Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/816 of April 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Modified regulation | Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2256 |
| Publication | April 8, 2026 (EU Official Journal) |
| Entry into force | April 1, 2026 |
| Affected parties | Polish poultry sector, poultry operators and veterinary authorities in Poland |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries — Animal Health |
| Notification reference | C(2026) 2348 |
Poultry operators with activity in Poland or with commercial relationships with Polish suppliers must immediately review whether their facilities or supply chains fall within the updated protection or surveillance zones established by this decision. Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/816, adopted on April 1, 2026 and published on April 8, amends the annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2256 to adjust the geographical areas subject to emergency control for Newcastle disease outbreaks in Polish territory.
Newcastle disease is one of the most serious viral diseases that can affect poultry. Its rapid spread capacity requires the European Commission to periodically update the delimited zones to contain active outbreaks and prevent the outbreak from spreading to other regions or member states.
What does this regulation establish?
The decision modifies exclusively the annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2256, which is the framework regulation governing emergency measures for Newcastle in Poland. The change consists of updating the delimited geographical zones, which are divided into two types:
- Protection areas: zones with greater restrictions, closer to the outbreak focus.
- Surveillance areas: peripheral zones with additional controls but less restrictive than protection areas.
Within these zones, operators must comply with restrictions on:
- Movements of live birds between facilities or outside the zones.
- Marketing of poultry and derived products.
- Export of live birds and poultry products from the delimited zones.
The decision is of immediate application and requires Polish veterinary authorities to implement corresponding controls in their territory from April 1, 2026.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Modified regulation | Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2256 |
| Modified element | Annex — emergency geographical zones |
| Types of updated zones | Protection areas and surveillance areas |
| Affected products | Live birds and derived poultry products |
| Obligated to implement controls | Poland (veterinary authorities) |
| Application date | April 1, 2026 (immediate effect) |
Economic and operational impact
Newcastle disease can have a significant economic impact on the poultry sector, as expressly noted in the summary of the decision itself. The operational restrictions resulting from outbreaks affect multiple links in the value chain:
- Production: farms within the delimited zones cannot move live birds, which paralyzes or severely limits their activity.
- Marketing: the prohibition on marketing poultry products from affected zones interrupts normal sales and distribution flows.
- Export: operators exporting birds or derived products from emergency zones are blocked until restrictions are lifted.
- Supply chain: European buyers of Polish poultry products must verify the origin of their supplies to ensure they do not come from restricted zones.
Since the decision updates the geographical zones compared to the previous Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2256, operators who were not affected by the previous regulation may be included in the new delimited zones, and vice versa. It is essential to consult the updated annex to determine the specific situation of each facility.
Who does it affect?
- Polish poultry farms located within the updated protection or surveillance zones.
- Poultry operators who move, market or export live birds or derived products from Poland.
- Veterinary authorities in Poland, obligated to implement and supervise emergency controls.
- European importers and buyers of Polish poultry products, who must verify that their supplies do not come from restricted zones.
- Transporters and logistics operators managing movements of birds or poultry products in affected zones.
Practical example
A Polish poultry farm that until now operated normally under Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2256 may find itself, after the annex is updated by Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/816, within a new protection or surveillance area. In that case, from April 1, 2026, the farm cannot move live birds to other facilities or market its production normally until Polish veterinary authorities lift the restrictions or the zone is excluded from a future annex update.
Similarly, a Spanish distributor who regularly purchases poultry or poultry products from a Polish supplier must verify whether the source facility falls within the updated delimited zones. If the supplier is in a restricted zone, the shipment cannot be accepted until compliance with the conditions established in the emergency regulation is demonstrated.
What should companies do now?
- Consult the updated annex of Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/816 to verify whether your facilities or those of your Polish suppliers fall within the new protection or surveillance zones.
- Halt or review movements of live birds from or to facilities located in delimited zones until compliance with current restrictions is confirmed.
- Review supply contracts with Polish suppliers to identify force majeure clauses or contingencies applicable in case of restrictions due to health outbreaks.
- Contact Polish veterinary authorities or the corresponding official veterinary service to obtain confirmation on the status of each affected facility.
- Document compliance with applicable restrictions, especially regarding movements, marketing and export, to be prepared for possible inspections or customs controls.
- Monitor future updates of the annex, as the Commission may again modify the delimited zones depending on the evolution of outbreaks.
Frequently asked questions
What is Newcastle disease and why does it generate commercial restrictions?
Newcastle disease is a viral disease that seriously affects poultry. Its economic impact on the poultry sector can be significant, which requires the EU to establish protection and surveillance zones with restrictions on bird movements and derived products to contain outbreaks.
Since when are the emergency measures for Newcastle in Poland in force?
The emergency measures are in force from April 1, 2026, the date of adoption of Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/816. They were published in the EU Official Journal on April 8, 2026.
What specific restrictions must poultry operators comply with in the affected zones?
Operators in protection and surveillance areas must comply with restrictions on: (i) movement of live birds between facilities or outside the zones; (ii) marketing of poultry and derived products; and (iii) export of live birds and poultry products. The specific conditions are detailed in the updated annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2256.
How can I verify if my facility or my supplier's facility is affected?
You must consult the updated annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/816, published in the EU Official Journal on April 8, 2026. The annex lists the delimited geographical zones by protection and surveillance areas. You can also contact the Polish veterinary authorities or the official veterinary service for confirmation.
What happens if I do not comply with the restrictions?
Non-compliance with the restrictions may result in: (i) blocking of commercial activity in the affected zones; (ii) administrative or criminal penalties under Polish law; (iii) rejection of shipments at customs; and (iv) reputational damage. Compliance is mandatory and subject to supervision by veterinary authorities.
How long will these restrictions remain in force?
The restrictions remain in force until the Commission updates the annex again, which typically occurs when the outbreak situation improves or is controlled. The Commission monitors the situation and may modify the zones at any time. Operators should monitor official updates regularly.
Official source
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/816 of April 1, 2026 amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2256 as regards the delimitation of protection and surveillance zones in Poland in relation to Newcastle disease. Published in the Official Journal of the European Union, L series, April 8, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/816 and is not legal advice. The information is based on the official text published in the EU Official Journal. For specific advice on how this regulation affects your business, consult with a legal or regulatory specialist. The accuracy and completeness of this information is not guaranteed, and changes to the regulation or its interpretation may occur. CambiosLegales is not responsible for any damages or losses arising from the use of this information.