COMMISSION DECISION  
of 26 August 2010  
on imports of semen, ova and embryos of animals of the ovine and caprine species into the Union  
(notified under document C(2010) 5780)  
(Text with EEA relevance)  
(2010/472/EU)  
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,  
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European 
Union,  
Having regard to Council Directive 92/65/EEC of 13 July 1992 
laying down animal health requirements governing trade in and 
imports into the Community of animals, semen, ova and 
embryos not subject to animal health requirements laid down 
in specific Community rules referred to in Annex A(I) to 
Directive 90/425/EEC (  1 ), and in particular Article 17(2)(b), 
Article 17(3), the first indent of Article 18(1), and the intro ­
ductory phrase and point (b) of Article 19 thereof,  
Whereas:  
(1) Directive 92/65/EEC lays down the animal health 
conditions governing imports into the Union of semen, 
ova and embryos of animals of the ovine and caprine 
species (‘the commodities’). It provides only commodities 
that come from a third country included on a list of third 
countries drawn up in accordance with that Directive and 
accompanied by a health certificate corresponding to a 
model also drawn up in accordance with that Directive, 
may be imported into the Union. The health certificate 
must certify that commodities come from approved 
collection and storage centres or collection and 
production teams offering guarantees at least equivalent 
to those laid down in Annex D(I) to that Directive.  
(2) Commission Decision 2008/635/EC of 22 July 2008 on 
imports of semen, ova and embryos of the ovine and 
caprine species into the Community as regards lists of 
third countries and of semen collection centres and 
embryo collection teams, and certification 
requirements (  2 ) currently sets out the list of third 
countries from which Member States are to authorise 
imports of the commodities.  
(3) Directive 92/65/EEC, as amended by Council Directive 
2008/73/EC (  3 ), introduced a simplified procedure for the listing of semen collection and storage centres and 
embryo collection and production teams in third 
countries approved for imports of the commodities 
into the Union.  
(4) In addition, Annex D to Directive 92/65/EEC, as 
amended by Commission Regulation (EU) No 
176/2010 (  4 ), sets out certain new requirements for the 
commodities which are to apply from 1 September 
2010. It introduces rules concerning semen storage 
centres and detailed conditions for their approval and 
supervision. It also sets out detailed conditions for the 
approval and supervision of embryo collection and 
production teams, for the collection and processing of  
in vivo  derived embryos and the production and 
processing of  in vitro  fertilised embryos and micro ­
manipulated embryos. It also amended the conditions 
to be applied to the donor animals of semen, ova and 
embryos of animals of the ovine and caprine species.  
(5) Accordingly, it is necessary to establish new health 
certificates for imports into the Union of the 
commodities taking into account the amendments 
made to Directive 92/65/EEC by Directive 2008/73/EC 
and Regulation (EU) No 176/2010.  
(6) In addition, it is appropriate that consignments of the 
commodities imported into the Union from Switzerland 
are accompanied by a health certificate drawn up in 
accordance with the models used for trade within the 
Union in semen, ova and embryos of animals of the 
ovine and caprine species set out in Commission 
Decision 2010/470/EU of 26 August 2010 laying 
down model health certificates for trade within the 
Union of semen, ova and embryos of animals of the 
equine, ovine and caprine species and in ova and 
embryos of animals of the porcine species (  5 ), with the 
adaptations set out in point 7 of Chapter IX(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 Confed ­
eration (  6 ).EN L 228/74 Official Journal of the European Union 31.8.2010  
( 1 ) OJ L 268, 14.9.1992, p. 54.  
( 2 ) OJ L 206, 2.8.2008, p. 17.  
( 3 ) OJ L 219, 14.8.2008, p. 40.  ( 4 ) OJ L 52, 3.3.2010, p. 14.  
( 5 ) See page 15 of this Official Journal.  
( 6 ) OJ L 114, 30.4.2002, p. 1.(7) In the application of this Decision, account should be 
taken of the specific certification requirements and 
model health attestations which may be 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 (  1 ), as approved by Council Decision 
1999/201/EC (  2 ). 
(8) In the application of this Decision, account should also 
be taken of the specific certification requirements and 
model health attestations which may be laid down in 
accordance with the Agreement between the European 
Community and New Zealand on sanitary measures 
applicable to trade in live animals and animal 
products (  3 ), as approved by Council Decision 
97/132/EC (  4 ). 
(9) In the interest of clarity and consistency of Union's legis ­
lation, Decision 2008/635/EC should be repealed and 
replaced by this Decision.  
(10) To avoid any disruption of trade, the use of health 
certificates issued in accordance with Decision 
2008/635/EC should be authorised during a transitional 
period subject to certain consitions.  
(11) 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 sets out a list of third countries or parts thereof 
from which Members States are to authorise the importation 
into the Union of consignments of semen, ova and embryos of 
animals of the ovine and caprine species.  
It also lays down certification requirements for the importation 
of those commodities into the Union.  
Article 2  
Imports of semen  
Member States shall authorise imports of consignments of 
semen of animals of the ovine and caprine species provided 
that they comply with the following conditions:  
(a) they come from a third country or part thereof listed in 
Annex I;  (b) they come from an approved semen collection or storage 
centre listed in accordance with Article 17(3)(b) of Directive 
92/65/EEC;  
(c) they are accompanied by a health certificate drawn up in 
accordance with the following model health certificates set 
out in Part 2 of Annex II, and completed in accordance with 
the explanatory notes set out in Part 1 of that Annex:  
(i) model 1 as set out in Section A, for consignments of 
semen dispatched from an approved semen collection 
centre of origin of the semen;  
(ii) model 2 as set out in Section B, for consignments of 
semen dispatched from an approved semen storage 
centre.  
However, where specific certification requirements are laid 
down in bilateral agreements between the Union and third 
countries, those requirements shall apply.  
(d) they comply with the requirements set out in the health 
certificates referred to in point (c).  
Article 3  
Imports of ova and embryos  
Member States shall authorise imports of consignments of ova 
and embryos of animals of the ovine and caprine species 
provided that they comply with the following conditions:  
(a) they come from a third country or part thereof listed in 
Annex III;  
(b) they come from an approved embryo collection or 
production team listed in accordance with Article 17(3)(b) 
of Directive 92/65/EEC;  
(c) they are accompanied by a health certificate drawn up in 
accordance with the model set out in Part 2 of Annex IV, 
and completed in accordance with the explanatory notes set 
out in Part 1 of that Annex.  
However, where specific certification requirements are laid 
down in bilateral agreements between the Union and third 
countries, those requirements must apply.  
(d) they comply with the requirements set out in the health 
certificate referred to in point (c).EN 31.8.2010 Official Journal of the European Union L 228/75  
( 1 ) OJ L 71, 18.3.1999, p. 3.  
( 2 ) OJ L 71, 18.3.1999, p. 1.  
( 3 ) OJ L 57, 26.2.1997, p. 5.  
( 4 ) OJ L 57, 26.2.1997, p. 4.Article 4  
General conditions concerning the transport of 
consignments of semen, ova and embryos to the Union  
1. Consignments of semen, ova and embryos of animals of 
the ovine and caprine species shall not be transported in the 
same container as other consignments of semen, ova and 
embryos that:  
(a) are not intended for introduction into the Union, or  
(b) are of a lower health status.  
2. During transport to the European Union, consignments of 
semen, ova and embryos shall be placed in closed and sealed 
containers and the seal must not be broken during the 
transport.  
Article 5  
Repeal  
Decision 2008/635/EC is repealed.  
Article 6  
Transitional provisions  
For a transitional period until 31 August 2011, Member States 
shall authorise imports from third countries of stocks of the 
following commodities:  
(a) semen of animals of the ovine and caprine species which 
were collected, processed and stored in accordance with Directive 92/65/EEC by 31 August 2010 and which are 
accompanied by a health certificate issued not later than 
31 May 2011 in accordance with the model set out in 
Annex II to Decision 2008/635/EC.  
(b) ova and embryos of animals of the ovine and caprine 
species which were collected or produced, processed and 
stored in accordance with Directive 92/65/EEC by 
31 August 2010 and which are accompanied by a health 
certificate issued not later than 31 May 2011 in accordance 
with the model set out in Annex VI to Decision 
2008/635/EC.  
Article 7  
Applicability  
This Decision shall apply from 1 September 2010.  
Article 8  
Addressees  
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.  
Done at Brussels, 26 August 2010.  
For the Commission  
John DALLI  
Member of the CommissionEN L 228/76 Official Journal of the European Union 31.8.2010ANNEX I  
List of third countries or parts thereof from which Member States are to authorise imports of consignments of 
semen of animals of the ovine and caprine species  
ISO Code  Name of the third country  Remarks  
Description of the territory 
(if appropriate ) Additional guarantees  
AU Australia  The additional guarantees as regards 
testing set out in points II.4.9 and 
II.4.10 of the health certificate set 
out in Section A of Part 2 of 
Annex II are compulsory.  
CA Canada  Territory as described in Part 1 of 
Annex I to Commission Regulation 
(EU) No 206/2010 (  1 ). The additional guarantee as regards 
testing set out in point II.4.9 of the 
health certificate set out in Section A 
of Part 2 of Annex II is compulsory.  
CH Switzerland (  2 ) 
CL Chile  
GL Greenland  
HR Croatia  
IS Iceland  
NZ New Zealand  
PM Saint Pierre and Miquelon  
US United States  The additional guarantee as regards 
testing set out in point II.4.9 of the 
health certificate set out in Section A 
of Part 2 of Annex II is compulsory.  
( 1 ) OJ L 73, 20.3.2010, p. 1. 
( 2 ) Certificates in accordance with the Agreement between the Eu ropean Community and the Swiss Confederation on trade in agricult ural 
products as approved by Decision 2002/309/EC, Euratom of the Council, and of the Commission as regards Agreement on Scientific 
and Technological Cooperation of 4 April 2002 on the conclusion of seven Agreements with the Swiss Federation (OJ L 114, 
30.4.2002, p. 132).EN 31.8.2010 Official Journal of the European Union L 228/77ANNEX II  
PART 1  
Explanatory notes for the certification  
(a) The health certificates shall be issued by the competent 
authority of the exporting third country, in accordance 
with the model set out in Part 2 of Annex II.  
If the Member State of destination requires additional 
certification requirements, attestations to certify that 
those requirements are fulfilled shall be also 
incorporated in the original form of the health 
certificate.  
(b) The original of the 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 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 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 health 
certificate), additional sheets of paper are attached to 
the health certificate, those sheets of paper shall also be 
considered as forming part of the original of the health 
certificate by application of the signature and stamp of 
the certifying officer, on each of the pages.  (f) When the 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 that has 
been designated by the competent authority on the 
top of the pages.  
(g) The original of the health certificate must be completed 
and signed by an official veterinarian the last working 
day prior to loading of the consignment for export- 
ation 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 health certificate. This requirement 
also applies to stamps other than those embossed or 
watermarks.  
(h) The original of the 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 health certificate must be 
issued by the competent authority of the exporting 
third country.EN L 228/78 Official Journal of the European Union 31.8.2010  
( 1 ) OJ L 13, 16.1.1997, p. 28.PART 2  
Model health certificates for imports of consignments of semen of animal of the ovine and caprine species  
Section A  
MODEL 1 — Health certificate for semen dispatched from an approved semen collection centre of origin of the semen
EN 31.8.2010 Official Journal of the European Union L 228/79EN L 228/80 Official Journal of the European Union 31.8.2010EN 31.8.2010 Official Journal of the European Union L 228/81EN L 228/82 Official Journal of the European Union 31.8.2010EN 31.8.2010 Official Journal of the European Union L 228/83Section B  
MODEL 2 — Health certificate for semen dispatched from an approved semen storage centre
EN L 228/84 Official Journal of the European Union 31.8.2010EN 31.8.2010 Official Journal of the European Union L 228/85EN L 228/86 Official Journal of the European Union 31.8.2010ANNEX III  
List of third countries or parts thereof from which Member States are to authorise imports of consignments of 
ova and embryos of animals of the ovine and caprine species  
ISO Code  Name of the third 
country  Remarks  
Description of the territory  
(if appropriate)  Additional guarantees  
AU Australia  The additional guarantees as regards testing 
set out in points II.2.6 and II.2.7 of the 
health certificate set out in Part 2 of 
Annex IV are compulsory.  
CA Canada  Territory as described in Part 1 of Annex I 
to Commission Regulation (EU) 
No 206/2010 (  1 ) as last amended.  The additional guarantee as regards testing 
set out in point II.2.7 of the health 
certificate set out in Part 2 of Annex IV 
is compulsory.  
CH Switzerland (  2 ) 
CL Chile  
GL Greenland  
HR Croatia  
IS Iceland  
NZ New Zealand  
PM Saint Pierre and 
Miquelon  
US United States  The additional guarantee as regards testing 
set out in point II.2.7 of the health 
certificate set out in Part 2 of Annex IV 
is compulsory.  
( 1 ) OJ L 73, 20.3.2010, p. 1. 
( 2 ) Certificates in accordance with the Agreement between the Eu ropean Community and the Swiss Confederation on trade in agricult ural 
products as approved by Decision 2002/309/EC, Euratom of the Council, and of the Commission as regards Agreement on Scientific 
and Technological Cooperation of 4 April 2002 on the conclusion of seven Agreements with the Swiss Federation (OJ L 114, 
30.4.2002, p. 132).EN 31.8.2010 Official Journal of the European Union L 228/87ANNEX IV  
PART 1  
Explanatory notes for the certification  
(a) The health certificates shall be issued by the competent 
authority of the exporting third country, in accordance 
with the model set out in Part 2 of Annex IV.  
If the Member State of destination requires additional 
certification requirements, attestations to certify that 
those requirements are fulfilled shall be also 
incorporated in the original form of the health 
certificate.  
(b) The original of the 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 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 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 health 
certificate), additional sheets of paper are attached to 
the health certificate, those sheets of paper shall also be 
considered as forming part of the original of the health 
certificate by application of the signature and stamp of 
the certifying officer, on each of the pages.  (f) When the 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 that has 
been designated by the competent authority on the 
top of the pages.  
(g) The original of the 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 health certificate. This requirement 
also applies to stamps other than those embossed or 
watermarks.  
(h) The original of the 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 health certificate must be 
issued by the competent authority of the exporting 
third country.EN L 228/88 Official Journal of the European Union 31.8.2010  
( 1 ) OJ L 13, 16.1.1997, p. 28.PART 2  
Model health certificate for imports of consigments of ova and embryos of animals of the ovine and caprine 
species
EN 31.8.2010 Official Journal of the European Union L 228/89EN L 228/90 Official Journal of the European Union 31.8.2010EN 31.8.2010 Official Journal of the European Union L 228/91EN L 228/92 Official Journal of the European Union 31.8.2010EN 31.8.2010 Official Journal of the European Union L 228/93