title: Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/478 of 22 March 2021 implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses

text:
                  22.3.2021

                  EN

                  Official Journal of the European Union

                  LI 99/1

         COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2021/478
         of 22 March 2021
         implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses
         THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
         Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
         Having regard to Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 of 7 December 2020 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses (1), and in particular Article 14(1) thereof,
         Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
         Whereas:

                     (1)

                     On 7 December 2020, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2020/1998.

                     (2)

                     On 8 December 2020, in the Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union regarding the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, the Union and its Member States reaffirmed their strong commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. The EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime underscores the Union’s determination to enhance its role in addressing serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide. Realising the effective enjoyment of human rights by everyone is a strategic goal of the Union. Respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights are fundamental values of the Union and its Common Foreign and Security Policy.

                     (3)

                     On 2 March 2021, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2021/372 (2) and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/371 (3), which designated four Russian individuals involved in serious human rights violations in Russia, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as widespread and systematic repression of freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, and of freedom of opinion and expression.

                     (4)

                     The Union remains deeply concerned about serious human rights violations and abuses in different parts of the world, such as torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances or systematic use of forced labour committed by individuals and entities in China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Libya, Eritrea, South Sudan and Russia.

                     (5)

                     In this context, 11 persons and four entities should be included in the list of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2020/1998.

                     (6)

                     Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 should therefore be amended accordingly,

               HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

            Article 1
            Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 is amended as set out in the Annex to this Regulation.

            Article 2
            This Regulation shall enter into force on the date 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 March 2021.

                  For the Council

                  The President

               J. BORRELL FONTELLES

            (1)  OJ L 410 I, 7.12.2020, p. 1.

            (2)  Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/372 of 2 March 2021 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses (OJ L 71 I, 2.3.2021, p. 6).

            (3)  Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/371 of 2 March 2021 implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses (OJ L 71 I, 2.3.2021, p. 1).

            ANNEX
            Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 is amended as follows:

                        (1)

                        the list of natural persons set out in Section A (‘Natural persons’) is amended as follows:

                                    (a)

                                    the heading of the second column (‘Names (Transliteration of Russian spelling’) is replaced by ‘Names (Transliteration into Latin script)’;

                                    (b)

                                    the heading of the third column (‘Names (Russian spelling)’) is replaced by ‘Names’;

                                    (c)

                                    the following entries are added:

                                                Names (Transliteration into Latin script)

                                                Names

                                                Identifying information

                                                Reasons for listing

                                                Date of listing

                                                ‘5.

                                                ZHU Hailun

                                                朱海仑 (Chinese spelling)

                                                Position(s): Former Deputy Head of the 13th People’s Congress of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR)
                                                DOB: January 1958
                                                POB: Lianshui, Jiangsu (China)
                                                Nationality: Chinese
                                                Gender: male

                                                Former Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and former Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the XUAR (2016 to 2019). Former Deputy Head of the 13th People’s Congress of the XUAR, a regional legislative body (2019 to February 2021).

                                                22.3.2021

                                                As Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee of the XUAR (2016 to 2019), Zhu Hailun was responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement in the XUAR. As such, he held a key political position in charge of overseeing and implementing a large-scale surveillance, detention and indoctrination programme targeting Uyghurs and people from other Muslim ethnic minorities. Zhu Hailun has been described as the “architect” of this programme. He is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations in China, in particular large-scale arbitrary detentions inflicted upon Uyghurs and people from other Muslim ethnic minorities.

                                                As Deputy Head of the 13th People’s Congress of the XUAR (2019 to February 2021), Zhu Hailun continued to exercise a decisive influence in the XUAR where the large-scale surveillance, detention and indoctrination programme targeting Uyghurs and people from other Muslim ethnic minorities continues.

                                                6.

                                                WANG Junzheng

                                                王君正 (Chinese spelling)

                                                Position(s): Party Secretary of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region; Political commissar of the XPCC and CEO of the China Xinjian Group
                                                DOB: May 1963
                                                POB: Linyi, Shandong (China)
                                                Nationality: Chinese
                                                Gender: male

                                                Party Secretary of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) since April 2020, as well as Political commissar of the XPCC since May 2020. Former Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee of the XUAR (February 2019 to September 2020). Wang Junzheng also holds other senior posts in the XPCC.
                                                The XPCC is a state-owned economic and paramilitary organisation in the XUAR, which exercises administrative authority and controls economic activities in Xinjiang.

                                                22.3.2021

                                                As Party Secretary and Political commissar of the XPCC since 2020, Wang Junzheng is involved in overseeing all policies implemented by the XPCC. In this position, he is responsible for serious human rights violations in China, in particular large-scale arbitrary detentions and degrading treatment inflicted upon Uyghurs and people from other Muslim ethnic minorities, as well as systematic violations of their freedom of religion or belief, linked, inter alia, to the XPCC’s implementation of a large-scale surveillance, detention and indoctrination programme targeting Uyghurs and people from other Muslim ethnic minorities.

                                                He is also responsible for the XPCC’s systematic use of Uyghurs and people from other Muslim ethnic minorities as a forced workforce, in particular in cotton fields.
                                                As Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the XUAR since 2020, Wang Junzheng is involved in overseeing all the security policies implemented in Xinjiang, including the aforementioned programme targeting Uyghurs and people from other Muslim ethnic minorities. As Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee of the XUAR (February 2019 to September 2020), Wang Junzheng was responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement in the XUAR. As such, he held a key political position in charge of overseeing and implementing the aforementioned programme.

                                                7.

                                                WANG Mingshan

                                                王明山 (Chinese spelling)

                                                Position(s): Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee of the XUAR
                                                DOB: January 1964
                                                POB: Wuwei, Gansu (China)
                                                Nationality: Chinese
                                                Gender: male

                                                Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee of the XUAR since September 2020. Former Director and Deputy Party Secretary of the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau (XPSB) between 2017 and January 2021.

                                                22.3.2021

                                                As Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee of the XUAR since September 2020, Wang Mingshan is responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement in the XUAR. As such, he holds a key political position in charge of overseeing a large-scale surveillance, detention and indoctrination programme targeting Uyghurs and people from other Muslim ethnic minorities.

                                                As Former Director and Deputy Party Secretary of the XPSB (2017 to January 2021), he held a key position in Xinjiang’s security apparatus and was directly responsible for implementing the aforementioned programme. In particular, the XPSB has deployed the “Integrated Joint Operations Platform” (IJOP), a big data programme used to track millions of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region and flag those deemed “potentially threatening” to be sent to detention camps.
                                                In his current position and due to his former functions, Wang Mingshan is responsible for serious human rights violations in China, in particular large-scale arbitrary detentions and degrading treatment inflicted upon Uyghurs and people from other Muslim ethnic minorities, as well as systematic violations of their freedom of religion or belief.

                                                8.

                                                CHEN Mingguo

                                                陈明国
                                                (Chinese spelling)

                                                Position(s): Director of the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau (XPSB) and Vice-Chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) People’s Government
                                                DOB: October 1966
                                                POB: Yilong, Sichuan (China)
                                                Nationality: Chinese
                                                Gender: male

                                                Director of the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau (XPSB) since January 2021 and Vice-Chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) People’s Government.

                                                22.3.2021

                                                As Director of the XPSB, Chen Mingguo holds a key position in Xinjiang’s security apparatus and is directly involved in implementing a large-scale surveillance, detention and indoctrination programme targeting Uyghurs and people from other Muslim ethnic minorities. In particular, the XPSB has deployed the “Integrated Joint Operations Platform” (IJOP), a big data programme used to track millions of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region and flag those deemed “potentially threatening” to be sent to detention camps. Chen Mingguo is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations in China, in particular arbitrary detentions and degrading treatment inflicted upon Uyghurs and people from other Muslim ethnic minorities, as well as systematic violations of their freedom of religion or belief.

                                                9.

                                                JONG Kyong-thaek (a.k.a. CHO’NG Kyo’ng-t’aek)

                                                정경택
                                                (Korean spelling)

                                                Position(s): Minister of State Security of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)
                                                DOB: between 1.1.1961 and 31.12.1963
                                                Nationality: North Korean
                                                Gender: male

                                                Jong Kyong-thaek is the Minister of State Security of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) since 2017.
                                                The Ministry of State Security of the DPRK is one of the leading institutions in charge of implementing the repressive security policies of the DPRK, with a focus on identifying and suppressing political dissent, the inflow of “subversive” information from abroad, and any other conduct considered a serious political threat to the political system and its leadership.

                                                22.3.2021

                                                As Head of the Ministry of State Security, Jong Kyong-thaek is responsible for serious human rights violations in the DPRK, in particular torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and killings, enforced disappearance of persons, and arbitrary arrests or detentions, as well as widespread forced labour and sexual violence against women.

                                                10.

                                                RI Yong Gil
                                                (a.k.a. RI Yong Gi, RI Yo’ng-kil, YI Yo’ng-kil)

                                                리영길
                                                (Korean spelling)

                                                Position(s): Minister of Social Security of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)
                                                DOB: 1955
                                                Nationality: North Korean
                                                Gender: male

                                                Ri Yong Gil is the Minister of Social Security of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) since January 2021 and former Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) between 2018 and January 2021.
                                                The Ministry of Social Security of the DPRK (formerly known as the Ministry of People’s Security or Ministry of Public Security) is one of the leading institutions in charge of implementing the repressive security policies of the DPRK, including interrogation and punishment of people “illegally” fleeing the DPRK. In particular, the Ministry of Social Security is in charge of running prison camps and short-term labour detention centres through its Correctional Bureau, where prisoners/detainees are subject to deliberate starvation and other inhuman treatment.

                                                22.3.2021

                                                As Head of the Ministry of Social Security, Ri Yong Gil is responsible for serious human rights violations in the DPRK, in particular torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and killings, enforced disappearance of persons, and arbitrary arrests or detentions, as well as widespread forced labour and sexual violence against women.
                                                As former Chief of the General Staff of the KPA, Ri Yong Gil is also responsible for the widespread serious human rights violations committed by the KPA.

                                                11.

                                                Mohammed Khalifa AL-KANI (a.k.a. Mohamed Khalifa Abderrahim Shaqaqi AL-KANI, Mohammed AL-KANI, Muhammad Omar AL-KANI)

                                                الكاني خليفة محمد (Arabic spelling)

                                                Position(s): Head of the Kaniyat Militia
                                                DOB: 3.5.1979
                                                Nationality: Libyan
                                                Passport number: F86JKFJF
                                                Gender: male

                                                Mohammed Khalifa Al-Kani is the Head of the Kaniyat Militia, which exercised control of the Libyan town of Tarhuna between 2015 and June 2020. In that position, he oversees all activities of the Kaniyat Militia. In his capacity as the Head of the Kaniyat Militia, he is responsible for serious human rights abuses in Libya, in particular extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of persons between 2015 and June 2020 in Tarhuna.
                                                Mohammed Khalifa Al-Kani and the Kaniyat Militia fled Tarhuna in early June 2020 to eastern Libya. After that, several mass graves attributed to the Kaniyat Militia were discovered in Tarhuna.

                                                22.3.2021

                                                12.

                                                Abderrahim AL-KANI (a.k.a. Abdul-Rahim AL-KANI, Abd-al-Rahim AL-KANI)

                                                الرحيم الكاني عبد (Arabic spelling)

                                                Position(s): member of the Kaniyat Militia
                                                DOB: 7.9.1997
                                                Nationality: Libyan
                                                Passport number: PH3854LY
                                                ID number: 119970331820
                                                Gender: male

                                                Abderrahim Al-Kani is a key member of the Kaniyat Militia and brother of the Head of the Kaniyat Militia, Mohammed Khalifa Al-Khani. The Kaniyat Militia exercised control of the Libyan town of Tarhuna between 2015 and June 2020.
                                                Abderrahim Al-Kani is in charge of internal security for the Kaniyat Militia. In that capacity, he is responsible for serious human rights abuses in Libya, in particular extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of persons between 2015 and June 2020 in Tarhuna.

                                                22.3.2021

                                                Abderrahim Al-Kani and the Kaniyat Militia fled Tarhuna in early June 2020 to eastern Libya. After that, several mass graves attributed to the Kaniyat Militia were discovered in Tarhuna.

                                                13.

                                                Aiub Vakhaevich KATAEV
                                                (a.k.a. Ayubkhan Vakhaevich KATAEV)

                                                Аюб Вахаевич КАТАЕВ
                                                (a.k.a. Аюбхан Вахаевич КАТАЕВ) (Russian spelling)

                                                Position(s): Head of Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation in the city of Argun in the Chechen Republic
                                                DOB: 1.12.1980 or 1.12.1984
                                                Nationality: Russian
                                                Gender: male

                                                Head of Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation in the city of Argun in the Chechen Republic.

                                                22.3.2021

                                                In his capacity as Head of Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation in Argun, Aiub Kataev oversees the activities of local state security and police agencies. In this position, he personally oversees widespread and systematic persecutions in Chechnya, which began in 2017. The repressions are directed against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons, those presumed to belong to LGBTI groups, and other individuals suspected of being opponents of the Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov. Aiub Kataev and forces under his command are responsible for serious human rights violations in Russia, in particular torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, as well as arbitrary arrests and detentions and extrajudicial or arbitrary executions and killings.

                                                According to numerous witnesses, Aiub Kataev personally supervised and took part in torturing detainees.

                                                14.

                                                Abuzaid (Abuzayed) Dzhandarovich VISMURADOV

                                                Абузайд Джандарович ВИСМУРАДОВ (Russian spelling)

                                                Position(s): Commander of the Special Rapid-Response Unit (SOBR) Team “Terek”, Deputy Prime Minister of the Chechen Republic, unofficial bodyguard of the Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov
                                                DOB: 24.12.1975
                                                POB: Akhmat-Yurt/Khosi-Yurt, former Checheno-Ingush Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR), now Chechen Republic (Russian Federation)
                                                Nationality: Russian
                                                Gender: male

                                                Commander of the Special Rapid-Response Unit (SOBR) Team “Terek”, Deputy Prime Minister of the Chechen Republic, unofficial bodyguard of the Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov.
                                                Abuzaid Vismuradov has been the commander of the SOBR detachment “Terek” since May 2012. In this position, he personally oversees widespread and systematic persecutions in Chechnya, which began in 2017. The repressions are directed against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons, those presumed to belong to LGBTI groups and other individuals suspected of being opponents of the Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov.

                                                22.3.2021

                                                Abuzaid Vismuradov and the “Terek” unit under his command are responsible for serious human rights violations in Russia, in particular torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, as well as arbitrary arrests and detentions and extrajudicial and arbitrary killings and executions.
                                                According to numerous witnesses, Abuzaid Vismuradov personally supervised and took part in torturing detainees. He is a close associate of Ramzan Kadyrov, the Head of the Chechen Republic, who has been conducting a campaign of repression against his political opponents for many years.

                                                15.

                                                Gabriel Moses LOKUJO

                                                -

                                                Position(s): Major General of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF)
                                                Nationality: South Sudanese
                                                Gender: male

                                                Major General of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
                                                Gabriel Moses Lokujo is responsible for serious human rights violation in South Sudan, in particular extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and killings.
                                                In May 2020, three officers of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) were abducted and executed on the orders of Major General Lokujo.

                                                22.3.2021’

                                                Major General Lokujo defected in September 2020 from the SPLA-IO to the SSPDF and is responsible for the ensuing clashes in and around the Moroto Training Center in southern Central Equatoria. As a consequence, several deaths and injuries were reported on both sides during the last quarter of 2020, and civilians were also displaced, especially in the Kajo-Keji area of Central Equatoria State. Major General Lokujo’s forces remained in the area where several further clashes have been reported and the safety and security of the civilian communities continue to be in jeopardy.

                        (2)

                        in the list of legal persons, entities and bodies set out in Section B (‘Legal persons, entities and bodies’), the following entries are added:

                                    Name (Transliteration into Latin script)

                                    Name

                                    Identifying information

                                    Reasons for listing

                                    Date of listing

                                    ‘1.

                                    Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Public Security Bureau

                                    新疆生产建设兵团公安局
                                    (Chinese spelling)

                                    Address: 106 Guangming Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), China
                                    Telephone: +86 991 598 8114

                                    The Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) Public Security Bureau is in charge of implementing all policies of the XPCC relating to security matters, including the management of detention centres. The XPCC is a state-owned economic and paramilitary organisation in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, which exercises administrative authority and controls economic activities in Xinjiang.

                                    22.3.2021

                                    As the organisation in charge of security policies within the XPCC, the XPCC Public Security Bureau is responsible for serious human rights violations in China, in particular large-scale arbitrary detentions and degrading treatment inflicted upon Uyghurs and people from other Muslim ethnic minorities, as well as systematic violations of their freedom of religion or belief, linked, inter alia, to the XPCC’s implementation of a large-scale surveillance, detention and indoctrination programme targeting Muslim ethnic minorities.
                                    As part of the aforementioned programme, the XPCC uses Uyghurs and people from other Muslim ethnic minorities as a forced workforce, in particular in cotton fields. As the organisation in charge of security policies within the XPCC, the XPCC Public Security Bureau is responsible for the systematic use of forced labour.

                                    2.

                                    Central Public Prosecutor’s Office (a.k.a. Office of the Prosecutor of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK))

                                    조선민주주의인민공화국 중앙검찰소 (Korean spelling)

                                    The Central Public Prosecutor’s Office is an institution which oversees all criminal proceedings in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), including investigation, interrogation, pre-trial detention and trial.

                                    22.3.2021

                                    The Central Public Prosecutor’s Office is used to prosecute and punish persons for political wrongdoing in fundamentally unfair trials. It also carries institutional responsibility for serious human rights violations in ordinary prisons and interrogation detention centres by failing to enforce the rights of pre-trial detainees and convicted prisoners. In close cooperation with the Ministries of State Security and of Social Security, it bears responsibility for and provides legitimacy to serious human rights violations committed by the DPRK security apparatus, in particular torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and killings, enforced disappearances of persons, and arbitrary arrests or detentions.

                                    3.

                                    Kaniyat Militia (f.k.a. 7th Brigade, Tarhuna 7th Brigade, Tarhuna Brigade) (a.k.a. 9th Brigade, Al-Kani Militia, Al-Kaniyat, Kani Brigade, Kaniat, Kaniyat, Kanyat)

                                    مليشيا كانيات (Arabic spelling)

                                    The Kaniyat Militia is a Libyan armed militia, which exercised control in the Libyan town of Tarhuna between 2015 and June 2020. Mass graves attributed to the Kaniyat Militia were discovered in Tarhuna after the militia fled to eastern Libya in June 2020. The Kaniyat Militia is responsible for serious human rights abuses, in particular extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances of persons.

                                    22.3.2021

                                    4.

                                    National Security Office (a.k.a. National Security Agency) of the Government of Eritrea

                                    -

                                    Headed by Major General Abraha Kassa

                                    The National Security Office (a.k.a. National Security Agency) of the Government of Eritrea is headed by Major General Abraha Kassa and is under the supervision of the Office of the President. The National Security Office is organised into six offices, each of which is divided into three sections responsible for intelligence, arrests and interrogations, respectively. The National Security Office is responsible for serious human rights violations in Eritrea, in particular arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances of persons and torture committed by its agents.

                                    22.3.2021’


title: Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/480 of 22 March 2021 implementing Regulation (EU) No 401/2013 concerning restrictive measures in respect of Myanmar/Burma

text:
                  22.3.2021

                  EN

                  Official Journal of the European Union

                  LI 99/15

         COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2021/480
         of 22 March 2021
         implementing Regulation (EU) No 401/2013 concerning restrictive measures in respect of Myanmar/Burma
         THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
         Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
         Having regard to Council Regulation (EU) No 401/2013 of 2 May 2013 concerning restrictive measures in respect of Myanmar/Burma and repealing Regulation (EC) No 194/2008 (1), and in particular Article 4i thereof,
         Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
         Whereas:

                     (1)

                     On 2 May 2013, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) No 401/2013.

                     (2)

                     On 22 February 2021, the Council adopted conclusions in which it condemned in the strongest terms the military coup carried out in Myanmar/Burma on 1 February 2021. It called for de-escalation of the crisis through an immediate end to the state of emergency, the restoration of the legitimate civilian government and the opening of the newly elected parliament.

                     (3)

                     The Council also called upon the military authorities to release the President, the State Counsellor and all those who have been detained or arrested in connection with the coup. The Council insisted that unimpeded telecommunications must be ensured, freedoms of expression, association, and assembly, and access to information guaranteed, and the rule of law and human rights respected. It condemned the military and police repression against peaceful demonstrators while calling for maximum restraint to be exercised by the authorities and for all sides to refrain from violence, in line with international law.

                     (4)

                     The Council conclusions underlined the readiness of the Union to adopt restrictive measures in response to the military coup.

                     (5)

                     On 28 February 2021, following the violent crackdown against peaceful protests across the country, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy condemned the brutal repression and called upon the military authorities to immediately stop the use of force against civilians and allow the population to express their right to freedom of expression and assembly.

                     (6)

                     In this context, and in view of the continuing grave situation in Myanmar/Burma, 11 persons should be included in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures in Annex IV to Regulation (EU) No 401/2013.

                     (7)

                     Annex IV to Regulation (EU) No 401/2013 should therefore be amended accordingly,

               HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

            Article 1
            Annex IV to Regulation (EU) No 401/2013 is amended as set out in the Annex to this Regulation.

            Article 2
            This Regulation shall enter into force on the date 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 March 2021.

                  For the Council

                  The President

               J. BORRELL FONTELLES

            (1)  OJ L 121, 3.5.2013, p. 1.

            ANNEX
            The following persons are added to the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies set out in Annex IV to Regulation (EU) No 401/2013:

                           Name

                           Identifying information

                           Reasons

                           Date of listing

                           ‘15.

                           Min Aung Hlaing

                           Date of birth: 3 July 1956
                           Place of birth: Tavoy, Myanmar/Burma
                           Nationality: Myanmar
                           National Identification number: 12/SAKHANA(N)020199
                           Gender: male

                           Min Aung Hlaing has been the Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) since 2011. He is Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and member of the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC).
                           On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), led by Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, staged a coup in Myanmar/Burma by setting aside the results of the elections held on 8 November 2020 and by overthrowing the democratically elected government. As part of the coup, Vice-President Myint Swe, functioning as Acting President, declared a state of emergency on 1 February and transferred the legislative, executive and judicial powers of the State to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. On 2 February, the SAC was established to exercise those powers, preventing the democratically elected government from fulfilling its mandate.

                           22.3.2021

                           By concentrating all powers and as Chairman of the SAC, Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing has been directly involved in and responsible for decision making concerning state functions and is therefore responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar/Burma.
                           Additionally, the SAC adopted decisions restricting the rights to freedom of expression, including access to information, and peaceful assembly. The military forces and authorities operating under the control of the SAC have committed serious human rights violations since 1 February 2021, killing civilian and unarmed protestors, restricting freedom of assembly and of expression, including by restricting internet access, and through arbitrary arrests and detention of opposition leaders and opponents of the coup.
                           As Chairman of the SAC, Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing is directly responsible for those repressive decisions and for serious human rights violations.

                           In 2018, the UN as well as international civil society organisations reported gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan States against the Rohingya population by the military and police forces since 2011 and concluded that many of those violations amount to the gravest crimes under international law. As Commander-in-Chief of the Tatmadaw since 2011, Min Aung Hlaing is directly responsible for those serious violations and abuses against the Rohingya population.

                           16.

                           Myint Swe

                           Date of birth: 24 May 1951
                           Nationality: Myanmar
                           Gender: male

                           Lieutenant General Myint Swe is a member of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) and was the Tatmadaw-appointed Vice-President until 1 February 2021. On that date, Myint Swe participated in a National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) meeting with other Tatmadaw members. The NDSC meeting was unconstitutional as it did not include its civilian members. During that meeting, Myint Swe was declared Acting President. Myint Swe then declared the state of emergency and handed over legislative, executive and judicial powers of the State to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Min Aung Hlaing. The procedure for declaring the state of emergency was breached as, under the Constitution, only the President has the authority to declare a state of emergency.
                           By accepting his nomination as Acting President and by transferring legislative, judicial and executive powers to the Commander-in-Chief, Myint Swe contributed to overthrowing the democratically elected government and is therefore responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar/Burma.

                           22.3.2021

                           17.

                           Soe Win

                           Date of birth: 1 March 1960
                           Nationality: Myanmar
                           Gender: male

                           Soe Win has been the Deputy-Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) since 2011. He is Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) and member of the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC).
                           On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), led by Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, staged a coup in Myanmar by setting aside the results of the elections held on 8 November 2020 and by overthrowing the democratically elected government. As part of the coup, Vice-President Myint Swe, functioning as Acting President, declared a state of emergency on 1 February and transferred the legislative, executive and judicial powers of the State to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. On 2 February, the SAC was established to exercise those powers, preventing the democratically elected government from fulfilling its mandate.

                           22.3.2021

                           As Vice-Chairman of the SAC, Deputy-Commander-in-Chief Soe Win has been directly involved in and responsible for decision making concerning state functions and is therefore responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar/Burma.
                           Additionally, the SAC adopted decisions restricting the rights to freedom of expression, including access to information, and peaceful assembly. The military forces and authorities operating under the control of the SAC have committed serious human rights violations since 1 February 2021, killing civilian and unarmed protestors, restricting freedom of assembly and of expression, including by restricting internet access, and through arbitrary arrests and detention of opposition leaders and opponents of the coup.
                           As Vice-Chairman of the SAC, Deputy-Commander-in-Chief Soe Win is directly responsible for those repressive decisions and for serious human rights violations.

                           In 2018, the UN as well as international civil society organisations reported gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan States against the Rohingya population by the military and police forces since 2011 and concluded that many of those violations amount to the gravest crimes under international law. As Deputy-Commander-in-Chief of the Tatmadaw since 2011, Soe Win is responsible for those serious violations and abuses against the Rohingya population.

                           18.

                           Sein Win

                           Date of birth: 24 July 1956
                           Place of birth: Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar/Burma
                           Nationality: Myanmar
                           Gender: male

                           Lieutenant-general Sein Win is a member of Tatmadaw and former Minister of Defence (between 24 August 2015 and 1 February 2021). On 1 February, he participated in a National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) meeting with the other Tatmadaw members. The NDSC meeting was unconstitutional as it did not include its civilian members. During that meeting, Myint Swe was declared Acting President. Myint Swe then declared a state of emergency and handed over legislative, executive and judicial powers of the State to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Min Aung Hlaing. The procedure for declaring the state of emergency was breached as, under the Constitution, only the President has the authority to declare a state of emergency.
                           By his participation in the NDSC meeting during which it was decided to declare the state of emergency and to hand over the legislative, executive and judicial powers of the State to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Sein Win contributed to setting aside the results of the elections held on 8 November 2020 and to overthrowing the democratically elected government. Therefore he is responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar/Burma.

                           22.3.2021

                           In 2018, the UN as well as international civil society organisations reported gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan States against the Rohingya population by the military and police forces since 2011 and concluded that many of those violations amount to the gravest crimes under international law. As Minister of Defence from 24 August 2015 to 1 February 2021, Sein Win is responsible for those serious violations and abuses against the Rohingya population.

                           19.

                           Thein Soe
                           (a.k.a. U Thein Soe)

                           Date of birth: 23 January 1952
                           Place of birth: Kani, Myanmar/Burma
                           Nationality: Myanmar
                           Gender: male

                           Thein Soe was nominated as chairman of the Union Election Commission (UEC) on 2 February 2021. By accepting this nomination in the aftermath of the military coup of 1 February 2021, and through his actions as chairman of the UEC, notably the cancelling of the results of the elections without any proven evidence of frauds, Thein Soe has been directly involved in actions undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar.

                           22.3.2021

                           20.

                           Mya Tun Oo

                           Date of birth: 4 or 5 May 1961
                           Nationality: Myanmar
                           Gender: male

                           General Mya Tun Oo is a member of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw). He was appointed Minister of Defence on 1 February 2021 and is a member of the State Administrative Council (SAC).
                           On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), led by Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, staged a coup in Myanmar by setting aside the results of the elections held on 8 November 2020 and by overthrowing the democratically elected government. As part of the coup, Vice-President Myint Swe, functioning as Acting President, declared a state of emergency on 1 February and transferred the legislative, executive and judicial powers of the state to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. On 2 February, the SAC was established to exercise those powers, preventing the democratically elected government from fulfilling its mandate.
                           As member of the SAC, General Mya Tun Oo has been directly involved in and responsible for decision making concerning state functions and is therefore responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar/Burma.

                           22.3.2021

                           Additionally, the SAC adopted decisions restricting the rights to freedom of expression, including access to information, and peaceful assembly. The military forces and authorities operating under the control of the SAC have committed serious human rights violations since 1 February 2021, killing civilian and unarmed protestors, restricting freedom of assembly and of expression, including by restricting internet access, and through arbitrary arrests and detention of opposition leaders and opponents of the coup.
                           As member of the SAC, General Mya Tun Oo is directly responsible for those repressive decisions and for serious human rights violations.
                           In 2018, the UN as well as international civil society organisations reported gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan States against the Rohingya population by the military and police forces since 2011 and concluded that many of those violations amount to the gravest crimes under international law. Mya Tun Oo was Joint Chief of Staff of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), the third most senior position in the Tatmadaw, from August 2016 until his appointment as Minister of Defence. In that capacity, he oversaw military operations carried out in Rakhine State and coordinated the various armed forces, including the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as the use of artillery. He is therefore responsible for those serious violations and abuses against the Rohingya population.

                           21.

                           Dwe Aung Lin

                           Date of birth:
                           31 May 1962
                           Nationality: Myanmar
                           Gender: male

                           Lieutenant General Dwe Aung Lin is member of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) and he is the Secretary of the State Administration Council (SAC).
                           On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), led by Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, staged a coup in Myanmar by setting aside the results of the elections held on 8 November 2020 and by overthrowing the democratically elected government. As part of the coup, Vice-President Myint Swe, functioning as Acting President, declared a state of emergency on 1 February and transferred the legislative, executive and judicial powers of the state to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. On 2 February, the SAC was established to exercise those powers, preventing the democratically elected government from fulfilling its mandate.
                           Lieutenant General Dwe Aung Lin was appointed Secretary of the SAC on 2 February 2021 and he has issued orders of the SAC. Amongst others, he ordered the removal of individuals from offices they had been appointed to by the legally elected government as well as in re-staffing the Myanmar election commission.
                           As member and Secretary of the SAC, Lieutenant General Dwe Aung Lin has been directly involved in and responsible for decision making concerning state functions and is therefore responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar/Burma.

                           22.3.2021

                           Additionally, the SAC adopted decisions restricting the rights to freedom of expression, including access to information, and peaceful assembly. The military forces and authorities operating under the control of the SAC have committed serious human rights violations since 1 February 2021, killing civilian and unarmed protestors, restricting freedom of assembly and of expression, including by restricting internet access, and through arbitrary arrests and detention of opposition leaders and opponents of the coup.
                           As member and Secretary of the SAC, Lieutenant General Dwe Aung Lin is directly responsible for those repressive decisions and for serious human rights violations.

                           22.

                           Ye Win Oo

                           Date of birth: 21 February 1966
                           Nationality: Myanmar
                           Gender: male

                           Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo is a member of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) and he is the Joint Secretary of the State Administration Council (SAC).
                           On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), led by Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, staged a coup in Myanmar by setting aside the results of the elections held on 8 November 2020 and by overthrowing the democratically elected government. As part of the coup, Vice-President Myint Swe, functioning as Acting President, declared a state of emergency on 1 February and transferred the legislative, executive and judicial powers of the state to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. On 2 February, the SAC was established to exercise those powers, preventing the democratically elected government from fulfilling its mandate.

                           22.3.2021

                           Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo was appointed Joint Secretary of the SAC on 2 February 2021. As member and Joint Secretary of the SAC, Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo has been directly involved in and responsible for decision making concerning state functions and is therefore responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar/Burma.
                           Additionally, the SAC adopted decisions restricting the rights to freedom of expression, including access to information, and peaceful assembly. The Myanmar security forces and authorities operating under the control of the SAC have committed serious human rights violations since 1 February 2021, killing civilian and unarmed protestors, restricting freedom of assembly and of expression, including by restricting internet access, and through arbitrary arrests and detention of opposition leaders and opponents of the coup.
                           As member and Joint Secretary of the SAC, Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo is directly responsible for those repressive decisions and for serious human rights violations.

                           23.

                           Maung Maung Kyaw

                           Date of birth: 23 July 1964
                           Nationality: Myanmar
                           Gender: male

                           General Maung Maung Kyaw is a member of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) and member of the State Administration Council (SAC).
                           On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), led by Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, staged a coup in Myanmar by setting aside the results of the elections held on 8 November 2020 and overthrowing the democratically elected government. As part of the coup, Vice-President Myint Swe, functioning as Acting President, declared a state of emergency on 1 February and transferred the legislative, executive and judicial powers of the state to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. On 2 February, the SAC was established to exercise those powers, preventing the democratically elected government from fulfilling its mandate.
                           As member of the SAC, General Maung Maung Kyaw has been directly involved in and responsible for decision making concerning state functions and is therefore responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar/Burma.

                           22.3.2021

                           Additionally, the SAC adopted decisions restricting the rights to freedom of expression, including access to information, and peaceful assembly. The military forces and authorities operating under the control of the SAC have committed serious human rights violations since 1 February 2021, killing civilian and unarmed protestors, restricting freedom of assembly and of expression, including by restricting internet access, and through arbitrary arrests and detention of opposition leaders and opponents of the coup.
                           As member of the SAC, General Maung Maung Kyaw is directly responsible for those repressive decisions and for serious human rights violations.

                           24.

                           Moe Myint Tun

                           Date of birth: 24 May 1968
                           Nationality: Myanmar
                           Gender: male

                           Lieutenant General Moe Myint Tun is a member of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) and member of the State Administrative Council (SAC).
                           On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), led by Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, staged a coup in Myanmar by setting aside the results of the elections held on 8 November 2020 and by overthrowing the democratically elected government. As part of the coup, Vice-President Myint Swe, functioning as Acting President, declared a state of emergency on 1 February and transferred the legislative, executive and judicial powers of the state to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. On 2 February, the SAC was established to exercise those powers, preventing the democratically elected government from fulfilling its mandate.
                           As member of the SAC, Lieutenant General Moe Myint Tun has been directly involved in and responsible for decision-making concerning state functions and is therefore responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar/Burma.

                           22.3.2021

                           Additionally, the SAC adopted decisions restricting the rights to freedom of expression, including access to information, and peaceful assembly. The military forces and authorities operating under the control of the SAC have committed serious human rights violations since 1 February 2021, killing civilian and unarmed protestors, restricting freedom of assembly and of expression, including by restricting internet access, and through arbitrary arrests and detention of opposition leaders and opponents of the coup.
                           As member of the SAC, Lieutenant General Moe Myint Tun is directly responsible for those repressive decisions and for serious human rights violations.
                           In 2018, the UN as well as international civil society organisations reported gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan States against the Rohingya population by the military and police forces since 2011 and concluded that many of those violations amount to the gravest crimes under international law. Lieutenant General Moe Myint Tun served as Commander of the Bureau of Special Operations (BSO)-6 and was the Chief of Staff (Army) of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) until 2019. In that capacity, he oversaw operations in Rakhine State. He is therefore responsible for those serious violations and abuses against the Rohingya population.

                           25.

                           Than Hlaing

                           Date of birth:
                           Nationality: Myanmar
                           Gender: male

                           Lieutenant General Than Hlaing is a member of the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw). He was appointed Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Chief of Police on 2 February 2021.
                           On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), led by Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, staged a coup in Myanmar by setting aside the results of the elections held on 8 November 2020 and by overthrowing the democratically elected government. As part of the coup, Vice-President Myint Swe, functioning as Acting President, declared a state of emergency on 1 February and transferred the legislative, executive and judicial powers of the state to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. On 2 February, the SAC was established to exercise those powers, preventing the democratically elected government from fulfilling its mandate.
                           Appointed by the SAC, Lieutenant General Than Hlaing is engaged in actions and policies undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar/Burma, as well as actions that threaten the peace, security and stability of Myanmar/Burma.

                           22.3.2021’

                           Additionally, police forces acting under the authority of Lieutenant General Than Hlaing have committed serious human rights violations since 1 February 2021, killing civilian and unarmed protestors, restricting freedom of assembly and of expression, arbitrary arrests and detention of opposition leaders and opponents of the coup. As Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Chief of Police, Lieutenant General Than Hlaing is directly responsible for decision making concerning repressive policies and violent actions committed by police against peaceful demonstrators and is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations in Myanmar/Burma.


title: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/484 of 16 March 2021 approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications ‘Burrata di Andria’ (PGI)

text:
                  23.3.2021

                  EN

                  Official Journal of the European Union

                  L 100/1

         COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2021/484
         of 16 March 2021
         approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications ‘Burrata di Andria’ (PGI)
         THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
         Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
         Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1), and in particular Article 52(2) thereof,
         Whereas:

                     (1)

                     Pursuant to the first subparagraph of Article 53(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission has examined Italy’s application for the approval of amendments to the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Burrata di Andria’, registered under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/2103 (2).

                     (2)

                     Since the amendments in question are not minor within the meaning of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission published the amendment application in the Official Journal of the European Union as required by Article 50(2)(a) of that Regulation. (3).

                     (3)

                     As no statement of opposition under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 has been received by the Commission, the amendments to the specification should be approved,

               HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

            Article 1
            The amendments to the specification published in the Official Journal of the European Union regarding the name ‘Burrata di Andria’ (PGI) are hereby approved.

            Article 2
            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 all Member States.
            Done at Brussels, 16 March 2021.

                  For the Commission,

                  On behalf of the President,

               Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI

                  Member of the Commission

            (1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

            (2)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/2103 of 21 November 2016 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications [Burrata di Andria (PGI)] (OJ L 327, 2.12.2016, p. 16).

            (3)  OJ C 408, 27.11.2020, p. 9.


title: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/506 of 23 March 2021 concerning the authorisation of methanethiol as a feed additive for all animal species (Text with EEA relevance)

text:
                  24.3.2021

                  EN

                  Official Journal of the European Union

                  L 102/4

         COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2021/506
         of 23 March 2021
         concerning the authorisation of methanethiol as a feed additive for all animal species
         (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 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition (1), and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,
         Whereas:

                     (1)

                     Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such authorisation. Article 10(2) of that Regulation provides for the re-evaluation of additives authorised pursuant to Council Directive 70/524/EEC (2).

                     (2)

                     Methanethiol was authorised without a time limit, in accordance with Directive 70/524/EEC, as a feed additive for all animal species. This additive was subsequently entered in the Register of feed additives as an existing product, in accordance with Article 10(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

                     (3)

                     In accordance with Article 10(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 in conjunction with Article 7 thereof, an application was submitted for the re-evaluation of methanethiol as a feed additive for all animal species.

                     (4)

                     The applicant requested the additive to be classified in the additive category ‘sensory additives’ and in the functional group ‘flavouring compounds’. That application was accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

                     (5)

                     The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinions of 17 April 2013 (3) and 30 September 2020 (4) that, under the proposed conditions of use, methanethiol does not have an adverse effect on animal health, human health or the environment. It also concluded that the additive should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes and to the respiratory tract and no conclusions could be drawn on skin sensitisation. Therefore, the Commission considers that appropriate protective measures should be taken to prevent adverse effects on human health, in particular as regards the users of the additive. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the methods of analysis of the feed additives in feed submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

                     (6)

                     The assessment of methanethiol shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of methanethiol should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation.

                     (7)

                     Restrictions and conditions should be provided for to allow better control. Since safety reasons do not require the setting of a maximum content and taking into account the re-evaluation performed by the Authority, a recommended content should be indicated on the label of the additive. Where such content is exceeded, certain information should be indicated on the label of premixtures.

                     (8)

                     The fact that the use of the substance concerned in water for drinking is not authorised does not preclude its use in compound feed which is administered via water.

                     (9)

                     Since safety reasons do not require the immediate application of the modifications to the conditions of authorisation of methanethiol, it is appropriate to allow a transitional period for interested parties to prepare themselves to meet the new requirements resulting from the authorisation.

                     (10)

                     The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

               HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

            Article 1
            Authorisation
            The substance specified in the Annex, belonging to the additive category ‘sensory additives’ and to the functional group ‘flavouring compounds’, is authorised as an additive in animal nutrition, subject to the conditions laid down in that Annex.

            Article 2
            Transitional Measures

               1.   The substance specified in the Annex and premixtures containing this substance, which are produced and labelled before 13 October 2021, in accordance with the rules applicable before 13 April 2021, may continue to be placed on the market and used until the existing stocks are exhausted.

               2.   Compound feed and feed materials containing the substance as specified in the Annex, which are produced and labelled before 13 April 2022, in accordance with the rules applicable before 13 April 2021, may continue to be placed on the market and used until the existing stocks are exhausted, if they are intended for food-producing animals.

               3.   Compound feed and feed materials containing the substance as specified in the Annex, which are produced and labelled before 13 April 2023, in accordance with the rules applicable before 13 April 2021, may continue to be placed on the market and used until the existing stocks are exhausted, if they are intended for non-food-producing animals.

            Article 3
            Entry into force
            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 all Member States.
            Done at Brussels, 23 March 2021.

                  For the Commission

                  The President

               Ursula VON DER LEYEN

            (1)  OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 29.

            (2)  Council Directive 70/524/EEC of 23 November 1970 concerning additives in feedingstuffs (OJ L 270, 14.12.1970, p. 1).

            (3)  EFSA Journal 2013;11(5):3208.

            (4)  EFSA Journal 2020;18(11):6288.

            ANNEX

                        Identification number of the additive

                        Additive

                        Composition, chemical formula, description, analytical method

                        Species or category of animal

                        Maximum age

                        Minimum content

                        Maximum content

                        Other provisions

                        End of period of authorisation

                        mg of active substance/kg of complete feedingstuff with a moisture content of 12 %

                           Category: sensory additives. Functional group: flavouring compounds.

                        2b12003

                        Methanethiol

                           Additive composition

                        Methanethiol

                           Characterisation of active substance

                        Methanethiol
                        Produced by chemical synthesis
                        Purity: min. 98 %
                        Chemical formula: CH4S
                        CAS number: 74-93-1
                        FLAVIS No 12.003

                        All animal species

                        -

                        -

                        -

                                    1.

                                    The additive shall be incorporated into the feed in the form of a premixture.

                                    2.

                                    In the directions for use of the additive and premixtures, the storage and stability to heat treatment shall be indicated.

                                    3.

                                    On the label of the additive the following shall be indicated:
                                    ‘Recommended maximum content of the active substance of complete feedingstuff with a moisture content of 12 %: 0,05 mg/kg.’

                                    4.

                                    The functional group, the identification number, the name and the added amount of the active substance shall be indicated on the label of the premixtures, if the following contents of the active substance in complete feedingstuff with a moisture content of 12 % are exceeded: 0,05 mg/kg

                                    5.

                                    For users of the additive and premixtures, feed business operators shall establish operational procedures and organisational measures to address potential risks by inhalation, dermal contact or eyes contact. Where those risks cannot be eliminated or reduced to a minimum by such procedures and measures, the additive and premixtures shall be used with personal protective equipment, including breathing, skin and eye protection.

                        13.4.2031

                           Analytical method
                            (1)

                        For the identification of methanethiol in the feed additive and flavouring premixtures:
                        Gas chromatography mass spectrometry with retention time locking GC-MS-RTL.

               (1)  Details of the analytical methods are available at the following address of the Reference Laboratory: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/eurl/feed-additives/evaluation-reports


title: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/518 of 18 March 2021 registering a geographical indication of a spirit drink under Article 30(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/787 of the European Parliament and of the Council ‘Vasi vadkörte pálinka’

text:
                  25.3.2021

                  EN

                  Official Journal of the European Union

                  L 104/34

         COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2021/518
         of 18 March 2021
         registering a geographical indication of a spirit drink under Article 30(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/787 of the European Parliament and of the Council
         ‘Vasi vadkörte pálinka’
         THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
         Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
         Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/787 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the definition, description, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks, the use of the names of spirit drinks in the presentation and labelling of other foodstuffs, the protection of geographical indications for spirit drinks, the use of ethyl alcohol and distillates of agricultural origin in alcoholic beverages, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 (1), and in particular Article 30(2) thereof,
         Whereas:

                     (1)

                     In accordance with Article 17(5) of Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2), the Commission has examined Hungary’s application of 14 October 2016 for the registration of the geographical indication ‘Vasi vadkörte pálinka’.

                     (2)

                     Regulation (EU) 2019/787, which replaces Regulation (EC) No 110/2008, entered into force on 25 May 2019. Under Article 49(1) thereof, Chapter III of Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 on geographical indications is repealed with effect from 8 June 2019.

                     (3)

                     After concluding that the application complied with Regulation (EC) No 110/2008, the Commission published the main specifications of the technical file in the Official Journal of the European Union (3) as required by Article 17(6) of that Regulation, in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 50(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/787.

                     (4)

                     No notice of opposition has been received by the Commission under Article 27(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/787.

                     (5)

                     The name ‘Vasi vadkörte pálinka’ should therefore be registered as a geographical indication,

               HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

            Article 1
            The geographical indication ‘Vasi vadkörte pálinka’ is hereby entered in the register. This Regulation grants the name ‘Vasi vadkörte pálinka’ the protection referred to in Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2019/787 in accordance with Article 30(4) of that Regulation.

            Article 2
            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 all Member States.

            Done at Brussels, 18 March 2021.

                  For the Commission

                  On behalf of the President

               Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI

                  Member of the Commission

            (1)  OJ L 130, 17.5.2019, p. 1.

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

            (3)  OJ C 417, 2.12.2020, p. 59.


title: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/519 of 24 March 2021 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375 as regards testing for Trichinella in solipeds and the derogation of the United Kingdom from testing for Trichinella in domestic swine (Text with EEA relevance)

text:
                  25.3.2021

                  EN

                  Official Journal of the European Union

                  L 104/36

         COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2021/519
         of 24 March 2021
         amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375 as regards testing for Trichinella in solipeds and the derogation of the United Kingdom from testing for Trichinella in domestic swine
         (Text with EEA relevance)
         THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
         Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
         Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products, amending Regulations (EC) No 999/2001, (EC) No 396/2005, (EC) No 1069/2009, (EC) No 1107/2009, (EU) No 1151/2012, (EU) No 652/2014, (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Regulations (EC) No 1/2005 and (EC) No 1099/2009 and Council Directives 98/58/EC, 1999/74/EC, 2007/43/EC, 2008/119/EC and 2008/120/EC, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 854/2004 and (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 89/608/EEC, 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC, 91/496/EEC, 96/23/EC, 96/93/EC and 97/78/EC and Council Decision 92/438/EEC (Official Controls Regulation) (1), and in particular point (a) of the first subparagraph of Article 18(8) thereof,
         Whereas:

                     (1)

                     Regulation (EU) 2017/625 lays down rules for the performance of official controls and for action to be taken by the competent authorities in relation to the production of products of animal origin intended for human consumption.

                     (2)

                        Trichinella is a parasite which may be present in the meat of susceptible species, such as pigs and horses, and causes food-borne illness in humans when infected meat is consumed. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375 (2) lays down specific rules on official controls for Trichinella in meat, including conditions for derogating from Trichinella testing at entry of meat of domestic swine into the Union.

                     (3)

                     On 6 June 2013, the European Food Safety Authority adopted a scientific opinion on the human health hazards to be covered by the inspection of meat (solipeds) (3). That opinion recommends the control of Trichinella in all solipeds (not only horses but also asses and mules) as a high priority. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/627 (4) therefore lays down the mandatory testing of Trichinella in the carcasses of all solipeds. Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375 lays down the mandatory testing of horses and other susceptible species. For reasons of consistency and to avoid any ambiguity, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375 should also refer to solipeds instead of horses.

                     (4)

                     Commission Regulation (EU) No 206/2010 (5) authorises the entry into the Union of meat of domestic swine from the United Kingdom. That Regulation lists the United Kingdom as applying a derogation from Trichinella testing of carcasses and meat of not weaned domestic swine less than five weeks of age in accordance with Article 3(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375.

                     (5)

                     Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692 (6) repeals Regulation (EU) No 206/2010 with effect from 21 April 2021. In view of that repeal, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1478 (7) adds Annex VII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375 with effect from 21 April 2021, which lists the third countries applying a derogation from Trichinella testing referred to in Article 13(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375.

                     (6)

                     On 12 January 2021, the United Kingdom provided information that historical data on continuous testing carried out on slaughtered domestic swine population provide at least 95 % confidence that the prevalence of Trichinella does not exceed one per million in that population in accordance with Article 3(3)(b) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375. Furthermore, the United Kingdom informed the Commission of its intention to apply the derogation from Trichinella testing of carcasses and meat of domestic swine where the animals come from a holding officially recognised as applying controlled housing conditions in accordance with Annex IV to that Implementing Regulation.

                     (7)

                     Therefore, the United Kingdom should be listed in Annex VII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375, without prejudice to the application of Union law to and in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland in accordance with Article 5(4) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community in conjunction with Annex 2 to that Protocol.

                     (8)

                     Annex VII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375 should be amended in order to reflect the application of the derogations provided for in Article 3(2) and (3) of that Implementing Regulation by the United Kingdom.

                     (9)

                     Therefore, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375 should be amended accordingly.

                     (10)

                     Since Regulation (EU) No 206/2010 is repealed with effect from 21 April 2021 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1478 adds Annex VII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375 with effect from that date, the listing of the United Kingdom in that Annex should apply from the same date.

                     (11)

                     The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

               HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

            Article 1
            Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375 is amended as follows:

                        (1)

                        Article 2 is amended as follows:

                                    (a)

                                    the first subparagraph of paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:
                                    ‘Carcasses of solipeds, wild boar and other farmed and wild animal species susceptible to Trichinella infestation shall be systematically sampled in slaughterhouses or game-handling establishments as part of the post-mortem examination.’;

                                    (b)

                                    paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:

                                       ‘3.   Pending the results of the Trichinella examination and provided full traceability is guaranteed by the food business operator, carcasses of domestic swine and of solipeds may be cut up into a maximum of six parts in a slaughterhouse or in a cutting plant on the same premises.’;

                        (2)

                        in Annex III, the introductory phrase and points (a) and (b) are replaced by the following:
                        ‘Soliped meat, wild game meat and other meat that could contain Trichinella parasites must be examined in accordance with one of the digestion methods specified in Chapter I or II of Annex I, with the following changes:

                                    (a)

                                    specimens weighing at least 10 g are taken from the lingual or jaw muscle of solipeds and from the foreleg, tongue or diaphragm of wild boar;

                                    (b)

                                    in the case of solipeds, where those muscles are lacking, a larger-sized specimen is to be taken from a pillar of the diaphragm at the transition to the sinewy part. The muscle must be clean of connective tissue and fat;’;

                        (3)

                        in Annex IV, point (b) of Chapter II is replaced by the following:

                                    ‘(b)

                                    The number of tests and the results of testing for Trichinella in domestic swine, wild boar, solipeds, game and any other susceptible animals shall be submitted in accordance with Annex IV to Directive 2003/99/EC. Data on domestic swine shall, at least, provide specific information related to:

                                                (i)

                                                tests on animals raised under controlled housing conditions;

                                                (ii)

                                                tests on breeding sows, boars and fattening pigs.’;

                        (4)

                        Annex VII is replaced by the following:

                              ‘ANNEX VII
                              Third countries or regions thereof applying the derogations referred to in Article 13(2)

                                          Country ISO code

                                          Third country or regions thereof

                                          Remarks

                                          GB

                                          United Kingdom (*1)

                                          Application of the derogations provided for in Article 3(2) and (3)

                        ’

            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.
            Article 1(4) shall apply from 21 April 2021.

            This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
            Done at Brussels, 24 March 2021.

                  For the Commission

                  The President

               Ursula VON DER LEYEN

            (1)  OJ L 95, 7.4.2017, p. 1.

            (2)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375 of 10 August 2015 laying down specific rules on official controls for Trichinella in meat (OJ L 212, 11.8.2015, p. 7).

            (3)  EFSA Journal 2013;11(6):3263.

            (4)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/627 of 15 March 2019 laying down uniform practical arrangements for the performance of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 2074/2005 as regards official controls (OJ L 131, 17.5.2019, p. 51).

            (5)  Commission Regulation (EU) No 206/2010 of 12 March 2010 laying down lists of third countries, territories or parts thereof authorised for the introduction into the European Union of certain animals and fresh meat and the veterinary certification requirements (OJ L 73, 20.3.2010, p. 1).

            (6)  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692 of 30 January 2020 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards rules for entry into the Union, and the movement and handling after entry of consignments of certain animals, germinal products and products of animal origin (OJ L 174, 3.6.2020, p. 379).

            (7)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1478 of 14 October 2020 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1375 as regards sampling, the reference method for detection and import conditions related to Trichinella control (OJ L 338, 15.10.2020, p. 7).

            (*1)  In accordance with the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 5(4) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland in conjunction with Annex 2 to that Protocol, for the purposes of this Annex, references to the United Kingdom do not include Northern Ireland..