Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations.)

These Regulations implement the provisions of Council Directive 90/429/EEC (“the Directive”) in relation to the collection, processing, storage and transport of porcine semen for export to Member States of the European Communities. In particular they require that such semen must comply with Article 3 of the Directive and provide for—

(a)

the licensing of semen collection centres (and the isolation accommodation for boars admitted thereto) which comply with the provisions of the Directive and which are used for the purposes of such trade (regulation 3(2) and (3));

(b)

the appointment of a veterinary surgeon to supervise such licensed premises (regulation 3(4)); and

(c)

the issue of animal health certificates to accompany each consignment of porcine semen exported to Member States (regulation 3(6)).

The Artificial Insemination of Pigs Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1978 shall no longer apply in relation to exports of porcine semen to Member States (regulation 4).

Any person who contravenes any provision of these Regulations or, who, in giving any information for the purpose of obtaining a licence under these Regulations, makes a statement which is false in a material particular is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £2,000.