Germany: Ministry of Economic Affairs puts the brakes on reform of the animal husbandry labeling law
The Animal Husbandry Labeling Act (THKG) has caused considerable frustration not only for pig farmers but also for everyone else involved in its implementation – from state authorities to the entire downstream pork value chain. Technical errors, excessive bureaucracy, and a lack of practical feasibility have led the current federal government to postpone the start of the labeling system twice, from August 2025 to January 2027. Almost all stakeholders in the federal states and the industry, including the ISN (German Pig Producers' Association), considered the postponement sensible, but only with fundamental changes to the law – which the government announced in January 2026.
Ministry of Economic Affairs halts draft bill
The inter-ministerial consultation on the draft for a revised version of the German Agricultural Land Containment and Treatment Act (THKG), including the consultation with the federal states and associations, was originally scheduled to be completed by the end of April. However, the reform of the law, which the coalition is striving for, has once again stalled. During the inter-ministerial consultation process, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has initially halted the draft bill from the Ministry of Agriculture, asserting a reservation of authority.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs criticizes two essential points
Reportedly, concerns have been raised in a preliminary ruling on two points: Firstly, the planned extension of the labeling requirement to the food service industry would represent an additional burden for the businesses involved. Secondly, the Ministry of Economic Affairs doubts that including foreign goods in the labeling requirement is compatible with EU law.
Schedule under pressure
How things will proceed is currently unclear. However, the already tight schedule leaves little room for further delays in the legislative process. The SPD is surprised by the objections raised by the CDU-led Ministry of Economic Affairs against the draft legislation from the CSU-led Ministry of Agriculture. A specialist discussion planned for Thursday (April 16), which was to be attended by, among others, SPD parliamentary group leader Dr. Matthias Miersch, is now in doubt.
Tight schedule until the end of the year
Three months are allotted for EU notification. Assuming everything goes smoothly, the cabinet decision is scheduled for August 12. The first reading in the Bundesrat (Federal Council) is set for September 23, and the first reading in the Bundestag (Federal Parliament) for October 15. The Bundestag is expected to pass the law in its second and third readings on November 12, before the Bundesrat gives its final approval on December 18.
Businesses demand sufficient lead time
It is already clear that the new labeling regulations will require extensive preparatory work, particularly regarding labeling. To ensure this, generous transition periods are planned for businesses. They estimate that this period will last six months from the final legislative decision to implementation. The responsible rapporteurs from the CDU/CSU and SPD are expected to discuss this further this week.
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