COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION  
of 20 September 2011  
on imports into the Union of semen of domestic animals of the bovine species  
(notified under document C(2011) 6426)  
(Text with EEA relevance)  
(2011/630/EU)  
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,  
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European 
Union,  
Having regard to Council Directive 88/407/EEC of 14 June 
1988 laying down the animal health requirements applicable 
to intra-Community trade in and imports of semen of 
domestic animals of the bovine species (  1 ), and in particular 
Article 8(1), the first subparagraph of Article 10(2), and 
Article 11(2) thereof,  
Whereas:  
(1) Directive 88/407/EEC lays down the animal health 
conditions applicable to imports from third countries 
into the Union of semen of domestic animals of the 
bovine species. It provides that only semen that comes 
from a third country included on a list of third countries 
drawn up in accordance with that Directive and accom ­
panied by an animal health certificate corresponding to a 
model also drawn up in accordance with that Directive, 
is to be imported into the Union. The animal health 
certificate is to certify that semen comes from semen 
collection and storage centres offering guarantees 
provided for in Article 9(1) of that Directive.  
(2) Commission Decision 2004/639/EC of 6 September 
2004 laying down the importation conditions of 
semen of domestic animals of the bovine species (  2 ) 
currently sets out the list of third countries from which 
Member States are to authorise imports of semen of 
domestic animals of the bovine species in Annex I 
thereto.  
(3) Under Article 8(2) of Directive 88/407/EEC, a Member 
State may authorise imports of semen of domestic 
animals of the bovine species only from those third 
countries which appear on a list to be drawn up in 
accordance with that Directive. In deciding whether a 
third country may appear on such a list, particular 
account is to be taken of various conditions, such as 
the state of health of the livestock.  
(4) Commission Regulation (EU) No 206/2010 of 12 March 
2010 laying down lists of third countries, territories or 
parts thereof authorised for the introduction into the 
European Union of certain animals and fresh meat and 
the veterinary certification requirements (  3 ) repealed and replaced Council Decision 79/542/EEC of 21 December 
1976 drawing up a list of third countries or parts of 
third countries, and laying down animal and public 
health and veterinary certification conditions, for 
importation into the Community of certain live animals 
and their fresh meat (  4 ). Regulation (EU) No 206/2010 
sets out a list of third countries authorised for the intro ­
duction of ungulates into the Union in Annex I thereto. 
The conditions for the introduction of ungulates, laid 
down in that Regulation, are similar to the conditions 
for imports of semen of domestic animals of the bovine 
species laid down in Directive 88/407/EEC.  
(5) There is no scientific evidence suggesting that, with 
regard to major exotic contagious diseases, the risks 
arising from the health status of the donor bovine 
male could be mitigated by treatment of the semen. 
Accordingly, the list of third countries from which 
Member States are to authorise imports of semen 
should be based on the animal health status of the 
third countries from which imports of live domestic 
animals of the bovine species are authorised. The list 
set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 206/2010 
includes Chile, Iceland and Saint Pierre and Miquelon. 
Therefore, those third countries should also be included 
in the list set out in Annex I to Decision 2004/639/EC.  
(6) The model animal health certificate in Part 1 of Annex II 
to Decision 2004/639/EC includes the animal health 
conditions for imports of semen of domestic animals 
of the bovine species into the Union. Currently, the 
conditions for enzootic bovine leukosis and epizootic 
haemorrhagic disease in that certificate are not entirely 
consistent with those set out respectively in Chapter 
I(1)(c) of Annex B to Directive 88/407/EEC and in the 
Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial 
Animals of the World Organisation for Animal Health 
(OIE). As a result, that model animal health certificate 
should be amended to take account of that provision 
of that Directive and that Manual.  
(7) The model animal health certificate in Part 3 of Annex II 
to Decision 2004/639/EC applies to imports and transits 
of semen of domestic animals of the bovine species 
dispatched from a semen storage centre or a semen 
collection centre either collected and processed in 
accordance with the conditions of Directive 88/407/EEC, 
as amended by Council Directive 2003/43/EC (  5 ), or 
collected processed and stored before 31 December 
2004 in conformity with the provisions of DirectiveEN L 247/32 Official Journal of the European Union 24.9.2011  
( 1 ) OJ L 194, 22.7.1988, p. 10.  
( 2 ) OJ L 292, 15.9.2004, p. 21.  
( 3 ) OJ L 73, 20.3.2010, p. 1.  ( 4 ) OJ L 146, 14.6.1979, p. 15.  
( 5 ) OJ L 143, 11.6.2003, p. 23.88/407/EEC applying until 1 July 2003, and imported 
after 31 December 2004 in accordance with Article 2(2) 
of Directive 2003/43/EC.  
(8) In order to ensure full traceability of the semen, the 
model animal health certificate in Part 3 of Annex II to 
Decision 2004/639/EC should be supplemented by addi ­
tional certification requirements and only used for trade 
in semen of domestic animals of the bovine species 
collected in the semen collection centres and dispatched 
from a semen storage centre, whether or not the latter 
constitute part of a semen collection centre approved 
under a different approval number. As a result, the 
model animal health certificate in Part 3 of Annex II to 
Decision 2004/639/EC should be adapted accordingly by 
this Decision.  
(9) It is also necessary to adapt by this Decision the dates in 
the titles of model health certificates in Part 2 and Part 3 
of Annex II to Decision 2004/639/EC related to the 
stocks of semen of domestic animals of the bovine 
species collected, processed and stored before 
31 December 2004 to reflect the provisions of 
Article 2(1) of Directive 2003/43/EC.  
(10) There are bilateral agreements concluded between the 
Union and certain third countries containing specific 
conditions for the imports into the Union of semen of 
domestic animals of the bovine species. Therefore, where 
the bilateral agreements contain specific conditions and 
model animal health certificates for imports, those 
conditions and models should apply instead of the 
conditions and models set out in this Decision.  
(11) On the basis of Directive 88/407/EEC, Canada was 
recognised as a third country with an animal health 
status equivalent to that of Member States for imports 
into the Union of semen of domestic animals of the 
bovine species.  
(12) It is therefore appropriate that semen of domestic 
animals of the bovine species collected in Canada and 
imported into the Union from that third country is 
accompanied by a simplified certificate drawn up in 
accordance with the model set out in Commission 
Decision 2005/290/EC of 4 April 2005 on simplified 
certificates for the importation of bovine semen and 
fresh pig meat from Canada and amending Decision 
2004/639/EC (  1 ) laid down in accordance with the 
Agreement between the European Community and the 
Government of Canada on sanitary measures to protect 
public and animal health in respect of trade in live 
animals and animal products (  2 ), as approved by 
Council Decision 1999/201/EC (  3 ). 
(13) Switzerland is a third country with an animal health 
status equivalent to that of Member States. It is 
therefore appropriate that semen of domestic animals 
of the bovine species imported into the Union from 
Switzerland is accompanied by an animal health 
certificate drawn up in accordance with the models used for trade within the Union in semen of domestic 
animals of the bovine species set out in Annex D to 
Directive 88/407/EEC, with the adaptations set out in 
point 4 of Chapter VII(B) of Appendix 2 of Annex 11 
to the Agreement between the European Community and 
the Swiss Confederation on Trade in Agricultural 
Products, as approved by Decision 2002/309/EC, 
Euratom of the Council, and of the Commission as 
regards the Agreement on Scientific and Technological 
Cooperation, of 4 April 2002 on the conclusion of 
seven Agreements with the Swiss Confederation (  4 ). 
(14) In the interest of clarity and consistency of Union legis ­
lation, Decision 2004/639/EC should be repealed and 
replaced by this Decision.  
(15) To avoid any disruption of trade, the use of animal 
health certificates issued in accordance with Decision 
2004/639/EC should be authorised during a transitional 
period subject to certain conditions.  
(16) The measures provided for in this Decision are in 
accordance with the opinion of the Standing 
Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,  
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:  
Article 1  
Subject matter  
This Decision lays down a list of third countries or parts thereof 
from which Members States shall authorise imports into the 
Union of semen of domestic animals of the bovine species 
(semen).  
It also lays down certification requirements for the imports of 
semen into the Union.  
Article 2  
Imports of semen  
1. Member States shall authorise imports of semen provided 
that it complies with the following conditions:  
(a) it comes from a third country or part thereof listed in 
Annex I;  
(b) it comes from a semen collection or storage centre listed in 
accordance with Article 9(2) of Directive 88/407/EEC;  
(c) it is accompanied by an animal health certificate drawn up 
in accordance with the following model animal health 
certificates set out in Part 1 of Annex II, and completed 
in accordance with the explanatory notes set out in Part 2 
of that Annex:  
(i) Model 1 as set out in Section A, for semen collected, 
processed and stored in accordance with Directive 
88/407/EEC, as amended by Directive 2003/43/EC, 
dispatched from a semen collection centre where the 
semen was collected;EN 24.9.2011 Official Journal of the European Union L 247/33  
( 1 ) OJ L 93, 12.4.2005, p. 34.  
( 2 ) OJ L 71, 18.3.1999, p. 3.  
( 3 ) OJ L 71, 18.3.1999, p. 1.  (  4 ) OJ L 114, 30.4.2002, p. 1.(ii) Model 2 as set out in Section B, for stocks of semen 
collected, processed and stored before 31 December 
2004 in conformity with the provisions of Directive 
88/407/EEC applying until 1 July 2004, and imported 
after 31 December 2004 in accordance with 
Article 2(2) of Directive 2003/43/EC, dispatched from 
a semen collection centre where the semen was 
collected;  
(iii) Model 3 as set out in Section C, for semen and stocks 
of semen referred to in (i) and (ii), dispatched from a 
semen storage centre;  
(d) it complies with the requirements set out in the animal 
health certificates referred to in point (c).  
2. Where specific animal health and certification conditions 
are laid down in bilateral agreements between the Union and 
third countries, those conditions shall apply instead of the 
conditions in paragraph 1.  
Article 3  
Conditions concerning the transport of semen to the 
Union  
1. The semen and stocks of semen referred to in Article 2 
shall not be transported in the same container as other 
consignments of semen that:  
(a) are not intended for introduction into the Union; or  
(b) are of a lower health status.  2. During transport to the Union, semen and stocks of 
semen shall be placed in closed and sealed containers and the 
seal shall not be broken during transport.  
Article 4  
Repeal  
Decision 2004/639/EC is repealed.  
Article 5  
Transitional provision  
For a transitional period until 30 April 2012, Member States 
shall authorise imports of semen and stocks of semen from 
third countries which are accompanied by an animal health 
certificate issued not later than 31 March 2012 in accordance 
with the models set out in Annex II to Decision 2004/639/EC.  
Article 6  
Applicability  
This Decision shall apply from 1 November 2011.  
Article 7  
Addressees  
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.  
Done at Brussels, 20 September 2011.  
For the Commission  
John DALLI  
Member of the CommissionEN L 247/34 Official Journal of the European Union 24.9.2011ANNEX I  
List of third countries or parts thereof from which Member States shall authorise imports of semen of domestic 
animals of the bovine species  
ISO 
Code  Name of the third 
country  Remarks  
Description of the territory 
(if appropriate)  Additional guarantees  
AU Australia  The additional guarantees concerning 
testing set out in points II.5.4.1 and 
II.5.4.2 of the certificate in Section A of 
Part 1 of Annex II are compulsory.  
CA Canada (*)  Territory as described in Part 1 of Annex I 
to Regulation (EU) No 206/2010.  
CH Switzerland (**)  
CL Chile  
GL Greenland  
HR Croatia  
IS Iceland  
NZ New Zealand  
PM Saint Pierre and 
Miquelon  
US United States  The additional guarantee set out in point 
II.5.4.1 of the certificate in Section A of 
Part 1 of Annex II is compulsory.  
(*) The certificate to be used for imports from Canada is set out in Commission Decision 2005/290/EC of 4 April 2005 on simplif ied 
certificates for the importation of bovine semen and fresh pig meat from Canada and amending Decision 2004/639/EC (only for the  
semen collected in Canada) laid down in accordance with the Agreement between the European Community and the Government of 
Canada on sanitary measures to protect public and animal health in respect of trade in live animals and animal products, as app roved 
by Council Decision 1999/201/EC. 
(**) The certificates to be used for imports from Switzerland are set out in Annex D to Directive 88/407/EEC, with the adaptati ons set out 
in point 4 of Chapter VII(B) of Appendix 2 of Annex 11 to the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss 
Confederation on trade in agricultural products as approved by Decision 2002/309/EC, Euratom of the Council, and of the 
Commission as regards the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of 4 April 2002 on the conclusion of seven 
Agreements with the Swiss Confederation.EN 24.9.2011 Official Journal of the European Union L 247/35ANNEX II  
PART 1  
Model animal health certificates for imports and transits of semen and of stocks of semen of domestic animals of 
the bovine species  
SECTION A  
Model 1 — Animal health certificate applicable to imports and transits of semen of domestic animals of the 
bovine species collected, processed and stored in accordance with Council Directive 88/407/EEC, as amended by 
Directive 2003/43/EC, dispatched from a semen collection centre where the semen was collected
EN L 247/36 Official Journal of the European Union 24.9.2011EN 24.9.2011 Official Journal of the European Union L 247/37EN L 247/38 Official Journal of the European Union 24.9.2011SECTION B  
Model 2 — Animal health certificate applicable from 1 January 2005 to imports and transits of stocks of semen 
of domestic animals of the bovine species collected, processed and stored before 31 December 2004 in 
conformity with Council Directive 88/407/EEC applying until 1 July 2004, and imported after 31 December 
2004 in accordance with Article 2(2) of Directive 2003/43/EC, dispatched from a semen collection centre where 
the semen was collected
EN 24.9.2011 Official Journal of the European Union L 247/39EN L 247/40 Official Journal of the European Union 24.9.2011EN 24.9.2011 Official Journal of the European Union L 247/41EN L 247/42 Official Journal of the European Union 24.9.2011SECTION C  
Model 3 — Animal health certificate for imports and transits of semen of domestic animals of the bovine 
species collected, processed and stored in accordance with Council Directive 88/407/EEC, as amended by 
Directive 2003/43/EC, and of stocks of semen of domestic animals of the bovine species collected, processed 
and stored before 31 December 2004 in conformity with Directive 88/407/EEC, applying until 1 July 2004, and 
imported after 31 December 2004 in accordance with Article 2(2) of Directive 2003/43/EC, dispatched from a 
semen storage centre
EN 24.9.2011 Official Journal of the European Union L 247/43EN L 247/44 Official Journal of the European Union 24.9.2011EN 24.9.2011 Official Journal of the European Union L 247/45PART 2  
Explanatory notes for the certification  
(a) The animal health certificates shall be issued by the 
competent authority of the exporting third country, 
in accordance with the model set out in Part 1 of 
Annex II.  
If the Member State of destination requires additional 
certification requirements, attestations to certify that 
those requirements are fulfilled shall be also in ­
corporated in the original form of the animal health 
certificate.  
(b) The original of the animal health certificate shall consist 
of a single sheet of paper, or, where more text is 
required, it must be in such a form that all sheets of 
paper required are part of an integrated whole and 
indivisible.  
(c) Where the model animal health certificate states that 
certain statements shall be kept as appropriate, 
statements which are not relevant, may be crossed 
out and initialled and stamped by the certifying 
officer, or completely deleted from certificate.  
(d) The animal health certificate shall be drawn up in at 
least one of the official languages of the Member State 
of the border inspection post of introduction of the 
consignment into the European Union and of the 
Member State of destination. However, those Member 
States may authorise the certificate to be drawn up in 
the official language of another Member State, and 
accompanied, if necessary, by an official translation.  
(e) If for the reasons of identification of the items of the 
consignment (schedule in Box I.28 of the model animal 
health certificates), additional sheets of paper are 
attached to the animal health certificate, those sheets 
of paper shall also be considered as forming part of the 
original of the animal health certificate by application 
of the signature and stamp of the certifying officer, on 
each of the pages.  (f) When the animal health certificate, including additional 
schedules referred to in (e), comprises more than one 
page, each page shall be numbered (page number) of 
(total number of pages), at the end of the page and 
shall bear the certificate reference number designated 
by the competent authority on the top of the pages.  
(g) The original of the animal health certificate must be 
completed and signed by an official veterinarian the 
last working day prior to loading of the consignment 
for exportation to the European Union. The competent 
authorities of the exporting third country shall ensure 
that certification requirements equivalent to those laid 
down in Council Directive 96/93/EC (  1 ) are followed.  
The colour of the signature and the stamp of the 
official veterinarian shall be different to that of the 
printing on the animal health certificate. This 
requirement also applies to stamps other than those 
embossed or watermarks.  
(h) The original of the animal health certificate must 
accompany the consignment until it reaches the 
border inspection post of introduction into the 
European Union.  
(i) The certificate reference number referred to in Box I.2 
and Box II.a of the model animal health certificate must 
be issued by the competent authority of the exporting 
third country.  
( 1 ) OJ L 13, 16.1.1997, p. 28.EN L 247/46 Official Journal of the European Union 24.9.2011