Select Committee on European Legislation First Report


VETERINARY CHECKS ON THIRD COUNTRY ANIMAL PRODUCTS

22.   We have given further consideration to the following on the basis of a Supplementary Explanatory Memorandum. We maintain our opinion[45] that it raises questions of political importance, but make no recommendation for its further consideration:--

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

(17265) 7581/96 COM(96)170

i) a proposal for a Council Directive laying down the principles governing the organisation of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries; and ii) a proposal for a Council Directive amending Directives 71/118/EEC, 72/462/EEC, 85/73/EEC, 91/67/EEC, 91/492/EEC, 91/493/EEC, 92/45/EEC and 92/118/EEC as regards the organisation of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries.

Legal base:

Article 43; qualified majority voting.

Background

22.1  On 10 July 1996 we considered the Commission's proposal to apply a single régime for veterinary checks on products entering the Community from Third Countries. Although the régime was intended to simplify the present arrangements, we asked to see a Compliance Cost Assessment following consultation with the trade before clearing the proposal. The Compliance Cost Assessment has now been completed.

Compliance Cost Assessment

22.2  Consultations with the industries affected indicate that most of the proposed measures would have no effect on importers. The new rules of transhipment would assist the industry. Importers would also benefit from the merging of the check on identity with the check on physical condition. The proposal reflects the current transitional arrangements under which identity checks are allowed to be aligned with the much reduced levels of physical checks.

Conclusion

22.3  In the light of the further information we are now able to clear the proposal.

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45.  (17265) 7581/96; See HC51-xxv (1995-96), paragraph 6 (19 July 1996). Back

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Prepared 12th November 1996