(1)

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 lays down the general tasks, duties and requirements of the European Union (EU) reference laboratories for food and feed, and for animal health. The EU reference laboratories for animal health and live animals are listed in Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EC) No 882/2004. Point 15 of Part II of that Annex lists the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, United Kingdom, as the EU reference laboratory for crustacean diseases.

(2)

Directive 2006/88/EC lays down the animal health requirements for the placing on the market, and the importation and the transit through the Union of aquaculture animals and products thereof, and certain minimum preventive and control measures for certain diseases in those animals. Article 55(1) of Directive 2006/88/EC provides for the designation of EU reference laboratories for aquatic animal diseases relevant to that Directive.

(3)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 737/2008 (3) designated the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth Laboratory, United Kingdom, as the EU reference laboratory for crustacean diseases for the period from 1 July 2008 until 30 June 2018. Article 55(3) of Directive 2006/88/EC provides for a review of the functions of that laboratory.

(4)

As a consequence of the United Kingdom notification in accordance with Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, the function of Cefas as EU reference laboratory for crustacean diseases cannot be continued for a further period starting on 1 July 2018.

(5)

In view of the synergies in technical expertise, laboratory capacity and networking with national reference laboratories, the EU reference laboratory for fish diseases should also take over the tasks and functions of the EU reference laboratory for crustacean diseases.

(6)

The ‘Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Veterinærinstituttet Afdeling for Diagnostik og Beredskab — Fiskesygdomme, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Danmark’ which has been designated as the EU reference laboratory for fish diseases, should therefore take over the tasks and functions of the EU reference laboratory for crustacean diseases.

(7)

The DTU Veterinærinstituttet Afdeling for Diagnostik og Beredskab — Fiskesygdomme that is assuming the responsibilities of the EU reference laboratory for fish and crustacean diseases should be indicated as the EU reference laboratory for crustacean diseases for the period from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2023. In addition, it should be listed in Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EC) No 882/2004. Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 should therefore be amended accordingly.

(8)

In order to ensure seamless continuity of the activities of the European Union reference laboratories for crustacean diseases, it is appropriate to provide for a specific date of application for the measures provided for in this Regulation.

(9)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

(1)

point 6. is replaced by the following:

(2)

point 15 is deleted.