Potatoes are edible tubers of the plant Solanum tuberosum. They are starchy root vegetables that come in various varieties, colors, and sizes. The product description for tariff purposes typically includes:

  1. Fresh potatoes: Whole, unprocessed potatoes that have been recently harvested and are intended for consumption or further processing.
  2. Chilled potatoes: Potatoes that have been cooled to preserve freshness but are not frozen.
  3. Seed potatoes: Potato tubers intended for planting to grow new potato plants. These are usually certified disease-free and treated to prevent sprouting before planting.
  4. Other potatoes: This includes all varieties of potatoes for consumption or industrial use, such as: Table potatoes for direct consumption; Potatoes for processing into food products (e.g., chips, fries); Potatoes for industrial use (e.g., starch production).

 

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HS Classification / Description of Product

Potatoes : there is a wide range of legislation and regulations governing the production, trade, and marketing of potatoes, particularly in relation to quality, health standards, and environmental concerns as well as specific rules of origin that may apply.

HS classification Chapter 7 of the Harmonized System (HS) code, which covers “Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers”.
The main HS code for potatoes is: 0701: Potatoes, fresh or chilled
This category is further subdivided into:

  • 0701.10: Seed potatoes
  • 0701.90: Other potatoes (i.e., potatoes other than seed potatoes)

Common Market Organization (CMO)

Short summary

The regulation aims to ensure a well-functioning market for agricultural products in the EU, promote fair competition, and ensure that agricultural products, including potatoes, meet certain quality standards.

Key requirements:

  • Market Measures: The regulation sets out measures for the organization of the market, including provisions for price stabilization and crisis management in case of market disturbances.

Promotion and Information: The regulation encourages the promotion of potatoes in both domestic and international markets, improving awareness of quality standards and sustainability in potato production.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture

Important information

The regulation is part of the broader EU policy of the common market and not just related to potatoes.

Other useful material

The Department of Agriculture provides more information as the responsible authority for enforcing legislation governing the marketing standards for fresh fruit and vegetable.  

This legislation is referred to as the Agricultural Products Quality Control Enforcement Acts 2002 to 2007 and includes national regulations and decrees.

EU legislation

Short summary

This regulation governs food labelling requirements for products sold in the EU, including fresh and processed potatoes (e.g., frozen fries or potato chips).

Key requirements:

  • Labelling: Potatoes sold in the EU must comply with the regulation’s requirements for clear, accurate labelling. This includes providing information on product ingredients, nutritional content, allergens, and country of origin.
  • Allergen Labelling: Any processed potato products must list potential allergens (e.g., if they are fried in oil containing allergens such as soy).
  • Date Marking: Potatoes and potato-based products must have a clear “use by” or “best before” date to ensure freshness.

Domestic legislation

Food check and sale Law, 1996.

The Labelling, Presentation, and Advertising of Foods (General) Regulations of 2002 and 2010

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Health, Public Health Sector, Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Consumer Protection

Important information

Domestic legislation (The Labelling, Presentation, and Advertising of Foods (General) Regulations 2002-2010) requires that all the mandatory indications on the labelling of both pre-packaged and non-pre-packaged foods to be in the Greek language.

There is also an Food Labelling Information System  is an IT solution which allows users to know the mandatory EU labelling indications for each foodstuff in 23 EU languages.

EU legislation

Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers

Short summary

Proper labelling includes origin, variety, and quality class.

While this regulation is primarily for processed foods, its general principles apply to fresh produce as well (so, potatoes would be covered)

Packaging materials must comply with EU regulations on materials in contact with food.

Domestic legislation

* Same as above on the ‘Food information to consumers’

The Food (Control and Sale) Act of 1996 (L.54(I)/1996)

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment & Ministry of Health, Public Health Sector, Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Consumer Protection

Other useful material

A useful guide from the Consumer Protection on food labelling.

A presentation given by the Ministry of health on food labelling.

EU legislation

EU General Food Law (Regulation (EC) No 178/2002)

Short summary

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 establishes the general principles and requirements governing food safety within the EU.

This Regulation provides the basis for the assurance of a high level of protection of human health and consumers’ interest in relation to food.

The regulation aims to ensure that food products (including potatoes) are safe for human consumption.

Key Requirements:

  • Safety Standards: The regulation sets out the general principles of food safety, including traceability and recall procedures in case a food product, such as potatoes, is found to be unsafe.

Risk Assessment: It requires that food safety risks associated with potatoes (e.g., pesticide residues, contamination) be assessed and mitigated.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment

Ministry of Health, State General Laboratory

Important information

The regulation establishes common principles and responsibilities, the means to provide a strong science base, efficient organisational arrangements and procedures to underpin decision-making in matters of food and feed safety.

Short summary

Regulation (EU) 2019/1381, also known as the Transparency Regulation, is a significant legislation aiming to enhance the transparency and sustainability of the European Union’s risk assessment process in the food chain.

This regulation enhances the transparency and sustainability of the EU food system, and is relevant for potato producers and processors.

Key Requirements:

  • Sustainability: It aims to improve sustainability within the food sector by promoting the use of sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring that food production, including potatoes, has minimal environmental impact.

Public Health Impact: It focuses on ensuring that food products meet high standards of safety, including minimizing the use of pesticides and ensuring that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are properly regulated in food products.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Environment

Important information

Other useful material

A general link to EFSA on Transparency

The “Questions and Answers on EFSA Practical Arrangements” provides answers to questions frequently asked (FAQs) on Practical Arrangements (PAs) formulated by EU Member States and stakeholders in the context of the engagement linked to the implementation of the Transparency Regulation..

EU legislation

Directive 2002/46/EC   on food supplements

Short summary

This directive governs the use of vitamins and minerals in food supplements. While it does not apply directly to raw potatoes, it impacts the marketing of processed or enriched potato-based food products.

Key Requirements:

Nutrient Content: This directive ensures that any food supplement containing potatoes or potato-derived ingredients that claim to be enriched with nutrients (e.g., vitamins, minerals) must meet EU safety and labeling requirements.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Health, Medical and Public Health Services

Important information

The regulation provided is in Greek language and in PDF format – equally important as the main domestic legislation.

Other useful material

A detailed guide provided by the Medical and Public Health Services on the ‘distribution of Food Supplements in Cyprus’. It supplies the reader with relevant information on obtaining a ‘Food Supplements Distribution Licence’, and more.

EU legislation

Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/723

Short summary

Regulation (EU) 2017/625 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

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/723 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 as regards the standard model form to be used in the annual reports submitted by Member States

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Health, Medical and Public Health Services, Public Health Service

Important information

Under Art.47 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, a business that may use a warehouse for the purpose of receiving, unloading and storing food and materials intended to come into contact with food, they must submit to the Head of Public Health Services an application for approval of his warehouse as ‘Control Point’.

EU legislation

Short summary

Pesticide Residues Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 controls the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides in food products, including potatoes.

Key requirements :

  • Pesticide Limits: Potatoes must comply with the MRLs for any pesticide residues. Farmers must adhere to pesticide application limits to ensure that the final product is safe for consumers.

Monitoring: The regulation requires the monitoring of pesticide levels in food, including potatoes, to protect public health.

Domestic legislation

The Food (Control and Sale) Act of 1996 (L.54(I)/1996)

The Plant Protection Products Law of 2011 (L.141(I)/2011)

The 2001 Regulations on Pesticide Residues on or in Food (including all amendments)

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Health, State General Laboratory

Important information

Compliance with EU food safety regulations, including maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides.

Short summary

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, particularly Article 18, lays down the general Principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety.

The EU Law defines traceability as the ability to trace and follow any food, feed, food-producing animal or substance that will be used for consumption, through all stages of production, processing and distribution.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture

Ministry of Health, Medical and Public Health Sector

Short summary

This regulation sets out general hygiene requirements for all food business operators, including those handling potatoes

Key requirements:

  • Food Safety: It sets out hygiene rules for food businesses, ensuring that potatoes (whether fresh or processed) are handled, stored, and transported in conditions that minimize foodborne illness risks.

Traceability: The regulation requires that potatoes can be traced back to their point of origin for safety and recall purposes in case of contamination or disease outbreaks.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Agriculture Department & Ministry of Health, Public Health Services And State General Laboratory

Important information

(EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs

Annex 3 of the L.54(I)/1996, point 12 supplies more information on the hygiene of the food products.

EU legislation

Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 on protective measures against pests of plants

Short summary

The Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 provides that the entry into the European Union of plants, plant products and any other material capable of harbouring plant pests (e.g. wooden products and containers, soil, etc.) may be subject to the following protective measures:

  • entry bans
  • Phytosanitary certificate (n/a for the area not under control of RoC government)
  • inspection and plant health checks
  • Economic operators’ registration

emergency measures

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture

Important information

In addition, plants and plant products shall, from the time of their entry in the EU, be controlled by the responsible official bodies.

These controls shall consist of:

  • Documentary checks to examine that the required certificates, alternative documents or marks have been issued or satisfied
  • Identity checks to verify that the plants, plant products or other objects conform to the ones declared on the required official certificates and
  • Physical checks to determine whether the plants, plant products or other objects, including their wood packing material if any, comply with the specific requirements and phytosanitary measures and can enter into the EU market.

Art.65 of the Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 states that the competent authority shall maintain and update a register of professionals – as art.5 of L.146(I)/2023 states.

– Relevant regulations of L.146(I)/2023 found here: providing more information on the fees of each kind of plant.

EU legislation

Short summary

The regulation sets that wood packages of any type (cases, boxes, crates, drums, pallets, box pallets and other load boards, pallet collars, etc) shall go through one of the approved treatments specified in Annex I to FAO International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15, bear the corresponding mark as specified in Annex II and be made from debarked wood.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture

Important information

Article 6 of L.146(I)/2023 sets out the powers of the competent authority when it comes to checks and controls.

EU legislation

Food Contact Materials Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004

Short summary

This regulation ensures that any material, including plastic packaging, that comes into contact with food (such as potatoes) is safe for use. It mandates that the materials do not transfer harmful substances to the food that could endanger human health.

  • Requirements: Plastic packaging materials must be non-toxic, and any migration of substances from the packaging into the food must be within safe limits. The packaging should not alter the food’s taste, texture, or nutritional content.

Declaration of Compliance: Producers of plastic packaging must provide a Declaration of Compliance (DoC) stating that their products comply with the relevant food safety standards.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment & Cyprus Environmental Authority & Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism

Important information

– Annex III of the Law 54(I)/1996 states who is responsible to impose administrative fine(s) from the competent authority, taking into consideration the breach.

EU legislation

Short summary

This regulation establishes uniform conditions for the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, including:

  • Lists of quarantine pests
  • Lists of regulated non-quarantine pests

Specific requirements for certain plants and plant products, including potatoes

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment

Ministry of Finance, Customs & Excise Department

Important information

For plants and plant products to enter the areas within the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus, they must be accompanied by the “Report of phytosanitary inspection”, which is prepared by independent phytosanitary experts appointed by the European Commission.

Other useful material

This Regulation implements Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, as regards the listing of EU quarantine pests, protected zone quarantine pests and EU regulated non-quarantine pests, and the measures on plants, plant products and other objects to reduce the risks of those pests to an acceptable level.

EU legislation

Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market

Short summary

One of the key aspects of the regulation is the detailed and rigorous approval process for active substances used in PPPs. Before a plant protection product can be placed on the market, the active substances it contains must be evaluated and approved at the EU level.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture

Other useful material

This Regulation lays down rules for the authorisation of plant protection products in commercial form and for their placing on the market, use and control within the Community.

Short summary

This is the main legislation governing plant variety rights in the EU.

It establishes:

  • The system for granting EU-wide plant variety rights
  • The scope of protection for plant varieties
  • The duration of protection

Conditions for granting rights

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment

Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry,

Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver

Important information

Community plant variety rights shall have uniform effect within the territory of the Community and may not be granted, transferred or terminated in respect of the abovementioned territory otherwise than on a uniform basis.

Short summary

Implementing rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 2100/94 as regards proceedings before the Community Plant Variety Office

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment

Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry,

Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver

EU legislation

Council Directive 2002/53/EC on the common catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species

Short summary

Establishes rules for the acceptance of varieties into national catalogues and the EU common catalogue.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture

PDO for Cyprus red soil potatoes

Short summary

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is a type of geographical indication used in the European Union, i.e. product originating in a specific region, aiming to preserve the designations of origin of food-related products.

The Cyprus red soil potato aims to obtain the PDO registration as the defined geographical area comprises agricultural parcels whose soil is characterised as red and is located within the administrative boundaries of the municipalities listed in the publication.

EU legislation

Council Directive 2002/56/EC on the marketing of seed potatoes, and

Commission implementing Decision (EU) 2024/202

amending Council Directive 2002/56/EC as regards the date laid down in Article 21(3) until which Member States are authorised to extend the validity of decisions concerning equivalence of seed potatoes from third countries

Short summary

Sets out rules for the marketing of seed potatoes, including variety requirements.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture

EU legislation

Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007

Short summary

This regulation governs the production and labelling of organic food, including potatoes that are grown organically.

Key Requirements:

  • Organic Certification: Potatoes produced according to organic farming methods must be certified and labelled as organic. This includes prohibiting the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and requiring the use of crop rotation and other sustainable farming practices.

Labelling: Organic potatoes must display the EU organic logo and comply with organic farming regulations for transparency and consumer confidence.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment,

Department of Agriculture,

Quality Products Sector

Important information

Art.4(2)(i) of L.143(I)/2024 states that organic products shall receive a certificate from the relevant competent control and certification body.

Currently there is no mechanism to certify Turkish Cypriots products as organic.

If potatoes are marketed as organic, they must meet additional standards under EU Organic Regulation (EC) No 834/2007. This includes requirements for growing methods (e.g., avoiding synthetic fertilizers or pesticides), certification by an approved body, and clear labelling to indicate the organic status.

Short summary

The Directive lays down EU-wide rules governing the quick freezing, packaging, labelling and inspection of quick-frozen foodstuffs.

EU countries must ensure that the equipment used for quick-frozen foods complies with the directive and they must conduct random official checks on product temperature.

The Commission is granted powers to adopt detailed rules for sampling and for monitoring temperature in the modes of transport, warehousing and storage.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment

Important information

Short summary

The Directive sets out the conditions for manufacturing, marketing, importing and compulsory labelling of foods treated with ionising radiation, a process used to reduce the number of pathogenic micro-organisms in food and to increase its shelf life.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Labour and Social Service, Department of Labour Inspection

Important information

Irradiation facilities must keep records for each source of ionising radiation showing the information specified (i.e. the nature and quantity of foodstuffs Iirradiated, data for control of the irradiation process, etc.).

These records must be kept for 5 years. Detailed rules on keeping the register are adopted by the Commission, assisted by the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (PAFF)

Codex Alimentarius Standards (International Standards)

EU legislation

While not specific to the EU, the Codex Alimentarius provides international standards for food safety and quality

Short summary

It provides guidelines for the quality of potatoes, including acceptable levels of defects and food safety standards.

Codex Alimentarius standards help facilitate international trade in potatoes and other agricultural products, ensuring consistency and safety across different markets.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture

Important information

In RoC, as a member of the EU, food safety and quality standards are primarily governed by EU regulations. However, Cyprus also adheres to Codex Alimentarius standards, as the Codex serves as an international reference framework for food safety.

EU legislation

Short summary

This standard sets out the classification of fresh potatoes based on their quality and size.

It defines the quality classes for potatoes, including Class I (good quality), Class II (suitable for consumption with slight defects), and Class III (for processing or other uses).

It outlines the size categories of potatoes, such as small, medium, and large.

It describes the requirements for the appearance of potatoes, including size, shape, cleanliness, and the acceptable levels of defects like bruising, disease, or damage.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture

EU legislation

Short summary

This standard outlines the method to determine the dry matter content in potatoes. The method involves determining the moisture content and dry matter content of potatoes, which is crucial for assessing their processing quality and suitability for products like chips, crisps, or French fries.

EU legislation

Short summary

This standard defines the procedure for sampling potatoes for testing and quality assessment. It provides guidelines for sampling potatoes from bulk or packaged forms for testing.

It specifies the sampling size and how to handle samples to ensure they are representative of the whole batch.

It ensures consistency in sampling procedures, which is important for quality control, especially in testing for pesticide residues, moisture content, and other characteristics.

EU legislation

Short summary

This ISO standard specifies the procedure for sampling fresh potatoes for the purpose of quality testing.

Key provisions:

  • Defines methods for taking representative samples of fresh potatoes from large batches.
  • Details sampling techniques for various testing purposes, including grading and quality analysis.

Ensures that samples taken for testing accurately represent the full batch, which is essential for quality control and tracing.

EU legislation

Short summary

This standard provides the method for determining the level of reducing sugars in potatoes, which is particularly important for processing into products like chips and French fries.

Key provisions:

  • Defines the method to measure reducing sugars in potatoes, which can influence the color and taste of processed products.

High levels of reducing sugars in potatoes can lead to undesirable colors when potatoes are fried, making this measurement critical for processing.

EU legislation

Short summary

This standard outlines the procedures for measuring toxic elements like cadmium and lead in potatoes, ensuring they are within safe limits for human consumption.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture

EU legislation

Short summary

This standard specifies the method to determine the starch content in potatoes, which is important for determining the suitability of potatoes for processing into products like fries and chips.

EU legislation

Short summary

The guidance includes conditions of harvesting and putting into store, and optimum conditions such as covering, temperature, relative humidity, cooling of the clamp and keeping period, further complementary methods of preserving. An annex shows types of clamp.

EU legislation

Short summary

The guidance describes methods for obtaining conditions for the successful keeping, with or without artificial cooling, of Solanum tuberosum Linnaeus. It does not apply to early or to seed species. It includes conditions of harvesting and putting into store, and optimum conditions, such as temperature, relative humidity, air circulation, air change, storage life. Limits of application are given in an annex.

EU legislation

Short summary

This standard provides guidance on the proper storage of potatoes in artificially ventilated storage facilities, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of potatoes during storage and ensuring that they remain suitable for consumption or processing.

It aims to prevent losses due to poor storage conditions and maintaining the nutritional value and appearance of stored potatoes.

EU legislation

Short summary

The standard provides for the use of a system of ventilation using outside air for regulation of the storage conditions of the products. It includes conditions of harvesting and putting into store, the preparation of the site and construction of silos, the system and technique of ventilation, loading and unloading of the products and checking of the conditions.

EU legislation

European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO)

PM 8/1 (2) Potato

Short summary

The purpose of this Standard is to recommend to EPPO Member countries the phytosanitary measures which they should use or require for seed and ware potatoes trading to prevent the introduction and spread of quarantine pests.

Other useful material

EU legislation

European and Mediterranean Plant Protection (EPPO)

PM 4/28 (2)

Short summary

This Standard describes the production of certified seed potatoes. It is intended to be used by National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) and official organizations in charge of certification, in their capacity as bodies responsible for the design of systems for the production of healthy seed potatoes, for the inspection of such potatoes proposed for certification and for the issue of certificates.

Domestic Competent authorities

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Department of Agriculture

Important information

The recommendations presented in this scheme are considered to be the minimum requirements for the production of seed potatoes. However, national authorities may decide to set stricter requirements in their national certification schemes based on the EPPO scheme, in order to take into account different conditions in their territories because of the prevalence of certain pests.