EUROPEAN COMMISSION 
Brussels, XXX   
SANCO/7008/2012-Rev. 1 
[…](2012) XXX  draft 
  
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION 
of XXX  
[…] 
amending Decision 2006/168/EC establishi ng the animal health and veterinary 
certification requirements for imports into the Union of bovine embryos 
(Text with EEA relevance) 
  
EN 1   EN COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION 
of XXX  
[…] 
amending Decision 2006/168/EC establishi ng the animal health and veterinary 
certification requirements for imports into the Union of bovine embryos 
(Text with EEA relevance) 
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, 
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Having regard to Council Directive 89/556/EE C of 25 September 1989 on animal health 
conditions governing intra-Community trade in and importation from third countries of 
embryos of domestic anim als of the bovine species
1, and in particular point (b) of the first 
subparagraph of Article 9(1) thereof, 
Whereas: (1) Commission Decision 2006/168/EC of 4 Janua ry 2006 establishing the animal health 
and veterinary certification requirements fo r imports into the Community of bovine 
embryos and repealing Decision 2005/217/EC
2 sets out the list of  third countries from 
which Member States are to authorise impor ts of embryos of domestic animals of the 
bovine species and additional guarantees as re gards specific animal diseases to be 
provided by certain third countries  listed in Annex I thereto. 
(2) The model veterinary certificates in A nnexes II, III and IV to Decision 2006/168/EC 
provides the animal health conditions for imports into the Union of embryos of 
domestic animals of the bovine species. 
(3) The current animal health requriements for bluetongue in the model veterinary 
certificates in Annexes, II, III and IV  to Decision 2006/168/EC require that donor 
animals fulfil the import conditions for bovi ne embryos laid down in the Bluetongue 
Chapter of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Or ganisation for animal 
Health (OIE). That Chapter recommends a whole range of risk mitigating measures 
aiming at either protecting the mammalian host from exposure to the infectious vector 
or through the inactivation of the virus by antibodies. 
(4) In addition, the OIE has laid down a Chapter on Surveillance for arthropod vectors of 
animal diseases in the Terrestrial Animal  Health Code. Those recommendations do not 
                                                 
1 OJ L 302, 19.10.1989, p. 1. 
2 OJ L 57, 28.2.2006, p. 19 .  
EN 2   EN include the monitoring of rumi nants for antibodies to Simbu viruses, such as Akabane 
and Aino viruses of the Bunyaviridae  family, which used to be considered an 
economic method for determining the distri bution of bluetongue competent vectors 
until more information on the spread of those diseases became available. 
(5) Since moreover the OIE does not list Akaban e and Aino diseases in the Terrestrial 
Animal Health Code, the requirement for a nnual testing for thos e diseases to prove 
absence of the vector should be delete d from Annex I to Decision 2006/168/EC and 
the model veterinary certificates in A nnexes II, III and IV to that Decision. 
(6) In addition, there are bilateral agreements  concluded between the Union and certain 
third countries containing specific conditi ons for the imports into the Union of 
embryos of domestic animals of the bovine  species. Therefore, where the bilateral 
agreements contain specific conditions and model veterinary certificates for imports, 
those conditions and models should apply in stead of the conditions and models set out 
in this Decision. 
(7) Switzerland is a third country with an animal health status equivalent to that of 
Member States.  It is therefore appropriate that in vivo  derived and in vitro  produced 
embryos of domestic animals of the bovine  species imported into the Union from 
Switzerland are accompanied by a veterinary certificate drawn up in accordance with 
the models used for trade within the Uni on in embryos of domestic animals of the 
bovine species set out in Annex C to Dir ective 89/556/EEC, with the adaptations set 
out in point 2 of Chapter V I(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 Ag reements with the Swiss Confederation3. 
(8) On the basis of Directive 89/556/EEC, New Zealand was also re cognised as a third 
country with an animal health status equiva lent to that of Member States for imports 
into the Union of in vivo  derived embryos of domestic an imals of the bo vine species. 
(9) It is therefore appropriate that in vivo  embryos of domestic animals of the bovine 
species collected in New Zealand and importe d into the Union from that third country 
are accompanied by a simplified certificate dr awn up in accordance with the model set 
out in Commission Decision 2003 /56/EC of 24 January 2003 on health certificates for 
the importation of live animals and animal products from New Zealand4 laid down in 
accordance with the Agreement between th e European Community and New Zealand 
on sanitary measures applicable to tr ade in live animals and animal products5, as 
approved by Council Decision 97/132/EC6. 
(10) In the interests of consistency and simp lification of Union legislation, the model 
veterinary certificates for the imports of embryos of domestic animals of the bovine 
species should take account of Commission Decision 2007/240/EC7, which provides 
                                                 
3 OJ L 114, 30.4.2002, p. 1.  
4 OJ L 22, 25.1.2003, p. 38.  
5 OJ L 57, 26.2.1997, p. 5.  
6 OJ L 57, 26.2.1997, p. 4 . 
7 OJ L 104, 21.4.2007, p. 37.   
EN 3   EN that the various veterinary, public and anim al health certificat es required for the 
imports into the Union of live animals, semen, embryo, ova and products of animal 
origin are to be based on the standard mode ls for veterinary certificates set out in 
Annex I thereto. 
(11) Annexes I, II, III and IV to Decision 2006/168/EC should be therefore amended 
accordigly. 
(12) To avoid any disruption of trade, the use of  animal health cert ificates issued in 
accordance with Decision 2006/168/EC in its  version prior to the amendments 
introduced by this Decision should be author ised during a transitional period subject to 
certain conditions. 
(13) 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 
The Annexes to Decision 2006/168/EC are ammende d in accordance with the Annex to this 
Decision. 
Article 2 
For a transitional period until 30 June 2013, Me mber States shall authorise imports of 
embryos and stocks of embryos from third countries which are accompanied by the model 
veterinary certificate issued not later than 31 May 2013 in accordance with the models set out in Annexes II, III and IV to Decision 2006/168/EC in  its version prior to the amendments 
introduced by this Decision. 
Article 3 
This Decision shall apply from 1 January 2013.  
Article 4 
This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 
Done at Brussels,  
 For the Commission 
 John DALLI  Member of the Commission  
EN 4   EN ANNEX  
(1) Annexes I, II, III and IV are replaced by the following: 
"ANNEX I  
ISO 
code Country Applicable Veterinary Certificate 
AR Argentina ANNEX II ANNEX III ANNEX IV 
AU Australia ANNEX II ANNEX III ANNEX IV 
CA Canada ANNEX II ANNEX III ANNEX IV 
CH Switzerland (*) ANNEX II ANNEX III ANNEX IV 
HR Croatia ANNEX II ANNEX III ANNEX IV 
IL Israel ANNEX II ANNEX III ANNEX IV 
MK Former Yugoslav 
Republic of 
Macedonia (***) ANNEX II ANNEX III ANNEX IV 
NZ New Zealand (**) ANNEX II ANNEX III ANNEX IV 
US United States ANNEX II ANNEX III ANNEX IV 
(*) For all the embryos, the certificates to be used for im ports from Switzerland are set out in Annex C to Directive 
89/556/EEC, with the adaptations set out in point 2 of  Chapter VI(B) of Appendix 2 of Annex 11 to the 
Agreement between the European Comm unity 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 Coopera tion of 4 April 2002 on the conclusion of  seven Agreements with the Swiss 
Confederation. 
(**) For in vivo  derived embryos, the certificat e to be used for imports from Ne w Zealand is set out in Commission 
Decision 2003/56/EC of 24 January 2003 on health certificat es for the importation of live animals and animal 
products from New Zealand (only for the embryos collected  in New Zealand ) laid down in accordance with the 
Agreement between the European Community and New Zealan d on sanitary measures applicable to trade in live 
animals and animal products, as approved by Council Decision 97/132/EC. 
(***) Provisional code that does not affect the definitive denomination of the country to be attributed after the 
conclusion of the negotiations currently  taking place in the United Nations. 
  
EN 5   EN ANNEX II  
MODEL VETERINARY CERTIFICATE FOR IMPORTS OF IN VIVO  DERIVED  EMBRYOS 
OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES COLLECTED IN ACCORDANCE 
WITH COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 89/556/EEC 
COUNTRY:  Veterinary certificate to EU  
I.2. Certificate reference No I.2.a. 
I.3. Central competent authority I.1. Consignor 
 Name 
 Address  
 Tel. I.4. Local competent authority 
I.5. Consignee 
 Name  Address 
  Postal code 
 Tel. I.6. Person responsible for the load in EU 
 Name  Address 
 
 Postal code 
 Tel.  
I.7. Country of 
origin  ISO code I.8. Region of origin Code I.9. Country of 
destination ISO code  I.10. Region of 
destination Code 
        
I.11. Place of origin 
 
 Name Approval number  Address 
 Name Approval number 
 Address  Name Approval number 
 Address I.12. Place of destination 
 
 Name  Address 
 
 Postal code Part I : Details of di spatched consignment 
I.13. Place of loading I. 14. Date of departure 
I.16. Entry BIP in EU 
   I.15. Means of transport 
 
 Aeroplane  Ship  Railway wagon  
 Road vehicle  Other  
 Identification 
 Documentary references I.17. 
 I.19. Commodity code (HS code) 
05 11 99 85  I.18. Description of commodity 
 I.20. Quantity 
 I.21.  I.22. Number of packages 
 I.23. Seal/Container No I.24.  
 I.25. Commodities certified for: 
  Artificial reproduction  
 
 I.26. For transit through EU to third country  
 
 Third country ISO code  I.27. For import or admission into EU  
I.28. Identification of the commodities  
Species 
(Scientific name) 
    Breed Category Donor identity Date of co llection Date of freezing Approval number 
of the team Quantity 
  
EN 6   EN  COUNTRY In vivo  derived bovine embryos  
 II. Health information II.a. Certificate reference No II.b. 
 Part II: Certification 
 
 
 
  I, the undersigned, official  veterinarian of the ……….………… ..........……………….… certify that: 
(exporting country)(2) 
II.1. The embryo collection team (3) identified above: 
– has been approved in accordance with Chap ter I of Annex A to Directive 89/556/EEC; 
– carried out the collection, processing, storing and tran sport of the embryos described above in accordance 
with Chapter II of Annex A to Directive 89/556/EEC; 
– subject to inspection by an official veterinarian at least twice a year. 
II.2. The embryos to be exported were  collected in the exporting country, wh ich according to official findings: 
II.2.1. was free from rinderpest during the 12 mont hs immediately prior to their collection; 
(1)either [II.2.2. was free from foot-and-mouth disease during the 12 months immediately prior to their collection and 
did not carry out vaccination against f oot-and-mouth disease during that period.] 
(1)or [II.2.2. was not free from foot-and-mouth disease during the 12 months immediately prior to their collection 
and/or carried out vaccination against foot-a nd-mouth disease during that period, and: 
– the embryos were not subjected to pe netration of the zona pellucida, 
– the embryos were stored under approved conditions for at least 30 days immediately after their 
collection, 
– the donor females come from holdings on which no animal was vaccinated against foot-and-
mouth disease during the 30 days prior to coll ection and no animal of a susceptible species 
showed clinical signs of foot-a nd-mouth disease during the 30 days  prior to, and at least the 30 
days after, the embryos were collected.] 
II.3. The embryos to be exported were collected and processed on premises situated in an  area of at least 10 km 
radius centred on them, on which according to offici al findings there was no incidence of foot-and-mouth 
disease, epizootic haemorrhagic di sease, vesicular stomatitis, Rift Va lley fever or contagious bovine 
pleuropneumonia in the 30 days immediately prior to their collection and until dispatch, in case of fresh 
embryos, or during the 30 days after co llection, in case of embryos subject to a mandatory storage for at least 30 
days in accordance with point II.2.2. 
II.4. From the time of collection until 30 days thereafter or, in the case of fresh embryos until the day of dispatch, the 
embryos to be exported were stored on premises situated in an area of at least 10 km radius centred on them, on 
which according to official findings there was no incide nce of foot-and-mouth disease, vesicular stomatitis or 
Rift Valley fever. 
II.5. The donor females: 
II.5.1. were located, during the 30 days immediately pr ior to collection of the embryos to be exported, on 
premises situated in an area of at least 10 km radius centred on them, on which, according to official 
findings, there was no incidence of foot-and-mouth disease, bluetongue, epizootic haemorrhagic 
disease, vesicular st omatitis, Rift Valley fever or contagious bovine pleuropneumonia; 
II.5.2. showed no clinical signs of  disease on the day of collection; 
II.5.3. spent the six months immediat ely prior to collection within the territory of the exporting country in no 
more than two herds: 
– which, according to official findings, were  free from tuberculos is during that time, 
– which, according to official findings, were  free from brucellosis during that time, 
– which were free from enzootic bovi ne leukosis or in which no anim al showed clinical signs of 
enzootic bovine leukosis during the previous three years, 
– in which no bovine animal showed clinical signs of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/infectious 
pustular vulvo-vaginitis during the previous 12 months. 
II.6. The embryos to be exported were conceived by  artificial insemination us ing semen coming from semen 
collection or storage centres approved for the collection, processing and/or storage of semen by the competent 
authority of a country listed in Annex I to Decision 2011/630/EU (4) or by the competent authority of a Member 
State of the European Union. 
     
EN 7   EN  COUNTRY In vivo  derived bovine embryos  
 II. Health information II.a. Certificate reference No II.b. 
Notes 
Part I: 
Box I.6.: Person responsible for the load in EU : this box is to be filled in only if it is a certificate for transit 
commodity.  
Box I.11.: Place of origin  shall correspond to the embryo collection team of the embryos dispatch and listed in 
accordance with Article 8(2) of Directive 89/556/EEC on the Commission website: 
http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/s emen_ova/bovine/ova_embryos_en.htm . 
Box I.22.: Number of packages  shall correspond to the number of containers. 
Box I.23.: identification of container and seal number shall be indicated. 
Box I.26.: fill in according to whether it is a transit or an import certificate. Box I.27.: fill in according to whether it is a transit or an import certificate. Box I.28.: Species : select amongst “ Bos taurus ” and “ Bison bison" or "Bubalus bubalis ” as appropriate. 
 Category : select " in vivo  derived embryos". 
 Donor identity  shall correspond to the official  identification of the animal. 
 Date of collection  shall be indicated in the following format: dd/mm/yyyy. 
 Approval number of the team : shall correspond to the embryo collec tion team by which the embryos were 
collected, processed and stored; and listed in accordan ce with Article 8(2) of Directive 89/556/EEC on the 
Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/food/ animal/semen_ova/bovine /ova_embryos_en.htm
. 
Part II: 
(1) Delete as appropriate. 
(2) Only third countries listed in Annex I to Decision 2006/168/EC. 
(3) Only embryo collection teams liste d in accordance with Article 8(2) of Directive 89/556/EEC on Commission 
website: http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/sem en_ova/bovine/ova_embryos_en.htm  
(4) Only semen collection centres listed in accordance with Ar ticle 5(2) and Article 9(2) of Directive 88/407/EEC on the 
Commission websites: 
http://ec.europa.eu/food/anim al/approved_establishments/estab lishments_vet_field_en.htm ; 
http://ec.europa.eu/food/anim al/semen_ova/bovine/index_en.htm  . 
• The signature and the stamp must be in a different colour to that of the printing. 
 Official veterinarian  
 Name (in capital letters): Qualification and title:  Date: Signature: 
 Stamp: 
  
EN 8   EN ANNEX III  
MODEL VETERINARY CERTIFICATE FOR IMPORTS OF IN VITRO  PRODUCED EMBRYOS 
EMBRYOS OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES CONCEIVED USING SEMEN 
COMPLYING WITH COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 88/407/EEC 
COUNTRY:  Veterinary certificate to EU  
I.2. Certificate reference No I.2.a. 
I.3. Central competent authority I.1. Consignor 
 Name 
 Address  
 Tel. I.4. Local competent authority 
I.5. Consignee 
 Name  Address 
  Postal code 
 Tel. I.6. Person responsible for the load in EU 
 Name  Address 
 
 Postal code 
 Tel.  
I.7. Country of 
origin  ISO code I.8. Region of origin Code I.9. Country of 
destination ISO code  I.10. Region of 
destination Code 
        
I.11. Place of origin 
 
 Name Approval number  Address 
 Name Approval number 
 Address  Name Approval number 
 Address I.12. Place of destination 
 
 Name  Address 
 
 Postal code Part I : Details of di spatched consignment 
I.13. Place of loading I. 14. Date of departure 
I.16. Entry BIP in EU 
   I.15. Means of transport 
 
 Aeroplane  Ship  Railway wagon  
 Road vehicle  Other  
 Identification 
 Documentary references I.17. 
 I.19. Commodity code (HS code) 
05 11 99 85  I.18. Description of commodity 
 I.20. Quantity 
 I.21.  I.22. Number of packages 
 I.23. Seal/Container No I.24.  
 I.25. Commodities certified for: 
  Artificial reproduction  
 
 I.26. For transit through EU to third country  
 
 Third country ISO code  I.27. For import or admission into EU  
I.28. Identification of the commodities  
Species 
(Scientific name) 
 
   Breed Category Dam identity Sire identity  Date of freezing Approval number of 
the team 
 Quantity 
 
  
EN 9   EN  
 COUNTRY In vitro  produced bovine embryos  
 II. Health information II.a. Certificate reference No II.b. 
 Part II: Certification 
 
 
 
  I, the undersigned, official  veterinarian of ……….…………... .......……………….… certify that: 
(exporting country)(2) 
II.1. The embryo production team (3) identified above: 
– has been approved in accordance with Chap ter I of Annex A to Directive 89/556/EEC, 
– carried out the production, processing, storing and tran sport of the embryos described above in accordance 
with Chapter II of Annex A to Directive 89/556/EEC, 
– is subject to inspection by an official veterinarian at least twice a year. 
II.2. The embryos to be exported were produced in the exporting country, which acco rding to official findings: 
II.2.1. was free from rinderpest during the 12 mont hs immediately prior to their production; 
(1)either  [II.2.2. was free from foot-and-mouth disease during the 12 months immediately prior to their production and did 
not carry out vaccination against foot-a nd-mouth disease during that period.] 
(1)or [II.2.2. was not free from foot-and-mouth disease durin g the 12 months immediately  prior to their production 
and/or carried out vaccination against foot -and-mouth disease during that period, and 
– the embryos were produced without penetration of the zona pellucida,  
– the embryos were stored under approved conditions  for at least 30 days immediately after their 
production, 
– the donor females come from holdings on which no animal was vaccinated against foot-and-mouth 
disease during the 30 days prior to collection and no animal of a susceptible species showed clinical 
signs of foot-and-mouth disease during the 30 days  prior to, and at least the 30 days after, the 
oocytes were collected.] 
II.3. The oocytes used in the production of the embryos to be exported were coll ected on premises situ ated in an area 
of at least 10 km radius centred on them, on which according to official findings there was no incidence of foot-and-mouth disease, epizootic haemorrhag ic disease, vesicular stomatitis, Rift  Valley fever or contagious bovine 
pleuropneumonia in the 30 days immediatel y prior to their collection and until dispatch, in case of fresh embryos, 
or during the 30 days after collection, in case of embryo s subject to a mandatory storage for at least 30 days in 
accordance with point II.2.2. 
II.4. From the time of collection until 30 days thereafter or, in the case of fresh embryos until the day of dispatch, the 
embryos to be exported were stored on premises situated in an area of at least 10 km ra dius centred on them, on 
which according to official findings there was no inciden ce of foot-and-mouth disease, vesicular stomatitis or 
Rift Valley fever. 
II.5. The donors of oocytes used in the production of the embryos to be exported: 
II.5.1. were located, during the 30 da ys immediately prior to collection of the oocytes, on premises within a 10-
km radius of which, according to official findi ngs, there was no incidence of  foot-and-mouth disease, 
bluetongue, epizootic haemorrhagic disease, contag ious vesicular stomatitis, Rift Valley fever or 
contagious bovine pleuropneumonia; 
II.5.2. showed no clinical signs of  disease on the day of collection; 
II.5.3. spent the six months immediately prior to collec tion within the territory of the exporting country in no 
more than two herds: 
– which, according to official findings, were  free from tuberculos is during that time, 
– which, according to official findings, were  free from brucellosis during that time, 
– which were free from enzootic bovine leukosis or in  which no animal show ed clinical signs of 
enzootic bovine leukosis during the previous three years, 
– in which no bovine animal showed clinical signs of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/infectious 
pustular vulvo-vaginitis during the previous 12 months; 
(1)either  [II.5.4. were kept in a bluetongue viru s-free country or zone for at least 60 days prior to, and during, collection of 
the oocytes.] 
(1)or [II.5.4. were kept during a seasonally free pe riod or protected from the competent vector Culicoides  for at least 
60 days prior to, and during, the collection of th e oocytes, and the embryos were produced without 
penetration of the zona pellucida, except if the donors underwent a serological test to detect antibodies to 
the bluetongue virus group, carried out in accordance with the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines 
for Terrestrial Animals between 21 and 60 days after collection and giving negative  results and the 
embryos were stored fo r at least 30 days.]  
EN 10   EN  COUNTRY In vitro  produced bovine embryos  
 II. Health information II.a. Certificate reference No II.b. 
(1)or [II.5.4. underwent a serological test to  detect antibodies to the bluetongue vi rus group, carried out in accordance 
with the Manual of Diagnostic Test s and Vaccines for Terrestrial An imals between 21 and 60 days after 
collection and giving negative resu lts, and the embryos were stored for at least 30 days.] 
(1)or [II.5.4. underwent an agent identification test, carried out in accordance with the Manu al of Diagnostic Tests and 
Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals on a blood sample taken on the day of collection or the day of 
slaughtering and giving negative results – the embryo s having been produced, in the latter case, without 
penetration of the zona pellucida .] 
1.6. The embryos to be exported were conceived by in vitro  fertilisation using semen coming from semen collection 
or storage centres (4): 
(1)either  [II.6.1. approved in accordance with Article 5(1) of Directive 88/407/EEC and located in a Member State of the 
European Union, and the semen complies with the requirements of Directive 88/407/EEC.] 
(1)or [II.6.1. approved in accordance with Article 9(1) of Di rective 88/407/EEC and located in a third country listed in 
Annex I to Decision 2011/630/EU, and the semen complies with the requirements set out in Section A of 
Part 1 of Annex II to that Decision.] 
Notes 
Part I: 
Box I.6.: Person responsible for the load in EU : this box is to be filled in only if it is a certificate for transit 
commodity.  
Box I.11.: Place of origin  shall correspond to the embryo collection team of the embryos dispatch and listed in 
accordance with Article 8(2) of Directive 89/556/EEC on the Commission website: 
http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/s emen_ova/bovine/ova_embryos_en.htm . 
Box I.22.: Number of packages  shall correspond to the number of containers. 
Box I.23.: identification of container and seal number shall be indicated. 
Box I.26.: fill in according to whether it is a transit or an import certificate. Box I.27.: fill in according to whether it is a transit or an import certificate. Box I.28.: Species : select amongst “ Bos taurus ” and “ Bison bison" or "Bubalus bubalis ” as appropriate. 
 Category : select " in vivo  derived embryos". 
 Dam identity  shall correspond to the official  identification of the animal. 
 Sire identity  shall correspond to the official  identification of the animal. 
 Date of freezing  shall be indicated in the following format: yy/mm/dd. 
 Approval number of the team : shall correspond to the embryo collec tion team by which the embryos were 
collected, processed and stored; and listed in accordan ce with Article 8(2) of Directive 89/556/EEC on the 
Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/food/ animal/semen_ova/bovine /ova_embryos_en.htm
 
Part II: 
(1) Delete as appropriate. 
(2) Only third countries listed in Annex I to Decision 2006/168/EC. 
(3) Only embryo production teams listed in accordance with Article 8(2) of Directive 89/556/EEC on Commission 
website: http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/sem en_ova/bovine/ova_embryos_en.htm  
(4) Only semen collection centres listed in accordance with Ar ticle 5(2) and Article 9(2) of Directive 88/407/EEC on the 
Commission websites: 
http://ec.europa.eu/food/anim al/approved_establishments/estab lishments_vet_field_en.htm ; 
http://ec.europa.eu/food/anim al/semen_ova/bovine/index_en.htm . 
• The signature and the stamp must be in a different colour to that of the printing. 
 Official veterinarian  
 Name (in capital letters): Qualification and title:  Date: Signature:  
EN 11   EN  COUNTRY In vitro  produced bovine embryos  
 II. Health information II.a. Certificate reference No II.b. 
 Stamp:  
EN 12   EN ANNEX IV  
MODEL VETERINARY CERTIFICATE FOR IMPORTS OF IN VITRO -PRODUCED EMBRYOS 
OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES CONCEIVED USING SEMEN COMING 
FROM SEMEN COLLECTION OR STORAGE CENTRES APPROVED BY THE COMPETENT 
AUTHORITY OF THE EXPORTING COUNTRY  
COUNTRY:  Veterinary certificate to EU  
I.2. Certificate reference No I.2.a. 
I.3. Central competent authority I.1. Consignor 
 Name  Address 
  Tel. I.4. Local competent authority 
I.5. Consignee 
 Name  Address 
  Postal code  Tel. I.6. Person responsible for the load in EU 
 Name  Address 
 
 Postal code 
 Tel.  
I.7. Country of 
origin  ISO code I.8. Region of origin Code I.9. Country of 
destination ISO code  I.10. Region of 
destination Code 
        
I.11. Place of origin 
 
 Name Approval number  Address  Name Approval number 
 Address 
 Name Approval number  Address I.12. Place of destination 
 
 Name  Address  
 Postal code Part I : Details of di spatched consignment 
I.13. Place of loading I. 14. Date of departure 
I.16. Entry BIP in EU 
   I.15. Means of transport 
 
 Aeroplane  Ship  Railway wagon  
 Road vehicle  Other  
 Identification 
 Documentary references I.17. 
 I.19. Commodity code (HS code) 
05 11 99 85  I.18. Description of commodity 
 I.20. Quantity 
 I.21.  I.22. Number of packages 
 I.23. Seal/Container No I.24.  
 I.25. Commodities certified for: 
  Artificial reproduction  
 
 I.26. For transit through EU to third country  
 
 Third country ISO code  I.27. For import or admission into EU  
I.28. Identification of the commodities  
Species 
(Scientific name) 
    Breed Category Dam identity Sire identity  Date of freezing Approval number of 
the team 
 Quantity 
  
EN 13   EN  
 COUNTRY In vitro  produced bovine embryos using semen from 
semen centres approved by the exporting country  
 II. Health information II.a. Certificate reference No II.b. 
 Part II: Certification 
 
 
 
  I, the undersigned, official  veterinarian of ……….…………... .......……………….… certify that: 
(exporting country)(2) 
II.1. The embryo production team (3) identified above: 
– has been approved in accordance with Chap ter I of Annex A to Directive 89/556/EEC; 
– carried out the production, processing, storing a nd transport of the embryos described above in 
accordance with Chapter II of Annex A to Directive 89/556/EEC; 
– is subject to inspection by an official veterinarian at least twice a year. 
II.2. The embryos to be exported were produced in the exporting country, which acco rding to official findings: 
II.2.1. was free from rinderpest during the 12 mont hs immediately prior to their production; 
(1)either  [II.2.2. was free from foot-and-mouth disease during the 12 months immediately prior to their production and did 
not carry out vaccination against foot-a nd-mouth disease during that period.] 
(1)or [II.2.2. was not free from foot-and-mouth disease durin g the 12 months immediately  prior to their production 
and/or carried out vaccination against foot -and-mouth disease during that period, and 
– the embryos were produced without penetration of the zona pellucida,  
– the embryos were stored under approved conditions  for at least 30 days immediately after their 
production, 
– the donor females come from holdings on which no animal was vaccinated against foot-and-mouth 
disease during the 30 days prior to collection and no animal of a susceptible species showed clinical 
signs of foot-and-mouth disease during the 30 days  prior to, and at least the 30 days after, the 
oocytes were collected.] 
II.3. The oocytes used in the production of the embryos to be exported were coll ected on premises situ ated in an area 
of at least 10 km radius centred on them, on which according to official findings there was no incidence of foot-
and-mouth disease, epizootic haemorrhag ic disease, vesicular stomatitis, Rift  Valley fever or contagious bovine 
pleuropneumonia in the 30 days immediatel y prior to their collection and until dispatch, in case of fresh embryos, 
or during the 30 days after collection, in case of embryo s subject to a mandatory storage for at least 30 days in 
accordance with point II.2.2. 
II.4. From the time of collection until 30 days thereafter or, in the case of fresh embryos until the day of dispatch, the 
embryos to be exported were stored on premises situated in an area of at least 10 km ra dius centred on them, on 
which according to official findings there was no inciden ce of foot-and-mouth disease, vesicular stomatitis or 
Rift Valley fever. 
II.5. The donors of oocytes used in the production of the embryos to be exported: 
II.5.1. were located, during the 30 da ys immediately prior to collection of the oocytes, on premises within a 10-
km radius of which, according to official findi ngs, there was no incidence of  foot-and-mouth disease, 
bluetongue, epizootic haemorrhagic disease, contag ious vesicular stomatitis, Rift Valley fever or 
contagious bovine pleuropneumonia; 
II.5.2. showed no clinical signs of  disease on the day of collection; 
II.5.3. spent the six months immediately prior to collec tion within the territory of the exporting country in no 
more than two herds: 
– which, according to official findings, were  free from tuberculos is during that time, 
– which, according to official findings, were  free from brucellosis during that time, 
– which were free from enzootic bovi ne leukosis or in which no animal showed clinical signs of 
enzootic bovine leukosis during the previous three years, 
– in which no bovine animal showed clinical sign s of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/infectious 
pustular vulvo-vaginitis during the previous 12 months. 
(1)either  [II.5.4. were kept in a bluetongue virus-free country or zone for at least 60 days pr ior to, and during, collection 
of the oocytes.] 
(1)or [II.5.4. were kept during a seasonally free pe riod or protected from the competent vector Culicoides  for at least 
60 days prior to, and during, the collection of th e oocytes, and the embryo s were produced without 
penetration of the zona pellucida, except if the donors underwent a serologi cal test to detect antibodies to 
the bluetongue virus group, carried out in accordance with the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines 
for Terrestrial Animals between 21 and 60 days after collection and giving negative  results and the  
EN 14   EN  COUNTRY In vitro  produced bovine embryos using semen from 
semen centres approved by the exporting country  
 II. Health information II.a. Certificate reference No II.b. 
embryos were stored fo r at least 30 days.] 
(1)or [II.5.4. underwent a serological test to detect antibodies  to the bluetongue virus group, carried out in accordance 
with the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines fo r Terrestrial Animals between 21 and 60 days after 
collection and giving negative resu lts, and the embryos were stored for at least 30 days.] 
(1)or [II.5.4. underwent an agent identification test, carried out  in accordance with the Ma nual of Diagnostic Tests and 
Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals on a blood sample taken on the day of collection or the day of 
slaughtering and giving negative results – the embryos having been produced, in the latter case, without 
penetration of the zona pellucida .] 
1.6. The embryos to be exported were conceived by in vitro  fertilisation using semen coming from semen collection 
or storage centres approved for the collection, processing a nd/or storage of semen by the competent authority of a 
country listed in Annex I to Decision 2011/630/EC (4) or by the competent authority of a Member State of the 
European Union. 
Notes 
In accordance with Article 3(a) of Directive 89/ 556/EEC, embryos imported under the conditions laid 
down in this certificate are ex cluded from intra-Union trade. 
Part I: 
Box I.6.: Person responsible for the load in EU : this box is to be filled in onl y if it is a certificate for transit 
commodity. 
Box I.11.: Place of origin  shall correspond to the embryo  collection team of  the embryos dispatch and listed in 
accordance with Article 8(2) of Directive 89/556/EEC on the Commission website: 
http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/s emen_ova/bovine/ova_embryos_en.htm . 
Box I.22.: number of packages shall correspond to the number of containers. 
Box I.23.: identification of container and seal number shall be indicated. 
Box I.26.: fill in according to whether it is a transit or an import certificate. Box I.27.: fill in according to whether it is a transit or an import certificate. Box I.28.: Species : select amongst “ Bos taurus ” and “ Bison bison" or "Bubalus bubalis ” as appropriate. 
 Category : select " in vitro  produced embryos". 
 Dam identity  shall correspond to the official  identification of the animal. 
 Sire identity  shall correspond to the official  identification of the animal. 
 Date of freezing  shall be indicated in the following format: yy/mm/dd. 
 Approval number of the team : shall correspond to the embryo produc tion team by which the embryos were 
produced, processed and stored; and listed in accordance  with Article 8(2) of Directive 89/556/EEC on the 
Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/food/ animal/semen_ova/bovine /ova_embryos_en.htm
. 
Part II: 
(1) Delete as appropriate. 
(2) Only third countries listed in Annex I to Decision 2006/168/EC. 
(3) Only embryo production teams listed in accordance with Article 8(2) of Directive 89/556/EEC on the Commission 
website: http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/sem en_ova/bovine/ova_embryos_en.htm . 
(4) Only third countries listed in Annex I to Decision 2011/630/EU. 
• The signature and the stamp must be in a different colour to that of the printing. 
 
 Official veterinarian  
 Name (in capital letters): Qualification and title: 
 Date: Signature:  Stamp: 
"