EU: Amendment 2026/551 – New Lists of Animal Products Under Official Control

Key Information

On March 13, 2026, the European Commission published Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/551, amending the annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/632. This update revises the lists of products of animal origin, animal by-products, and composite products subject to official controls at EU border control posts.

Key Points

• Published on March 13, 2026 in the Official Journal of the EU – immediate compliance required
• Amendment to the annex of Regulation (EU) 2021/632 (OJ L_202600551)
• Expansion and update of product codes and categories subject to official control for the sector

Background and Implications

Regulation 2021/632 governs the import and transit of products of animal origin and by-products into the European Union, imposing health checks at the border. The annex sets out the list of relevant products according to their tariff classification. The 2026 update aims to reflect changes in sanitary risks, tariff classification, and the broadening of trade flows. Industry professionals must refer strictly to the consolidated version to ensure documentary and sanitary compliance at entry into the customs territory of the EU.

Professional Impact

Customs declarants, importers, freight forwarders, and compliance officers must use the new list to accurately classify the relevant goods when preparing customs declarations and documents for submission at border control posts. Newly listed or reclassified products require increased vigilance in the preparation of import files (CERTEX, TRACES, DSCE). Any error in classification, tariff code, or omission of a listed product may lead to refusal of entry or administrative penalties.

Next Steps

The update came into effect on March 14, 2026. The sector must integrate the new annex into internal databases and operational procedures, review declaration templates, train teams, and inform relevant trade partners. All operations from this date onwards must refer to the updated version.

13 mars 2026 : entrée en vigueur du règlement d’exécution (UE) 2026/551 modifiant la liste des produits soumis à contrôle.
(13 March 2026: entry into force of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/551 amending the list of products subject to official control.)

Source: EUR-Lex Official Journal Legislation – Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/551