Intra-Community trade in pure-bred breeding sheep and goats

The European Union (EU) harmonises the rules applicable to the trade in pure-bred breeding sheep and goats on its territory.

ACT

Council Directive 89/361/EEC of 30 May 1989 concerning pure-bred breeding sheep and goats [See amending act(s)].

SUMMARY

The Directive lays down common rules governing the trade in pure-bred breeding sheep and goats on European territory.

Sheep and goats

This Directive applies to:

• pure-bred breeding sheep and goats whose ancestors are entered or registered in a flock book * of the same breed and which is itself entered or registered and eligible for entry therein;
• semen, ova and embryos of these animals.

Member State obligations

Member States may not prohibit, restrict or impede on zootechnical grounds:

• trade in purebred breeding sheep and goats and their semen, ova and embryos on EU territory;
• the official approval of breeders' organisations which maintain or establish flockbooks.

Member States compile and update a list of authorised breeders’ organisations which are responsible for creating and maintaining the flock books before communicating it to the other Member States and the public.

Common rules at European level

The Commission is assisted by the Standing Committee on Zootechnics in determining:

• the criteria for recognition of breeders' organisations and associations which maintain or establish flockbooks;
• the criteria for entry or registration in flockbooks;
• the methods for monitoring performance and assessing the genetic value of purebred breeding sheep and goats;
• the criteria for the approval of a breeding animal for the purpose of the use of its semen, ova, and embryos.

Zootechnical certificate

At the time of their marketing, pure-bred breeding sheep and goats, as well as their sperm, ova and embryos may be accompanied by a zootechnical certificate if the Member State requires it.

Imports from third countries

The rules applicable to imports of pure-bred breeding sheep and goats and their sperm, ova and embryos must be at the least equivalent to those which govern trade between the EU Member States.

RELATED ACTS

Commission Decision 90/254/EEC of 10 May 1990 laying down the criteria for approval of breeders' organizations and associations which establish or maintain flock-books for pure-bred breeding sheep and goats [Official Journal L 145 of 8.6.1990].

Commission Decision 90/255/EEC of 10 May 1990 laying down the criteria governing entry in flock-books for pure-bred breeding sheep and goats [Official Journal L 145 of 8.6.1990].

Commission Decision 90/256/EEC of 10 May 1990 laying down methods for monitoring performance and assessing the genetic value of pure-bred breeding sheep and goats [Official Journal L 145 of 8.6.1990].

Commission Decision 90/257/EEC of 10 May 1990 laying down the criteria for the acceptance for breeding purposes of pure-bred breeding sheep and goats and the use of their semen, ova or embryos [Official Journal L 145 of 8.6.1990].

Commission Decision 90/258/EEC of 10 May 1990 laying down the zootechnical certificates for pure-bred breeding sheep and goats, their semen, ova and embryos [Official Journal L 145 of 8.6.1990].

Last updated: 23.06.2011