Welsh Ministers have made the Free‑Range Poultrymeat Marketing Standards (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2025, removing the 12‑week cap on marketing poultrymeat as free‑range during periods when birds are housed for public or animal health reasons. The Regulations apply in Wales and take effect on 21 November 2025 following Senedd approval under the affirmative procedure. The measure is made under sections 34(1) and 50(3) of the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023.
The instrument amends Annex V to Commission Regulation (EC) No 543/2008 on poultrymeat marketing standards by replacing the clause that previously allowed free‑range references “under no circumstances for more than 12 weeks” during access restrictions. In Wales, producers will be able to market meat “as free‑range despite any such restrictions”, provided all other free‑range production conditions are met.
The Welsh Government’s written statement confirms the policy intent: removing the 12‑week derogation so that free‑range poultrymeat can continue to be marketed as such for the full duration of any mandatory housing measure imposed on veterinary grounds by the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales. This is framed as ensuring a level trading position with UK and EU counterparts during disease control periods.
What does not change are the substantive free‑range production rules in Annex V-stocking densities, age at slaughter, feed composition and access requirements remain in force. The existing exclusion for guinea fowl reared in percheries also continues to apply because the amendment only removes the time limit; it does not alter the scope of the derogation.
For producers and processors, the practical effect is that labels, packaging and point‑of‑sale descriptions can retain the free‑range claim throughout a mandatory housing period, avoiding relabelling to “indoor/barn” after 12 weeks. Businesses should continue to keep records demonstrating compliance with free‑range standards and retain copies of housing declarations issued under veterinary advice to substantiate claims if challenged by enforcement authorities. The Welsh Government has signalled the change is designed to reduce operational disruption seen during extended avian influenza housing orders.
The Welsh change mirrors developments elsewhere. In England, draft regulations laid before Parliament remove the same 12‑week ceiling, and ministers have stated the intent to implement ahead of winter 2025–26; Scotland has indicated it will do likewise. This broader UK position followed a joint consultation by Defra and the Scottish Government.
Wales has already taken a parallel step for eggs. In February 2025, the Free‑Range Egg Marketing Standards (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2025 came into force, removing the 16‑week limit on using the free‑range description for eggs during mandatory housing. The poultrymeat instrument completes policy alignment across both product categories in Wales.
The Regulations were considered by the Senedd’s Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee before approval, with the Committee noting the Government’s response to its technical report. This meets the procedural requirements in section 50 of the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 for affirmative instruments.
Traders moving product into other UK nations should remain alert to jurisdictional labelling rules at the point of sale. While England has moved through parliamentary scrutiny and signalled imminent commencement, Northern Ireland’s approach will track any equivalent EU change under the Windsor Framework. Exporters should also continue to check destination‑market requirements separate from marketing standards.