Common commencement dates

Common Commencement Dates (CCDs) came from a recommendation of the Better Regulation Task Force (now the Better Regulation Commission), requiring Departments and Agencies to consolidate the commencement dates of new or amended regulation to either 6 April or 1 October.

It is hoped that publishing a list in January and July each year of regulations due to come into force on each of these dates will increase awareness of the introduction of new or amended requirements. It should also make it easier for businesses to comply with the latest regulations, by enabling them to plan ahead and implement new measures to coincide with commencement dates. This statement does not preclude the FSA from introducing any emergency legislation during the year.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is fully committed to helping the food industry meet the regulatory requirements placed upon it and in aiding the enforcement of regulatory standards. It is in consumers' best interests that this process is as effective and accessible as possible.

This statement, which can be found at the link below, details forthcoming changes in 2009 and is divided into five sections:

• Section A – 6 April 2009 (no entries for the FSA)
• Section B – 1 October 2009 (no entries for the FSA)
• Section C – Agreed sectoral CCDs (no entries for the FSA)
• Section D – EU directives and regulations implemented outside the CCD timetable
• Section E – Other interventions that impact on business

Further information on common commencement dates can be found on the Better Regulation Commission website in their May 2002 publication: Employment Regulation: Striking a Balance. A link to this document can be found at the link towards the end of this page.