Multi-annual national control plan (MANCP) according to article 109 – 111 and annual report according to article 113 of Reg. (EU) 2017/625 (Official Controls Regulation, OCR)
Since the new Control Regulation (EU) 2017/625 came into force, the efficiency of official controls along the entire agri-food chain has been further increased. It repeals and replaces Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004 on official controls for food and feed, amends and repeals several associated legislations. Furthermore, it extends the official controls framework to, for example, the areas of plant protection, genetically modified organisms and animal by products.
According to article 109 OCR, official controls shall be performed on the basis of the MANCP. The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) is responsible for coordinating the preparation of the MANCP of Germany. Articles 110 and 111 of the OCR specify the contents of the MANCP as well as its preparation, updating and review.
The purpose of the MANCP is to demonstrate that effective control systems are in place for the areas according to article 1 (2) OCR:
- food and food safety
- genetically modified organisms
- feed and feed safety
- animal health
- animal by products
- animal welfare requirements
- plant health
- plant protection products
- organic production and labelling of organic products
- use and labelling of protected designations of origin, protected geographical indications and traditional specialities guaranteed
For example, the MANCP contains information about the structure and organisation of the German system of official controls as well as strategic objectives with regard to compliance control for the above-mentioned areas. The MANCP of Germany is publicly available and reviewed annually.
The implementation of the MANCP in the Member States is regularly audited by the European Commission.
Annual reports by the Member States according to article 113 OCR and implementing regulation (EU) 2019/723
The German Federal Government shall submit an annual report to the Commission according to article 113 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625. This annual report shall provide information on any adjustments made to the MANCP, the results of official controls carried out under the MANCP in the previous year, the type and number of non-compliances detected, measures taken to ensure effective operation of the MANCP, including enforcement actions and their results, and information on fees or charges. Since the OCR came into force, the annual reports of the Member States are uniform and structured in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/723.
From 2020 onwards, Germany reports in line with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/723. Accordingly, the annual report is divided into two parts. Part I contains an overview and the analysis of the overall results based on the results of official controls presented in Part II. Results in Part II correspond to official controls carried out in the respective reporting year in all areas in accordance with Article 1 (2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625. More detailed information on the individual tables can be found in the Commission Notice on a guidance document 2021/C 71/01 on "how to fill in the standard model form in the Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/723", which is available at Eur-lex website.