Authorisation of grading methods for pig carcasses
Article 11
1. A grading method as referred to in point B.IV of Annex IV to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 shall consist of an automated, semi-automated or manual grading technique (apparatus) and an equation (formula) to estimate the lean meat percentage of a pig carcass. 2. Authorisation shall be subject to meeting the conditions and minimum requirements for an authorisation test in accordance with Part A of Annex V to this Regulation. 3. Member States shall inform the Commission, by way of a protocol as specified in Part B of Annex V to this Regulation, on the pig grading methods they wish to have authorised for application in their territories. The protocol shall have two parts and shall include the elements provided for in Part B of Annex V to this Regulation. Part one of the protocol shall be submitted to the Commission prior to the start of the authorisation test. Within two months upon completion of the authorisation test, Member States shall provide the Commission with part two of the protocol. 4. After receiving the protocol, the Commission shall make it available to the other Member States. Other Member States may submit technical comments within three weeks from the receipt of the protocol. The Member State that submitted the protocol may adapt it and re-submit a new protocol within eight weeks after submission of the first protocol. 5. The application of grading methods shall correspond in all particulars to the description given in the Commission decision authorising them. 6. The Commission may authorise grading methods without an authorisation test, provided that such authorisation has already been granted for the same grading method applicable in another Member State on the basis of an authorisation test where the sample of carcasses is sufficiently representative of pig populations in the Member States concerned.