regulations unless the Senedd approves the draft Regulations. 

Technical Scrutiny

The following points are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.2 in respect of this instrument.

1. Standing Order 21.2(v) – that for any particular reason its form or meaning needs further explanation.

The italic headnotes at the top of pages 1 and 2 note that these Regulations have been laid before the Senedd under “section 50(6) and (7)(n)” of the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023. However, the third paragraph of the preamble notes that these Regulations have been laid before the Senedd in accordance with “section 50(6)” of that Act. The provisions cited in the headnotes and preamble should be consistent with each other and the headnotes appear to include the more accurate citation on this occasion.

2. Standing Order 21.2(v) – that for any particular reason its form or meaning needs further explanation.

In the third paragraph of the preamble, it refers to “section 50(6) of the Act”. However, the term “the Act” has not previously been defined and given a meaning in these Regulations. Therefore, the reference should either repeat the title of the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 in full or the title of that Act should be defined by noting “the Act” in brackets after the first reference to that Act in the opening paragraph of the preamble.

Merits Scrutiny  

No points are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.3 in respect of this instrument.

Welsh Government response

A Welsh Government response is required.

Legal Advisers

Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee

7 October 2025