Who do the regulations apply to?
The regulations apply to the production and marketing of hatching eggs, and of poultry chicks not more than185g in weight, of the following species: domestic fowl (chickens), turkeys, ducks, chicks, geese and guinea fowl.
Hatcheries with a setting capacity of 1,000 or more eggs, and breeding establishments with 100 or more breeding birds, are required to register with the Department and to comply with the regulations. Establishments with a lower setting capacity or with fewer breeding birds are not required to comply with the regulations but may do so if they wish.
Hatching eggs, hatcheries and breeding farms - regulations
EU Regulations
- Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation)
- Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 617/2008 laying down detailed rules for implementing Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 as regards marketing standards for eggs for hatching and farmyard poultry chicks
Northern Ireland Regulations
More useful links
- Application for registration of hatchery, breeding establishments or multiplying establishment EMR10
- Guidance leaflets – hatcheries, breeding farms and use of hatching eggs for human consumption