Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 (consolidated version as of 5 Aug 2025)
Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 provides detailed implementing rules for Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 on the safe handling, transport, processing, and use of animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption. Its primary aim is to protect public and animal health by ensuring these materials are managed under strict sanitary conditions throughout the EU.
The regulation specifies technical requirements for processing methods, hygiene standards, and traceability systems. It sets conditions for the use of animal by-products in energy production (biogas), fertilizers, and other industrial applications, while prohibiting unsafe practices. It also includes provisions for exemptions from veterinary checks at borders for certain low-risk items, facilitating trade without compromising safety.
The 2025 consolidation incorporates updates to improve disease prevention, clarify rules for intermediate products, and strengthen controls on cross-border movements. These changes enhance compliance and ensure that valorisation pathways for animal by-products align with EU sustainability and circular economy objectives, reducing landfill dependency and promoting resource recovery.
Relevance to bio-waste and/or circular bioeconomy:
The regulation enables safe valorisation of animal-based organic waste by setting health and safety standards for its transformation into biogas, compost, and fertilizers. By reducing landfill disposal and supporting resource recovery, it integrates animal waste streams into circular systems, promoting sustainability while safeguarding public and animal health.
EU (EEA relevance)
Full title: Consolidated text: Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 of 25 February 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption and implementing Council Directive 97/78/EC as regards certain samples and items exempt from veterinary checks at the border under that Directive (Text with EEA relevance)
Publication date: 2011 (consolidated: 2025)
Instrument type: Regulation
Binding for EU MS: Yes
Keywords: animal by-products, animal waste, composting, anaerobic digestion, health rules, hygiene standards, biowaste, circular economy, waste valorisation, treatment methods