This document is an excerpt from the EUR-Lex website
Health requirements for the import and trade of animals in the EU
SUMMARY OF:
SUMMARY
WHAT DOES THIS DIRECTIVE DO?
KEY POINTS
Scope
Directive 2004/68/EC updates the rules applying to the import of hoofed animals, in particular to take into account the evolving nature of the risk of disease.
Circus animals are specifically covered in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1739/2005.
The need for a veterinary examination is relaxed to 48 hours (previously 24 hours) prior to movement in updated rules for pets (for example, dogs, cats and ferrets) traded or imported non-commercially under Regulation (EU) No 576/2013.
The directive also contains detailed rules for the trade in semen, ova and embryos of certain animals not already covered by legislation, such as horses, donkeys, sheep and goats.
FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY?
It entered into force on 29 July 1992. EU countries had to incorporate it into their national law by 1 January 1994.
BACKGROUND
ACT
Council Directive 92/65/EEC of 13 July 1992 laying down animal health requirements governing trade in and imports into the Community of animals, semen, ova and embryos not subject to animal health requirements laid down in specific Community rules referred to in Annex A (I) to Directive 90/425/EEC (OJ L 268, 14.9.1992, pp. 54-72)
Successive amendments and changes to Directive 92/65/EEC have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.
RELATED ACTS
Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on the non-commercial movement of pet animals and repealing Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 (OJ L 178, 28.06.2013, pp. 1-26)
Commission Regulation (EU) No 206/2010 of 12 March 2010 laying down lists of third countries, territories or parts thereof authorised for the introduction into the European Union of certain animals and fresh meat and the veterinary certification requirements (OJ L 73, 20.3.2010, pp. 1-121). See consolidated version.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1739/2005 of 21 October 2005 laying down animal health requirements for the movement of circus animals between Member States (OJ L 279, 22.10.2005, pp. 47-62)
last update 04.05.2020