title: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/635 of 22 April 2016 amending the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2870/2000 as regards certain reference methods for the analysis of spirit drinks

text:
                  23.4.2016

                  EN

                  Official Journal of the European Union

                  L 108/1

            COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2016/635
      of 22 April 2016
      amending the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2870/2000 as regards certain reference methods for the analysis of spirit drinks
      THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
      Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
      Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1576/89 (1), and in particular Article 28(2) thereof,
      Whereas:

                  (1)

                  Commission Regulation (EC) No 2870/2000 (2) lists and describes the reference methods for the analysis of spirit drinks. However, some of the methods listed in the Annex to that Regulation, among which, the methods for the determination of volatile acidity and total sugars in spirit drinks, are not yet described.

                  (2)

                  The methods for the determination of volatile acidity and total sugars in certain spirit drinks have been subjected to two international validation studies that were conducted in accordance with internationally agreed procedures and their method performance parameters have been found to be acceptable. The studies were carried out as part of a research project under the European Commission (EC) framework IV standards measurements and testing (SMT) programme. The description of those methods should therefore be included in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2870/2000.

                  (3)

                  Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 lays down requirements for some categories of spirit drinks to be aged in wood and provides that others may undergo such ageing. Analysis of the principal compounds coming from wood can be helpful when considering if a sample is consistent with the definition corresponding to the relevant category of spirit drink. The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) has recognised a method of analysis for the determination of those compounds in its Resolution OIV/OENO 382A/2009. The recognition of the method was based on data obtained from an international method-performance study on different spirit drinks carried out following internationally-agreed procedures. This method and its description should therefore be added to the Union reference methods for the analysis of spirit drinks set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2870/2000.

                  (4)

                  Regulation (EC) No 2870/2000 should therefore be amended accordingly.

                  (5)

                  The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee for Spirit Drinks,

            HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
      Article 1
      The Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2870/2000 is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Regulation.
      Article 2
      This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

         This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
         Done at Brussels, 22 April 2016.

               For the Commission

               The President

            Jean-Claude JUNCKER

         (1)  OJ L 39, 13.2.2008, p. 16.

         (2)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 2870/2000 of 19 December 2000 laying down Community reference methods for the analysis of spirit drinks (OJ L 333, 29.12.2000, p. 20).

         ANNEX
         The Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2870/2000 is amended as follows:

                     (1)

                     The table of contents is amended as follows:

                                 (a)

                                 in points III.3 and VIII, the term ‘(p.m.)’ is deleted;

                                 (b)

                                 the following point is added:

                                             ‘X.

                                             Determination of wood compounds: furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, 5-methylfurfural, vanillin, syringaldehyde, coniferaldehyde, sinapaldehyde, gallic acid, ellagic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid and scopoletin.’

                     (2)

                     In Chapter III the following part is added:
                     ‘III.3.   DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE ACIDITY OF SPIRIT DRINKS
                     1.   Scope

                     The method has been validated in an interlaboratory study for rum, brandy, marc and fruit spirits, at levels ranging from 30 mg/l to 641 mg/l.
                     2.   Normative references

                     ISO 3696: 1987 Water for analytical use — Specifications and test methods.
                     3.   Definitions

                     3.1.   Volatile acidity is calculated by deducting the fixed acidity from the total acidity.
                     3.2.   Total acidity is the sum of titratable acidities.
                     3.3.   Fixed acidity is the acidity of the residue left after evaporating the spirit to dryness.
                     4.   Principle

                     The total acidity and fixed acidity are determined by titration or by potentiometry.
                     5.   Reagents and materials

                     During the analysis, unless otherwise stated, use only reagents of recognised analytical grade and water of at least grade 3 as defined in ISO 3696:1987.
                     5.1.   0,01 M sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH)
                     5.2.   Mixed indicator solution:

                                 Weigh 0,1 g of indigo carmine and 0,1 g of phenol red.

                                 Dissolve in 40 ml water and make up to 100 ml with ethanol.

                           6.   Apparatus and equipment

                     Indirect laboratory apparatus, grade A glassware and the following:

                                 6.1.

                                 Water pump

                                 6.2.

                                 Rotary evaporator or ultrasonic bath

                                 6.3.

                                 Equipment for potentiometric titration (optional).

                           7.   Sampling and samples

                     Samples are stored at room temperature prior to analysis.
                     8.   Procedure

                     8.1.   Total acidity
                     8.1.1.   Preparation of sample
                     The spirit is irradiated with ultrasonic (ultrasonication) or stirred two minutes under a vacuum to rid it of carbon dioxide if required.
                     8.1.2.   Titration
                     Pipette 25 ml of the spirit into a 500 ml Erlenmeyer flask.
                     Add about 200 ml of cooled boiled distilled water (prepared fresh daily) and 2-6 drops of the mixed indicator solution (5.2).
                     Titrate with the 0,01 M sodium hydroxide solution (5.1) until the yellow-green colour changes to violet in the case of colourless spirits, the yellow-brown colour to red-brown in the case of brown-coloured spirits respectively.
                     The titration may also be carried out by potentiometry, to pH 7,5.
                     Let n1 ml be the volume of the 0,01 M sodium hydroxide solution added.
                     8.1.3.   Calculation
                     The total acidity (TA) expressed in milliequivalents per l of spirit is equal to 0,4 × n1.
                     The total acidity (TA′) expressed in mg of acetic acid per l of spirit is equal to 24 × n1.
                     8.2.   Fixed acidity
                     8.2.1.   Preparation of sample
                     Evaporate 25 ml of the spirit to dryness:

                                 Pipette 25 ml of the spirit into a flat-bottomed cylindrical evaporating dish 55 mm in diameter. During the first hour of evaporation the evaporating dish is placed on the lid of a boiling water bath so that the liquid will not boil, as this could lead to losses through splattering.

                                 Complete the drying by placing the evaporating dish in a drying oven at 105 °C for two hours. Allow the evaporating dish to cool in a desiccator.

                           8.2.2.   Titration
                     Dissolve the residue left after evaporating with cooled boiled distilled water (prepared fresh daily) and make up to a volume to circa 100 ml and add 2-6 drops of the mixed indicator solution (5.2).
                     Titrate with the 0,01 M sodium hydroxide solution (5.1).
                     The titration may also be carried out by potentiometry, to pH 7,5.
                     Let n2 ml be the volume of the 0,01 M sodium hydroxide solution added.
                     8.2.3.   Calculation
                     The fixed acidity (FA) expressed in milliequivalents per l of spirit is equal to 0,4 × n2.
                     The fixed acidity (FA) expressed in mg of acetic acid per l of spirit is equal to 24 × n2.
                     9.   Calculation of volatile acidity

                     9.1.   Expression in milliequivalents per l:
                     Let:

                                 TA

                                 =

                                 total acidity in milliequivalents per l

                                 FA

                                 =

                                 fixed acidity in milliequivalents per l

                           Volatile acidity, VA, in milliequivalents per l is equal to:
                     TA – FA.
                     9.2.   Expression in mg of acetic acid per l:
                     Let:

                                 TA′

                                 =

                                 total acidity in mg of acetic acid per l

                                 FA′

                                 =

                                 fixed acidity in mg of acetic acid per l

                           Volatile acidity, VA, in mg of acetic acid per l is equal to:
                     TA′ – FA′.
                     9.3.   Expression in g of acetic acid per hl of pure 100 % vol. alcohol is equal to:
                     where A is the alcoholic strength by volume of the spirit drink.
                     10.   Method performance characteristics (Precision)

                     10.1.   Statistical results of the interlaboratory test
                     The following data were obtained from an international method performance study carried out to internationally agreed procedures (1) (2).

                                    Year of interlaboratory test

                                    2000

                                 Number of laboratories

                                 18

                                 Number of samples

                                 6

                                 Samples

                                 A

                                 B

                                 C

                                 D

                                 E

                                 F

                                 Number of laboratories retained after eliminating outliers

                                 16

                                 18

                                 18

                                 14

                                 18

                                 18

                                 Number of outliers (laboratories)

                                 2

                                 4

                                 Number of accepted results

                                 32

                                 36

                                 36

                                 28

                                 36

                                 36

                           Mean value
                                    (mg/L)

                                 272*
                                 241*

                                 30

                                 591*
                                 641*

                                 46

                                 107

                                 492

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (mg/l)

                                 8,0

                                 3,6

                                 15,0

                                 3,7

                                 6,7

                                 8,5

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 3,1

                                 11,8

                                 2,4

                                 8,0

                                 6,2

                                 1,7

                                 Repeatability limit, r (mg/l)

                                 23

                                 10

                                 42

                                 10

                                 19

                                 24

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (mg/l)

                                 8,5

                                 8,4

                                 25,0

                                 4,55

                                 13,4

                                 24,4

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 3,3

                                 27,8

                                 4,1

                                 9,9

                                 12,5

                                 5,0

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (mg/l)

                                 24

                                 23

                                 70

                                 13

                                 38

                                 68

                           Sample types:

                                 A

                                 Plum spirit; split level *

                                 B

                                 Rum I; blind duplicates

                                 C

                                 Rum II; split level *

                                 D

                                 Slivovitz; blind duplicates

                                 E

                                 Brandy; blind duplicates

                                 F

                                 Marc spirit; blind duplicates.

                                 (1)

                                 “Protocol for the design, conduct and interpretation of method-performance studies”, Horwitz, W. (1995) Pure and Applied Chemistry, 67, 332-343.

                                 (2)

                                 Horwitz, W. (1982) Analytical Chemistry, 54, 67A-76A.’

                     (3)

                     The following Chapter VIII is inserted:
                     ‘VIII.   TOTAL SUGARS

                     1.   Scope

                     The HPLC–RI method is applicable for the determination of total sugars (expressed as invert sugar) in spirit drinks, with the exclusion of liqueurs containing egg and milk products.
                     The method has been validated in an interlaboratory study for pastis, distilled anis, cherry liqueur, crème de (followed by the name of a fruit or the raw material used) and crème de cassis, at levels ranging from 10,86 g/l to 509,7 g/l. However, linearity of the instrument response was proven for the concentration range 2,5 g/l to 20,0 g/l.
                     This method is not intended for determining low levels of sugars.
                     2.   Normative references

                     ISO 3696:1987 Waters for analytical use — Specifications and test methods.
                     3.   Principle

                     High-performance liquid chromatography assays of sugar solutions, in order to determine their glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose and lactose concentrations.
                     This method uses an alkylamine stationary phase and differential refractometry detection and is given as an example. The use of anion exchange resins as stationary phase would also be possible.
                     4.   Reagents and materials

                     4.1.   Glucose (CAS 50-99-7), at least 99 % pure.
                     4.2.   Fructose (CAS 57-48-7), at least 99 % pure.
                     4.3.   Sucrose (CAS 57-50-1), at least 99 % pure.
                     4.4.   Lactose (CAS 5965-66-2), at least 99 % pure.
                     4.5.   Maltose monohydrate (CAS 6363-53-7), at least 99 % pure.
                     4.6.   Pure acetonitrile (CAS 75-05-8) for HPLC analysis.
                     4.7.   Distilled or demineralised water, preferably microfiltered.
                     4.8.   Solvents (example)
                     The elution solvent is composed of:

                                 75 parts by volume of acetonitrile (4.6),

                                 25 parts by volume of distilled water (4.7).

                           Pass helium through at a slow rate for 5-10 minutes prior to use to degas.
                     If the water being used has not been microfiltered, the solvent should be filtered with a filter for organic solvents with a pore size less than or equal to 0,45 μm.
                     4.9.   Ethanol absolute (CAS 64-17-5).
                     4.10.   Ethanol solution (5 %, v/v).
                     4.11.   Preparation of stock standard solution (20 g/l)
                     Weigh 2 g each of the sugars to be analysed (4.1 to 4.5), transfer them without loss to a 100 ml volumetric flask. (NB 2,11 g of maltose monohydrate is equivalent to 2 g of maltose).
                     Adjust to 100 ml with a 5 % vol. alcohol solution (4.10), shake and store at around + 4 °C. Prepare a new stock solution once a week.
                     4.12.   Preparation of working standard solutions (2,5, 5,0, 7,5, 10,0 and 20,0 g/L)
                     Dilute the stock solution, 20 g/l (4.11) appropriately with a 5 % vol. alcohol solution (4.10) to give five working standards of 2,5, 5,0, 7,5, 10,0 and 20,0 g/l. Filter with a filter of a pore size less than or equal to 0,45 μm (5.3).
                     5.   Apparatus and Equipment

                     5.1.   HPLC system capable of achieving baseline resolution of all of the sugars.
                     5.1.1.   High-performance liquid chromatograph with a six-way injection valve fitted with a 10 μl loop or any other device, whether automatic or manual, for the reliable injection of microvolumes.
                     5.1.2.   Pumping system enabling one to achieve and maintain a constant or programmed rate of flow with great precision.
                     5.1.3.   Differential refractometer.
                     5.1.4.   Computational integrator or recorder, the performance of which is compatible with the rest of the set-up.
                     5.1.5.   Pre-column:
                     It is recommended that a suitable pre-column is attached to the analytical column.
                     5.1.6.   Column (example):

                                 Material:

                                 stainless steel or glass.

                                 Internal diameter:

                                 2-5 mm.

                                 Length:

                                 100-250 mm (depending on the packing particle size), for example, 250 mm if the particles are 5 μm in diameter.

                                 Stationary phase:

                                 alkylamine functional groups bonded to silica, maximum particle size 5 μm.

                           5.1.7.   Chromatography conditions (example):

                                 Elution solvent (4.8), flow rate: 1 ml/minute.

                                 Detection: Differential refractometry.

                           To make certain that the detector is perfectly stable, it should be switched on a few hours before use. The reference cell must be filled with the elution solvent.
                     5.2.   Analytical balance accurate to 0,1 mg.
                     5.3.   Filtration set-up for small volumes using a 0,45 μm micromembrane.
                     6.   Sample storage

                     On receipt, samples are to be stored at room temperature prior to analysis.
                     7.   Procedure

                     7.1.   PART A: Sample preparation
                     7.1.1.   Shake the sample.
                     7.1.2.   Filter the sample through a filter with a pore size less than or equal to 0,45 μm (5.3).
                     7.2.   PART B: HPLC
                     7.2.1.   Determination
                     Inject 10 μl of the standard solutions (4.12) and samples (7.1.2). Perform the analysis under suitable chromatography conditions, for example those described above.
                     7.2.2.   Should any peak of a sample have a greater area (or height) than the corresponding peak in the most concentrated standard, then the sample should be diluted with distilled water and reanalysed.
                     8.   Calculation

                     Compare the two chromatograms obtained for the standard solution and spirit. Identify the peaks by their retention times. Measure their areas (or heights) to calculate the concentrations by the external standard method. Take into account any dilutions made to the sample.
                     The final result is the sum of sucrose, maltose, lactose, glucose and fructose, expressed as invert sugar in g/l.
                     Invert sugar is calculated as the sum of all monosaccharides and reducing disaccharides present, plus the stoichiometric amount of glucose and fructose calculated from the sucrose present.

                                 Invert sugar (g/l)

                                 =

                                 glucose (g/l) + fructose (g/l) + maltose (g/l) + lactose (g/l) + (sucrose (g/l) × 1,05).

                                 1,05

                                 =

                                 (molecular weight of fructose + molecular weight of glucose)/molecular weight of sucrose.

                           9.   Method performance characteristics (precision)

                     9.1.   Statistical results of the interlaboratory test
                     The following data were obtained from an international method performance study carried out to internationally agreed procedures (1) (2).

                                 Year of interlaboratory test

                                 2000

                                 Number of laboratories

                                 24

                                 Number of samples

                                 8

                                 (1)

                                 “Protocol for the design, conduct and interpretation of method-performance studies”, Horwitz, W. (1995) Pure and Applied Chemistry, 67, 332-343.

                                 (2)

                                 Horwitz, W. (1982) Analytical Chemistry, 54, 67A-76A.

                        Table 1

                        Fructose, glucose, maltose

                                 Analyte

                                 Fructose

                                 Glucose

                                 Maltose

                                 Samples (× 2)

                                 Crème de Cassis

                                 Standard (50 g/l)

                                 Aniseed-flavoured spirit drink

                                 Crème de Cassis

                                 Standard (50 g/l)

                                 Aniseed-flavoured spirit drink

                                 Standard (10 g/l)

                                 Mean value (g/l)

                                 92,78

                                 50,61

                                 15,62

                                 93,16

                                 50,06

                                 15,81

                                 9,32

                                 No of labs without outliers

                                 21

                                 22

                                 21

                                 23

                                 19

                                 21

                                 22

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr, (g/l)

                                 2,34

                                 2,12

                                 0,43

                                 3,47

                                 1,01

                                 0,48

                                 0,54

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 2,53

                                 4,2

                                 2,76

                                 3,72

                                 2,03

                                 3,02

                                 5,77

                                 Repeatability limit, r (g/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 6,56

                                 5,95

                                 1,21

                                 9,71

                                 2,84

                                 1,34

                                 1,51

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (g/l)

                                 7,72

                                 3,13

                                 0,84

                                 9,99

                                 2,7

                                 0,88

                                 1,4

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 8,32

                                 6,18

                                 5,37

                                 10,72

                                 5,4

                                 5,54

                                 15,06

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 21,62

                                 8,76

                                 2,35

                                 27,97

                                 7,57

                                 2,45

                                 3,93

                        Table 2

                        Sucrose

                                 Analyte

                                 Sucrose

                                 Samples

                                 Pastis

                                 Ouzo

                                 Cherry liqueur

                                 Crème de Menthe

                                 Crème de Cassis

                                 Standard (100 g/l)

                                 Mean value (g/l)

                                 10,83

                                 29,2
                                 19,7 (*)

                                 103,33

                                 349,96

                                 319,84

                                 99,83

                                 No of labs without outliers

                                 19

                                 19

                                 20

                                 18

                                 18

                                 18

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (g/l)

                                 0,09

                                 0,75

                                 2,17

                                 5,99

                                 4,31

                                 1,25

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 0,81

                                 3,07

                                 2,1

                                 1,71

                                 1,35

                                 1,25

                                 Repeatability limit, r (g/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 0,25

                                 2,1

                                 6,07

                                 16,76

                                 12,06

                                 3,49

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (g/l)

                                 0,79

                                 0,92

                                 4,18

                                 9,94

                                 16,11

                                 4,63

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 7,31

                                 3,76

                                 4,05

                                 2,84

                                 5,04

                                 4,64

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 2,22

                                 2,57

                                 11,7

                                 27,84

                                 45,12

                                 12,97

                        Table 3

                        Total Sugars

                     (Note: this data was calculated for total sugars, not invert sugar as defined in Section 8 above.)

                                 Samples

                                 Pastis

                                 Ouzo

                                 Aniseed-flavoured spirit drink

                                 Cherry liqueur

                                 Crème de Menthe

                                 Crème de Cassis

                                 Standard (220 g/l)

                                 Mean value (g/l)

                                 10,86

                                 29,2
                                 19,7 (**)

                                 31,59

                                 103,33

                                 349,73

                                 509,69

                                 218,78

                                 No of Labs without outliers

                                 20

                                 19

                                 20

                                 20

                                 18

                                 18

                                 19

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (g/l)

                                 0,13

                                 0,75

                                 0,77

                                 2,17

                                 5,89

                                 5,59

                                 2,71

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 1,16

                                 3,07

                                 2,45

                                 2,1

                                 1,69

                                 1,1

                                 1,24

                                 Repeatability limit, r (g/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 0,35

                                 2,1

                                 2,17

                                 6,07

                                 16,5

                                 15,65

                                 7,59

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation sR (g/l)

                                 0,79

                                 0,92

                                 1,51

                                 4,18

                                 9,98

                                 14,81

                                 8,53

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 7,25

                                 3,76

                                 4,79

                                 4,04

                                 2,85

                                 2,91

                                 3,9

                                 Reproducibility limit R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 2,21

                                 2,57

                                 4,24

                                 11,7

                                 27,94

                                 41,48

                                 23,89

                     (4)

                     The following Chapter X is added:
                     ‘X.   DETERMINATION OF THE FOLLOWING WOOD COMPOUNDS IN SPIRIT DRINKS BY HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY (HPLC): FURFURAL, 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL, 5-METHYLFURFURAL, VANILLIN, SYRINGALDEHYDE, CONIFERALDEHYDE, SINAPALDEHYDE, GALLIC ACID, ELLAGIC ACID, VANILLIC ACID, SYRINGIC ACID AND SCOPOLETIN

                     1.   Scope

                     The method pertains to the determination of furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, 5-methylfurfural, vanillin, syringaldehyde, coniferaldehyde, sinapaldehyde, gallic acid, ellagic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid and scopoletin, by high-performance liquid chromatography.
                     2.   Normative reference

                     Analytical method recognised by the General Assembly of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) and published by OIV under the reference OIV-MA-BS-16: R2009.
                     3.   Principle

                     Determination by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with detection by ultraviolet spectrophotometry at several wavelengths and by spectrofluorimetry.
                     4.   Reagents

                     The reagents must be of analytical quality. The water used must be distilled water or water of at least equivalent purity. It is preferable to use microfiltered water with a resistivity of 18,2 M Ω.cm.
                     4.1.   96 % vol. alcohol.
                     4.2.   HPLC-quality methanol (Solvent B).
                     4.3.   Acetic acid diluted to 0,5 % vol. (Solvent A).
                     4.4.   Mobile phases: (given as an example only).
                     Solvent A (0,5 % acetic acid) and solvent B (pure methanol). Filter through a membrane (porosity 0,45 μm). Degas in an ultrasonic bath, if necessary.
                     4.5.   Reference standards of 99 % minimum purity: furfural, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, 5-methylfurfural, vanillin, syringaldehyde, coniferaldehyde, sinapaldehyde, gallic acid, ellagic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid and scopoletin.
                     4.6.   Reference solution: the standard substances are dissolved in a 50 % vol. aqueous-alcoholic solution. The final concentrations in the reference solution should be of the order of:
                     furfural: 5 mg/l; 5-hydroxymethyl furfural: 10 mg/l; 5-methylfurfural 2 mg/l; vanillin: 5 mg/l; syringaldehyde: 10 mg/l; coniferaldehyde: 5 mg/l; sinapaldehyde: 5 mg/l; gallic acid: 10 mg/l; ellagic acid: 10 mg/l; vanillic acid: 5 mg/l; syringic acid: 5 mg/l; scopoletin: 0,5 mg/l.
                     5.   Apparatus

                     Standard laboratory apparatus
                     5.1.   A high-performance liquid chromatograph capable of functioning in binary gradient mode and equipped with:

                                 5.1.1.

                                 A spectrophotometric detector capable of measuring at wavelengths from 260 to 340 nm. It is however preferable to work with a multiple wavelength detector with a diode array or similar, in order to confirm the purity of the peaks.

                                 5.1.2.

                                 A spectrofluorimetric detector — excitation wavelength: 354 nm, emission wavelength: 446 nm (for the trace determination of scopoletin; which is also detectable at 313 nm by spectrophotometry).

                                 5.1.3.

                                 An injection device capable of introducing 10 or 20 μl (for example) of the test sample.

                                 5.1.4.

                                 A high-performance liquid chromatography column, RP C18 type, 5 μm maximum particle size.

                           5.2.   Syringes for HPLC.
                     5.3.   Device for membrane-filtration of small volumes.
                     5.4.   Integrator-computer or recorder with performance compatible with the entire apparatus, and in particular, it must have several acquisition channels.
                     6.   Procedure

                     6.1.   Preparation of the solution to be injected
                     The reference solution and the spirit drink are filtered, if necessary, through a membrane with a maximum pore diameter of 0,45 μm.
                     6.2.   Chromatographic operating conditions: carry out the analysis at ambient temperature by means of the equipment described in (5.1) and using the mobile phases (4.4) with a flow of approximately 0,6 ml per minute following the gradient below (given as an example only)
                     Time: 0 min 50 min 70 min 90 min
                     solvent A (water-acid): 100 % 60 % 100 % 100 %
                     solvent B (methanol): 0 % 40 % 0 % 0 %
                     Note that in certain cases this gradient should be modified to avoid co-elutions.
                     6.3.   Determination
                     6.3.1.   Inject the reference standards separately, then mixed.
                     Adapt the operating conditions so that the resolution factors of the peaks of all the compounds are equal to at least 1.
                     6.3.2.   Inject the sample as prepared in 6.1.
                     6.3.3.   Measure the area of the peaks in the reference solution and the spirit drink and calculate the concentrations.
                     7.   Expression of results

                     Express the concentration of each constituent in mg/l.
                     8.   Performance characteristics of the method (precision)

                     The following data were obtained in 2009 from an international method-performance study on a variety of spirit drinks, carried out following internationally-agreed procedures (1) (2).
                     8.1.   Furfural

                                 Analyte

                                 Furfural

                                 Samples

                                 Whisky

                                 Brandy

                                 Rum

                                 Cognac 1

                                 Bourbon

                                 Cognac 2

                                 No of laboratories participating

                                 15

                                 15

                                 15

                                 15

                                 15

                                 15

                                 No of results accepted (laboratories)

                                 14

                                 12

                                 13

                                 14

                                 13

                                 13

                                 Mean value (mg/l)

                                 2,9

                                 1,2

                                 1,7

                                 10,6

                                 15,3

                                 13,9

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (mg/l)

                                 0,04

                                 0,05

                                 0,04

                                 0,18

                                 0,23

                                 0,20

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 1,4

                                 4,5

                                 2,3

                                 1,7

                                 1,5

                                 1,5

                                 Repeatability limit, r (mg/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 0,1

                                 0,2

                                 0,1

                                 0,5

                                 0,6

                                 0,6

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (mg/l)

                                 0,24

                                 0,18

                                 0,09

                                 1,4

                                 0,49

                                 0,69

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 8

                                 15

                                 5

                                 13

                                 3

                                 5

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 0,7

                                 0,5

                                 0,3

                                 3,8

                                 1,4

                                 1,9

                           8.2.   5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

                                 Analyte

                                 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

                                 Samples

                                 Whisky

                                 Brandy

                                 Rum

                                 Cognac 1

                                 Bourbon

                                 Cognac 2

                                 No of laboratories participating

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 No of results accepted (laboratories)

                                 14

                                 14

                                 14

                                 14

                                 14

                                 14

                                 Mean value (mg/l)

                                 5,0

                                 11,1

                                 9,4

                                 33,7

                                 5,8

                                 17,5

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (mg/l)

                                 0,09

                                 0,09

                                 0,09

                                 0,42

                                 0,07

                                 0,13

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 1,7

                                 0,8

                                 1,0

                                 1,3

                                 1,2

                                 0,8

                                 Repeatability limit, r (mg/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 0,2

                                 0,3

                                 0,3

                                 1,2

                                 0,2

                                 0,4

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (mg/l)

                                 0,39

                                 1,01

                                 0,50

                                 4,5

                                 0,4

                                 1,6

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 8

                                 9

                                 5

                                 13

                                 7

                                 9

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 1,1

                                 2,8

                                 1,4

                                 12,5

                                 1,1

                                 4,6

                           8.3.   5-Methylfurfural

                                 Analyte

                                 5-Methylfurfural

                                 Samples

                                 Whisky

                                 Brandy

                                 Rum

                                 Cognac 1

                                 Bourbon

                                 Cognac 2

                                 No of laboratories participating

                                 11

                                 11

                                 11

                                 11

                                 11

                                 11

                                 No of results accepted (laboratories)

                                 11

                                 11

                                 8

                                 11

                                 10

                                 11

                                 Mean value (mg/l)

                                 0,1

                                 0,2

                                 0,1

                                 0,5

                                 1,7

                                 0,8

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (mg/l)

                                 0,01

                                 0,01

                                 0,02

                                 0,02

                                 0,03

                                 0,07

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 10,7

                                 6,1

                                 13,6

                                 4,7

                                 2,0

                                 10,0

                                 Repeatability limit, r (mg/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 0,0

                                 0,0

                                 0,1

                                 0,1

                                 0,1

                                 0,2

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (mg/l)

                                 0,03

                                 0,04

                                 0,03

                                 0,18

                                 0,20

                                 0,26

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 35

                                 18

                                 22

                                 39

                                 12

                                 35

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 0,1

                                 0,1

                                 0,1

                                 0,5

                                 0,6

                                 0,7

                           8.4.   Vanillin

                                 Analyte

                                 Vanillin

                                 Samples

                                 Whisky

                                 Brandy

                                 Rum

                                 Cognac 1

                                 Bourbon

                                 Cognac 2

                                 No of laboratories participating

                                 16

                                 15

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 No of results accepted (laboratories)

                                 16

                                 15

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 Mean value (mg/l)

                                 0,5

                                 0,2

                                 1,2

                                 1,2

                                 3,2

                                 3,9

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (mg/l)

                                 0,03

                                 0,02

                                 0,06

                                 0,11

                                 0,11

                                 0,09

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 6,8

                                 9,6

                                 4,6

                                 8,9

                                 3,5

                                 2,3

                                 Repeatability limit, r (mg/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 0,1

                                 0,1

                                 0,2

                                 0,3

                                 0,3

                                 0,3

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (mg/l)

                                 0,09

                                 0,06

                                 0,18

                                 0,27

                                 0,41

                                 0,62

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 19

                                 25

                                 15

                                 22

                                 13

                                 16

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 0,3

                                 0,2

                                 0,5

                                 0,8

                                 1,2

                                 1,7

                           8.5.   Syringaldehyde

                                 Analyte

                                 Syringaldehyde

                                 Samples

                                 Whisky

                                 Brandy

                                 Rum

                                 Cognac 1

                                 Bourbon

                                 Cognac 2

                                 No of laboratories participating

                                 16

                                 15

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 No of results accepted (laboratories)

                                 13

                                 13

                                 13

                                 12

                                 14

                                 13

                                 Mean value (mg/l)

                                 1,0

                                 0,2

                                 4,8

                                 3,2

                                 10,5

                                 9,7

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (mg/l)

                                 0,03

                                 0,02

                                 0,04

                                 0,08

                                 0,10

                                 0,09

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 2,6

                                 8,1

                                 0,8

                                 2,6

                                 0,9

                                 0,9

                                 Repeatability limit, r (mg/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 0,1

                                 0,1

                                 0,1

                                 0,2

                                 0,3

                                 0,3

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (mg/l)

                                 0,08

                                 0,07

                                 0,23

                                 0,19

                                 0,39

                                 0,43

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 8

                                 33

                                 5

                                 6

                                 4

                                 4

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 0,2

                                 0,2

                                 0,7

                                 0,5

                                 1,1

                                 1,2

                           8.6.   Coniferaldehyde

                                 Analyte

                                 Coniferaldehyde

                                 Samples

                                 Whisky

                                 Brandy

                                 Rum

                                 Cognac 1

                                 Bourbon

                                 Cognac 2

                                 No of laboratories participating

                                 13

                                 12

                                 13

                                 12

                                 13

                                 13

                                 No of results accepted (laboratories)

                                 12

                                 12

                                 13

                                 12

                                 13

                                 13

                                 Mean value (mg/l)

                                 0,2

                                 0,2

                                 0,6

                                 0,8

                                 4,6

                                 1,3

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (mg/l)

                                 0,02

                                 0,02

                                 0,03

                                 0,03

                                 0,09

                                 0,06

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 9,2

                                 9,8

                                 4,6

                                 4,3

                                 1,9

                                 4,5

                                 Repeatability limit, r (mg/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 0,04

                                 0,04

                                 0,07

                                 0,09

                                 0,24

                                 0,16

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (mg/l)

                                 0,04

                                 0,04

                                 0,11

                                 0,18

                                 0,38

                                 0,25

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 23

                                 27

                                 21

                                 23

                                 8

                                 19

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 0,1

                                 0,1

                                 0,3

                                 0,5

                                 1,1

                                 0,7

                           8.7.   Sinapaldehyde

                                 Analyte

                                 Sinapaldehyde

                                 Samples

                                 Whisky

                                 Brandy

                                 Rum

                                 Cognac 1

                                 Bourbon

                                 Cognac 2

                                 No of laboratories participating

                                 14

                                 14

                                 14

                                 14

                                 15

                                 14

                                 No of results accepted (laboratories)

                                 14

                                 13

                                 12

                                 13

                                 13

                                 12

                                 Mean value (mg/l)

                                 0,3

                                 0,2

                                 0,2

                                 1,6

                                 8,3

                                 0,3

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (mg/l)

                                 0,02

                                 0,01

                                 0,02

                                 0,06

                                 0,14

                                 0,03

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 7,5

                                 4,6

                                 11,2

                                 3,7

                                 1,6

                                 11,4

                                 Repeatability limit, r (mg/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 0,06

                                 0,03

                                 0,06

                                 0,17

                                 0,38

                                 0,08

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (mg/l)

                                 0,09

                                 0,05

                                 0,08

                                 0,20

                                 0,81

                                 0,18

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 31

                                 27

                                 46

                                 13

                                 10

                                 73

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 0,2

                                 0,2

                                 0,2

                                 0,6

                                 2,3

                                 0,5

                           8.8.   Gallic acid

                                 Analyte

                                 Gallic acid

                                 Sample

                                 Whisky

                                 Brandy

                                 Rum

                                 Cognac 1

                                 Bourbon

                                 Cognac 2

                                 No of laboratories participating

                                 16

                                 15

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 No of results accepted (laboratories)

                                 15

                                 14

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 Mean value (mg/l)

                                 1,2

                                 0,4

                                 2,0

                                 6,1

                                 7,3

                                 21,8

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (mg/l)

                                 0,07

                                 0,04

                                 0,06

                                 0,18

                                 0,18

                                 0,60

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 6,1

                                 8,1

                                 2,9

                                 3,0

                                 2,4

                                 2,8

                                 Repeatability limit, r (mg/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 0,2

                                 0,1

                                 0,2

                                 0,5

                                 0,5

                                 1,7

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (mg/l)

                                 0,43

                                 0,20

                                 0,62

                                 3,3

                                 2,2

                                 7,7

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 36

                                 47

                                 31

                                 53

                                 30

                                 35

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 1,2

                                 0,6

                                 1,7

                                 9,1

                                 6,2

                                 21,7

                           8.9.   Ellagic acid

                                 Analyte

                                 Ellagic acid

                                 Samples

                                 Whisky

                                 Brandy

                                 Rum

                                 Cognac 1

                                 Bourbon

                                 Cognac 2

                                 No of laboratories participating

                                 7

                                 7

                                 7

                                 7

                                 7

                                 7

                                 No of results accepted (laboratories)

                                 7

                                 7

                                 7

                                 7

                                 7

                                 6

                                 Mean value (mg/l)

                                 3,2

                                 1,0

                                 9,5

                                 13

                                 13

                                 36

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (mg/l)

                                 0,20

                                 0,16

                                 0,30

                                 0,41

                                 0,95

                                 0,34

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 6,3

                                 16

                                 3,2

                                 3,2

                                 7,4

                                 1,0

                                 Repeatability limit, r (mg/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 0,6

                                 0,4

                                 0,9

                                 1,1

                                 2,7

                                 1,0

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (mg/l)

                                 1,41

                                 0,42

                                 4,0

                                 5,0

                                 4,9

                                 14

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 44

                                 43

                                 42

                                 39

                                 39

                                 40

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 4,0

                                 1,2

                                 11

                                 14

                                 14

                                 40

                           8.10.   Vanillic acid

                                 Analyte

                                 Vanillic acid

                                 Samples

                                 Whisky

                                 Brandy

                                 Rum

                                 Cognac 1

                                 Bourbon

                                 Cognac 2

                                 No of laboratories participating

                                 15

                                 15

                                 15

                                 15

                                 15

                                 15

                                 No of results accepted (laboratories)

                                 12

                                 11

                                 14

                                 14

                                 15

                                 14

                                 Mean value (mg/l)

                                 0,2

                                 0,2

                                 1,5

                                 0,8

                                 2,4

                                 2,7

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (mg/l)

                                 0,03

                                 0,04

                                 0,03

                                 0,10

                                 0,13

                                 0,21

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 14,2

                                 16,5

                                 2,3

                                 12,6

                                 5,3

                                 7,7

                                 Repeatability limit, r (mg/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 0,1

                                 0,1

                                 0,1

                                 0,3

                                 0,4

                                 0,6

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (mg/l)

                                 0,06

                                 0,05

                                 0,51

                                 0,2

                                 1,22

                                 0,70

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 28

                                 20

                                 35

                                 31

                                 51

                                 26

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 0,2

                                 0,1

                                 1,4

                                 0,7

                                 3,4

                                 2,0

                           8.11.   Syringic acid

                                 Analyte

                                 Syringic acid

                                 Samples

                                 Whisky

                                 Brandy

                                 Rum

                                 Cognac 1

                                 Bourbon

                                 Cognac 2

                                 No of laboratories participating

                                 16

                                 15

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 16

                                 No of results accepted (laboratories)

                                 16

                                 15

                                 15

                                 15

                                 16

                                 15

                                 Mean value (mg/l)

                                 0,4

                                 0,2

                                 2,5

                                 1,4

                                 3,4

                                 4,8

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (mg/l)

                                 0,03

                                 0,02

                                 0,06

                                 0,13

                                 0,08

                                 0,11

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 6,7

                                 12,6

                                 2,3

                                 9,0

                                 2,3

                                 2,3

                                 Repeatability limit, r (mg/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 0,1

                                 0,1

                                 0,2

                                 0,4

                                 0,2

                                 0,3

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (mg/l)

                                 0,08

                                 0,05

                                 0,29

                                 0,26

                                 0,43

                                 0,67

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 19

                                 29

                                 11

                                 18

                                 13

                                 14

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 0,2

                                 0,1

                                 0,8

                                 0,7

                                 1,2

                                 1,9

                           8.12.   Scopoletin

                                 Analyte

                                 Scopoletin

                                 Samples

                                 Whisky

                                 Brandy

                                 Rum

                                 Cognac 1

                                 Bourbon

                                 Cognac 2

                                 No of laboratories participating

                                 10

                                 10

                                 10

                                 10

                                 10

                                 10

                                 No of results accepted (laboratories)

                                 9

                                 8

                                 9

                                 8

                                 8

                                 8

                                 Mean value (mg/l)

                                 0,09

                                 0,04

                                 0,11

                                 0,04

                                 0,65

                                 0,15

                                 Repeatability standard deviation, sr (mg/l)

                                 0,0024

                                 0,0008

                                 0,0018

                                 0,0014

                                 0,0054

                                 0,0040

                                 Repeatability relative standard deviation, RSDr (%)

                                 2,6

                                 2,2

                                 1,6

                                 3,3

                                 0,8

                                 2,7

                                 Repeatability limit, r (mg/l)
                                 (r = 2,8 × sr)

                                 0,007

                                 0,002

                                 0,005

                                 0,004

                                 0,015

                                 0,011

                                 Reproducibility standard deviation, sR (mg/l)

                                 0,01

                                 0,01

                                 0,03

                                 0,01

                                 0,09

                                 0,02

                                 Reproducibility relative standard deviation, RSDR (%)

                                 15

                                 16

                                 23

                                 17

                                 15

                                 15

                                 Reproducibility limit, R (g/l)
                                 (R = 2,8 × sR)

                                 0,04

                                 0,02

                                 0,07

                                 0,02

                                 0,26

                                 0,06

                                 (1)

                                 “Protocol for the design, conduct and interpretation of method-performance studies”, Horwitz, W. (1995) Pure and Applied Chemistry, 67, 332-343.

                                 (2)

                                 Horwitz, W. (1982) Analytical Chemistry, 54, 67A-76A.’

            (*)  split level.

            (**)  split level.’


title: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1384 of 10 August 2015 concerning the classification of certain goods in the Combined Nomenclature

text:
               13.8.2015

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 214/3

         COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/1384
   of 10 August 2015
   concerning the classification of certain goods in the Combined Nomenclature
   THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 of 23 July 1987 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff (1), and in particular Article 9(1)(a) thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               In order to ensure uniform application of the Combined Nomenclature annexed to Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87, it is necessary to adopt measures concerning the classification of the goods referred to in the Annex to this Regulation.

               (2)

               Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 has laid down the general rules for the interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature. Those rules apply also to any other nomenclature which is wholly or partly based on it or which adds any additional subdivision to it and which is established by specific provisions of the Union, with a view to the application of tariff and other measures relating to trade in goods.

               (3)

               Pursuant to those general rules, the goods described in column (1) of the table set out in the Annex should be classified under the CN code indicated in column (2), by virtue of the reasons set out in column (3) of that table.

               (4)

               It is appropriate to provide that binding tariff information issued in respect of the goods concerned by this Regulation which does not conform to this Regulation may, for a certain period, continue to be invoked by the holder in accordance with Article 12(6) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 (2). That period should be set at three months.

               (5)

               The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Customs Code Committee,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
   Article 1
   The goods described in column (1) of the table set out in the Annex shall be classified within the Combined Nomenclature under the CN code indicated in column (2) of that table.
   Article 2
   Binding tariff information which does not conform to this Regulation may continue to be invoked in accordance with Article 12(6) of Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 for a period of three months from the date of entry into force of this Regulation.
   Article 3
   This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in the Member States in accordance with the Treaties.
      Done at Brussels, 10 August 2015.

            For the Commission,

            On behalf of the President,

         Heinz ZOUREK

            Director-General for Taxation and Customs Union

      (1)  OJ L 256, 7.9.1987, p. 1.

      (2)  Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 of 12 October 1992 establishing the Community Customs Code (OJ L 302, 19.10.1992, p. 1).

      ANNEX

                  Description of the goods

                  Classification
                  (CN-code)

                  Reasons

                  (1)

                  (2)

                  (3)

                  An article (‘puzzle book’) consisting of puzzles, educative texts, maps and other illustrations bound together, made of cardboard and measuring approximately 34 × 24 cm, with 14 pages.
                  Every other page contains a puzzle with approximately 40 pieces, showing a map with information and illustrations on a single-coloured background. The puzzles relate to, and complete, the educative texts, maps and illustrations on the opposite pages.
                  (See photograph) (1)

                  9503 00 69

                  Classification is determined by general rules 1, 3(c) and 6 for the interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature (GIR) and by the wording of CN codes 9503 00 and 9503 00 69.
                  The article is prima facie classifiable under heading 4901 as a printed book or similar printed matter, or under heading 9503 as a puzzle. However, neither of the two headings can be regarded as providing a more specific description of the article within the meaning of GIR 3(a).
                  As it cannot be established whether the educative texts, maps and illustrations (heading 4901) or the puzzles (heading 9503) give the article its essential character within the meaning of GIR 3(b), the article has to be classified under the heading which occurs last in numerical order among those which equally merit consideration.
                  Consequently, the article is classified under CN code 9503 00 69 as other puzzles.

         (1)  The photograph is purely for information.


title: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 246/2013 of 19 March 2013 amending Regulation (EU) No 185/2010 as regards the screening of liquids, aerosols and gels at EU airports  Text with EEA relevance

text:
               20.3.2013

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 77/8

         COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) No 246/2013
   of 19 March 2013
   amending Regulation (EU) No 185/2010 as regards the screening of liquids, aerosols and gels at EU airports
   (Text with EEA relevance)
   THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
   Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 300/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2008 establishing common rules in the field of civil aviation security and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2320/2002 (1), and in particular Article 4(2) thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               In accordance with Article 4(3) of Regulation (EC) No 300/2008, the Commission should adopt detailed measures for the implementation of the common basic standards on civil aviation security laid down in Annex I to that Regulation.

               (2)

               Commission Regulation (EC) No 272/2009 (2) supplementing the common basic standards on civil aviation security, as amended, lays down methods, including technologies for the detection of liquid explosives, for liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) to be permitted to be taken into security restricted areas and on board an aircraft.

               (3)

               The Commission may make proposals for revision, in particular taking into account the operability of equipment and passenger facilitation and in light of the Report (3) from the Commission to the European Parliament and to the Council on the assessment of the situation in respect of the security screening of liquids, aerosols and gels at EU airports. The Commission considers it appropriate to introduce the mandatory screening for liquid explosives of airport and air carrier sales of LAGs sealed in security tamper-evident bags (STEBs), as well as of LAGs to be used during the trip for medical purposes or a special dietary requirement, including baby food.

               (4)

               The Commission is committed to the full lifting of restrictions on the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels. On the basis of the experience gained from the implementation of screening as of January 2014, the Commission should review the situation by the end of 2014 and define, in close cooperation with all parties concerned, one or more next steps to reach this objective, if possible within the next two years following the first step.

               (5)

               The Commission should follow closely the technological development of liquid explosives detection systems with a view to possibly allow airports to deploy in the future screening systems which are capable of addressing more threats (such as solid and liquid explosives) efficiently at the same time and of simplifying divesting procedures.

               (6)

               Commission Regulation (EU) No 185/2010 of 4 March 2010 laying down detailed measures for the implementation of the common basic standards on aviation security (4) should therefore be amended accordingly.

               (7)

               The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee on Civil Aviation Security,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
   Article 1
   The Annex to Regulation (EU) No 185/2010 is amended as set out in the Annex to this Regulation.
   Article 2
   By 30 June 2013, airports or the entity responsible for screening shall report to the appropriate authorities on the state of the implementation of the rules concerning the deployment and the use of liquid screening equipment. By 1 September 2013, Member States shall report to the Commission thereof.
   Article 3
   This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
   Point 2 of the Annex shall apply from 31 January 2014.

      This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
      Done at Brussels, 19 March 2013.

            For the Commission

            The President

         José Manuel BARROSO

      (1)  OJ L 97, 9.4.2008, p. 72.

      (2)  OJ L 91, 3.4.2009, p. 7.

      (3)  COM(2012) 404, 18.7.2012, not published.

      (4)  OJ L 55, 5.3.2010, p. 1.

      ANNEX

                  1.

                  The Annex to Regulation (EU) No 185/2010 is amended as follows:

                              (a)

                              in Chapter 4, the following point (c) is added to point 4.0.4:

                                          ‘(c)

                                          “liquid explosive detection systems (LEDS) equipment” is a piece of equipment capable of detecting threat materials that meets the provisions of point 12.7 of the Annex to Commission Decision C(2010) 774.’;

                              (b)

                              in Chapter 4, point 4.1.3.4(g) is replaced by the following:

                                          ‘(g)

                                          obtained at an airport situated in a third country listed in Attachment 4-D, on condition that the LAG is sealed in a STEB inside which satisfactory proof of purchase at airside at that airport within the preceding 36 hours is displayed. The exemptions provided for in this point may be used until 30 January 2014 at the latest.’;

                              (c)

                              in Chapter 4, points 4.1.3.1 and 4.1.3.2 are deleted;

                              (d)

                              in Chapter 12, point 12.7.1.1 is replaced by the following:

                                          ‘12.7.1.1

                                          LEDS equipment shall be able to detect and to indicate by means of an alarm specified and higher individual quantities of threat materials in LAGs.’;

                              (e)

                              in Chapter 12, point 12.7.2 is replaced by the following:
                              ‘12.7.2.   Standards for Liquid Explosive Detection Systems (LEDS) equipment

                                          12.7.2.1.

                                          There shall be three standards for LEDS equipment. Detailed requirements on these standards are laid down in a separate Commission Decision.

                                          12.7.2.2.

                                          All LEDS equipment shall meet standard 1.
                                          LEDS equipment meeting standard 1 may be used until 30 January 2016 at the latest.

                                          12.7.2.3.

                                          Standard 2 shall apply to all LEDS equipment installed as from the day of the entry in force of this Regulation.
                                          All LEDS equipment shall meet standard 2 with effect from 31 January 2016 at the latest.’.

                  2.

                  With effect from 31 January 2014, the Annex to Regulation (EU) No 185/2010 is amended as follows:

                              (a)

                              in Chapter 4, point 4.1.2.2 is replaced by the following:

                                          ‘4.1.2.2.

                                          The appropriate entity at all airports shall screen, upon entry to the SRA, at least LAGs obtained at an airport or on board an aircraft that are sealed in a STEB inside which is displayed satisfactory proof of purchase at airside at an airport or on board an aircraft, as well as LAGs to be used during the trip for medical purposes or a special dietary requirement, including baby food.
                                          Before screening, LAGs shall be removed from cabin baggage and shall be screened separately from other items of cabin baggage, unless the equipment used for the screening of cabin baggage is also capable of screening multiple closed LAGs containers inside baggage.
                                          Where LAGs have been removed from cabin baggage, the passenger shall present:

                                                      (a)

                                                      all LAGs in individual containers with a capacity not greater than 100 millilitres or equivalent in one transparent resealable plastic bag of a capacity not exceeding 1 litre, whereby the contents of the plastic bag fit comfortably and the bag is completely closed; and

                                                      (b)

                                                      all other LAGs, including STEBs containing LAGs.
                                                      Appropriate authorities, airlines and airports shall provide appropriate information to passengers in respect of the screening of LAGs at their airports.’;

                              (b)

                              in Chapter 4, point 4.1.3 is replaced by the following:
                              ‘4.1.3.   Screening of liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs)

                                          4.1.3.1.

                                          LAGs carried by passengers may be exempted from screening with LEDS equipment upon entry to the SRA:

                                                      (a)

                                                      if the LAG is in individual containers with a capacity not greater than 100 millilitres or equivalent in one transparent resealable plastic bag of a capacity not exceeding 1 litre, whereby the contents of the plastic bag fit comfortably and the bag is completely closed; or

                                                      (b)

                                                      if the LAG is sealed in a dedicated STEB upon purchase locally at the airport airside;

                                                      (c)

                                                      if the LAG in a STEB originates from another EU airport or an aircraft of an EU carrier and is resealed in a dedicated STEB before leaving the security restricted area of the airport;

                                                      (d)

                                                      if the LAG is screened locally with LEDS equipment airside and is then sealed in a dedicated STEB.
                                                      The exemptions referred to under points (c) and (d) shall expire on 31 December 2015.

                                          4.1.3.2.

                                          The dedicated STEBs referred to under points (b) to (d) of point 4.1.3.1 shall:

                                                      (a)

                                                      be clearly identifiable as a STEB of that airport;

                                                      (b)

                                                      display inside proof of purchase or resealing at that airport within the preceding period of three hours;

                                                      (c)

                                                      be subject to the additional provisions laid down in a separate Commission Decision.

                                          4.1.3.3.

                                          The screening of LAGs shall also be subject to the additional provisions laid down in a separate Commission Decision.’;

                              (c)

                              Attachment 4-D is deleted.