Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations implement Council Directive 90/425/EEC concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the single market (OJ No. L224, 18.8.90, p 29) and Council Directive 91/496/EEC laying down the principles governing the organisation of veterinary checks on animals entering the community from third countries (OJ No. L268, 24.9.91, p 56).
With respect to intra-Community trade, the Regulations make it an offence to export, import or transport for intra-Community trade any animal or animal product to which directive 90/425/EEC applies except in accordance with that directive, and creates a procedure for the registration of dealers in animals and animal products (Regulations 5 to 8).
The Regulations give to inspectors the powers of inspection and examination specified in the directive, together with necessary powers of entry (Regulations 9 and 27).
They place duties on consignees of animals and animal products, and specify the procedure to be followed in the event of a consignment being illegal (Regulations 10 to 12).
With respect to importation of animals from third countries, the Regulations prohibit the import of any animal unless the conditions of Council Directive 91/496/EEC and Council Directive 91/628/EEC are complied with (Regulation 15). They specify the places at which animals may be imported, and the procedure for importation (Regulations 16 and 17), provide for the payment of fees (Regulation 18) and procedures to be followed when the consignments constitutes a danger to health or are otherwise illegal (Regulations 19 and 20) and specify that, at the place of destination, animals for breeding and production may not be released until authorised by an officer or Minister (Regulation 21).
They regulate the import of animals originating outside the European Economic Community but in respect of which all necessary checks have been carried out in another member State (Regulations 22 to 24).
They give powers to take action in the event of an outbreak of disease in another state (Regulation 25) and make provision for notification of decision, powers of entry, and penalties.