13/04/2021 16:14
The reasons for the postponement of the implementation of the decision for Halloumi/Hellim PDO until October 1 were explained on Tuesday by Commission spokesperson, Miriam Garcia Ferrer, during the Commission daily midday briefing in Brussels.
In particular, when asked about the postponement of the implementation of the PDO decision, the spokesperson stated that "indeed the regulation was adopted yesterday and will enter into force 20 days after its publication, but its actual implementation is postponed to October 1 and the main reason for this is to allow the designated body Bureau Veritas time to complete the legal arrangements with the Cypriot government and present an audit plan". As she said "this will ensure that producers on both sides of the green line can be certified that they comply with the PDO conditions on the day of implementation and avoid availability gaps of Halloumi / Helim in the market".
She also added that "this delay will give non-Cypriot producers time to sell their products that they have in stock and are not in compliance with the Halloumi (PDO regulation). That is why we have given time to prepare the proper application."
From his part, Commission and the European External Action Service Spokesperson, Peter Stano, stressed that the High Representative welcomed the decision as important for the settlement of issues related to Cyprus.