Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Artificial Insemination of Cattle Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1988 (“the 1988 Regulations”).
They implement for Northern Ireland Council Directive 2003/43/EC (amending Directive 88/407/EEC laying down the animal health requirements applicable to intra-Community trade in and imports of semen of domestic animals of the bovine species) (O.J. No. L143, 11.6.2003, p. 23 and O.J. No. L194, 22.7.1988, p. 10) which imposes additional testing requirements for donor bulls and for semen intended for intra-Community trade.
These additional testing requirements are set out in the amended Annexes to Directive 88/407.
The requirements of both Directives are implemented principally by regulations 5(5) and 8(4) of the 1988 Regulations which require compliance with Article 3 of “the Directive”.
Regulation 3 of these Regulations amends the definition of “the Directive” in regulation 2(1) of the 1988 Regulations so that it means Directive 88/407 as amended by Directive 2003/43/EC.
Regulation 4 prescribes the requirements for the acceptance by the holder of a storage centre licence of semen originating outside Northern Ireland.
Regulation 5 updates the licensing requirements for operators of quarantine storage depots.