Successful RUCIP 2025 Webinar Marks Launch of New Rules Simplifying Potato Trade Across Europe

To mark the entry into force of the 2025 edition of the RUCIP Rules, a free and open webinar was organised on 17 October 2025 by the European RUCIP Committee, gathering around 100 participants from across the European potato supply chain. 

Under the title “RUCIP 2025: Simplifying potato trade disputes in Europe”, the session provided an overview of what the RUCIP Rules are, what has changed in the 2025 edition and how the updated system can support faster, fairer and more cost-effective resolution of disputes in the inter-European potato trade.

Highlights from the webinar

The webinar agenda covered a wide range of topics, with each section led by experts from the RUCIP network. The session opened with welcoming remarks and introduction by Berta Redondo Benito from the European RUCIP Committee. This was followed by an overview of what RUCIP is and who can use it, presented by Cristina Pohlmann, European RUCIP Delegate, who also provided a detailed walkthrough of the key changes introduced in RUCIP 2025. These changes include a fully revised structure divided into three parts, updated definitions (such as “early potatoes” and “established broker”) and clearer contractual clauses that improve legal clarity and enforceability.

Domenico Citterio, Chair of Europatat’s RUCIP Commission, explained in practical terms how expert assessments and arbitration procedures work under RUCIP, emphasising their transparency, neutrality and cost-effectiveness compared to legal proceedings. The session concluded with valuable insights from Gilles Fontaine, Manager Subsidiaries AGRICO, who shared his experience as a long-time RUCIP arbitrator, illustrating how RUCIP helps resolve disputes efficiently in real-world trade situations. 

The webinar recording and presentation slides are now available on the official RUCIP website. 

The full text of the RUCIP 2025 Rules in English, French, and German, along with FAQs, lists of arbitrators and experts, and contact details for all RUCIP National Secretariats, can also be accessed online. 

The material is particularly valuable for farmers, traders, brokers, exporters, importers, and processors using contracts referencing RUCIP.