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Uniform requirements to identifying chocolate, chocolate products and cocoa products came into effect
Amendments to the Customs Union's Technical Regulation "On food safety" on the requirements to chocolate, chocolate products and cocoa products, adopted by the Eurasian Economic Commission's Council on November 25, 2022, came into effect on July 25 this year.
According to the new mandatory requirements, chocolate put into circulation in the Eurasian Economic Union shall contain 35% or more of the total cocoa solids, including 18% or more of cocoa butter.
Animal fats other than milk fat may not be used in chocolate manufacturing. However, it is allowed to use cocoa butter equivalents and (or) SOS-type cocoa butter improvers, the total weight fraction of which in chocolate must not exceed 5%.
Flavourings that mimic the taste and (or) aroma of chocolate or cocoa products may not be used in the manufacture of chocolate and cocoa products. Flavourings that mimic the taste and (or) aroma of milk or cream, and milk fat may not be used in the manufacture of milk, extra-milk and white chocolate.
Filled chocolate shall contain 25% or more of the outside layer of the chocolate separable from the filling. However, chocolate with filling does not include bakery (including rich) products, flour confectionery and chocolate-covered ice cream.
The established requirements are harmonized with the international standards of the Codex Alimentarius.
According to Decision No. 30 of the Commission's Board dated March 14, 2023 on the procedure for enacting these amendments (transitional provisions), such food products can be manufactured and put into circulation in the Union within 24 months from the date of their enactment in accordance with the mandatory requirements previously established by the Customs Union's Technical Regulation "On food safety".
These products can be circulated during the shelf life established by its manufacturer.
