COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) No …/..
of XXX
laying down rules for the application of Regulations (EU) 2016/429, (EU) 2016/1012 and (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the identification and registration of equine animals and establishing model identification documents for those animals
(Text with EEA relevance)
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’), and in particular Article 120(1) and (2) thereof,
Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on zootechnical and genealogical conditions for the breeding, trade in and entry into the Union of purebred breeding animals, hybrid breeding pigs and the germinal products thereof and amending Regulation (EU) No 652/2014, Council Directives 89/608/EEC and 90/425/EEC and repealing certain acts in the area of animal breeding (‘Animal Breeding Regulation’), and in particular Article 32(2) thereof,
Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on veterinary medicinal products and repealing Directive 2001/82/EC, and in particular Article 109(2) thereof,
Whereas:
(1)Regulation (EU) 2016/429 lays down, amongst other things, general rules for the Member States’ responsibility for establishing a system for the identification and registration of kept terrestrial animals, including equine animals. That Regulation provides that Member States are to establish and maintain a computer database of kept terrestrial animals (the computer database). It also provides that the computer database is to record certain minimum information regarding equine animals: namely a unique code for the equine animal (the unique code); the method of identification of the equine animal and the establishment where the equine animal is habitually kept. It also lays down obligations on operators keeping equine animals. They are required to ensure that those animals are individually identified: by the unique code; a correctly completed single lifetime identification document (the single lifetime identification document) and a physical means of identification or other method which unequivocally links the equine animal to a correctly completed single lifetime identification document.
(2)Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 lays down zootechnical and genealogical rules for trade in breeding animals and their germinal products and for their entry into the Union, including rules for the issuing of zootechnical certificates accompanying breeding animals. In particular, it provides that in the case of purebred breeding animals of the equine species, certain information required by that Regulation is to be contained in a single lifetime identification document for equine animals.
(3)Regulation (EU) 2019/6 lays down rules for the placing on the market, manufacturing, import, export, supply, distribution, pharmacovigilance, control and use of veterinary medicinal products and provides, amongst other things, for specific rules for the administration of veterinary medicinal products to food-producing animals, including equine animals. In particular, it lays down record-keeping obligations as regards equine animals and information to be contained in the single lifetime document.
(4)Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, which was adopted within the framework of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, provides for a wide definition of registered equine animals, and lays down additional requirements for the identification of equine animals, as well as rules on the issuing of duplicate and replacement documents. It also provides that the single lifetime identification document must include a validation mark or, in the case of registered horses, a licence which documents a higher health status of the animal in order to benefit from specific movement conditions laid down in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688.
(5)Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) …/... [reference to SANTE/7002/2019 Rev.7] lays down rules concerning the content and format of the information necessary to apply Articles 112(4) and 115(5) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 and to be contained in the single lifetime identification document. In essence this is information on whether an individual equine animal is excluded from slaughter for human consumption or has received a veterinary medicinal treatment with substances considered essential for the treatment of equine species, or which brings added clinical benefit compared to other treatment options available for equine species and for which the withdrawal period for equine species shall be 6 months.
(6)Article 108(5)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 provides that Member States may, when appropriate, designate another authority or authorise another body or natural person to ensure the practical application of the identification and registration system, including the issuing of identification documents. In addition, Article 8(1) of Council Directive 90/427/EEC provides for obligations on organisations and associations maintaining or establishing studbooks to issue identification documents for registered equidae. However, that Directive is repealed by Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 with effect from 21 April 2021. It is, therefore, uncertain to what extent Member States will delegate the practical application of the system for the identification of equine animals to passport issuing bodies, as referred to in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262. Consequently, this Regulation should provide for a partial or complete delegation of those tasks to delegated bodies.
(7)Single lifetime identification documents should not be issued unless they are duly completed with the required identification details containing the information required under Union law, which should also be recorded in the computer database in accordance with this Regulation.
(8)Although a significant number of Member States prefer a simple format for the single lifetime identification document, setting out only the information details required in accordance with Article 65 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 and Article 1 of Delegated Regulation (EU) … [reference to SANTE/7002/2019 Rev.7], that simple format would not be sufficient in order to use the single lifetime identification document as a multipurpose document accompanying equine animals for breeding or sport purposes. It is therefore justified to provide for a format of the single lifetime identification document that would permit it to be issued in compliance with the minimum animal and public health requirements, as well as in an extended format also suitable for breeding, as well as for competition and racing purposes.
(9)Recent investigations carried out in Member States revealed that a simple identification of equine animals by injectable electronic transponder may not be sufficient to ensure the identification of the equine animals, and in particular for the purposes of the protection of public health. A description of the equine animal consisting of a narrative and an outline diagram marking acquired and inherited phenotypic particularities, such as white patterns, specific colours, whorls, scars and, if necessary, the shape of the chestnuts, is therefore a necessary supplementing element of identification.
(10)In order to ensure that equine animals are correctly described in their accompanying single lifetime identification document, the competent authorities of the Member States, or where applicable delegated bodies should endeavour to follow best practices and train the personnel entrusted with the description of the equine animals, for example by following international guidelines, such as the guidelines provided by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) and Weatherbys.
(11)It is also necessary to provide for cases where the original single lifetime identification document issued in accordance with this Regulation for the lifetime of the equine animal is lost, is no longer legible or contains incorrect information, which is not the result of illegal practices. Those provisions should, as far as possible, exclude the unlawful possession of more than one single lifetime identification document, in order to document correctly the equine animal's status as excluded from slaughter for human consumption.
(12)Where sufficient and verifiable information is available, a duplicate single lifetime identification document should be issued which is marked as such, and generally excludes the equine animal from slaughter for human consumption. In other cases, a replacement single lifetime identification document should be issued, equally marked as such and excluding the equine animal from slaughter for human consumption and from the specific movement conditions for registered equine animals laid down in Article 92(2)(b) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688.
(13)In accordance with Article 67 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, those procedures should also be applied to equine animals that are presented for identification after the established deadline for the first identification of the equine animal, to minimise the risk of fraudulent acquisition of an additional identification document that could be used to re-introduce into the food chain an equine animal previously excluded from slaughter for human consumption in accordance with applicable legislation.
(14)Although equine animals must always be accompanied by their single lifetime identification documents in accordance with Union legislation, this Regulation should provide for a derogation from that requirement when it is impossible or even impractical for the retention of the single lifetime identification document throughout the lifetime of the equine animal, or where such a document was not issued taking into account the slaughter of the equine animal before it reaches the required maximum age for the first identification.
(15)For day-to-day movements on the national territories of Member States, plastic cards or smart cards as well as smartphone or tablet applications displaying the essential information contained in the single lifetime identification document appear to be useful supplements to the single lifetime identification document, and certain rules for their use should be laid down in this Regulation.
(16)Furthermore, the requirement that the single lifetime identification document must accompany the carcass of the equine animal to the establishment or plant approved in accordance with Article 24(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council has proven to be impractical in certain situations, and should therefore be limited to the situations described in point (a)(iii) of Chapter III of Annex III to Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 or be regulated under national legislation.
(17)Equine animals may become equine animals intended for slaughter at a certain stage of their lifetime. Meat of solipeds, synonymous for equine animals, is defined as being part of ‘domestic ungulates’ in point 1.2 of Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which lays down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin.
(18)To prevent transponders from entering the food chain, the part of the meat derived from equine animals from which it has not been possible to remove the transponder at the time of slaughter should be declared unfit for human consumption in accordance with point (m) of Article 45 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/627. To facilitate the location of the implanted transponders, the place of implantation should be standardised and recorded in the single lifetime identification documents.
(19)The Universal Equine Life Number (UELN) system has been agreed world-wide between the major horse-breeding, competition and racing. It has been developed on the initiative of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH), the International Stud-Book Committee (ISBC), the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO), the European Conference of Arabian Horse Organisations (ECAHO), the International Anglo-Arabian Confederation (CIAA), the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) and the European Trotting Union (UET). Information on this system can be consulted on the UELN website, hosted by the French horse and horse riding institute.
(20)The UELN system is suitable for assigning to an equine animal on the occasion of its first identification a unique code as referred to in Article 109(1(d)(i) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429. When codes are assigned to the computer database or any databases established by delegated bodies under the computer database of the Member States, the codes of those databases, and the format of the recorded unique code of the individual equine animals should not lead to confusion with the established UELN system. Therefore, the list of assigned UELN codes should be consulted before any new code is assigned to a database recording identification details of equine animals.
(21)Recording a UELN-compatible unique code and using it to identify the competent authorities or the delegated body to which the task of issuing single lifetime identification documents for equine animals has been delegated, should also facilitate the return to the issuing competent authority of the single lifetime identification document after the slaughter or death of the equine animal. Where possible, Member States should use the liaison bodies they have designated in accordance with Article 103 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council to facilitate the exchange of communications between competent authorities for mutual assistance.
(22)The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) in collaboration with the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) has developed recommendations for the safe international movement of competition horses and the concept of high-health, high performance horses (HHP). Chapter 4.17 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the OIE sets out the recommendations on the establishment of a high-health status horse subpopulation, and Chapter 5.12 thereof, the model passport for international movement of competition horses.
(23)In addition, the eligibility of purebred breeding animals of the equine species to compete internationally is regulated by international private agreements. Considering the international dimension of the equine sector, the Commission should take into account those agreements, so as to maintain the eligibility of those purebred breeding animals of the equine species to compete at international level, and to have access to competitions organised in accordance with point (a) of the first indent in Article 4(2) of Council Directive 90/428/EEC.
(24)By way of derogation from Article 91(3) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688, the validity of the animal health certificate required for movement to another Member State may be extended from 10 to 30 days under the conditions laid down in Article 92 of that Regulation, subject to certain additional health measures including measures for the prevention of diseases affecting equine animals other than the diseases listed for those species in the Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882.
(25)Points 1 and 2 of Section II of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 provide that food business operators operating slaughterhouses are to ensure, amongst other things, that the procedures that they have put in place guarantee that each animal or, where appropriate, each lot of animals accepted onto the slaughterhouse premises is properly identified.
(26)In addition, points 1 to 3 of Section III of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 provides that the slaughterhouse operator is to receive, check and act upon food chain information providing details on the origin, history and management of animals intended for food production. In accordance with point 7 of Section III of Annex II to that Regulation, the competent authority may allow certain food chain information on equine animals to be sent to the slaughterhouse at the same time as the animals, rather than being sent in advance. The identification document accompanying equine animals for slaughter should therefore complement that food chain information. In accordance with point 8 of that Section III, food business operators are to check passports accompanying equine animals to ensure that the animal is not excluded from slaughter for human consumption. If the food business operators accept the animal for slaughter, they are to give the passport to the official veterinarian.
(27)Regulation (EU) 2019/6 defines food-producing animals by reference to the definition in point (b) of Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 470/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Certain provisions of Regulation (EU) 2019/6, including those laid down in Articles 112 and 115, apply to species of animals considered as food-producing, thus including individual animals that are not intended to be used for human consumption, but belonging to a species that is legally used for human consumption in the Union.
(28)Given the specific situation of equine animals which are born as animals of a food-producing species, but which are not in all cases primarily bred for that purpose and are in the majority of cases not kept throughout their lifetime by food business operators as defined in point 3 of Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, it is necessary to provide for a procedure that ensures a seamless connection from the checks on the single lifetime identification document for public health reasons to the management of that single lifetime identification document in accordance with this Regulation.
(29)The computer database to be established by Member States is therefore also instrumental for verifying certain information set out in the single lifetime identification document before a decision is taken to accept that equine animal for slaughter for human consumption. In the case where the information as regards the exclusion from slaughter for human consumption in the dedicated section of the single lifetime identification document does not match the information recorded in the computer database, the information contained in either of them, which leads to the exclusion of the equine animal from slaughter for human consumption should prevail.
(30)Where the identity of an equine animal cannot be ascertained with certainty, it may be necessary to exclude it from slaughter for human consumption. It is therefore necessary to lay down rules, which allow the documentation of the exclusion from slaughter for human consumption of an equine animal independently of the administration of a veterinary medicinal product applied in accordance with Article 112(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6.
(31)Since the administration of a veterinary medicinal product in accordance with Article 112(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 remains the only reason to exclude an equine animal from slaughter for human consumption, except where such exclusion is ordered by the competent authority for administrative reasons, it should be no longer necessary to provide for a countersignature of the operator of the animal when excluding an equine animal from slaughter for human consumption in accordance with Union legislation.
(32)At the same time, the administration to an equine animal of veterinary medicinal products authorised in accordance with Article 8(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 should only be permitted after the animal has been excluded from slaughter for human consumption following the administration of a veterinary medicinal product in accordance with Article 112(4) of that Regulation.
(33)In accordance with Article 109(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6, it is also necessary to establish a model form for the information necessary to administer veterinary medicinal products included in the list of substances established in accordance with Article 115(5) of that Regulation. At present, the list of substances which are essential for the treatment of equine animals, or which bring added clinical benefit compared to other treatment options available for equine species and for which the withdrawal period for equine species is six months, is laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006.
(34)The format of the information necessary to apply Article 115(5) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 and to be contained in the single lifetime identification document is also suitable for the recording of an administrative suspension of an equine animal as being permitted to be slaughtered for human consumption for a minimum period of six months.
(35)The rules laid down in Council Directive 96/22/EC apply to farm animals, including equine animals, as well as to wild animals of those species which have been raised on a holding. Article 7 of that Directive allows trade in registered equidae to which veterinary medicinal products containing allyl trenbolone or beta-agonists have been administered for zootechnical purposes, as specified in Article 4 of that Directive, to take place before the end of the withdrawal period, provided that the conditions governing the administration of those products are fulfilled and that the type and date of treatment are entered in the certificate or passport accompanying those animals.
(36)Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692 lays down, amongst other things, conditions for the entry into the Union of equine animals from third countries and the handling of those animals after their entry. A thirty-day rule should be provided for in this Regulation for the identification of equine animals that enter the Union. Since a substantial number of horses arrive in the Union on a temporary basis, the thirty-day period should start following the completion of the customs procedure required for release for free circulation laid down in Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
(37)Registered horses for competition and racing fall under the provisions of Articles 136(1)(b), 139(1) and 141(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446 as concerns the temporary admission procedure. These provisions allow, amongst other things, to declare the goods by ‘any other act’, including the sole act of the goods crossing the frontier of the customs territory of the Union referred to in Article 141(1(d) of that Regulation.
(38)Purebred breeding animals of the equine species entering the Union for breeding purposes may be placed under the inward processing procedure as provided for in Article 256 of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013, under which non-Union goods may be used in the customs territory of the Union in one or more processing operations without such goods being subject to import duty, other charges and commercial policy measures, insofar as they do not prohibit the entry or exit of goods into or from the customs territory of the Union. The inward processing procedure allows the horses for breeding and their output of breeding to be released for free circulation or re-exported at the end of the processing operations, along with other alternate ways for discharging this procedure.
(39)When a single lifetime identification document is issued for an equine animal that entered the Union from a third country and was released for free circulation, the competent authority should post of entry into the Union exclude the equine animal from having the status of an animal that is permitted to be slaughtered for human consumption if the third country of origin is not listed in Commission Decision 2011/163/EU or there are other reasons not to certify the public health attestation in point II.1.6 of the official certificate accompanying the equine animal to the border laid down in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/… [SANTE/7088/2020].
(40)Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1940 provides for the content and format of zootechnical certificates issued for purebred breeding animals of the equine species to be contained in the single lifetime identification document. Therefore, this Regulation should establish the rules for entering information on purebred breeding animals of the equine species in the zootechnical certificate contained in the single lifetime identification document.
(41)Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 uses the term ‘registered equidae’, which is not used in Regulation (EU) 2016/429. Therefore, this Regulation should clarify that the term ‘registered equidae’ is synonymous for ‘registered equine animal’.
(42)With a view to the uniform application of Union legislation on the identification of equine animals in the Member States and to ensure that it is clear and transparent, this Implementing Regulation should determine the dates referred to in Article 86 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035. As Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 applies from 21 April 2021, this Regulation should also apply from that date. However, as Delegated Regulation (EU) …. [reference to SANTE/7002/2019 Rev.7] only applies from 28 January 2022, Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262 should, continue to apply until 27 January 2022.
(43)The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, the Standing Committee on Veterinary Medicinal Products and the Standing Committee on Zootechnics,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
PART 1
GENERAL RULES
Article 1
Subject matter and scope
1.
This Regulation implements the rules referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 in respect of kept equine animals:
(a)born and habitually resident in the Union;
(b)following their entry into the territories listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2017/625, with the exception of re-entry into the Union after temporary export to third countries.
2.This Regulation lays down general and specific rules for the uniform application of the identification and registration system provided for in Article 108(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 for equine animals and different categories thereof, in order to ensure its efficient operation, including:
(a)the uniform access to data contained in, and the technical specifications and operational rules of, the computer database referred to in Article 109(1)(d) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Article 64 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, and the deadlines, obligations and procedures for the transmission of information by operators or other natural or legal persons and for the registration of equine animals in the computer databases;
(b)the technical specifications and procedures, formats, design and operational rules for the means and methods of identification of equine animals, including:
(i)the time periods for the application of the means and methods of identification;
(ii)the removal, modification or replacement of the means and methods of identification and the deadlines for such operations;
(iii)the configuration of the identification code;
(c)the technical specifications, formats and operational rules for the single lifetime identification documents for equine animals;
(d)the practical application of derogations from the identification and registration requirements of certain equine animals intended for slaughter and for equine animals kept under semi-wild conditions;
(e)rules on the use of the single lifetime identification document for movements of equine animals carried out in accordance with the derogation concerning the duration of validity of the animal health certificate provided for in Article 92(2) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688;
(f)model forms necessary to use the single lifetime identification document for sporting purposes and for the international movement of competition horses as recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE);
(g)the identification of equine animals which have entered the Union from third countries.
3.This Regulation lays down the rules on the model forms necessary to apply Articles 112(4) and 115(5) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/… [reference to SANTE/7002/2019 Rev.7] to be contained in the single lifetime identification document.
4.This Regulation lays down the rules on the model forms for entering the information set out in Chapter I of Part 2 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 and in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1940 to be contained in a single lifetime identification document for purebred breeding animals of the equine species.
Article 2
Definitions
For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:
1.‘equine animal’ means a kept animal of species belonging to the genus Equus, including horses, asses and zebras, and the offspring of crossings of those species;
2.‘establishment’ means any premises, structure, or, in the case of open-air farming, any environment or place, where equine animals are kept, on a temporary or permanent basis, except veterinary practices or clinics;
3.‘operator’ means any natural or legal person having equine animals under his or her responsibility, including for a limited duration of time, but excluding veterinarians;
4.‘owner’ means the natural or legal person(s) having the ownership of the equine animal;
5.‘registered equine animal’, or ‘registered equidae’ means:
(a)a purebred breeding animal of the species Equus caballus and Equus asinus entered or eligible for entry in the main section of a breeding book established by a breed society recognised in accordance with Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 or a breeding body listed in accordance with Article 34 thereof;
(b)an equine animal of the species Equus caballus registered with an international association or organisation, either directly or through its national federation or branches, which manages horses for competition or racing ('registered horse');
6.‘breeding book’ means a breeding book as defined in point (12) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012;
7.‘main section’ means the main section of a breeding book as defined in point (13) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012;
8.‘breed society’ means a breed society as defined in point (5) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012;
9.‘breeding body’ means a breeding body as defined in point (7) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012;
10.‘equine animals intended for slaughter’ means equine animals to be transported, either directly or after undergoing an assembly operation, to a slaughterhouse;
11.‘high-health equine animal’ means the status of an equine animal as eligible for movement to other Member States in accordance with Article 92(2) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688;
12.‘competent authority’ means the central veterinary authority of a Member State as defined in point (55) of Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2016/429;
13.‘zootechnical authority’ means the competent authority as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012;
14.‘zootechnical certificate’ means the zootechnical certificate defined in point 20 of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 and set out in the Annex to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1940;
15.‘mark’ means any visible or visualisable and distinguishing characteristic of an individual equine animal, which is either inherent or acquired, and recorded for identification purposes;
16.‘transponder’ means the electronic identifier referred to in point (23) of Article 2 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035;
17.‘unique code’ means the unique code defined in point (17) of Article 2 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035;
18.‘Universal Equine Life Number’ (UELN) means a unique 15-digit alphanumeric code compiling information on the individual equine animal and the database and country where such information is first recorded in accordance with the coding system established by the UELN website, hosted by the French horse and horse riding institute;
19.‘official veterinarian’ means the veterinarian designated by the competent authority of a Member State or of a third country;
20.‘smart card’ means a plastic device with an embedded computer chip capable of storing data and transmitting them electronically to compatible computer systems;
21.‘veterinarian responsible’ means the veterinarian referred to in Articles 112 and 113 of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 responsible for the veterinary medicinal treatment of an equine animal and its documentation in accordance with this Regulation.
22.‘computer database’ means a computer database established by a Member State for the recording of information related to kept animals of the equine species as provided for in the introductory phrase and point (d) of Article 109(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429;
23.‘single lifetime identification document’ means the single lifetime document whereby operators of equine animals are required to ensure that those animals are individually identified, as provided for in Article 114(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429;
24.‘validation mark’ means an entry in the single lifetime identification document made by the competent authority in accordance with and for the purpose referred to in Article 92(2)(a) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688;
25.‘licence’ means an entry in the single lifetime identification document, including the registration card of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), made by an issuing body in accordance with and for the purpose referred to in Article 92(2)(b) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688;
26.‘delegated body’ means the delegated body defined in point (5) of Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, designated in accordance with Article 108(5)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 to ensure the practical application of the identification and registration system established for equine animals, including the issuing of single lifetime identification documents for equine animals.
Article 3
Role of operators and owners
1.The operator of an equine animal, who is not the owner or one of the owners of the equine animal, shall act in accordance with the rules laid down in this Regulation on behalf of and in agreement, where possible in writing, with the owner or a representative of the owners of the equine animal.
2.Member States and, where applicable, delegated bodies may require that the following applications made to them by operators shall be submitted by the owner or a representative of the owner:
(a)applications for the issuing of single lifetime identification documents, as provided for in Article 22;
(b)applications for the issuing of duplicate identification documents, as provided for in Article 25;
(c)applications for the issuing of replacement identification documents, as provided for in Article 26;
(d)applications for modifying identification details in existing single lifetime identification documents, as provided for in Article 30.
PART 2
UNIFORM APPLICATION OF THE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR EQUINE ANIMALS
Chapter I
Uniform rules on the computer database established for
equine animals
Article 4
Information concerning competent authorities and delegated bodies issuing single lifetime identification documents for equine animals
1.Member States shall draw up and keep up-to-date a list of competent authorities and, where applicable, delegated bodies, responsible for issuing single lifetime identification documents for equine animals and make that list available to the other Member States and the public on a website established by the competent authority.
2.The list provided for in paragraph 1 shall:
(a)include the contact details necessary to comply with the requirements of Articles 8, 9, 11, 22, 27 and 28;
(b)be directly accessible through the internet link provided to the Commission in accordance with paragraph 3, which shall be sufficiently comprehensible for non-native speakers and kept working at all times.
3.In order to assist the Member States in making the up-to-date lists provided for in paragraph 1 available, the Commission shall establish a website to which each Member State shall provide a direct link to the required information on the website provided for in paragraph 1.
Article 5
Assignment of a code to the computer database and the databases of delegated bodies
1.The competent authority shall assign a code to the computer database, and where applicable each database established under the framework of the computer database by delegated bodies, recording identification details of equine animals.
2.The code provided for in paragraph 1 shall consist of a six-digit code for the computer database and databases of the delegated bodies which must be compatible with the coding system of the UELN including:
(a)three digits for the numeric ISO 3166 (alpha-3) country code;
(b)three digits for the number of the database.
Article 6
Recording identification details in the computer database
1.At the time of first identification of an equine animal, the competent authority shall record the identification details of the equine animal in the computer database under a unique code.
2.The unique code referred to in paragraph 1 shall consist of:
(a)the code assigned to the computer database or the databases of delegated bodies in accordance with Article 5(2), followed by,
(b)a nine-digit individual identification number assigned to the equine animal.
3.The unique code shall be the reference for any access to and data exchange between the computer databases and the databases of delegated bodies referred to in Article 5(1).
4.Where delegated bodies set up databases under the framework of the computerised database, they shall ensure that at least the information provided for in Parts A and C of Section I and Part II of Section II of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II, are mirrored in the computer database.
Article 7
Operational rules of the computer databases of equine animals and
access to data contained therein
1.Member States shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure that the computer databases continue operating in the event of potential disruption, and the security, protection, integrity and authentication of the information recorded in the computer databases.
2.Member States shall ensure that, on their request, operators of establishments keeping equine animals and operators of equine animals have at least free of charge read-only access to the following information contained in the computer databases for the equine animals habitually kept on their establishments or operated by them:
(a)the unique code as described in Article 6(2);
(b)where available, the identification code of the animal displayed by the physical means of identification, as provided for in Article 10;
(c)the status of the equine animal, as intended for or excluded from slaughter for human consumption.
3.Member States shall provide competent authorities and delegated bodies read-write access to the computer database to enter identification details of equine animals or to exchange data between that computer database and databases maintained by delegated bodies.
4.By way of derogation from paragraph 2 of this Article, Member States may grant operators of equine animals referred to in Article 102(4) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and veterinarians responsible read-write access to relevant datasets in the computer database, provided that data protection is guaranteed in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Article.
Article 8
Technical conditions and modalities for the exchange of electronic data between computer databases of Member States in respect of equine animals
1.Where Member States decide, in accordance with Article 108(4) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, to exchange data on the identification details of equine animals contained in their computer databases directly with the corresponding computer databases in other Member States, the information referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) of Article 64 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 shall be exchanged as electronic data between computer databases of Member States in respect of equine animals in the format of an XML Schema Definition (XSD) decided by the Commission in concert with Member States.
2.The Commission shall establish and make available to the competent authorities the XML formats referred to in paragraph 1, including the amendments resulting from technical progress of XML Schema Definitions, in the Communication and Information Resource Centre for Administrations, Businesses and Citizens (‘CIRCABC’) of the Commission.
3.The amendments referred to in paragraph 2 shall be clearly identified in CIRCABC and marked with the date the amendment comes into effect. Such amendments shall not come into effect earlier than six months after they have been decided. The timing shall be decided by the Commission in concert with Member States.
4.The competent authority responsible for the establishment to which the equine animal has been moved for habitual residence may request the information referred to in paragraph 1 from the competent authority of the establishment of origin and each transmission shall be stamped with the time and date of transmission.
5.The exchange of data in accordance with paragraph 1 shall also comprise the exchange of a copy of the outline diagram of the equine animal set out in Part B of Section I of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II, where completed.
Article 9
Deadlines and obligations for the registration of equine animals in the computer database
Operators of equine animals shall transmit to the competent authority the information required in accordance with points (b) and (c) of Article 64 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 within a period set by the competent authority, which shall not exceed a period of seven days from the date that the equine animal has been recorded as habitually resident in the establishment of the operator.
Chapter II
Technical specifications and procedures, formats, design and operational rules for the means and methods of identification
Section 1
Technical specifications and procedures, formats, design of and rules for the application of the means and method of identification
Article 10
Technical specifications for means and method of identification
1.Member States shall establish a system to ensure the uniqueness of transponders used as injectable transponder, in electronic ear tags or on pastern bands for the identification of equine animals born in the Union or released for free circulation in the Union after entry from a third country.
2.Electronic identifiers shall comply with the technical specifications set out in Part 1 of Annex I.
3.Ear tags and pastern bands shall comply with the technical specifications set out in Part 2 of Annex I.
4.By way of derogation from paragraph 1, Member States may authorise the alternative composition of the code as set out in point 5 of Part 1 of Annex I for transponders implanted or applied to equine animals identified for the first time on their territory.
Article 11
Time periods for the application of the means of identification
1.Operators of equine animals shall ensure that injectable transponders or ear tags are applied to the equine animal at the same time as, or shortly prior to the date of, completing the application form necessary to request the issuing of the single lifetime identification document within the time period for identification laid down in Article 21.
2.Operators of kept equine animals intend to be moved to a slaughterhouse in accordance with Article 47(2) shall ensure that the pastern band or ear tag is applied to the equine animal immediately after the receipt from the competent authority of those identifiers together with the corresponding documentation issued in a format provided by that competent authority to meet the food chain information requirements set out in Section III of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004.
3.Paragraph 1 shall not apply to:
(a)the identification of equine animals living under semi-wild conditions in accordance with Article 60 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035;
(b)foals less than 6 months old at foot of their dam when they are marked by injectable transponder for certification purposes to accompany their dam during a temporary movement for a period of less than 30 days or as referred to in point (c)(iii) of Article 64 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 to another Member State or a third country prior to the issuing of a single lifetime identification document for the foal.
Article 12
Measures to detect the previous identification of equine animals
1.Prior to applying the means of identification to the equine animal in accordance with Article 13, the veterinarian or qualified person shall take measures to detect possible signs or marks indicative of the previous identification of the equine animal by injectable transponders or ear tags. Those measures shall include at least the following:
(a)a check of the equine animal for any injectable transponder previously implanted, using a reading device complying with ISO standard 11785 and capable of reading HDX and FDX-B transponders at least when the reader is in direct contact with the body surface of the equine animal on the spot where under normal circumstances a transponder is implanted;
(b)any clinical signs indicating that a transponder has been previously implanted or a mark previously applied has been surgically removed or altered;
(c)any sign or indication that an alternative method of identification was applied to the equine animal in accordance with Article 16.
2.Where the measures provided for in paragraph 1 of this Article reveal the existence of a previously implanted injectable transponder or ear tags, or any alternative method of identification applied in accordance with Article 16 indicative of a completed previous identification in accordance with Section 2 of Chapter IV, the competent authority shall:
(a)issue a duplicate or replacement identification document in accordance with Article 25 or 26, depending on the information available;
(b)enter the information referring to in point (a), namely the code displayed by the transponder or ear tags, or the alternative method of identity verification, in an appropriate way in the form fields of the identification details in Part A and the outline diagram provided for in Part B of Section I of the model identification document for equidae, set out in Part 1 of Annex II, of the duplicate or replacement identification document.
3.Where the undocumented removal of an injectable transponder, ear tag or alternative method of identification referred to in paragraph 1(c) is confirmed in an equine animal born in the Union, the competent authority shall issue a replacement identification document in accordance with Article 26.
Article 13
Procedures and operational rules for the means and method of identification
1.The means of identification shall be applied by a veterinarian or, where provided for in national legislation, by an authorised and duly trained and qualified person.
2.The injectable transponder shall be implanted parenterally under aseptic conditions on the left side of the neck of the equine animal, in the middle between the poll and withers and in the area of the nuchal ligament.
3.Where identification is carried out by ear tag, at least one ear tag shall be attached to the left ear flap of the equine animal.
4.The code displayed by the transponder after injection or by an ear tag after application shall be recorded by or under the responsibility of the veterinarian or trained or qualified person referred to in paragraph 1 in the designated form field of the application form required to request the issuing of a single lifetime identification document.
Article 14
Removal, modification or replacement of the means of identification and the deadlines for such operations
1.Where an injectable transponder has ceased to function and requires replacement, the equine animal shall be identified with a new transponder displaying a new code, in which case the new transponder code shall be recorded in the computer database and where applicable the database of the delegated body and in the single lifetime identification document in Part C of Section I of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II.
2.Lost or illegible ear tags shall be replaced by an ear tag displaying a new code, in which case the new code shall be recorded in the computer database and where applicable the database of the delegated body and in the single lifetime identification document in Part C of Section I of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II.
3.Operators shall ensure that the means of identification are replaced as soon as possible after they have been lost or ceased to function and in any case within a period set by the competent authority which shall not exceed 30 days from the date of the detected loss or malfunction and before the equine animal leaves the establishment of habitual residence.
Article 15
Measures to be taken in respect of the means of identification in the case of slaughter, killing or death of equine animals
1.On the slaughter or death of the equine animal, the means of identification shall be protected from subsequent fraudulent use, notably by its recovery, destruction or disposal in situ.
2.The measures provided for in paragraph 1 shall be carried out by or under the responsibility of:
(a)the official veterinarian:
(i)following the slaughter of the equine animal for human consumption; or
(ii)following the slaughter or killing of the equine animal for disease control purposes;
(b)the competent authority, in the case of the disposal or processing of a carcass which was accompanied by the single lifetime identification document in accordance with national legislation in:
(i)an establishment or plant approved in accordance with Article 24(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009; or
(ii)a low-capacity incineration plant referred to in point (a)(iii) of Chapter III of Annex III to Regulation (EU) No 142/2011.
Section 2
Alternative methods of identification
Article 16
Authorisation of alternative methods of identification
1.Where a Member State has authorised, in accordance with Article 62 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, a suitable alternative method of identification for the verification of the identity of kept equine animals born in its territory, including distinctive marks or genetic markers, the competent authority shall ensure that the details of this alternative method of identification have been verified before those details are recorded in the single lifetime identification document and the computer database.
2.Member States may require the use of alternative methods of identity verification as referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, based on genetic markers in complement of the identification requirements laid down in Article 109(1)(ii) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 for equine animals born or habitual resident in that Member State.
3.Member States shall make information on their authorised alternative methods of identification as referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, available to the Commission, the other Member States and the public on the website referred to in Article 4(1).
4.Where an alternative method of identification, as referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, is used to identify equine animals, the information details shall be recorded in the single lifetime identification document in which at least three whorls are depicted in the outline diagram provided in Part B of Section I and the four chestnuts are drawn up in Section X of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II.
5.Where an alternative method of identification, as referred to in paragraph 1, is used, the operator shall provide the means of accessing that identification information or shall, if applicable, bear the costs or the consequence of the delays of verifying the identity of the equine animal.
Chapter III
Technical specifications, formats and operational rules for the single lifetime identification document
Section 1
Technical specifications and formats of the single lifetime identification document
Article 17
Minimum requirements as regards the technical specification of the single lifetime identification documents
1.The single lifetime identification document shall meet at least the following requirements:
(a)the document shall be indivisible, tamper-proof and durable;
(b)the information shall be protected from fraudulent alterations either by lamination or by printing the document, or at least essential parts thereof, on specific secure paper, such as embossed or watermarked;
(c)where it consists of more than one page, each page shall be numbered as “page number/number of pages”.
2.A single lifetime identification document consisting of more than one page shall have a protective cover around it, which may bear the logo of the competent authority or of the breed society, or competition or racing authority.
3.The format of Section III of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II may correspond to a registration card displayed in a transparent window of the envelop of the single lifetime identification document.
Article 18
Minimum requirements as regards the format, design and content of single lifetime identification documents
1.The single lifetime identification document shall have one of the following formats:
(a)standard format (standard identification document) sufficient to contain the minimum information for the identification of equine animals required in accordance with Regulations (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2019/6 and comprising Sections I, II and III of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation and meeting the additional requirements set out in Part 2 of that Annex;
(b)extended format (extended identification document) sufficient to contain the minimum information for the identification of equine animals required in accordance with Regulations (EU) 2016/429, (EU) 2019/6 and (EU) 2016/1012, as well as in accordance with Article 65(2)(d) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, and comprising Sections I to X of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation and meeting the additional requirements set out in Part 2 of that Annex.
2.The single lifetime identification document shall only be issued after completion of Parts A and B of Section I and, where applicable, Section X of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II.
3.The shape of the silhouette of the equine animal in the outline diagram provided for in Part B of Section I of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II may be adapted, if the document is issued for an equine animal other than a horse.
4.By way of derogation from paragraph 2 of this Article, the competent authority may authorise that in the case of a standard identification document:
(a)points 2(c) and (3)(a) to (h) of Part A of Section I of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II are not required to be completed;
(b)the outline diagram in Part B of Section I of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II is not required to be completed or is replaced by a quality photo image of the equine animal depicting the unique individual distinctive marks of the equine animal.
5.By way of derogation from paragraph 1(b) of this Article, Section X of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II is not required to be completed in single lifetime identification documents issued for equine animals identified with an injectable transponder or ear tag.
Article 19
Recording of the transponder code in the identification document
1.When an injectable transponder is implanted in an equine animal in accordance with Article 11, the competent authority shall enter the following information in the single lifetime identification document:
(a)at least the last 15 digits of the code transmitted by the transponder and displayed by the reader following implantation; and where appropriate:
(i)a self-adhesive sticker with a bar-code, provided the page of the identification document is sealed afterwards; or
(ii)a print of the bar-code referred to in point (i) encoding at least those last 15 digits of the code transmitted by the transponder;
(b)the signature of the veterinarian or qualified person who either carried out the identification of the equine animal by completing the description in Part A and the outline diagram in Part B of Section I of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II and read the code displayed by the transponder after its implantation, or of the person reproducing this information for the purpose of issuing the identification document in accordance with the rules of the competent authority.
2.Where an equine animal was previously identified with an injectable transponder which does not comply with the current ISO standards, the reading system shall be inserted in point 5 of Part A of Section I of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II.
3.Where an injectable transponder is implanted at an anatomic place different to the one specified in Article 13(2), the place of implantation shall be indicated in the outline diagram provided for in Part B of Section I of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II.
Article 20
Use of plastic cards, smart cards or digital applications on portable electronic devices together with the single lifetime identification documents
1.Where the single lifetime identification document is issued together with a plastic card or a smart card, those cards shall comply with the requirements set out in Annex III.
2.Member States may authorise the use of digital applications on portable electronic devices displaying at least the identification details stored in the computer database for the purpose of the identification of the equine animal during movements:
(a)on their national territory;
(b)to Member States under the derogation provided for in Article 69 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688;
(c)to third countries which have authorised such identification.
3.However, Member States shall not authorise the use of plastic cards, smart cards or digital applications on portable electronic devices where the movement is to a slaughterhouse.
Section 2
Operational rules for the single lifetime identification document
Article 21
Time periods for identification
1.The operator of an equine animal shall ensure that equine animal under his or her responsibility is identified within a time period to be determined by the Member State and not exceeding 12 months after the date of birth of the animal and in any case, before the animal leaves the establishment of birth for a period exceeding 30 days, except where:
(a)such movement takes place until the age of 6 months in accordance with Article 66(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 as foal at foot of the dam on which the foal depends; or
(b)in accordance with Article 43(2).
2.By way of derogation from paragraph 1 of this Article, breed societies having established breeding books for purebred breeding animals of the equine species may, in accordance with the identification requirements laid down in point 1 of Part 3 of Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2016/1012, require the identification of the animals to be carried out as ‘foal at foot’ of the mother on which they depend.
3.By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, a new single lifetime identification document may be issued at any time:
(a)on request of or by the competent authority, where the existing single lifetime identification document does not comply with the requirements of Article 18 or where certain identification details set out in Section I, II or III of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II have not been entered accurately by the issuing competent authority; or
(b)where the single lifetime identification document is confiscated by the competent authority in the context of an investigation; or
(c)where an equine animal for which a standard identification document in accordance Article 19(1)(a) was issued:
(i)is upgraded to a high-health equine animal in accordance with Article 92(2)(b) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688 and the standard identification document does not contain Sections IV to X of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II; or
(ii)is entered as a purebred breeding animal of the equine species in the main section of a breeding book established by a recognised breed society as referred to in Article 2(5)(a); or
(iii)is registered as a registered horse as referred to in Article 2(5)(b) in accordance with the rules of the respective international association or organisation managing horses for competition or races; or
(iv)the single lifetime identification document issued prior to this Regulation cannot be adapted to meet the requirements laid down in Article 18.
4.In the cases described in paragraph 3, the existing single lifetime identification document shall be retained by the competent authority before a new document is issued to be invalidated and the invalidation of the existing identification document and the issuing of the new single lifetime identification document shall be recorded in the computer database with a reference to the unique code originally assigned to the equine animal.
Article 22
Applications for identification documents for equine animals born in the Union
1.Operators shall submit an application for the issuing of a single lifetime identification documents for equine animals born in the Union to the appropriate competent authority, or as applicable to the delegated body, in the Member State where the establishment of birth or habitual residence of the equine animal is located, and shall provide all information necessary to comply with this Regulation.
2.Member States shall set the time limits for the submission of the application provided for in paragraph 1 necessary to comply with the deadline for identification provided for in Articles 21 and 36.
Article 23
Operational rules for the single lifetime identification document
1.The competent authorities shall ensure that the order and numbering of the Sections of the identification documents as set out in the model identification document for equidae in Part 1 of Annex II remain unaltered and that for those Sections providing the space for multiple entries a sufficient number of pages is included in the identification document.
2.The competent authority is responsible for the secure management of blank and completed identification documents on their premises.
3.Where an alternative method of identification is authorised, the competent authority shall issue a single lifetime identification document for an equine animal, provided the alternative method of identification is entered in point 6 or 7 of Part A of Section I and, where applicable, in Section X of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II and is recorded in the database.
4.For the issuing of an extended identification document, the competent authority shall lay down rules on the transfer of information required to complete as appropriate Section IV of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II from the recognised breed societies.
Article 24
Derogation for movement or transport of equine animals accompanied by a temporary identification document
1.On application by the operator of the equine animal, the competent authority, or where applicable the delegated body, shall issue a temporary document, marked as such, in accordance with the model temporary identification document set out in Annex IV, which permits the equine animals to be moved or transported within the same Member State for a period not exceeding 45 days, while the identification document is surrendered to the competent authority, or where applicable the delegated body, for the purpose of updating identification details therein.
2.The temporary identification document provided for in paragraph 1 shall be supplemented with a form in accordance with Section II of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II in order to enter the information in accordance with Article 40.
Article 25
Issuing of duplicate identification documents
1.A duplicate identification document shall be issued where:
(a)the original identification document is lost and the identity of the equine animal can be established, notably through the code transmitted by the transponder or the alternative method of identity verification in accordance with Article 16; or
(b)the equine animal has not been identified within the time limits laid down in Article 21 or 37 or in Article 43(2).
2.In the cases described in paragraph 1, the competent authority responsible for the administrative area where the equine animal is habitually kept shall on application by the operator:
(a)apply to the equine animal, where necessary, a transponder in accordance with Article 13(2) or an authorised alternative method of identity verification in accordance with Article 16;
(b)inform the issuing body, in the case of a single lifetime identification document issued prior to the date of application of this Regulation, or the competent authority that issued the lost original single lifetime identification document of the issuing of a duplicate identification document and request, where necessary, missing identification details necessary to issue the duplicate identification document;
(c)issue a duplicate identification document clearly marked as such with a reference to the unique code recorded in the computer database of the competent authority and the databases of delegated bodies that:
(i)issued the lost original single lifetime identification document; or
(ii)issued the duplicate single lifetime identification document for an equine animal referred to in paragraph 1(b);
(d)exclude the animal from slaughter for human consumption in the duplicate identification document by indicating in Part II of Section II of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II and in the computer database that the status of the equine animal is that it is not intended for human consumption.
3.Details of the duplicate identification document issued in accordance with paragraph 2 shall be entered by reference to the unique code in the computer database.
4.Where the lost original single lifetime identification document was issued prior to the date of application of this Regulation by an issuing body that is no longer in existence, the duplicate identification document shall be issued in accordance with paragraph 2 by the competent authority in the Member State where the equine animal is habitually resident.
Article 26
Issuing of replacement identification documents
1.A replacement single lifetime identification document shall be issued for an equine animal where:
(a)the original single lifetime identification document has been lost, and:
(i)the identity of the equine animal cannot be ascertained;
(ii)there is no indication or evidence that a single lifetime identification document had been issued previously for the equine animal; or
(b)the physical identifier or the single lifetime identification document has been removed, modified or replaced without the permission of the competent authority of the establishment where the equine animal is habitually kept.
2.In the cases described in paragraph 1, the competent authority responsible for the administrative area where the equine animal is habitually kept shall on application by the operator or on request of the competent authority:
(a)apply an injectable transponder or an ear tag to the equine animal;
(b)issue a replacement identification document clearly marked as such in the format of a standard identification document with a reference to a newly assigned unique code corresponding to the record in the computer database for the issuing of this replacement identification document;
(c)exclude the animal from slaughter for human consumption in the replacement identification document by indicating in Part II of Section II of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II and in the computer database that the status of the equine animal is that it is not intended for human consumption.
3.Details of the replacement identification document issued in accordance with paragraph 2 shall be entered by reference to the unique code in the computer database.
Article 27
Measures to be taken in respect of the single lifetime identification document in the case of slaughter, killing, death or loss of equine animals
1.In the event of the slaughter, killing, death or loss of an equine animal, the following measures shall be taken with regard to the single lifetime identification document:
(a)it shall be recovered and protected from being used for fraudulent purposes;
(b)it shall be rendered invalid either:
(i)by tamper-proof stamping it ‘invalid’ on all pages; or
(ii)by punching a hole of the diameter of at least that of a standard hole puncher, through all pages;
(c)with reference to the unique code, it shall either:
(i)be destroyed under official supervision of the competent authority at the slaughterhouse where the equine animal was slaughtered and an attestation shall be communicated to the issuing body, in the case of a single lifetime identification document issued prior to the date of application of this Regulation, or to the competent authority indicated in Part A of Section I of the single life time identification document, either directly or through the contact point referred to in Article 28(2), informing concerning the date of slaughter of the equine animal at the slaughterhouse and the date of destruction of the identification document; or
(ii)be returned, after invalidation as provided for in point (b), to the issuing body, in the case of a single lifetime identification document issued prior to the date of application of this Regulation, or to the competent authority indicated in Part A of Section I of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II, either directly or through the contact point referred to in Article 28(2), together with information concerning the date the equine animal was slaughtered or killed for disease control purposes.
2.The measures to be taken in respect of the single lifetime identification document provided for in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be carried out by or under the responsibility of:
(a)the official veterinarian:
(i)following the slaughter of the equine animal for human consumption; or
(ii)following the slaughter or killing of the equine animal for disease control purposes;
(b)the competent authority, in the case of the disposal or processing of a carcass which was accompanied by the single lifetime identification document in accordance with national legislation in:
(i)an establishment or plant approved in accordance with point (a) of Article 24(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009; or
(ii)a low-capacity incineration plant referred to in point (a)(iii) of Chapter III of Annex III to Regulation (EU) No 142/2011.
3.In all cases of death or loss, including theft, of an equine animal not referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, the operator of the equine animal shall return the single lifetime identification document within a maximum period of 30 days from the date of the death or loss of the equine animal:
(a)to the issuing body, in the case of a single lifetime identification document issued prior to the date of application of this Regulation, or
(b)to the competent authority indicated in
(i)Part A of Section I of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II; or
(ii)Part C of Section I of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II, if the document was updated in accordance with point (a) of Article 30.
Article 28
Obligations on Member States and competent authorities to ensure the transmission of information after the slaughter, killing, death or loss of equine animals
1.Member States shall implement procedures to return the invalidated single lifetime identification documents to the issuing competent authority or body as provided for in point (c)(ii) of Article 27(1).
2.Member States may establish a contact point to receive the attestation referred to in point (c)(i) of Article 27(1) or the identification documents referred to in point (c)(ii) of Article 27(1) for further distribution to the respective issuing body, in the case of a single lifetime identification document issued prior to the date of application of this Regulation, or to the competent authority on their territory.
That contact point may be a liaison body referred to in Article 103(1) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.
3.Where applicable, in accordance with paragraph 2 of this Article, details of the contact point shall be made available to the other Member States and the public on the website established by the Commission referred to in Article 4(1).
4.The issuing body, in the case of a single lifetime identification document issued prior to the date of application of this Regulation, or the competent authority which received information on the death or loss of an equine animal in accordance with Article 27 shall enter or complete, or in the case of an issuing body request the competent authority to enter or complete, in the computer database the records of the identification details contained in the returned identification document of the equine animal.
5.Where the rules of procedure of a competent authority so allow, the competent authority shall ensure that single lifetime identification documents are effectively invalidated, before being returned to the owner in memory of the equine animal, in order to prevent any fraudulent use of the single lifetime identification document or the information contained therein.
Section 3
Deadlines, obligations and procedures for the transmission of information by operators or other natural or legal persons and for the registration of kept equine animals in the computer databases
Article 29
Obligations of operators as regards the management of the identification documents to ensure the continuity of identity during the lifetime of the equine animal
1.Operators of equine animals shall ensure that the following identification details in the single lifetime identification document are kept up-to-date and correct at all times:
(a)the status of the equine animal as regards its eligibility for slaughter for human consumption;
(b)the readable code of the transponder or ear tag code or the distinctive marks used as an alternative method;
(c)where applicable, the validation mark or licence issued in accordance with Article 92(2) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688;
(d)the information on the ownership of the equine animal, where required in accordance with national legislation or the rules of the issuing body or of the organisation managing horses for competition or races, including its national federations and branches.
2.Where it is necessary to update the identification details in the single lifetime identification document, including duplicate and replacement identification documents, the operator of the equine animal shall lodge the identification document with the competent authority in the Member State where the equine animal is habitually resident:
(a)immediately after the event, in the case referred to in paragraph 1(a);
(b)within seven days of the event that affected the identification details of the equine animal, in the cases referred to in paragraph 1(b), (c) or (d).
Article 30
Obligations of competent authorities as regards the management of identification documents to ensure the continuity of identity during the lifetime of the equine animal
The competent authority shall:
(a)carry out the necessary updates of identification details in the identification document, using for updates concerning Part A or B of Section I the form fields provided for in Part C of Section I of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II;
(b)complete the entries in Section V of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II, where the change of ownership is required by the national legislation or by the rules of the issuing body or of the organisation managing horses for competition or races, including its national federations and branches;
(c)enter or complete in the computer database the records of the identification details contained in the lodged identification document as referred to in Article 29(2).
Chapter IV
Practical application of derogations from the identification and registration requirements of kept equine animals
Article 31
Equine animals kept under semi-wild conditions
1.In addition to the requirements laid down in Article 60 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 for the derogations for the identification of kept equine animals living under semi-wild conditions, the information to be provided by Member States on the populations of equine animals and the areas where those animals are kept under semi-wild conditions shall be kept updated and be accompanied by geographical details of the area of the establishment in which these equine animals are kept.
2.Where equine animals kept under semi-wild conditions are removed from the equine population in order to be transported to a slaughterhouse, by way of derogation from Article 43(1), the competent authority may authorise the movement to a slaughterhouse in that Member State in accordance with the derogation provided for in Article 43(2) or provide for equivalent measures to ensure an uninterrupted traceability of those animals.
Chapter V
Rules for the movements carried out in accordance with the derogation concerning the duration of validity of the animal health certificate provided for in Article 92(2) of
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688
Article 32
Responsibility of the competent authority to provide a validation mark referred to in Article 92(2)(a) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/6
1.The competent authority shall lay down the rules and procedures for the application by operators of establishments keeping equine animals to obtain for one or more equine animals kept habitually on that establishment a validation mark as required for the derogation from the duration of validity of the animal health certificate provided for in Article 92(2)(a) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688.
2.The competent authority shall inspect the establishment, or have the establishment inspected on its behalf, and issue the validation mark referred to in paragraph 1 for the equine animals habitually resident on that holding subject to compliance with the following conditions:
(a)the establishment is operated in line with the applicable rules on identification, registration and traceability of equine animals, and applies biosecurity measurers to minimise the risk of introduction of listed diseases of equine animals;
(b)the establishment is subject to frequent, regular and properly documented animal health visits referred to in Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 2016/429;
(c)the equine animals habitually and temporarily kept on the establishment are subject to frequent and documented additional identity checks, health testing and vaccination against non-listed diseases carried out in the context of animal health visits referred to in point (b) and their use in equestrian sports and racing;
(d)the use of veterinary medicinal products is correctly document in accordance with the requirements of Articles 108 and 109 Regulation (EU) 2019/6;
(e)natural breeding on the establishment is only carried out in dedicated premises separated from other equine animals habitually or temporarily kept on that establishment.
3.The validation mark referred to in paragraph 1 shall be entered in the identification document in accordance with the instruction provided for in Section III of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II.
4.The issuing of a validation mark referred to in paragraph 1 shall be recorded in the computer database with reference to the unique code of the equine animal.
Article 33
Issuing of the licence referred to in Article 92(2)(b) of
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688
1.The national federation of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) for participation in equestrian competitions, whether carried out locally, regionally, nationally or internationally, or the competent racing authority for the participation in races, shall lay down the rules and procedures for the application by operators of registered equine animal to obtain for that equine animal a licence as provided for in Article 92(2)(b) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688.
2.The organisations and authorities referred to in paragraph 1 shall only issue the licence referred to in paragraph 1 subject to compliance with the following conditions:
(a)the equine animal is registered with the respective organisation or authority referred to in paragraph 1 for the participation in competitions or races;
(b)the registered equine animal is identified by an extended identification document, in which it is documented that:
(i)the equine animal has been vaccinated by a veterinarian against equine influenza and where applicable other diseases as required by the rules and regulations of the organisations managing horses for competition or races, including those not listed in the Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882;
(ii)the equine animal was visited by a veterinarian at least twice a year, including the veterinary examinations for vaccination and for the movement to other Member States or to third countries;
(ii)animal health tests have been carried out on the equine animal, including for certification purposes in relation to movements to third countries.
3.The licence shall be entered in the identification document in accordance with the instruction provided for in Section III of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II.
4.The issuing of a licence shall be recorded in the computer database with reference to the unique code of the equine animal.
Chapter VI
Rules for the use of the single lifetime identification document for sporting purposes and for the international movement of competition horses
Article 34
Information on the owner in Section V of the single lifetime identification document
1.Information on the owner in Section V of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II shall be completed by either:
(a)the competent authority where required by national legislation; or
(b)the organisations and authorities referred to in Article 33(1) where required by the rules and regulations of those organisations and authorities.
2.By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the information on the owner may be provided in the format of an ownership certificate or enrolment card, provided the latter is recorded with reference to the unique code in the computer database, and refers to:
(a)the unique code of the equine animal; or
(b)the number of the identification document, where applied, and the transponder code or an authorised alternative method of identification.
3.The ownership certificate or enrolment card provided for in paragraph 2 shall be returned to the competent authority or organisations and authorities referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article if the equine animal died or was sold, lost, stolen, slaughtered or killed.
Article 35
Completion of information on vaccination and health testing in Sections VII, VIII and IX of the single lifetime identification document
1.Where the rules and regulations of an organisation or authority referred to in Article 33(1) require for access to certain equestrian competitions and races, specific vaccinations and health testing:
(a)the administering veterinarian shall enter the details of the vaccination against equine influenza or other diseases respectively in Section VII or VIII of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II;
(b)the veterinarian acting on behalf of competent authority or the organisations and authorities referred to in Article 33(1) requesting the health test, shall enter the results of health tests undertaken for the detection of a listed or non-listed transmissible disease by a veterinarian or a laboratory in Section IX of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II.
2.Where the competent authority has authorised the use of smart cards or digital applications on portable electronic devices in accordance with Article 20(2), the information in paragraph 1(a) and (b) shall also be included in those smart cards or digital applications on portable electronic devices.
Chapter VII
Identification of equine animals which have entered the Union from third countries
Article 36
Identification of equine animals which have entered the Union
Identification documents issued in third countries shall be deemed valid in accordance with this Regulation for the identification of equine animals released for free circulation, provided that they comply with the following conditions:
(a)the identification documents were issued:
(i)in the case of purebred breeding animals of the equine species, by a breeding body in a third country included in the list of breeding bodies provided for in Article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012, issuing the zootechnical certificate; or
(ii)in the case of a registered horse, by a national federation or branch of an international organisation or association which manages horses for competition or racing with its headquarters in the third country; or
(iii)in all other cases, by the competent authority of the third country of origin of the equine animal;
(b)the identification documents comply with all the requirements of Article 18.
Article 37
Application for identification documents for equine animals which have entered the Union and are released for free circulation
1.Operators of equine animals which entered the Union from a third country shall apply to the competent authority of the place of habitual residence of the equine animal for the issuing of a single lifetime identification document, or for the registration of the existing identification document referred to in Article 36 of this Regulation in the computer database, within a period of 30 days from the date of completion of the customs procedure for release for free circulation as laid down in Article 201 of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013.
2.Where the existing identification document referred to in paragraph 1 does not comply with the requirements laid down in Article 18, the competent authority shall on request of the operator:
(a)complete the identification document, so that it complies with the requirements laid down in Article 18;
(b)record the identification details of the equine animal and the complementary information in the computer database.
3.Where the existing identification document as referred to in paragraph 1 cannot be amended so as to comply with the requirements laid down in Article 18, it shall not be considered valid for identification purposes in accordance with this Regulation, and the equine animal shall be identified by issuing, in accordance with Article 21(3), a new single lifetime identification document based on the information contained in the submitted identification document on which the equine animal has entered the Union.
PART 3
Documentation of the food-producing status
of an equine animal
Article 38
Documentation of the food-producing status of an equine animal
1.Equine animals shall be deemed to be intended for slaughter for human consumption unless they are irreversibly excluded from slaughter for human consumption by the completing and signing of the relevant entry in Part II of Section II of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II by either:
(a)the veterinarian responsible prior to a treatment in accordance with Article 39(2) of this Regulation; or
(b)the competent authority:
(i)in the case of issuing a new single lifetime identification document in accordance with Article 22(3) for an equine animal for which the previous exclusion from slaughter for human consumption was recorded either in the single lifetime identification document or in the computer database;
(ii)in the case of issuing a duplicate single lifetime identification document in accordance with Article 25 or a replacement single lifetime identification document in accordance with Article 26;
(iii)in the case of evidence of non-compliance with the provisions concerning the record-keeping by owners and keepers of food-producing animals laid down in Article 108 or the rules on the use of medicinal products outside the terms of the marketing authorisation in food-producing terrestrial animal species laid down in Article 113 of Regulation (EU) 2019/6;
(iv)in the case of equine animals which entered the Union from a third country or territory not listed for equine animals in the Annex to Commission Decision 2011/163/EU, or for which the public health attestation in point II.1.6 of the official certificate for entry into the Union of equine animals not intended for slaughter (MODEL ‘EQUI-X’) accompanying the equine animal to the border laid down in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/… [SANTE/7088/2020] was not certified for other reasons.
2.The slaughter of a food-producing equine animal shall be delayed for a period of at least six months:
(a)by the veterinarian responsible prior to a treatment with a veterinary medicinal product containing a substance included in the list of substances set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006 and documented in Part III of Section II of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation;
(b)by way of derogation from paragraph 1(b)(ii), and by decision of the competent authority, documented in Part V of Section II of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation, in the event of the issuing of a duplicate identification document within a period of 30 days from the date of the declared and substantiated loss of the single lifetime identification document, where the operator can satisfactorily substantiate that the status of the equine animal as intended for slaughter for human consumption has not been compromised by any medicinal treatment.
Article 39
Obligation of the veterinarian responsible in relation to the documentation of the food-producing status of an equine animal in the single lifetime identification document
1.Prior to any treatment with a veterinary medicinal product authorised in accordance with Article 8(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6, applied in accordance with Article 112(4) thereof, or containing a substance included in the list of substances established in accordance with Article 115(5) thereof, the veterinarian responsible shall ascertain the food-producing status of the animal documented in the single lifetime identification document, and where access is provided, in the computer database.
2.Where a condition of an equine animal being intended for slaughter for human consumption requires the administration of a veterinary medicinal product in accordance with Article 112(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6, the veterinarian responsible shall ensure that the equine animal concerned is prior to the treatment irreversibly declared as not intended for slaughter for human consumption by completing and signing Part II of Section II of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation.
3.Where a condition of an equine animal intended for slaughter for human consumption requires the administration of a veterinary medicinal product containing a substance included in the list set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006, the veterinarian responsible shall enter the requisite details of the medicinal product containing such substances in Part III of Section II of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation.
The veterinarian responsible shall enter the date of last administration, as prescribed, of that medicinal product and shall inform the operator of the date when the withdrawal period of six months will lapse.
Article 40
Obligations of the veterinarians in relation to documentation of the food-producing status of equine animals in temporary documents
1.Where a medical condition of an equine animal identified by a temporary identification document requires a treatment with a veterinary medicinal product authorised in accordance with Article 8(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6, applied in accordance with Article 112(4) thereof, or containing a substance included in the list of substances set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006, the veterinarian responsible shall, prior to the administration of the veterinary medicinal product:
(a)verify the identification of the equine animal based on the information provided in the temporary identification document;
(b)where access to the computer database is granted, check the status as a food-producing animal in the temporary identification document and in the computer database;
(c)enter, where the equine animal is not already excluded from slaughter for human consumption, the required information in the temporary identification document in the form referred to in Article 24(2) in order to either:
(i)exclude the equine animal permanently from slaughter for human consumption before administering a veterinary medicinal product applied in accordance with Article 112(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6; or
(ii)record the date of the last administration of the veterinary medicinal products and the essential substances incorporated in the veterinary medicinal product before administering a veterinary medicinal product containing a substance included in the list of substances set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006.
2.After the measures provided for in paragraph 1 of this Article have been completed, the veterinarian responsible shall:
(a)provide the amended temporary document to the operator of the equine animal;
(b)submit without delay, and not later than seven days from the date of its completion, a copy of the amended temporary identification document to the competent authority to which the single lifetime identification document was surrendered in accordance with Article 61(2) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 in order for that competent authority to adapt the single lifetime identification document and to record the information referred to in paragraph 1(c)(i) or (ii) of this Article in the computer database.
3.Paragraph 2(b) of this Article shall not apply where the veterinarian responsible has been granted direct access to the computer database to enter information details concerning the exclusion of the equine animal from having the status of an animal intended slaughter for human consumption or that the animals shall not be slaughtered for a period of six months from the date of administration of the medicinal product.
Article 41
Obligations of operators of equine animals in relation the documentation of the
food-producing status of equine animals
1.After completion of the measures provided for in Article 39(2), the operator of the equine animal shall lodge the single lifetime identification document with the competent authority, or provide the information online where such access to the computer database has been established, within a maximum period of five days from the date of signature in Part II of Section II of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II.
2.Member States may adopt measures to ensure that, by way of derogation from requirements for operators laid down in Article 29(2) of this Regulation, the veterinarian responsible notifies the measures carried out in accordance with Article 39(2) and Article 40(1)(c) of this Regulation:
(a)either to the competent authority and provides within a period of seven days from the date of the signature in Part II of Section II of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation the information necessary for the competent authority to update the computer database; or
(b)directly to the computer database, where access is granted in accordance with Article 7(4).
Article 42
Ad-hoc identification of equine animals in the case of a medical condition
1.Where a medical condition of an equine animal not identified in accordance with Article 58, 67 or 68 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 requires a treatment with a veterinary medicinal product applied in accordance with Article 112(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 or containing a substance included in the list set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006 the equine animal shall be deemed to be identified for the purpose Article 112(4) or 115(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 provided that the conditions in paragraphs 2 to 5 of this Article are complied with.
2.The veterinarian responsible shall, prior to the application of the veterinary medicinal product referred to in paragraph 1:
(a)identify the equine animal on-the-spot by implanting an injectable transponder into the equine animal or applying another physical means of identification of kept terrestrial animals as referred to in Annex III to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 and complete the identification form with the details provided for in Parts A and B of Section I of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation;
(b)exclude the equine animal permanently from slaughter for human consumption by inserting the appropriate entry in the identification form.
3.By way of derogation from paragraph 2(b) of this Article, the exclusion of the equine animal from slaughter for human consumption shall not be required under the following conditions:
(a)the veterinary medicinal product containing an essential substance included in the list of substances set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006 is administered to an unidentified equine animal of less than 12 months of age, and
(b)the date of the last administration of the veterinary medicinal product containing the essential substance included in the list of substances set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006 is recorded in the identification form of the equine animal.
4.After the measures provided for in paragraph 2 of this Article have been completed and the treatment has been applied, the veterinarian responsible shall:
(a)issue a signed copy, marked as such, of the completed identification form to the operator of the equine animal;
(b)submit without delay, and in any event not later than seven days from the date of its completion, the identification form to the competent authority for recording in the computer database the exclusion from slaughter for human consumption or the prohibition of slaughter for at least six months and for the issuance of either
(i)a single lifetime identification document in accordance with Article 18(3), in the case where the unidentified equine animal is less than 12 months of age; or
(ii)a duplicate or replacement identification document in accordance with Articles 25 or 26.
5.By way of derogation from paragraph 4(b) of this Article, the submission of the identification form to the competent veterinary authority shall not be required where the Member State has provided veterinarians responsible with access to the computer database to enter the following information directly in that computer database prior to the treatment referred to in paragraph 1 or on-the-spot immediately after such treatment:
(a)information on the provisionally identified equine animal;
(b)information on the exclusion of the provisionally identified equine animal from slaughter for human consumption;
(c)the estimated date of the last administration of the veterinary medicinal product and the essential substance included in the list of substances set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006.
Article 43
Movements and transport of equine animals for slaughter
1.The following shall accompany equine animals for slaughter while they are being moved or transported to a slaughterhouse:
(a)the single lifetime identification document; or
(b)the duplicate identification document issued in accordance with Article 38(2)(b).
2.By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the competent authority may authorise equine animals for slaughter for which no identification document has been issued, to be transported directly from the holding of birth to a slaughterhouse within the same Member State provided that:
(a)the equine animals for slaughter are less than 12 months old and have visible dental stars of the temporary lateral incisors;
(b)there is uninterrupted traceability from the holding of birth to the slaughterhouse;
(c)during transport to the slaughterhouse the equine animals for slaughter are individually marked with one of the means of identification referred to in points (a), (b), (c), (e) or (f) of Annex III to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035;
(d)the food chain information, required in accordance with Section III of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004, shall include a reference to the individual marking referred to in point (c) of this paragraph;
(e)the means of identification applied to the equine animal in accordance with point (c) shall be protected from subsequent fraudulent use, notably by its recovery, destruction or disposal in situ.
Article 44
Use of medication records in single lifetime identification documents in accordance with Article 4 of Directive 96/22/EC
Part IV of Section II of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation may be used to enter information on the application in accordance with Article 4 of Directive 96/22/EC of a veterinary medicinal product containing allyl trenbolone or beta-agonists.
PART 4
Zootechnical certificates for purebred breeding equine animals
Article 45
Rules for the zootechnical certificate as integral part of the single lifetime identification document for purebred breeding equine animals
1.The information required to complete Parts I and II of the zootechnical certificate contained in Section III of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation shall be provided by the breed society or breeding body which has established a breeding book in which the purebred breeding equine animal is entered or eligible for entry.
2.Parts I and II of the zootechnical certificate as set out in the Annex to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1940 shall be contained in the single lifetime identification document or a duplicate identification document for purebred breeding animals of the equine species and comply with the following:
(a)Part I of the zootechnical certificate set out in the Annex to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1940 shall be Section IV of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation;
(b)Part II of the zootechnical certificate set out in the Annex to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1940 shall be either:
(i)part of the Section referred to in point (a), in which case more than one page displaying that Part II are to be provided for updates of the information; or
(ii)where authorised by the zootechnical authority in accordance with Article 32(4) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012, attached to the single lifetime identification document, in which case it shall be linked to the Part I referred to in point (a) of this paragraph by the entry of the unique code assigned to the animal in accordance with Article 6 of this Regulation or the unique life number assigned to the animal prior to the date of application of this Regulation.
PART 5
Transitional and Final Provisions
Article 46
Transitional measures related to the repeal of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262
1.In accordance with Article 86(a) and (c) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035:
(a)the deadlines for the identification of equidae born in the Union provided for in Article 12(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2015/262 shall remain applicable until 20 April 2021;
(b)the rules on the format and content of identification documents issued for equidae born in the Union provided for in Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262 shall remain applicable until 27 January 2022.
2.On request by the operator, the competent authority shall add Section III of the model identification document for equidae set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation to a single lifetime identification document issued prior to the date of application of this Regulation, provided that the conditions for a validation mark or licence are met in accordance with either point (a) or (b) of Article 92(2) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688.
Article 47
Entry into force
This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
It shall apply from 21 April 2021.
However, Annex II shall apply from 28 January 2022.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
Done at Brussels,
For the Commission
The President
Ursula VON DER LEYEN
