Message 901
Communication from the Commission - TRIS/(2026) 2860
Procedure for the provision of information EC - EFTA
Notification: 2026/9018/IS
Notification – Notification – Notifzierung – Нотификация – Oznámení – Notifikation – Γνωστοποίηση – Notificación – Teavitamine – Ilmoitus – Obavijest – Bejelentés – Notifica – Pranešimas – Paziņojums – Notifika – Kennisgeving – Zawiadomienie – Notificação – Notificare – Oznámenie – Obvestilo – Anmälan – Fógra a thabhairt
Does not open the delays - N'ouvre pas de délai - Kein Fristbeginn - Не се предвижда период на прекъсване - Nezahajuje prodlení - Fristerne indledes ikke - Καμμία έναρξη προθεσμίας - No abre el plazo - Viivituste perioodi ei avata - Määräaika ei ala tästä - Ne otvara razdoblje kašnjenja - Nem nyitja meg a késéseket - Non fa decorrere la mora - Atidėjimai nepradedami - Atlikšanas laikposms nesākas - Ma jiftaħx il-perijodi ta’ dewmien - Geen termijnbegin - Nie otwiera opóźnień - Não inicia o prazo - Nu deschide perioadele de stagnare - Nezačína oneskorenia - Ne uvaja zamud - Inleder ingen frist - Ní osclaíonn sé na moilleanna
MSG: 20262860.EN
1. MSG 901 IND 2026 9018 IS EN 09-10-2026 IS NOTIF
2. Iceland
3A. Ministry for Foreign Affairs
3B. Ministry of Industries
4. 2026/9018/IS - C00A - AGRICULTURE, FISHING AND FOODSTUFFS
5. Amendment of the regulation on voluntary labelling of foods with the Keyhole
6. Foods as defined by article 2 of Regulation (EC) no 178/2002 (Food Law) and specifically
described in Annex 2 to the Regulation on voluntary labelling of foods with the Keyhole.
C50A (Foodstuffs) and C60A (Labelling).
7.
Regulation (EC) N° 1924/2006 concerning nutrition and health claims made on foods: Article 23
The draft proposal concerns amendments to the Icelandic regulation No 333/2021 on voluntary labelling of foods with the Keyhole. The regulation will be replaced with a new regulation.
8. The proposed regulation concerns amendments to the Icelandic regulation of 11th March 2021 on the on the use of the Keyhole for the marketing of foods. The proposed amendments have been concluded in cooperation with Sweden, Denmark and Norway, which have corresponding provisions. Hence, corresponding proposals (save for editorial adaptions) are being undertaken in Sweden, Denmark and Iceland.
The Keyhole is a voluntary label used on foods. The scientific basis is the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NRR). The objective of the Keyhole label is to make it easier for consumers to make a healthier choice within the same food group based on the content of fat, sugar, salt and fiber. The general provisions for the use of the Keyhole label are stated in the regulation and annex 2 lists food categories and the specific criteria for each of them. This means that a complete assessment of the nutritional quality of the product has been made. According to the Icelandic regulation the Keyhole label may be used in the marketing of pre-packaged and non-pre-packaged foods covered by the food categories in Annex 2 if they comply with all the nutritional criteria for the food category concerned. Restrictions on the use of the symbol appear in the Icelandic regulation.
9. The proposed changes aims to align the Keyhole labelling with the current Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NRR) and hereby contribute to consumers' intake of more fiber and wholegrain, less salt and healthier fat in the diet. The scientific basis for the Keyhole label is the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NRR).
9a. The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NRR), is not a static one, but are updated (last in 2023), the criteria for use of the Keyhole must necessarily also be reviewed and adjusted. The proposed amendments to the Keyhole criteria are based on a revision in light of the latest NRR (2023). The proposed amendments is considered suitable to contribute to the objective of the Keyhole.
9b. The Keyhole label is not restricted to Nordic products, but open to all products that fulful the criteria. There is no requirement for registration or payment of fees for use of the symbol. The proposed amendments are considered necessary for the Keyhole to fulfil its objective as a simple and credible way to healthier alternatives. Without the proposed amendments to the regulation, the Keyhole would not be adequately aligned with its scientific basis, the NRR. Alternative measures to amending the regulation, such as mere information or guidance about the NRR 2023 is considered insufficient, because the labeling of the product itself, which is crucial for the Keyhole scheme to fulful its objective, requires compliance with the criteria which are set out in the regulation.
9c. The proposed amendments are not considered or expected to have negative impact on the internal market. The Keyhole is voluntary and the criteria applies equally regardless of where in the EEA the product is produced. The amendments are considered not to have significant administrative or economic impact on markets operators. Market operators will have to adjust to the revised criteria, but the proposal grants a fairly long transition period. Weighed against the interest of providing the public with a simple way to healthier alternatives based on updated scientific knowledge, the proposed amendments are considered proportionate and not an excessive burden in relation to the objective pursued.
10. References of the Basic Texts:
11. No
12.
13. No
14. No
15. Yes
16.
TBT aspects: No
SPS aspects: No
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European Commission
Contact point Directive (EU) 2015/1535
email: grow-dir2015-1535-central@ec.europa.eu
