Article 1

This Decision lays down certain rules relating to the on-the-spot checks carried out in the veterinary field in third countries by Commission experts accompanied by Member State experts.

For the purposes of this Decision, ‘on-the-spot checks in the veterinary field’ (hereinafter referred to as ‘checks’) means auditing and inspection measures necessary to ensure that, without prejudice to the control of the application of existing veterinary legislation, the public and animal health and animal protection guarantees offered by third countries as regards production conditions and placement on the market may be regarded as at least equivalent to those applied in the Community.

The checks shall permit, according to the legislation concerned, the establishment or amendment of, in particular:

• the list of third countries or parts of third countries from which the Member States shall authorise imports,

• the import conditions specific to each third country, including any health certificate that must accompany all consignments intended for the Community,

• the list of establishments from which the Member States shall authorise imports.

The provisions of this Decision shall apply without prejudice to the provisions of any agreements on sanitary measures applicable to trade in live animals and animal products reached between the European Community and third countries.