European Union Legislation and Policies Relevant for Algae

Abstract

As a relative newcomer on the European market, the algae industry needs to face several challenges, including a regulatory environment that is often fragmented and unequally implemented. In this chapter, we look at the European policy and regulatory framework applicable to algae from their production or collection to their processing into food, feed, pharmaceuticals, chemicals or biofuels. Some European Union policies are relevant for all algae, namely those that deal with aquatic resources, renewable biological resources and anthropogenic pressures on the environment. Other policies and regulations are only applicable to one phase of the value chain, such as the Common Fisheries Policy or rules on food packaging. Other rules only apply to specific products, such as the European Union Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, or the rules on additives in feed. Needless to say, not every single rule will apply to every single algae producer or processor, depending on their production methods, final products and size of the operation. Given the industry’s potential, the European Commission is currently investigating the main regulatory, financial, technological and structural challenges it is facing.