(1)

Directive 96/23/EC lays down measures to monitor the substances and groups of residues listed in Annex I thereto. That Directive requires that third countries from which Member States are authorised to import animals and animal products covered by that Directive submit a residue monitoring plan providing required guarantees. That plan should at least include the groups of residues and substances listed in that Annex I.

(2)

Commission Decision 2011/163/EU (2) approves the plans provided for in Article 29 of Directive 96/23/EC (‘the plans’) submitted by certain third countries listed in the Annex thereto for the animals and animal products indicated in that list.

(3)

In the light of the recent plans submitted by certain third countries and additional information obtained by the Commission, it is necessary to update the list of third countries from which Member States are authorised to import certain animals and animal products, as provided for in Directive 96/23/EC and currently listed in the Annex to Decision 2011/163/EU (‘the list’).

(4)

The Pitcairn Islands have submitted a plan for honey to the Commission. That plan provides sufficient guarantees and should be approved. An entry for the Pitcairn Islands for honey should therefore be included in the list.

(5)

Rwanda has submitted a plan for honey to the Commission. That plan provides sufficient guarantees and should be approved. An entry for Rwanda for honey should therefore be included in the list.

(6)

Ukraine has submitted a plan for bovine and porcine to the Commission. That plan provides sufficient guarantees and should be approved. Entries for Ukraine for bovine and porcine should therefore be included in the list.

(7)

The United Arab Emirates are currently included in the list for aquaculture and milk (camel milk only). However, the United Arab Emirates have not provided a plan as required by Article 29 of Directive 96/23/EC for aquaculture. The entry for the United Arab Emirates for aquaculture should therefore be removed from the list.

(8)

Decision 2011/163/EU should therefore be amended accordingly.

(9)

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,