Vigenin: The new rules on the origin of honey on the European market protect both consumers and producers

The European Union is taking a decisive step to guarantee transparency on the honey market and to protect consumers with the entry into force of Directive (EU) 2024/1438 on the labelling and traceability of the origin of honey. ​ ​ ​ ​. All member states have to transpose the rules into their national legislation by 14 December 2025, and the new requirements will apply from 14 June 2026. Products placed on the market before that date will be able to be sold until stocks run out.​

In reply to questions from the Bulgarian MEP from the Group of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament Kristian Vigenin, the European Commission ​​ ​ the European Parliament ​, ​ confirmed that Bulgaria is among the first three countries in the EU (together with Spain and Lithuania) that have already notified their national measures for applying the new rules. „This is a positive signal for the sector and shows a readiness for timely adaptation“, Vigenin commented.

The main innovations of the directive include clear criteria for determining the place where the honey was harvested and requirements for full traceability, from the producer or importer to the end consumer.​​ ​​. The creation of a Honey platform is also envisaged, a new tool for analysis, formulating recommendations and fighting counterfeiting. ​The creation of a Honey platform is also envisaged, a new tool for analysis, formulating recommendations and fighting counterfeiting.

Support for beekeepers will continue through the Common Agricultural Policy, including funding for advice, training, laboratory analyses, research programmes, marketing and the promotion of bee products.

„The new rules on the origin of honey on the European market protect both consumers and producers. Our goal is clear, to protect the work of beekeepers and the high quality and authenticity of honey in the EU, as well as to give consumers full transparency and confidence about every jar. I will continue to work in this direction, convinced that through common efforts we will achieve better results both for the sector and for all European citizens ​ ​ ​ ​​ ​ “, Kristian Vigenin commented.

Question to the European Commission:

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-002026_BG.html

Answer from the European Commission:

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-002026-ASW_BG.html

Directive (EU) 2024/1438 of the European Parliament and of the Council:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/BG/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32024L1438