Veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries

In adopting the report by Mr Karl-Erik OLSSON (ELDR, S) Parliament amended the Commission proposal simplifying the procedures for veterinary checks on imports of animals from third countries. It called for the proposal to be based on Article 100a (internal market) and Article 189b of the EC Treaty (codecision procedure) rather than Article 43 of the EC Treaty (agriculture, consultation procedure). The report required that on entry into the Community, products conforming to Community standards and those which do not are to be stored in separate places and marked accordingly. Also, physical checks carried out exceptionally where there may be a risk to public or animal health, or when irregularities are suspected, may take place at an approved border inspection post on each occasion. Parliament also called for the Commission to be assisted by the standing veterinary committee set up by Council Decision 68/361/EEC and for the committee to meet as a rule in public, unless a specific decision is taken to the contrary. Lastly, the report proposed that the new system should be put in place from 1 January 1998 rather than 1 January 1997 to allow Member States to adapt their information system. �