Recognition of inter-branch organisations
Article 16
1. Member States may recognise as inter-branch organisations the groups of operators established on their territory which apply for such recognition, provided that they: (a) comply with the principles set out in Article 17 and with the rules adopted for their application; (b) represent a significant share of production activity and of either processing or marketing activities or of both, concerning fishery and aquaculture products or products processed from fishery and aquaculture products; (c) are not themselves engaged in the production, processing or marketing of fishery and aquaculture products or products processed from fishery and aquaculture products; (d) have legal personality under the national law of a Member State, are established there and have their official headquarters in its territory; (e) are capable of pursuing the objectives laid down in Article 12; (f) take into account the interest of consumers; (g) do not hinder the sound operation of the CMO; and (h) comply with the competition rules referred to in Chapter V. 2. Organisations established before 29 December 2013 may be recognised as inter-branch organisations for the purposes of this Regulation provided that the Member State concerned is satisfied that they comply with the provisions of this Regulation regarding inter-branch organisations. 3. Inter-branch organisations recognised before 29 décembre 2013 shall be considered to be inter-branch organisations for the purposes of this Regulation and to be bound by its provisions.