Imports and transit of certain ungulate animals

SUMMARY OF:

Directive 2004/68/EC — animal health rules for the importation into and transit through the EU of certain live ungulate animals

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DIRECTIVE?

It lays down the animal health rules governing the importation from non-EU countries and the transit through the EU of certain ungulates* listed in its Annex I.
Animals imported into or in transit through the EU must come from countries or regions that appear on a list of authorised non-EU countries and be accompanied by veterinary certificates. The non-EU countries in question must also comply with certain animal health rules.

KEY POINTS

Establishing the lists of authorised non-EU countries

The European Commission, with the assistance of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, draws up a list of non-EU countries from which importations are authorised. In drawing up these lists, it takes particular account of:

the health status of livestock;
the legislation of the country in question in relation to animal health and welfare;
the organisation of the country’s competent veterinary authority and its inspection services;
compliance with the conditions of the EU’s health rules;
membership of the World Organisation for Animal Health;
notification of infectious or contagious diseases within the specified deadlines;
experience of previous imports of live animals from the non-EU country;
the results of inspections carried out in the non-EU country;
the measures implemented in the non-EU country for controlling infectious or contagious animal diseases (see Annex II).

Specific animal health conditions

The importation or transit of animals from non-EU countries may be subject to the conditions of specific health rules, taking into consideration:

the animal species concerned;
the age and sex of the animals;
the intended destination or use of the animals;
the measures to be applied after importation;
any specific provisions applicable to trade within the EU.

Guarantees provided by non-EU countries

Authorised non-EU countries must guarantee that the animals have been checked by a veterinary official and comply with certain animal health conditions.

Each consignment of animals must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate attesting that the animals concerned are hazard free and providing certain information, such as details on public health, animal health or animal welfare.

Derogations may be provided depending on the destination of the animals (zoos, circuses, pet animals, etc.) or depending on the measures implemented in the non-EU country to fight a disease listed in Annex II.

Inspections in non-EU countries

Commission experts may carry out inspections in order to verify the compliance or equivalence of the animal health rules of the country with EU legislation.

Repeal

Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (animal health law) repeals the directive from 21 April 2021.

FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY?

It has applied since 20 May 2004 and had to become law in EU countries by 19 November 2005.

BACKGROUND

Directive 2004/68/EC was adopted in response to the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and swine fever in the EU.

KEY TERMS

Ungulates: hoofed mammals including cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, deer, etc.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Council Directive 2004/68/EC of 26 April 2004 laying down animal health rules for the importation into and transit through the Community of certain live ungulate animals, amending Directives 90/426/EEC and 92/65/EEC and repealing Directive 72/462/EEC (OJ L 139, 30.4.2004, pp. 321-360). Text republished in corrigendum (OJ L 226, 25.6.2004, pp. 128-143)

Successive amendments to Directive 2004/68/EC have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.