Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 96/23/EC of 29 April 1996 on measures to monitor certain substances and residues thereof in live animals and animal products and repealing Directives 85/358/EEC and 86/469/EEC and Decisions 89/187/EEC and 91/664/EEC^f1, and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) thereof,

Whereas the procedures set up by the competent authorities of the Member States responsible for sampling and treatment of samples until they reach the laboratory responsible for analysis have a direct and immediate bearing on the presence of illegal substances in samples and the possibilities for detecting the residues of certain substances; whereas such procedures are therefore an important stage in the residue monitoring plan;

Whereas in order to improve the effectiveness of the monitoring plans implemented each year by the Member States for the detection of certain substances and residues thereof in live animals and animal products, and in order to ensure the comparability of the results obtained, detailed rules for sampling should be laid down and harmonised;

Whereas samples must be taken in accordance with Annexes III and IV to the abovementioned Directive; whereas, in this respect, the targeting criteria for sampling must also be specified;

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

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: