Checks on the imports of live animals
SUMMARY OF:
WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DIRECTIVE?
The Directive defines the arrangements for the external border checks and for the internal movement of live animals from non-EU countries. It is supplemented by Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 on the official feed and food controls.
KEY POINTS
Veterinary checks
All consignments of live animals from a non-EU country are subject to the veterinary checks required by this directive before they can be introduced into the EU. These checks are carried out at border inspections posts by the competent authority under the responsibility of the official veterinarian. These checks include:
The Directive lays down the rules for the checks to be complied with and the procedures to be followed for placing live animals in quarantine. Furthermore, Decision 97/794/EC provides specific rules for documentary checks, identity checks and physical checks.
When the veterinary import conditions are respected and there is no danger to public or animal health, the official veterinarian responsible for the border inspection post shall issue a certificate. This certificate is produced in accordance with the template provided in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 282/2004 related to introducing a document for the declaration of, and veterinary checks on, animals from non-EUcountries entering the EU.
The directive provides the procedure to be implemented when the checks reveal that an animal does not meet the conditions set by European regulation or if there is an irregularity with the consignment.
Border inspection posts
The directive sets the conditions which the border inspection posts (BIPs) must meet in order to be approved by the European Commission. The latter publishes the list of approved BIPs in the Official Journal.
Information systems
The Commission introduces an information exchange which links the border inspection services and the EU countries’ veterinary authorities with the Commission’s TRACES system. This information exchange system, which includes all the elements concerning the importation and transit of animals from third countries, replaced the SHIFT system as of 2003.
The transit of animals from third countries
The directive sets the conditions for the transportation of animals from a non-EU country to another. Animals which are transported across EU territory must meet the conditions laid down in EU legislation. If necessary, the competent authority can decide to place them in quarantine, or arrange for their re-exportation or slaughter.
Safeguard measures
In the case of a disease occurring on the territory of a non-EU country which represents a serious threat to animals or human health, the Commission may prohibit the importation of animals from the country in question or set special conditions to their importation or transit.
Inspections
Veterinary experts from the Commission, in conjunction with EU countries’ competent authorities, must verify that the border inspection posts and quarantine stations satisfy the approval requirements. The Commission informs EU countries of the results of the inspections carried out.
Committee procedure
The Commission is assisted in its task by the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed.
FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY?
The directive has applied since 19 August 1991. It had to become law in the EU countries by 1992.
Background
For more information, see:
MAIN DOCUMENT
Council Directive 91/496/EEC of 15 July 1991 laying down the principles governing the organisation of veterinary checks on animals entering the Community from third countries and amending Directives 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC and 90/675/EEC (OJ L 268, 24.9.1991, p. 56-68)
Successive amendments to Council Directive 91/496/EEC have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products, amending Regulations (EC) No 999/2001, (EC) No 396/2005, (EC) No 1069/2009, (EC) No 1107/2009, (EU) No 1151/2012, (EU) No 652/2014, (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Regulations (EC) No 1/2005 and (EC) No 1099/2009 and Council Directives 98/58/EC, 1999/74/EC, 2007/43/EC, 2008/119/EC and 2008/120/EC, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 854/2004 and (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 89/608/EEC, 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC, 91/496/EEC, 96/23/EC, 96/93/EC and 97/78/EC and Council Decision 92/438/EEC (Official Controls Regulation) (OJ L 95, 7.4.2017, pp. 1-142)
See consolidated version.
Commission Decision 2009/821/EC of 28 September 2009 drawing up a list of approved border inspection posts, laying down certain rules on the inspections carried out by Commission veterinary experts and laying down the veterinary units in Traces (OJ L 296, 12.11.2009, pp 1-58)
See consolidated version.
Commission Decision 2007/275/EC of 17 April 2007 concerning lists of animals and products to be subject to controls at border inspection posts under Council Directives 91/496/EEC and 97/78/EC (OJ L 116, 4.5.2007, pp 9-33)
See consolidated version.
last update 12.10.2018