BCC Notes for guidance Ver 7.pdf - The Rural Payments Agency ...

BEEF CARCASE 

CLASSIFICATION 

NOTES FOR GUIDANCE 

IN 

ENGLAND AND WALES 

Meat Technical Schemes 

Rural Payments Agency 

Eden Bridge House 

Lowther Street 

Carlisle 

Cumbria 

CA3 8DX 

BCC Guidance Notes 1 version 7 – January 2012 

PDF created with pdfFactory Pro trial version www.pdffactory.com

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY SCHEME FOR THE 

CLASSIFICATION OF BEEF CARCASES 

CONTENT 

Section A – General Information 

1. What is the Beef Carcase Classification Scheme? 

2. Purpose of the scheme 

3. Purpose of these notes. 

4. Definition of an adult bovine animal. 

Section B – Registration Requirements under BCC 

5. Registration – general requirements 

6. Exempt slaughterhouses 

7. Can centres slaughtering 75 adult bovine animals or less per week carry out classification 

under the BCC scheme? 

8. Who undertakes the classification of carcases? 

Section C – Dressing Specifications and Carcase Classification 

9. Dressing Specifications. 

10. Classification of carcases. 

11. Conformation Classes. 

12. Fat Classes. 

13. Recording conformation and fat classes. 

14. 15 point scale. 

15. Classification categories 

16. Recording categories relating to animals aged 12 months or less. 

17. Recording required information via labelling or stamping the carcase 

18. Weights. 

Section D – Communication of Classification Results and Record 

Keeping 

19. Communication of Classification Results. 

20. Record keeping 

21. Information to be recorded for bovine carcases 

Section E – BCC Classifier Licences 

22. BCC Classifier licences 

23. Applying for a classification licence. 

24. Monitoring of classification carried out by Licenced Classifiers. 

25. Withdrawal of licences. 

BCC Guidance Notes 2 

version 7 – January 2012 


Section F – Video Imaging Analysis (VIA) 

26. Classification by automated grading techniques (Video Imaging Analysis – VIA) 

Section G – Inspections, Offences and Penalties 

27. Inspections. 

28. Offences and Penalties. 

Section H – Further Guidance, Publications and Data Protection. 

29. Further Guidance 

30. Publications and Forms. 

31. Data Protection. 

Appendix 1 – Fixed Penalty Guidance. 

Appendix 2 – legislation. 

Appendix 3 – Definitions. 




Section A – General Information 

What is the Beef Carcase Classification scheme? 

1. The Beef Carcase Classification scheme is a European Community (EC) wide 

scheme which requires EC approved slaughterhouses to classify adult beef 

carcases on the basis of a combination of their fat and conformation. 

Purpose of the scheme 

2. The purpose of the scheme is to ensure the uniform classification of adult beef 

carcases to guarantee producers fair payment based on the EC Community 

Grading scale for adult bovine animals delivered to slaughterhouses. This 

classification also improves the transparency of the market in carcases, to the 

benefit of all sectors of the industry. 

Purpose of these notes 

3. These notes provide guidance to operators and staff of slaughterhouses on the 

classification of beef carcases. The notes set out the main provisions of the 

Community requirements and explain how they will apply in England & 

Wales. As separate legislative arrangements have been made in Scotland and 

Northern Ireland, slaughterhouses based there should contact their appropriate 

office for further guidance. 

3.1 You should also make yourself familiar with the Industry’s own Code of 

Practice. 

Definition of an adult bovine animal 

4. Under the Beef Carcase Classification Scheme the definition of an adult 

bovine carcase is a bovine animal with a live weight exceeding 300 kilograms. 




Section B – Registration Requirements under BCC 

Registration - general 

5. Statutory Instruments, The Beef and Pig Carcase Classification (England) 

Regulations 2010 No. 1090 and The Beef and Pig Carcase Classification 

(Wales) Regulations 2011 No 1826 (W.198), require that an occupier of an 

EC approved slaughterhouse killing adult bovine animals must notify this fact 

in writing to the relevant agriculture department. In England and Wales the 

relevant agriculture department is the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). The 

details to be notified are set out in Regulation 5 of SI 1090 (England) and 

Regulation 5 of SI 1826 (Wales). The Regulations also explain what 

slaughterhouse occupiers are required to do if changes occur in the notified 

details or if they cease to occupy a slaughterhouse. 

5.1 To ensure that the required information is provided an RPA ‘Registration 

Details’ form should be completed and returned to this office. A copy of the 

form can be obtained from the Meat Technical Schemes section at Carlisle 

RPA or downloaded from our web site at rpa.defra.gov.uk then following the 

links ‘Full list of RPA schemes, Livestock schemes, Beef Carcase 

Classification 

5.2 Where any changes occur the operator must notify the RPA of the particulars 

within 28 days of the change. 

5.3 Where an operator ceases to be the operator of an approved slaughterhouse 

they must notify the RPA of the cessation date and the person(s) succeeding as 

operators of the slaughterhouse where applicable. This notification should be 

supplied within 10 days of the cessation. 

Exempt slaughterhouses 

6. Slaughterhouses with an annual average throughput of not more than 75 adult 

bovine animals per week (calculated on a rolling yearly basis) do not have to 

classify. However, such slaughterhouses will still be required to: 

• Register the slaughterhouse; 

• Keep records; 

• Permit entry and provide assistance to authorised officers. 




Can centers slaughtering 75 adult bovine animals or less per week 

carry out classification under the BCC scheme? 

7. Following the implementation of Statutory Instruments ‘The Beef and Pig 

Carcase Classification (England) Regulations 2010 (1090 / 2010) and The 

Beef and Pig Carcase Classification (Wales) Regulations 2011 No 1826 

(W.198), small scale operators in England and Wales may choose to register 

and classify adult bovine animals under the Beef Carcase Classification 

scheme. In instances where such an operator chooses to classify bovine 

carcases they will be required to meet the scheme requirements on all adult 

bovine carcases at their plant. Please note that a small scale operator is deemed 

to be an operator of an approved slaughterhouse at which not more than 75 

adult bovine animals per week, as an annual average, are slaughtered. 

Who undertakes the classification of carcases? 

8. A slaughterhouse may use their own employees who have obtained a 

classification licence or another suitably qualified person / company who have 

the appropriate classification licence. (See Section E - BCC Classifier 

Licences). 




Section C – Dressing Specification and Carcase 


Dressing Specifications 

9. In the UK a slaughterhouse which is registered under the Beef Carcase 

Classification scheme should ensure that adult bovine carcases are dressed 

inline with one of the three recognised dressing specifications; 

• Standard Specification, 

• EC Reference Specification, 

• UK Specification 

9.1 Details of the dressing specification trimming requirements are provided in 

our RPA booklet ‘Beef Carcase Classification Scheme, Guidance on dressing 

specifications and carcase dressing’. 

9.2 The dressing specification applied must be detailed on the appropriate records 

ascertaining to the carcase. Where a carcase has not been dressed inline with 

the dressing specification, records must be suitably annotated as Not Dressed 

to Specification (NDTS). 


10. Carcases of adult bovine animals must be classified by assessment of 

conformation and fat cover using the Community scale for the classification of 

adult bovine animals. 




Conformation Classes 

11. Cattle conformation is a visual assessment of the overall shape and flesh 

coverage of the carcases. The conformation categories U, O and P can be 

further divided into upper (+) and lower (-) bands. 

Conformation 

Class 

S 

Superior 

E 

Excellent 

U 

Very Good 

R 

Good 

Description 

All profiles extremely 

convex; exceptional 

muscle development 

(double muscled 

carcase type). 

All profiles convex to 

super-convex; 

exceptional muscle 

development. 

Profiles on the whole 

convex, very good 

muscle development. 

Profiles on the whole 

straight; good muscle 

development. 

Additional Provisions 

Round: very highly rounded 

double- muscled visibly 

separated seams. 

Back: very wide and very thick, 

up to the shoulder. 

Shoulder: very highly rounded. 

Round: very rounded. 

Back: wide and very thick, up 

to the shoulder. 

Shoulder: very rounded. 

Round: rounded. 

Back: wide and thick, up to the 

shoulder. 

Shoulder: rounded. 

Round: well-developed. 

Back: still thick but less wide at 

the shoulder. 

Topside spreads very 

markedly over the 

symphysis 

((symphisis) pelvis). 

Rump very rounded. 

Topside spreads 

markedly over the 

symphysis 

(symphisis). 

Rump very rounded. 

Topside spreads over 

the symphysis 

(symphisis). 

Rump rounded. 

Topside and rump 

are slightly rounded. 

O 

Fair 

Profiles straight to 

concave; average 


Shoulder: fairly welldeveloped. 

Round: average development 

to lacking development. 

Back: average thickness to 

lacking thickness. 

Rump: straight 

profile. 

P 

Poor 

All profiles concave to 

very concave; poor 


Shoulder: average 

development to almost flat. 

Round: poorly developed. 

Back: narrow with bones 

visible. 

Shoulder: flat with bones 

visible. 




Fat Classes 

12. The fat class is determined by a visual appraisal of external fat development. 

Fat assessment is in five classes ranging from 1 (very lean) to 5 (very fat) with 

classes 4 and 5 being subdivided into leaner (L) and fatter (H) bands. 

Class of fat cover Description Additional provisions 

1 

Low 

None up to low fat cover. No fat within the thoracic 

cavity 

2 

Slight 

Slight fat cover, flesh visible 

almost everywhere. 

Within the thoracic cavity the 

muscle is clearly visible 

3 

Average 

4 

High 

5 

Very High 

Flesh with the exception of the 

round and shoulder, almost 

everywhere covered with fat, 

slight deposits of fat in the 

thoracic cavity. 

Flesh covered with fat, but on 

the round and shoulder still 

partly visible, some distinctive 

fat deposits in the thoracic 

cavity. 

Entire carcase covered with fat; 

heavy deposits in the thoracic 

cavity. 

between the ribs. 


muscle is still visible 

between the ribs. 

The seams of fat on the round 

are prominent. 


muscle between the ribs may 

be infiltrated with fat. 

The round is almost 

completely covered with fat, 

so that the seams of fat are no 

longer clearly visible. 


muscle between the ribs is 

infiltrated with fat. 

Recording conformation and fat classes 

13. When describing a carcase in classification terms, the conformation class must 

always be given before the fat class. For example, where a carcase is of 

conformation class R and a fat class of 4L it would be recorded as R4L. 

15 point scale 

14. To further enhance the classification a slaughterhouse may adopt a ’15 point’ 

scale in which each confirmation and fat class is subdivided into three i.e. low 

(-), medium (mid) and high (+) classes. Where the 15 point scale is used 

details of the sub classes must be included in the communication provided to 

the supplier of the animal for slaughter (see also paragraph 19 

‘Communication of Classification Results’) 




14.1. The classification, identification and weighing of the carcases must take 

place within 1 hour of slaughter. In cases where the automated grading 

techniques fail to classify carcases, classification and identification of these 

carcases shall take place on the day of slaughter. 

14.2. The Community Scale can be viewed via the leaflet ‘Community scale for 

the classification of bovine carcases of adult bovine animals’ which is issued 

with the registration letter sent to centres. A copy may also be requested from 

the MTS section at the RPA office in Carlisle. 

Classification categories 

15. Under BCC, adult bovine carcases must be identified under one of the 

following categories:- 

• A – Carcases of uncastrated young male animals of less than 2 years of 

age. 

• B – Carcases of other uncastrated male animals. 

• C – Carcases of castrated male animals. 

• D – Carcases of female animals that have calved. 

• E – Carcases of other female animals. 

Recording categories relating to animals aged 12 months or less 

16. Under BCC, the definition of an adult bovine carcase is a bovine animal with a 

live weight exceeding 300 kilograms. 

16.1 Under Beef labeling regulations animals aged 12 months or less must be 

identified by one of the following; 

• Category V: bovine animals aged 8 months or less i.e. bovines 

from the day of birth until they reach the age of 8 months. 

• Category Z: bovine animals aged more than 8 months but not 

more than 12 months i.e. bovines from the day after reaching 

the age of 8 months until the day they reach the age of 12 

months. 

16.2 The current legislation governing the BCC and BLS schemes operate along 

side each other and therefore do not replace the requirements of each scheme 

legislation. 

16.3 Carcases exceeding a live weight of 300 kilograms fall under BCC and must 

be categorised as at paragraph 15. In instances where the carcase relates to an 

animal which also falls under the veal categories under BLS, the appropriate 

veal category must also be recorded. 




Recording required information via labelling or stamping the carcase 

17. The classification and identification details (category, class of conformation 

and fat cover) may be recorded by either stamping the carcases using an 

indelible and non toxic ink, the letters / numbers must be a minimum of 2cm 

in height, or by attaching labels. The marks must be applied or labels firmly 

attached on the hindquarters on the striploin at the level of the fourth lumbar 

vertebra and on the forequarters, on the brisket between 10 and 30 centimeters 

from the edge of the sternum. The marks / labels must not be removed before 

the quarters are boned. 

Where the classification is carried out by using automated grading techniques 

the use of labels is compulsory. 

17.1 The information to be recorded is as follows:- 

If you intend to stamp the carcase you will need to show: 

a) The category of the animal; 

b) The class of conformation and fatness. 

If you intend to use labels they must be tamper-proof, tear resistant and firmly 

attached to each quarter. The labels must be a minimum size of not less 

than 50cm². Labels must not be removed before the quarters are boned. 

Labels must show the following information / indicators: 

a) The category of the animal; 

b) The class of conformation and fatness. 

c) The approval number of the slaughterhouse; 

d) The identification/slaughter number of the animal; 

e) The date of slaughter; 

f) The weight of the carcase. 

g) And where applicable, that classification has been carried out by 

using automatic grading techniques. 

The indicators above must be legible and no alternations are permitted except 

if they are clearly marked on the label and carried out under the supervision 

of, and the practical conditions determined by the relevant licenced classifier 

(who has successfully obtained a BCC classifiers licence) 




17.2. Please be aware that in addition to the requirements of the Beef Carcase 

Classification scheme, there are also labelling requirements which apply under 

the Beef Labelling Scheme. All beef offered for sale in the EC falls under the 

Beef Labelling Scheme and must be labelled with certain compulsory 

information. Guidance on the requirements of the scheme can be found in the 

Beef Labelling Guide, a copy of which can be obtained from the RPA or via our 

web site. 

Weights 

18. The Regulations require that adult bovine carcases must be weighed within 1 

hour from the time of slaughter. 

18.1. The recorded weight must be as per the actual scale display and must not be 

rounded. 

18.2.The accurate carcase weight must be recorded on labels and associated 

documentation 

18.3.the Regulations governing the scheme require that the weight of the carcases 

must be communicated back to the supplier of the animal for slaughter. Please 

refer to Section D ‘ Communication of Classifier Results and Record keeping’ . 

18.4.The inaccurate recording of carcase weights and the communication of 

inaccurate information is deemed to be an offence under the Regulations and will 

fall under the enforcement provisions, see Section G, ‘Inspections, Offences and 

Penalties and the information at Appendix 1’ . 




Section D – Communication of Classification Results 

and Record Keeping 

Communication of Classification Results 

19. The results of classification must be communicated in writing or by electronic 

means to whoever has the slaughtering carried out. This information may be 

shown on an invoice or a document attached. In both instances the information 

should be addressed to the supplier of the animal, or failing that to the physical 

or legal person responsible for the slaughter operations. The information to be 

supplied is a follows:- 

• classification results, 

• category 

• the weight of the carcase, indicating whether it relates to warm or cold 

weight 

• the carcase presentation (dressing specification) applied at the moment 

of weighing and classification. 

• And where applicable, that classification has been carried out by using 

automatic grading techniques 

Although it is not a compulsory requirement it is beneficial to also provide the kill 

number of the animal and the date of slaughter. 

Centre which operate using the 15 point scale must include the subclasses in the 

communication. (See also paragraph 14 –‘15 Point Scale’). 

Record Keeping 

20. the regulations specify that records should be kept for a minimum of 12 months 

from the end of the calendar year to which the records relate. 




Information to be recorded for bovine carcases 

21. The following information is required to be recorded :- 

- The result of the classification. 

- The approval number of the slaughterhouse. 

- The kill number of the animal from which the carcase was obtained. 

- The date of slaughter. 

- The weight of the carcase. 

- The dressing specification used. 

- A record that the prescribed communication has been effected. 

- The name, signature and classification licence number of the person 

who carried out the classification. 

21.1.During inspection visits our Inspecting Officers are required to check records 

relating to carcases to confirm that the required information is being recorded. 

Therefore during visits our Inspecting Officers will request that records be 

provided. 




Section E – BCC Classifier Licences 

22. The Regulations (Commission Regulation 1249/2008) require that the 

classification of adult bovine carcases must be undertaken by a person who has 

received a licence. 

22.1.In England and Wales licences will be issued by the Rural Payments Agency to 

those applicants who have successfully undertaken a classification test. This test 

is to demonstrate that an applicant has the necessary technical skill to ensure that 

classification is carried out in line with the requirements. 

22.2.Slaughterhouses may carry out their own classification with suitably qualified 

staff or may employ the services of another suitably qualified person/ company. 

22.3.A Sample of the current BCC licence which is issued to qualified classifiers in 

England and Wales may be viewed via the RPA web site at rpa.defra.gov.uk 

following the links ‘Full List of RPA Schemes, Livestock Schemes, Beef 

Carcase Classification, Classification Licences’ 

22.4.Unlicensed classification is an offence, the commission of which will render the 

slaughterhouse operator and the classifier liable to a fine or prosecution. 

Applying for a classification licence 

23. A licence application form may be obtained from either the MTS Section at the 

Carlisle Office, from the Inspecting Officer at the time of an inspection or 

downloaded from the RPA web site. 

23.1.Each application for a licence should be submitted on form ‘Application for a 

BCC Licence’ (MTSA1) enclosing 2 passport style photographs. One of the 

photographs must be certified on the reverse as ‘I certify that this is a true 

likeness of …. (name of applicant)….’ and countersigned by the manager 

signing the application form. 

23.2. The completed form and the required photographs should be forwarded to the 

following address for processing:- 

• Meat Technical Schemes Manager 

Rural Payments Agency 

Eden Bridge House 

Lowther Street 

Carlisle 

Cumbria, CA3 8DX 

Tel: 01228 640369 




23.3.On receipt of the request an RPA inspector will visit applicants to ensure that 

they understand the principles of classification and that they have the technical 

skills required to classify carcases in line with the classification requirements. 

This is conducted by the applicant undertaking a BCC Licence test which is set 

by the Livestock and Meat Inspectorate. Successful applicants will be issued 

with the appropriate BCC classification licence. 

Monitoring of classification carried out by Licenced Classifiers 

24. During inspection visits our Inspecting Officers may request sight of a 

classifier’s licence to ensure that the term and conditions of the licence are being 

fully complied with. In these instances the licence must be made available to our 

Inspecting Officer for checking. 

24.1. Licenced classifiers will be required to make themselves available on a regular 

basis to ensure that the classification standards required are being achieved and 

the necessary technical skills are maintained. Failure to do so may result in the 

licence being withdrawn. 

24.2. Where a person who has obtained a classifier licence is no longer required to 

carry out the classification of adult bovine animals the RPA must be notified and 

the licence returned for disposal. 

Withdrawal of a licence 

25. Your attention is drawn to the provisions in the regulations governing licences. 

You should note in particular that a licence will become invalid if the licensed 

classifier leaves the employment of the employer specified on his/her licence or 

(if self employed) his/her home address changes. 

25.1. A classifier’s licence may be revoked if an inspection shows that classification 

standards are not being met. 

25.2. Any invalid licences must be returned to Meat Technical Schemes, Carlisle 

RPA, for disposal. 




Section F – Video Imaging Analysis (VIA) 

Classification by automated grading techniques (Video 

Imaging Analysis - VIA) 

26. A visual image taken of the carcase is used by the machine program to determine 

the classification results of that carcase. The contours of a carcase are analysed 

to assess its conformation based on the EUROP classification scale and the fat 

class is determined by comparing the amount of red (flesh) and white (fat) 

shown on the image. 

26.1. Automated grading technology, or VIA (Video Imaging Analysis) is approved 

for use across the UK and licences can be issued to slaughterhouses who have 

installed the appropriate technology. 

26.2. Classification by automated grading techniques will be valid only if the carcase 

presentation is identical to the presentation used during the certification test. The 

certification test was conducted in 2010. Any request for amendments to the 

approved carcase presentation must be made in writing for consideration before 

being implemented. 

26.3. Establishments operating classification by using automated grading techniques 

must:- 

• be in possession of an appropriate licence. 

• Identify the category of the carcase (For this purpose the system for the 

identification and registration of bovine animals, referred to in Title I of EC 

Regulation 1760/2000 (Identification and registration of bovine animals), 

must be used ;) 

• Keep daily control reports on the functioning of the automated grading 

techniques, including in particular any shortcomings encountered and actions 

taken where necessary. 

26.4. Carcase labels, records and remittance advice, must record all necessary 

information including the fact that classification has been carried out by using 

automatic grading techniques. Where classification is carried out by automated 

grading techniques the use of labels is compulsory. 

26.5. The classification, identification and weighing of the carcases must take place 

within 1 hour of slaughter. In cases where the automated grading techniques fail 

to classify carcases, classification and identification of these carcases shall take 

place on the day of slaughter. 

26.6. Any VIA machine will need to be maintained and serviced on a regular basis to 

ensure that everything continues to work properly. Each machine must be 




checked daily and a control report kept on the functioning of the automated 

grading techniques, including in particular any shortcomings encountered and 

actions taken where necessary. This must be available for inspection on request. 

26.7. A slaughterhouse using VIA must also have a licenced classifier , on site at all 

times to undertake grading if a machine stops working. (please refer to Section 

E, ‘BCC Classifier Licences’, for infromation on obataining a classifier licence). 




Section G – Inspections, Offences and Penalties 

Inspections 

27. Officers of the RPA Meat and Livestock Inspectorate for England and Wales will 

carry out checks on EC approved slaughterhouses, (which are not exempt), twice 

a quarter as a minimum. Additional follow-up visits will be carried out if 

failings are found. Please note that all inspection visits carried out under the Beef 

Carcase Classification scheme are made on an unannounced basis. 

27.1. Inspections at centres which choose to become registered under the scheme on a 

voluntary basis will also be visited on a regular basis. 

27.2. EC approved slaughterhouses which are exempt or claim exemption may also be 

visited from time to time. You are required to give inspecting officers all 

reasonable assistance and it is an offence to deny them entry to your premises. 

27.3. Operators are required to grant access to their premises at all reasonable times. 

Offences and Penalties 

28. Failure to comply with the requirements of the regulations may lead to financial 

penalties being issued or further legal proceedings being taken. 

28.1. A person is guilty of an offence under The Beef and Pig Carcase Classification 

(England) Regulations 2010 and The Beef and Pig Carcase Classification 

(Wales) Regulations 2011, if he / she; 

• Contravenes the requirements of The Beef and Pig Carcase 

Classification (England) Regulations 2010 and The Beef and Pig 

Carcase Classification (Wales) Regulations 2011. 

• Fails to obtain and comply with the requirements of the classifiers 

licence to carry out classification or the licence authorizing the use of 

the automated grading equipment for the classification of bovine 

carcases. 

• Fails to comply with the notification requirements. 

• Fails to keep the required records. 

• Obstructs a person acting under the regulation access to a premise or 

records without reasonable cause. 

• Contravenes or fails to comply with any Enforcement Notice served. 

• Applies misleading marks or labels. 

All offences are punishable by a fine. Offences covered by ‘misleading marks or 

labels may lead to referral to a Crown Court where fines are unlimited. 

For further information please refer to the guidance detailed at 

Appendix 1 




Section H – Further Guidance, Publications and Data 

protection. 

Further Guidance 

29. Additional guidance can be obtained via the RPA web site at rpa.defra.gov.uk 

under Full list of RPA Schemes, Livestock schemes, Beef Carcase Classification. 

Our Inspecting Officers will also be happy to provide guidance during their regular 

visits when requested or required. 

These notes do not cover all the provisions of the relevant EC and UK legislation 

(details of which are set out in paragraphs 5 and 6 of these notes). These notes 

should therefore be read in conjunction with the legislation and not as an 

alternative to it. 

Publications & Forms 

30. The following publications are also available for your use and can be requested 

from the Meat Technical Schemes at Carlisle RPA tel 01228 640369 or obtained 

via our web site; 

Booklets 

• Beef Carcase Classification Scheme – Guidance on dressing 

specifications and carcase classification. 

• Community scale for the classification of carcases of adult bovine 

animals. 

Forms 

• Beef carcase Classification Scheme, Registration Details. 

• Application for a BCC Licence (MTSA1) 

Data Protection Notice 

31. Defra is the data controller for any personal data that you give to the Rural 

Payments Agency. Your personal information will be protected in line with the 

Data Protection Act 1998. We will use the data mainly to support the application 

it relates to. We may also use it in line with the Data Protection Act, for other 

purposes as we explain in the scheme guidance and on the Access to Information 

pages on our website: http://www.rpa.defra.gov.uk/rpa/index.nsf/home then put 

‘Access to Information’ into the search box. If you have any questions on our 

Data Protection policy, please telephone our Customer Service Centre. 




Appendix 1 

Fixed Penalty Guidance 

Introduction 

1. The regulatory requirements are set out in the Beef and Pig Carcase 

Classification (England) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1090) and the Beef and 

Pig Carcase Classification (Wales) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1826). This 

guidance applies to enforcement activities under these Regulations, and is 

designed to be applied by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). These 

Regulations also cover the requirement for Dead Weight Price Reporting. 

These Regulations enforce Article 42 of, and Annex V to, Council Regulation 

(EC) No 1234/2007 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1249/2008. 

Enforcement at a glance 

2. Where there is evidence that an offence has been committed, the Secretary of 

State for England or the Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Wales, may issue 

an informal written warning, saying that an offence has been committed, 

advising what steps should be taken and warning of possible future action. 

3. In addition, the regulations provide for three kinds of formal enforcement 

action: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

enforcement notice; 

penalty notice; and 

criminal prosecution. 

4. An enforcement notice may be given if the Secretary of State for England or 

the Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Wales has reason to believe that an 

offence has been committed under the Regulations. An enforcement notice 

will specify what the offence is, and what action the recipient must do, or stop 

doing, within a period specified in the notice. Any person who contravenes or 

fails to comply with a notice is guilty of an offence. A person may either 

appeal to the Meat Technical Scheme (MTS) team at Carlisle RPA as soon as 

possible or they may appeal to a magistrates’ court within one month of being 

given the enforcement notice if they have reason to believe that the notice 

should not have been issued. 

5. A penalty notice may be given if the Secretary of State for England or the 

Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Wales has reason to believe that an offence 

has been committed under the Regulations. It may be used as an alternative to 

prosecution. A penalty notice may be for an amount up to a maximum of 

£5,000. Where a person is given a penalty notice they have 28 days from the 

date the notice was given to pay the fine. If the fine is paid within the 28 day 

period, they will avoid prosecution. Criminal proceedings cannot be brought 




against that person for the offence to which the notice relates before the end of 

the 28 day period. Failure to pay within this timeframe is not an offence, but 

may lead to criminal proceedings. 

6. Criminal proceedings may be brought for an offence under the Regulations, 

including failure to comply with an enforcement notice. They may also be 

brought if a person fails to pay the penalty due under a penalty notice. 

Consideration of Offence 

7. Where there is reason to believe that an offence has been committed the 

inspector will consider what action is appropriate in the circumstances. This 

will depend on the nature of the offence, and any other relevant factors. 

8. The seriousness of the offence and scale of the breach (which is considered to 

be an indicator of likely monetary gain) will determine initially which level of 

enforcement action would be applicable, as set out in the table below. [NB the 

table only covers scale not seriousness of offence] 

Determining the appropriate enforcement action 

9. The enforcement table is to give guidance and visibility as to the level of 

offence, and the course of action RPA would consider taking in each instance 

where an offence is committed, and the resulting penalty amount. 

There will be three basic levels of fixed penalty depending on the nature of the 

offence committed. These are £1000, £2500 or £4500 as set out below in an 

enforcement table. 

Level 1 

1 st OFFENCE 2 nd OFFENCE 3 rd OFFENCE 

Warning Letter 

Enforcement 

Notice 

Penalty Fine - 

£1000 

SUBSEQUENT 

OFFENCE 

Criminal 

Proceedings 

Level 2 

Warning Letter 


Notice 

Penalty Fine - 

£2500 

Criminal 

Proceedings 

Level 3 


Notice 

Penalty Fine – 

£4500 

Criminal 

Proceedings 

Criminal 

Proceedings 

10. Level 1 offences are low risk issues affecting less than 25% of carcases 

witnessed during an inspection visit. 

11. Level 2 offences are medium risk issues affecting between 25% and 50% of 

carcases witnessed during an inspection visit. 




12. Level 3 offences are high risk issues affecting more than 50% carcases 

witnessed, where offence relates to at least 20 beef carcases witnessed or 10 

pig carcases witnessed. 

These levels are based on a minimum of 40 beef carcases or 20 pig carcases 

checked per visit. 

13. Offences relating to failure of notification by an operator, licences, and 

records and marks are also considered to be Level 3 offences (regulations 27 

to 29 of S.I. 2010 No. 1090 and S.I. No. 2011/1826 refer). An obstruction 

offence under regulation 30 of the S.I’s (for instance obstructing an inspector, 

failing to assist, giving false information) will usually result directly in 

prosecution. 

14. Other factors may also be taken into account which may affect the decision on 

the appropriate enforcement action. Those factors include, but are not limited 

to:- 

• seriousness of offence; 

• duration of non compliance; 

• history of non compliance; 

• financial gain made by the person as a result of non-compliance; 

• previous action taken by the enforcement authority to help the person 

comply with the regulations; 

• compliance with advice given, and action taken to repair or reduce the 

non-compliance; 

• any co-operation or willingness given to the enforcement authority by 

the person responding to the non compliance; or 

• where the non compliance was committed by an employee of the person, 

the extent to which the employee was acting outside of their authority. 

15. The table (overleaf) is stepwise, with an operator moving up and down the 

penalty scale in accordance with their response and the action carried out to 

resolve the issues identified. 

Detailed Implementation 

16. Where an inspector carries out an inspection and believes that an offence has 

been committed they will inform the operator at the time of the visit verbally 

and hand the operator a deficiency notice. A report will be made to the MTS 

team in RPA Carlisle. 

17. Where a Level 1 or 2 offence is identified an informal verbal warning will be 

issued by the inspector and a deficiency notice will be handed to the Food 

Business Operator. This will be recorded on the operator’s file for future 

reference and followed up with a written warning letter where appropriate. 

Should an inspector discover on a subsequent inspection that the same offence 

is occurring, or has not been fully resolved, an enforcement notice will be 

considered. 




An operator who has reason to believe the enforcement notice should not have 

been given can appeal by making a complaint to a magistrates’ court within 

one month of the date of the notice. 

An operator may also appeal informally to the MTS team at Carlisle RPA with 

reasons or further evidence as to why the enforcement notice should not have 

been issued. 

Non-compliance with an enforcement notice will usually lead to a penalty 

notice. Where an enforcement notice is issued and evidence is found on a 

follow-up inspection that the enforcement notice has not been complied with, 

the inspector will inform the operator of the continuing offence. The inspector 

will submit his report to the MTS team in RPA Carlisle who will assess the 

findings and issue a penalty notice if deemed applicable. 

18. Where a Level 3 offence is identified, due to the seriousness of this category 

of offence, an enforcement notice will generally be issued in the first instance. 

19. Where a penalty notice is considered appropriate, the MTS team will weigh up 

all the factors relating to the case, and using the table at paragraph 9 as a 

guide, come to a recommendation as to the amount the penalty fine should be. 

The MTS team will scrutinise all penalty notice recommendations to ensure a 

reasonable degree of consistency in how these are being applied and will issue 

the notices to the operator centrally. 

20. Where a single inspection visit results in the discovery of more than one 

offence then the offences will be treated separately and given, if applicable, 

individual enforcement or penalty notices. 

21. We will aim to issue a written warning, enforcement notice or penalty notice 

within 14 days of completion of the inspection. We aim to complete 

inspection into potential offences within three months. 

Payment of penalties 

22. Payment of the penalty specified in a penalty notice within 28 days of issue 

discharges any liability to be convicted of that offence. The penalty notice 

will specify how payment should be made, and where it should be sent to. 

Payment in cash is not permitted. 

23. A penalty notice can be withdrawn before or after the payment of a penalty, 

where there is reason to believe that it should not have been given. Where a 

penalty notice is withdrawn, any monies paid will be repaid in full within 28 

days of withdrawal of the notice. 

Criminal Prosecution 

24. Where a penalty notice is issued and the penalty is not paid within 28 days of 

issue, this may lead to criminal prosecution. 




25. In certain circumstances, RPA may also forward information to Local 

Authority Trading Standards for further investigation for example into other 

potential offences and possible prosecution. 

Fixed Penalty Guidance Q & A 

Q: I’ve just received an enforcement notice. What does it mean? 

A: It means that an inspector has reason to believe that a person has committed an 

offence under the Beef and Pig Classification Regulations 2010 (in relation to 

England) and 2011 (in relation to Wales) (the “Regulations”) as applicable. The 

enforcement notice will provide the details of the offence and specify what measures 

must be taken to comply with the regulations. 

Q: How long does the enforcement notice last for? 

A: The duration of the notice is determined by the terms specified in the notice. The 

notice will specify the measures that need to be taken or what needs to stop occurring, 

and the period in which this must be done. 

Q: Is it possible to have more than one enforcement notice? 

A: Yes, an enforcement notice can be issued for each category of offence as listed in 

the Regulations. 

Q: Can I appeal against an enforcement notice? 

A: There are two ways to appeal. You can contact the MTS team in RPA Carlisle by 

letter enclosing any evidence that was not available at the time of inspection. You can 

also apply to the magistrates court for an order revoking the Notice by way of a 

complaint. You must appeal within one month. 

Q: What happens if I don’t do what the enforcement notice requires? 

A: Failure to comply with an enforcement notice is an offence and you may be issued 

with a penalty notice or prosecuted. 

Q: I’ve just received a penalty notice. What does it mean? 

A: A penalty notice is issued if an inspector has reason to believe that a person has 

committed an offence under the Regulations. If you pay the penalty notice within 28 

days of the date it was given you will not be prosecuted for the offence. Failure to pay 

the penalty notice within 28 days of the date it was given may lead to prosecution for 

the original offence. 




Q: What’s the difference between an enforcement notice and a penalty notice? 

A: Both notices relate to an offence occurring at your premise under the Beef and Pig 

Classification Regulations 2010 and 2011 (England and Wales, as applicable). An 

enforcement notice may be issued to cover offences that are considered to be less 

serious, if you do not comply with the enforcement notice you may receive a penalty 

notice. For offences that are considered more serious, or repeat offences, a penalty 

notice may be issued which gives you the opportunity to pay a monetary fine to avoid 

criminal proceedings. 

Q: If I receive a penalty notice when am I expected to pay by? 

A: The penalty notice will clearly state you have 28 days in which to pay the penalty 

from the date the notice was given. Failure to pay the penalty is not a criminal offence 

but you may be prosecuted for the offence for which the penalty notice was issued. 

Q: Can I appeal against a penalty notice? 

A: No, there is no appeal procedure for penalties. 

Q: What happens if I don’t pay the penalty/fine 

A: Criminal proceedings may be brought against you. In the event of a conviction for 

an offence under regulation 19(3), 25, 26, 27, 28, 29(1) and 30 the court may impose 

a maximum fine of up to £5,000 and, on conviction on indictment for an offence 

under 29(2) an unlimited fine. 




Appendix 2 

Legislation 

• Council Regulation (EC) No. 1234/2007 of 22 October 2007 

establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific 

provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation). 

• Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1249/2008 of 10 December 2008 

laying down detailed rules on the implementation of the Community scales for 

the classification of beef, pig and sheep carcases and the reporting of prices 

thereof. 

• Statutory Instrument 2010 No.1090, Agriculture, England. The Beef 

and Pig Carcase Classification (England) Regulations 2010. This Regulation 

came into force on the 1 st June 2010. 

. 

• Statutory Instrument 2011 No. 1826 (W.198), Agriculture Wales. The 

Beef and Pig Carcase Classification (Wales) Regulations 2011. This 

Regulation came into force on the 1 st September 2011. 




Appendix 3 

Definitions 

a) ‘adult bovine animal’: a bovine animal with a live weight of more than 

300 kilograms. 

b) ‘carcase’: the whole body of a slaughtered animal as presented after 

bleeding, evisceration and skinning; 

c) ‘half carcase’ the product obtained by separating the carcase referred to in 

point (a) symmetrically through the middle of each cervical, dorsal, 

lumber and sacral vertebra and through the middle of the sternum and the 

schiopubic symphysis. 

d) ‘an operator’: a person carrying out the business of an approved 

slaughterhouse. 

e) ‘a small scale operator’ is deemed to be an operator of an approved 

slaughterhouse at which not more than 75 adult bovine animals per week, 

as an annual average, are slaughtered.

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