New RUCIP rules effective from 1 October 2025

October 07, 2025

The new RUCIP rules are the result of an intensive process that already started in 2016. A total of 29 working group meetings took place, with experts from nine countries, including Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom. The previous revision dated from 2021, but the sector felt it necessary to further modernise the rules and bring them into line with changing practice.

Important drivers were:

• Modernisation of language and structure to make the rules more accessible and easier to use in training.
• Digitization, with explicit space for electronic communication and digital forms.
• Alignment with European plant health rules.
• More efficient dispute resolution, with more transparent and cost-effective procedures.

What will change in RUCIP?

In the new edition, a much clearer structure has been chosen, divided into three core parts: Rules and Practices, Rules for Expert Assessment and Rules for Arbitration. The reference language is now English, which brings RUCIP into line with international practice.

In addition, there are numerous substantive adjustments:

• New definitions, like “established broker” and “frost protection”.
• More extensive provisions on packaging, temperature control, documentation and claims.
• Possibility to use one arbitrator in disputes under €25,000, saving time and costs.
• Abolition of the exemption for industrial potatoes in cases of force majeure.
• New annexes, including standardized forms and custom tolerance tables.
• A revised system of fees for experts and arbitrators, linked to claim value and travel expenses.

Practical significance for the sector

The introduction of RUCIP 2025 is not just a legal update, but has direct consequences for growers, traders, exporters and processors. Contracts concluded from 1 October will automatically fall under the new rules. This also changes the way in which parties can resolve disputes and must record agreements.

Webinar: Everything You Need to Know About RUCIP 2025

To properly prepare companies and organisations for the transition to the new system, the RUCIP European Committee is organising a webinar on Friday 17 October 2025 from 09:00 to 10:00 (CEST). During this online meeting, the following will be explained:

• what RUCIP is all about,
• which changes have been included in the new edition,
• and how the system offers a faster, cheaper and more efficient alternative to legal proceedings in commercial disputes.

Save the date and register  for the webinar here.

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