Having regard to points 4(B)(1) and (3) and point 5(b) of the Introductory Part of Chapter I of Annex I to the EEA Agreement,

Having regard to the Act referred to at point 1.1.4 of Chapter I of Annex I to the EEA Agreement (Council Directive 97/78/EC of 18 December 1997 laying down the principles governing the organisation of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries), as amended and adapted to the EEA Agreement by the sectorial adaptations referred to in Annex I to that Agreement, and in particular to Article 6(2) thereof,

Having regard to the Act referred to at point 1.1.5 of Chapter I of Annex I to the EEA Agreement (Council Directive 91/496/EEC of 15 July 1991 laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks on animals entering the Community from third countries and amending Directives 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC and 90/675/EEC), as amended and adapted to the EEA Agreement by the sectorial adaptations referred to in Annex I to that Agreement, and in particular to Article 6(4) thereof,

Having regard to the Act referred to at point 1.2.111 of Chapter I of Annex I to the EEA Agreement (Commission Decision 2001/812/EC of 21 November 2001 laying down the requirements for the approval of border inspection posts responsible for veterinary checks on products introduced into the Community from third countries), as amended, and in particular to Article 3(5) thereof,

EFTA Surveillance Authority (the Authority), by Decision No 43/10/COL of 10 February 2010  (1), repealed its Decision No 301/08/COL of 21 May 2008  (2) and drew up a new list of border inspection posts in Iceland and Norway approved for veterinary checks on live animal and animal products from third countries.

The Government of Norway requested to add a new border inspection post (BIP) in Florø for the categories NHC-NT(6)(16) and to list a new BIP in Larvik for the category HC(2). The Government of Norway also requested to list additional categories in the inspection centre (IC) Skutvik under BIP Ålesund, HC-T(CH)(1)(2)(3), HC-NT(6) and NHC-NT(6) and to list an additional category in the BIP Kirkenes, HC-NT(1)(2)(3).

From 8 to 12 November 2010, the Authority carried out a joint inspection with the European Commission. In the course of that inspection, the proposed border inspection posts of Larvik and Florø, as well as the border inspection posts of Ålesund Port (TRACES code NO AES 1), Kirkenes Port (TRACES code NO KKN 1) were visited.

On the basis on the observations made during the joint inspection, a common recommendation was signed on 12 November 2010 by inspectors of the Authority and of the European Commission.

Accordingly, it is proposed to:

The Authority, by its Decision No 467/10/COL referred the matter to the EFTA Veterinary Committee assisting the EFTA Surveillance Authority. The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the EFTA Veterinary Committee assisting the EFTA Surveillance Authority,

Article 1

Veterinary checks on live animals and animal products brought into Iceland and Norway from third countries shall be carried out by the competent national authorities at the agreed border inspection posts listed in the Annex to this Decision.

Article 2

The EFTA Surveillance Authority Decision No 43/10/COL of 10 February 2010 is hereby repealed.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on 26 January 2011.

Article 4

This Decision is addressed to Iceland and Norway.

Article 5

This Decision shall be authentic in the English language.