EU Regulation 2026/524: New Poultry, Egg, and Ovalbumin Reference Prices from March 2026

Key Points to Know

On March 11, 2026, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/524 will change the system of representative prices in the poultry meat, egg, and ovalbumin sectors, and revise the management of import tariff quotas to a strict first come, first served approach. The regulation also repeals Regulation (EC) No 1484/95.

Key Takeaways

• The new schedule of representative prices for poultry, eggs, and ovalbumin will apply from March 11, 2026
• Regulatory basis: OJ L_202600524, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/524 amending (EU) 2023/2834 and (EU) 2020/1988
• Tariff quota management will now strictly follow the first come, first served principle

Background and Issues

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/524 is part of the ongoing process of updating the Common Agricultural Policy and the EU’s trade policy. Through the amendment of Regulation (EU) 2023/2834, it sets new representative prices used as import reference values for poultry meat (notably chicken), eggs, and ovalbumin-based products. Simultaneously, through the amendment of Regulation (EU) 2020/1988, the management of import tariff quotas is fully switched to a first come, first served system, ensuring fairer access to quota volumes and eliminating the previous system. The repeal of Regulation (EC) No 1484/95 marks the end of a regulatory framework in place for over twenty years, standardizing management methods based on the latest legal texts.

Impact for the Industry

Customs declarants must update databases with the new species-specific representative prices as soon as they take effect. Freight forwarders and importers should anticipate possible quota exhaustion due to the "first come, first served" rule, meaning increased monitoring of available volumes and faster submission of customs declarations (D.A.U.). Exporters dealing in these products must keep track of reference price changes to remain competitive. Trade compliance officers should ensure company procedures fully comply with the new European rules and verify that new prices are properly applied during ex-post checks.

Next Steps

• March 11, 2026: Entry into force of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/524
• Immediate action: Update business tools (price databases, quota management procedures)
• Ongoing monitoring of available import tariff quota volumes

11 mars 2026 : nouveaux prix représentatifs volailles, œufs, ovalbumine ; contingents au 1er arrivé.
(11 March 2026: new representative prices for poultry, eggs, ovalbumin; quotas on a first come, first served basis.)

Source: Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/524, OJ L_202600524