These Regulations (which extend to Scotland only) amend the Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) (Charges) Regulations 1998 (S.I.1998/2095). Those Regulations implemented in Great Britain the provisions relating to charges for meat inspections of Council Directive 85/73/EEC (O.J. No. L162, 1.7.96, p.4).

The amendments permit charges to be made for the carrying out of health inspections at re-packaging centres (as defined in regulation 2(1) of the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995 (S.I.1995/539).

The amendments also allow the Scottish Ministers to withdraw inspection services where the occupier of licensed premises fails to comply with a decree requiring payment of charges for such services.