OBJECTIVE: to lay down common principles governing the organization of veterinary checks and the movement within the Community of products of animal origin from third countries.
COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council Directive 97/78/EC.
CONTENT: the directive lays down common rules governing the veterinary controls to be carried out by Member States on products of animal and origin and crop products entering the Community from third countries. It seeks to prevent the spread of contagious diseases by harmonizing the measures needed to protect the health of persons and animals and regulate the problem of the measures to be taken in the event that findings are made during controls.
ENTRY INTO FORCE: 19 February 1998
DEADLINE FOR TRANSPOSITION: 1 July 1999.�