THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 72/462/EEC of 12 December 1972 on health and veterinary inspection problems upon importation of bovine animals and swine and fresh meat from third countries ( 1 ), and in particular Articles 4 (1) and 18 (1) (a) and (b) thereof,

Whereas establishments in non-member countries cannot be authorized to export fresh meat to the Community unless they satisfy the general and special conditions laid down in Directive 72/462/EEC;

Whereas Uruguay has forwarded, in accordance with Article 4 (3) of Directive 72/462/EEC, a list of the establishments authorized to export to the Community;

Whereas Community on-the-spot inspections have shown that the hygiene standards of many of these establishments are sufficient and they may therefore be entered on a first list, drawn up in accordance with Article 4 (1) of the said Directive, of establishments from which importation of fresh meat may be authorized;

Whereas the case of the other establishments proposed by Uruguay must be re-examined on the basis of additional information regarding their hygiene standards and their ability to adapt quickly to the relevant Community legislation; whereas, in the meantime and so as to avoid any abrupt interruption of existing trade flows, these establishments may be authorized temporarily to continue their exports of fresh meat to those Member States prepared to accept them;

Whereas it will therefore be necessary to re-examine and, if necessary, amend this Decision in the light of steps taken to this end and improvements made;

Whereas it should be recalled that imports of fresh meat are also subject to other Community veterinary legislation, particularly as regards health protection requirements, including the special provisions in respect of Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom;

Whereas the conditions of importation of fresh meat from establishments appearing on the list annexed to this Decision remain subject to Community provisions laid down elsewhere and to the general provisions of the Treaty; whereas, in particular, the importation from non-member countries and the re-exportation to other Member States of certain categories of meat, such as meat weighing less than 3 kilograms, or meat containing residues of certain substances which are not yet covered by special harmonized rules, remain subject to the health legislation of the importing Member State;

Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: