91999E0517

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0517/99

by Jens-Peter Bonde (I-EDN) to the Commission

(8 March 1999)

Subject: Veterinary inspections

Will the Commission allow Member States to introduce veterinary inspections at their borders in order to prevent the spread of swine fever and other diseases?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(8 April 1999)

The free movement of goods, including animals and animal products, is one of the fundamental objectives of the Community. Since the free internal market has been established the frontiers between Member States no longer represent the place where veterinary controls on animals and animal products are carried out.

In accordance with Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June 1990, concerning veterinary and zoo-technical checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market(1), the controls necessary to verify if the animals and animal products satisfy the requirements of Community legislation in the veterinary field must be primarily carried out at the place of dispatch, under the responsibility of the Member State of dispatch. However, the Member State of destination may establish non-discriminatory veterinary spot checks at the place of destination. Under certain circumstances veterinary checks can also be carried out during transport or in other places such as markets or assembly centres.

In order to protect the Community from the risk of introducing animal diseases such as classical swine fever, when animals and animal products enter from a third country, veterinary controls must be carried out at the border inspection posts in each Member State, under the responsibility of the Member State itself.

The Commission has no intention to propose any change of Community legislation that may be in contrast with the principles governing the current system of veterinary controls in the Community.

(1) OJ L 224, 18.8.1990.