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Egg Legislation

Here you can find the main legislation applicable to eggs. 

To ensure you are accessing the most up-to-date consolidated version of this legislation, please search for the regulation number directly on the official European Union law website via:  EUR-Lex

EU legislation 

  • Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (OJ L31, p1, 1.02.2002) of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law.
  • Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 (OJ L 226, p3, 25.06.2004) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs (OJ L 139, 30.04.2004)
  • Regulation (EC) No 853/2004, (OJ L 226, p22, 25.06.2004) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin, including eggs and egg products
  •  Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (OJ L 347, p671, 20/12/2013) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products, including eggs
  • Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (OJ L 304, p18, 22.11.2011) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers.
  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2465 (OJ L, 2023/2465, p. 1, 08.11.2023) of 17 August 2023 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, as regards marketing standards for eggs, and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 589/2008.

As supplemented and amended by

  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2465 (OJ L, 2023/2465, p. 1, 08.11.2023) of 17 August 2023 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, as regards marketing standards for eggs, and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 589/2008.
  • Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2464  (OJ L, 2023/2464, p.1, 08.11.2023) of 17 August 2023 amending Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, as regards marketing standards for eggs. 

Implementing rules

  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2466 (OJ L, 2466, p. 1, 08.11.2023) of 17 August 2023 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards marketing standards for eggs.

National legislation

  •  EU (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 22/2020). This Statutory Instrument outlines hygiene rules, registration, and approval procedures for food businesses handling animal products. It also clarifies applicable exemptions of Regulations 852/2004 and 853/2004 regarding the direct supply of eggs directly to the final consumer or to local retail establishments.
  • EC (Marketing Standards for Eggs) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 140/2009). This S.I. ensures that eggs marketed in the EU meet the regulations applicable to them while providing a clear framework for egg producers, collectors and packers. It does not apply to eggs sold directly by a producer to the final consumer provided that, if the producer has a flock of more than 50 hens, the eggs are marked with the producer code or, if the producer has a flock of up to 50 hens, the name and address of the producer are indicated at the point of sale.
  • Control of Salmonella Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 305/2024): These regulations are applicable to various poultry flocks, including laying flocks. These regulations outline procedures for sampling, laboratory approvals and obligations, control measures in case of Salmonella detection (including movement restrictions, destruction/treatment of eggs and poultry, and disinfection) and record-keeping requirements.

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