Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 72/462/EEC of 12 December 1972 on animal health and veterinary inspection problems upon importation of bovine, ovine and caprine animals and swine, fresh meat or meat products from third countries^f1, as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 1601/92^f2, and in particular Articles 21a and 22 thereof,

Whereas Council Decision 79/542/EEC^f3, as last amended by Commission Decision 93/507/EEC^f4, draws up a list of third countries from which the Member States authorize imports of bovine animals, swine, equidae, sheep and goats, fresh meat and meat products;

Whereas Commission Decision 91/449/EEC^f5, as last amended by Decision 93/504/EEC^f6, lays down the specimen animal health certificates in respect of meat products imported from third countries;

Whereas, following a Community veterinary mission, it appears that notwithstanding the animal health situation, Bahrain is covered by sufficiently well-structured and organized veterinary services; whereas the production of certain heat-treated meat products for export to the Community will be supervised by an official veterinarian appointed by the Department of Veterinary Services;

Whereas animal health conditions and veterinary certification must be adapted to the animal health situation of the third country concerned;

Whereas guarantees have been given that the fresh meat to be processed in Bahrain derives from establishments approved under the provisions of Directive 72/462/EEC;

Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: