Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/862 |
|---|---|
| Amends | Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2256 (original emergency measures) |
| Publication | 16 April 2026 |
| Entry into force | 14 April 2026 |
| Affected parties | Polish poultry sector and commercial operators of poultry and poultry products in the EU |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries — Animal health |
| Official reference | OJ:L_202600862 / C(2026) 2516 |
European poultry operators working with supplies or destinations in Poland face a concrete issue as of 14 April 2026: the European Commission has updated through Implementing Decision 2026/862 the Polish geographical zones subject to emergency restrictions due to Newcastle disease outbreaks. This is not a precautionary notice: these are active restrictions on movements of poultry, eggs and poultry products.
The regulation amends the annex to Decision 2025/2256, which established the original framework of emergency measures. The update to the annex means that the protection and surveillance zones have changed compared to the previous version, requiring verification that ongoing operations remain compliant.
What does this regulation establish?
Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting poultry. Its economic impact on farms and supply chains can be severe. Faced with new outbreaks in Poland, the European Commission has activated the emergency mechanism provided for in EU animal health regulations.
Decision 2026/862 acts on the annex to Decision 2025/2256, which is the technical document where the affected geographical zones are delimited. By amending that annex, the Commission updates:
- The protection zones: immediate areas around the outbreak focus, with the strictest restrictions.
- The surveillance zones: perimeter areas, with less intense but equally binding restrictions.
Specific movement and marketing restrictions apply to these zones affecting:
- Live poultry
- Eggs
- Poultry products from the delimited zones
| Element | Decision 2025/2256 (original) | Decision 2026/862 (amendment) |
|---|---|---|
| Affected zones in Poland | Zones defined in the original annex | Zones revised and updated in the new annex |
| Scope of measures | Movement and marketing restrictions | Maintained; adapted to the new geographical delimitation |
| Restricted products | Poultry, eggs and poultry products from affected zones | Same, applied to the new zones in the updated annex |
Economic and operational impact
The direct impact falls on operators whose farms, processing plants or distribution routes fall within the updated zones. The operational consequences are immediate:
- Suspension of shipments from protection zones to other points in Poland or to other EU Member States.
- Rejection of consignments in intra-community controls if products come from restricted zones without appropriate health documentation.
- Review of supply contracts with European customers receiving Polish poultry products: force majeure or breach clauses may be activated.
- Impact on prices of Polish poultry products in the European market due to reduced available supply.
For operators outside Poland importing Polish poultry products, the main risk is receiving consignments that no longer meet circulation conditions, which may result in detentions, returns and unforeseen logistics costs.
Who does it affect?
- Polish poultry farms located in the updated protection and surveillance zones.
- Processing and packaging plants for poultry products in the affected zones of Poland.
- European importers and distributors receiving poultry, eggs or poultry products from Poland.
- Logistics operators and carriers managing the movement of these products from or to restricted zones.
- Food distribution chains (supermarkets, wholesalers) with Polish suppliers in affected zones.
- Polish exporters to third countries: intra-community restrictions may also affect export possibilities.
Practical example
A Spanish importer with a regular supply contract with a Polish poultry farm must immediately verify whether the location of that farm is included in the updated annex of Decision 2026/862.
If the farm falls within a protection zone, movements of live poultry and eggs are blocked. If it falls in a surveillance zone, restrictions are partial but equally binding. In both cases, receiving a consignment without meeting health requirements may result in its detention at the point of entry and return to origin, with all associated logistics and loss costs.
The immediate action is to contact the Polish supplier to confirm their geographical situation regarding the new annex and, if necessary, activate the corresponding contractual clauses or seek alternative suppliers outside the restricted zones.
What should companies do now?
- Verify the location of Polish suppliers against the updated annex of Decision 2026/862. Consult directly with the supplier and cross-check with the official text published in the EU Official Journal.
- Review current supply contracts with suppliers in affected zones. Identify whether force majeure clauses apply and activate them if appropriate.
- Suspend or redirect shipments in transit from restricted zones until compliance with applicable health requirements is confirmed.
- Coordinate with the quality and health department to ensure that health documentation accompanying consignments reflects the correct origin and complies with emergency regulation requirements.
- Monitor the evolution of outbreaks and possible further amendments to the annex, as affected zones may expand or contract depending on the epidemiological situation.
Frequently asked questions
What poultry products are restricted by the Newcastle outbreak in Poland?
Restrictions affect movements of poultry, eggs and poultry products from the protection and surveillance zones established in Poland. Decision 2026/862 updates exactly which zones are subject to these limitations.
When did the Newcastle restrictions in Poland come into force?
Implementing Decision 2026/862 came into force on 14 April 2026, the date of its adoption by the European Commission, although it was published in the Official Journal on 16 April 2026.
What is the difference between Decision 2025/2256 and the new Decision 2026/862?
Decision 2025/2256 established the original emergency measures. The new Decision 2026/862 amends its annex to update the geographical zones subject to restrictions, reviewing protection and surveillance areas in light of outbreak developments.
Does this regulation affect Spanish companies importing Polish poultry products?
Yes. Operators in any EU Member State that import poultry products from Poland must comply with the restrictions established in Decision 2026/862 for the updated zones.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is based on the text of Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/862 and related EU regulations on animal health. For specific guidance on how these measures apply to your business, consult with a legal or regulatory specialist. The European Commission and relevant national authorities are responsible for the official interpretation and enforcement of these regulations.