Article 58 Community inspections and audits

Experts from the Commission may carry out on-the-spot inspections, including audits, in cooperation with the competent authorities of the Member States, insofar as they are necessary for the uniform application of this Directive.

The Member States in the territory of which such inspections and audits are made shall provide the experts with all the assistance necessary for carrying out their duties.

The Commission shall inform the competent authority of the results of any such inspections and audits.

Experts from the Commission may also carry out on-the-spot inspections, including audits, in third countries, in cooperation with the competent authorities of the third country concerned, in order to verify conformity with or equivalence to Community aquatic animal health rules.

Where a serious animal health risk is identified during a Commission inspection, the Member State concerned shall immediately take all measures necessary to safeguard animal health.

Where such measures are not taken, or where they are considered to be insufficient, the measures necessary to safeguard animal health shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 62(3) and the Member State concerned shall be informed thereof.