COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2021/963

of 10 June 2021

laying down rules for the application of Regulations (EU) 2016/429, (EU) 2016/1012 and (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the identification and registration of equine animals and establishing model identification documents for those animals

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’) (1), and in particular Article 120(1) and (2) thereof,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on zootechnical and genealogical conditions for the breeding, trade in and entry into the Union of purebred breeding animals, hybrid breeding pigs and the germinal products thereof and amending Regulation (EU) No 652/2014, Council Directives 89/608/EEC and 90/425/EEC and repealing certain acts in the area of animal breeding (‘Animal Breeding Regulation’) (2), and in particular Article 32(2) thereof,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on veterinary medicinal products and repealing Directive 2001/82/EC (3), and in particular Article 109(2) thereof,

Whereas:

(1) Regulation (EU) 2016/429 lays down, amongst other things, general rules for the Member States’ responsibility for establishing a system for the identification and registration of kept terrestrial animals, including equine animals. That Regulation provides that Member States are to establish and maintain a computer database of kept terrestrial animals (hereinafter the computer database). It also provides that the computer database is to record certain minimum information regarding equine animals: namely a unique code for the equine animal (hereinafter the unique code); the method of identification of the equine animal and the establishment where the equine animal is habitually kept. It also lays down obligations on operators keeping equine animals. They are required to ensure that those animals are individually identified: by the unique code; a correctly completed single lifetime identification document (the single lifetime identification document) and a physical means of identification or other method which unequivocally links the equine animal to a correctly completed single lifetime identification document.

(2) Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 lays down zootechnical and genealogical rules for trade in breeding animals and their germinal products and for their entry into the Union, including rules for the issuing of zootechnical certificates accompanying breeding animals. In particular, it provides that in the case of purebred breeding animals of the equine species, certain information required by that Regulation is to be contained in a single lifetime identification document for equine animals.

(3) Regulation (EU) 2019/6 lays down rules for the placing on the market, manufacturing, import, export, supply, distribution, pharmacovigilance, control and use of veterinary medicinal products and provides, amongst other things, for specific rules for the administration of veterinary medicinal products to food-producing animals, including equine animals. In particular, it lays down record-keeping obligations as regards equine animals and information to be contained in the single lifetime identification document.

(4) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 (4), which was adopted within the framework of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, provides for a wide definition of registered equine animals, and lays down additional requirements for the identification of equine animals, as well as rules on the issuing of duplicate and replacement documents. It also provides that the single lifetime identification document must include a validation mark or, in the case of registered horses, a licence which documents a higher health status of the animal in order to benefit from specific movement conditions laid down in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688 (5).

(5) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/577 (6) lays down rules concerning the content and format of the information necessary to apply Articles 112(4) and 115(5) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 and to be contained in the single lifetime identification document. In essence this is information on whether an individual equine animal is excluded from slaughter for human consumption or has received a medicinal treatment with substances considered essential for the treatment of equine species, or which brings added clinical benefit compared to other treatment options available for equine species and for which the withdrawal period for equine species shall be 6 months.

(6) Article 108(5)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 provides that Member States may, when appropriate, designate another authority or authorise another body or natural person to ensure the practical application of the identification and registration system, including the issuing of identification documents. Chapter III of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council (7) provides detailed rules and conditions for such delegation. In addition, Article 8(1) of Council Directive 90/427/EEC (8) provides for obligations on organisations and associations maintaining or establishing studbooks to issue identification documents for registered equidae. However, that Directive is repealed by Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 with effect from 21 April 2021. It is, therefore, uncertain to what extent Member States will delegate the practical application of the system for the identification of equine animals to breed societies, organisations managing horses for competitions and races, or other delegated bodies. Consequently, this Regulation should provide for a partial or complete delegation of those tasks to delegated bodies and clarify the role of breed societies and organisations managing horses for competitions and races in the process of identification of equine animals.

(7) The majority of comments provided in the framework of the public consultation on this document (9) concerned the issuing of identification documents by breed societies. Similar requests have been made by a number of Member States. A particularly challenging problem was the issuing of zootechnical certificates for equine animals entered in breeding books established by breed societies recognised in Member States other than the Member State of birth.

(8) To make the system of identification of equine animals practical, while meeting the requirements of Article 110(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, this Regulation should provide for the issuing of identification documents for registered equine animals by breed societies and organisations and associations managing horses for competition and races, even if those structures are not delegated bodies. In this case, the issuing of the identification document would be limited to its completion with the required information, printing and binding and the recording of details in databases, while the document would be delivered to the applicant operator by the competent authority or delegated body. Existing operational systems for the issuing and delivery of single lifetime identification documents by delegated bodies in close collaboration with breed societies and organisations and associations managing horses for competition and races should not be affected by these provisions.

(9) Single lifetime identification documents should not be issued unless they are duly completed with the required identification details containing the information required under Union law, which should also be recorded in the computer database in accordance with this Regulation.

(10) The computer database established in accordance with Article 109(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and storing the information in accordance with Article 64 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 should be accessible at various levels of security by operators, veterinarians responsible, as well as competent authorities or delegated bodies in other Member States. In addition, the exchange of electronic data between Member States should be encouraged to facilitate the traceability of the equine animals and the controls on the integrity of the food chain. It is therefore necessary to provide minimum requirements for such data exchange taking into account the requirements of Article 108(4)(d) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and the relevant standards referred to in Article 37 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1715 (10).

(11) Although a significant number of Member States prefer a simple format for the single lifetime identification document, setting out only the information details required in accordance with Article 65 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 and Article 1 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/577, that simple format would not be sufficient in order to use the single lifetime identification document as a multipurpose document accompanying equine animals for breeding or sport purposes. It is therefore justified to provide for a format of the single lifetime identification document that would permit to issue it in compliance with the minimum animal and public health requirements, as well as in an extended format also suitable for breeding, competition and racing purposes.

(12) Recent investigations carried out in Member States revealed that a simple marking of equine animals by injectable transponder may not be sufficient to ensure the identification of the equine animals, and in particular for the purposes of the protection of public health. A description of the equine animal consisting of a description and an outline diagram marking acquired and inherited phenotypic particularities, such as white patterns, specific colours, whorls, scars and, if necessary, the shape of the chestnuts, is therefore a necessary supplementing element of identification to prevent the fraudulent slaughter of equine animals previously excluded form slaughter for human consumption.

(13) In order to ensure that equine animals are correctly described in their accompanying single lifetime identification document, the competent authorities of the Member States, or where applicable delegated bodies should endeavour to follow best practices and train the personnel entrusted with the description of equine animals.

(14) It is also necessary to provide for cases where the original single lifetime identification document issued in accordance with this Regulation for the lifetime of the equine animal is lost, is no longer legible or contains incorrect information which is not the result of illegal practices. In order to document the equine animal’s status as excluded from slaughter for human consumption correctly, those provisions should, as far as possible, exclude the unlawful possession of more than one single lifetime identification document.

(15) Where sufficient and verifiable information is available, a duplicate single lifetime identification document should be issued which is marked as such, and generally excludes the equine animal from slaughter for human consumption. In other cases, a replacement single lifetime identification document should be issued, equally marked as such and excluding the equine animal from slaughter for human consumption and from the specific movement conditions for registered equine animals laid down in Article 92(2)(b) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688.

(16) In accordance with Article 67 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, those procedures should also be applied to equine animals that are presented for identification after the established deadline for the first identification of the equine animal, to minimise the risk of fraudulent acquisition of an additional identification document that could be used to re-introduce into the food chain an equine animal previously excluded from slaughter for human consumption in accordance with applicable legislation.

(17) In accordance with Article 66(1) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, operators are to ensure that equine animals are at all times accompanied by their single lifetime identification document. This requirement implies, irrespective of the movement of the animal, the handover of the single lifetime identification document from the previous owner to the new owner when the ownership of equine animal changes.

(18) Although equine animals must always be accompanied by their single lifetime identification documents in accordance with Union legislation, this Regulation should provide for a derogation from that requirement when it is impossible or even impractical for the retention of the single lifetime identification document throughout the lifetime of the equine animal, or where such a document was not issued taking into account the slaughter of the equine animal before it reaches the required maximum age for the first identification.

(19) For day-to-day movements on the national territories of Member States, plastic cards or smart cards as well as smartphone or tablet applications displaying the essential information contained in the single lifetime identification document appear to be useful supplements to the single lifetime identification document, and certain rules for their use should be laid down in this Regulation.

(20) Furthermore, the requirement that the single lifetime identification document must accompany the carcass of the equine animal to the establishment or plant approved in accordance with Article 24(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (11) has proven to be impractical in certain situations, and should therefore be limited to the situations described in point (a)(iii) of Chapter III of Annex III to Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 (12) or be regulated under national legislation.

(21) Equine animals may become equine animals intended for slaughter at a certain stage of their lifetime. Solipeds, synonymous for equine animals, is defined as being part of ‘domestic ungulates’ in point 1.2 of Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (13), which lays down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin.

(22) To prevent transponders from entering the food chain, the part of the meat derived from equine animals from which it has not been possible to remove the transponder at the time of slaughter should be declared unfit for human consumption in accordance with point (m) of Article 45 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/627 (14). To facilitate the location of the implanted transponders, the place of implantation should be standardised and recorded in the single lifetime identification documents.

(23) The Universal Equine Life Number (UELN) system has been agreed worldwide between the major horse-breeding, competition and racing organisations. It has been developed on the initiative of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH), the International Stud-Book Committee (ISBC), the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO), the European Conference of Arabian Horse Organisations (ECAHO), the International Anglo-Arabian Confederation (CIAA), the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) and the European Trotting Union (UET). Information on this system can be consulted on the UELN website (15), hosted by the French horse and riding institute (IFCE).

(24) The UELN system is suitable for assigning to an equine animal on the occasion of its first identification a unique code as referred to in Article 109(1)(d)(i) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429. When codes are assigned to the computer database or any databases established by delegated bodies or breed societies under the computer database of the Member States, the codes of those databases, and the format of the recorded unique code of the individual equine animals should not lead to confusion with the established UELN system. Therefore, the list of assigned UELN codes should be consulted before any new code is assigned to a database recording identification details of equine animals.

(25) Recording a UELN-compatible unique code and using it to identify the competent authorities or the delegated body to which the task of issuing single lifetime identification documents for equine animals has been delegated, should also facilitate the return to the issuing competent authority of the single lifetime identification document after the slaughter or death of the equine animal. Where possible, Member States should use the liaison bodies they have designated in accordance with Article 103 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council to facilitate the exchange of communications between competent authorities for mutual assistance.

(26) The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) in collaboration with the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) has developed recommendations for the safe international movement of competition horses and the concept of high-health, high performance horses (HHP) (16). Chapter 4.17 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (17) of the OIE sets out the recommendations on the establishment of a high-health status horse subpopulation, and Chapter 5.12 thereof, the model passport for international movement of competition horses.

(27) In addition, the eligibility of purebred breeding animals of the equine species to compete internationally is regulated by international private agreements. Considering the international dimension of the equine sector, the Commission should take into account those agreements, so as to maintain the eligibility of those purebred breeding animals of the equine species to compete at international level, and to have access to competitions organised in accordance with point (a) of the first indent in Article 4(2) of Council Directive 90/428/EEC (18).

(28) By way of derogation from Article 91(3) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688, the validity of the animal health certificate required for movement to another Member State may be extended from 10 to 30 days under the conditions laid down in Article 92 of that Regulation, subject to certain additional health measures including measures for the prevention of diseases affecting equine animals other than the diseases listed for those species in the Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882 (19).

(29) Points 1 and 2 of Section II of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 provide that food business operators operating slaughterhouses are to ensure, amongst other things that the procedures that they have put in place guarantee that each animal or, where appropriate, each lot of animals accepted onto the slaughterhouse premises is properly identified.

(30) In addition, points 1 to 3 of Section III of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 provides that the slaughterhouse operator is to receive, check and act upon food chain information providing details on the origin, history and management of animals intended for food production. In accordance with point 7 of Section III of Annex II to that Regulation, the competent authority may allow certain food chain information on equine animals to be sent to the slaughterhouse at the same time as the animals, rather than being sent in advance. The identification document accompanying equine animals for slaughter should therefore complement that food chain information. In accordance with point 8 of that Section III, food business operators are to check passports accompanying equine animals to ensure that the animal is not excluded from slaughter for human consumption. If the food business operators accept the animal for slaughter, they are to give the passport to the official veterinarian.

(31) Regulation (EU) 2019/6 defines food-producing animals by reference to the definition in point (b) of Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 470/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (20). Certain provisions of Regulation (EU) 2019/6, including those laid down in Articles 112 and 115, apply to species of animals considered as food-producing, thus including individual animals that are not intended to be used for human consumption, but belonging to a species that is legally used for human consumption in the Union.

(32) Given the specific situation of equine animals which are born as animals of a food-producing species, but which are not in all cases primarily bred for that purpose and are in the majority of cases not kept throughout their lifetime by food business operators as defined in point 3 of Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council (21), it is necessary to provide for a procedure that ensures a seamless connection from the checks on the single lifetime identification document for public health reasons to the management of that single lifetime identification document in accordance with this Regulation.

(33) The computer database to be established by Member States is therefore also instrumental for verifying certain information set out in the single lifetime identification document before a decision is taken to accept that equine animal for slaughter for human consumption. In the case where the information as regards the exclusion from slaughter for human consumption in the dedicated section of the single lifetime identification document does not match the information recorded in the computer database, the information contained in either of them which leads to the exclusion of the equine animal from slaughter for human consumption should prevail.

(34) Where the identity of an equine animal cannot be ascertained with certainty, it may be necessary to exclude it from slaughter for human consumption. It is therefore necessary to lay down rules which allow the documentation of the exclusion from slaughter for human consumption of an equine animal independently of the administration of a medicinal product applied in accordance with Article 112(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6.

(35) Since the administration of a medicinal product in accordance with Article 112(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 remains the only reason to exclude an equine animal from slaughter for human consumption, except where such exclusion is ordered by the competent authority for administrative reasons, it should be no longer necessary to provide for a countersignature of the operator of the animal when excluding an equine animal from slaughter for human consumption in accordance with Union legislation.

(36) At the same time, the administration to an equine animal of veterinary medicinal products authorised in accordance with Article 8(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 should only be permitted after the animal has been excluded from slaughter for human consumption following the administration of a medicinal product in accordance with Article 112(4) of that Regulation.

(37) In accordance with Article 109(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6, it is also necessary to establish a model form for the information necessary to administer medicinal products included in the list of substances established in accordance with Article 115(5) of that Regulation. At present, the list of substances which are essential for the treatment of equine animals, or which bring added clinical benefit compared to other treatment options available for equine species and for which the withdrawal period for equine species is six months, is laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006 (22).

(38) The format of the information necessary to apply Article 115(5) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 and to be contained in the single lifetime identification document is also suitable for the recording of an administrative suspension for a minimum period of six months of the slaughter for human consumption of a food producing equine animal in those cases, where under strict conditions a duplicate single lifetime identification document is issued without excluding the animal from slaughter for human consumption.

(39) The rules laid down in Council Directive 96/22/EC (23) apply to farm animals, including equine animals, as well as to wild animals of those species which have been raised on a holding. Article 7 of that Directive allows trade in registered equidae to which veterinary medicinal products containing allyl trenbolone or beta-agonists have been administered for zootechnical purposes, as specified in Article 4 of that Directive, to take place before the end of the withdrawal period, provided that the conditions governing the administration of those products are fulfilled and that the type and date of treatment are entered in the certificate or passport accompanying those animals.

(40) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692 (24) lays down, amongst other things, conditions for the entry into the Union of equine animals from third countries and the handling of those animals after their entry. A thirty-day rule should be provided for in this Regulation for the identification of equine animals that enter the Union. Since a substantial number of horses arrive in the Union on a temporary basis, the thirty-day period should start following the completion of the customs procedure required for release for free circulation laid down in Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (25).

(41) Registered horses for competition and racing fall under the provisions of Articles 136(1)(b), 139(1) and 141(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446 (26) as concerns the temporary admission procedure. These provisions allow, amongst other things, to declare the goods by ‘any other act’, including the sole act of the goods crossing the frontier of the customs territory of the Union referred to in Article 141(1)(d) of that Regulation.

(42) Purebred breeding animals of the equine species entering the Union for breeding purposes may be placed under the inward processing procedure as provided for in Article 256 of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013, under which non-Union goods may be used in the customs territory of the Union in one or more processing operations without such goods being subject to import duty, other charges and commercial policy measures, insofar as they do not prohibit the entry or exit of goods into or from the customs territory of the Union. The inward processing procedure allows the horses for breeding and their output of breeding to be released for free circulation or re-exported at the end of the processing operations, along with other alternate ways for discharging this procedure.

(43) When a single lifetime identification document is issued for an equine animal that entered the Union from a third country and was released for free circulation, the competent authority should after entry into the Union exclude the equine animal from having the status of an animal that is permitted to be slaughtered for human consumption if the third country of origin is not listed in Commission Decision 2011/163/EU (27) or there are other reasons not to certify the public health attestation in point II.1.6 of the official certificate accompanying the equine animal to the border laid down in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/403 (28).

(44) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1940 (29) provides for the content and format of zootechnical certificates issued for purebred breeding animals of the equine species to be contained in the single lifetime identification document. Therefore, this Regulation should establish the rules for entering information on purebred breeding animals of the equine species in the zootechnical certificate contained in the single lifetime identification document.

(45) Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 (30) defines ‘registered equidae’ by reference to Council Directive 90/426/EEC (31). Since this term is not used in Regulation (EU) 2016/429, it should be clarified that this term is synonymous for ‘registered equine animal’ as defined in the present Regulation.

(46) With a view to the uniform application of Union legislation on the identification of equine animals in the Member States and to ensure that it is clear and transparent, this Implementing Regulation should determine the dates referred to in Article 86 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035. As Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 applies from 21 April 2021, this Regulation should also apply from that date. However, as Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/577 only applies from 28 January 2022, Annex I to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262 (32) should continue to apply until 27 January 2022.

(47) The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, the Standing Committee on Veterinary Medicinal Products and the Standing Committee on Zootechnics,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

PART 1

GENERAL RULES

Article 1 Subject matter and scope 1. This Regulation implements the rules referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 in respect of kept equine animals: (a) born in the Union; (b) following their entry into the territories listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and released for free circulation, with the exception of re-entry into the Union after temporary export to third countries. 2. This Regulation lays down general and specific rules for the uniform application of the identification and registration system provided for in Article 108(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 for equine animals and different categories thereof, in order to ensure its efficient operation, including: (a) the uniform access to data contained in, and the technical specifications and operational rules of, the computer database referred to in Article 109(1)(d) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Article 64 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, and the deadlines, obligations and procedures for the transmission of information by operators or other natural or legal persons and for the registration of equine animals in the computer databases; (b) the technical specifications and procedures, formats, design and operational rules for the means and methods of identification of equine animals, including: (i) the time periods for the application of the means and methods of identification; (ii) the removal, modification or replacement of the means and methods of identification and the deadlines for such operations; (iii) the configuration of the identification code; (c) the technical specifications, formats and operational rules for the single lifetime identification documents for equine animals; (d) the practical application of derogations from the identification and registration requirements of certain equine animals intended for slaughter and for equine animals kept under semi-wild conditions; (e) rules on the use of the single lifetime identification document for movements of equine animals carried out in accordance with the derogation concerning the duration of validity of the animal health certificate provided for in Article 92(2) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688; (f) model forms necessary to use the single lifetime identification document for sporting purposes and for the international movement of competition horses as recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE); (g) the identification of equine animals which have entered the Union from third countries. 3. This Regulation lays down the rules on the model forms necessary to apply Articles 112(4) and 115(5) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/577 to be contained in the single lifetime identification document, and rules for the documentation of certain treatments in accordance with Directive 96/22/EEC. 4. This Regulation lays down the rules on the model forms for entering the information set out in Chapter I of Part 2 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 and in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1940 to be contained in a single lifetime identification document for purebred breeding animals of the equine species.

Article 2 Definitions For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply: (1) ‘equine animal’ means a kept animal of species belonging to the genus Equus, including horses, asses and zebras, and the offspring of crossings of those species; (2) ‘establishment’ means an establishment as defined in point (27) of Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2016/429; (3) ‘operator’ means any natural or legal person having equine animals under his or her responsibility, including for a limited duration of time, but excluding veterinarians; (4) ‘owner’ means the natural or legal person(s) having the ownership of the equine animal; (5) ‘registered equine animal’, or ‘registered equidae’ means: (a) a purebred breeding animal of the species Equus caballus or Equus asinus entered or eligible for entry in the main section of a breeding book established by a breed society recognised in accordance with Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 or a breeding body listed in accordance with Article 34 thereof; (b) an equine animal of the species Equus caballus registered with an international association or organisation, either directly or through its national federation or branches, which manages horses for competition or racing (‘registered horse’); (6) ‘breeding book’ means a breeding book as defined in point (12) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012; (7) ‘main section’ means the main section of a breeding book as defined in point (13) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012; (8) ‘breed society’ means a breed society as defined in point (5) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012; (9) ‘breeding body’ means a breeding body as defined in point (7) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012; (10) ‘equine animals intended for slaughter’ means equine animals to be transported, either directly or after undergoing an assembly operation, to a slaughterhouse; (11) ‘high-health equine animal’ means an equine animal eligible for movement to other Member States in accordance with Article 92(2) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688; (12) ‘competent authority’ means the central veterinary authority of a Member State as defined in point (55) of Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2016/429; (13) ‘zootechnical authority’ means the competent authority as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012; (14) ‘zootechnical certificate’ means the zootechnical certificate defined in point (20) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 and set out in the Annex to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1940; (15) ‘mark’ means any distinguishing inherent or acquired individual characteristic of an equine animal, which is visible, or can be rendered visible, and can be recorded for identification purposes; (16) ‘transponder’ means the electronic identifier defined in point (23) of Article 2 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035; (17) ‘unique code’ means the unique code defined in point (17) of Article 2 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035; (18) ‘Universal Equine Life Number’ (UELN) means a unique 15-digit alphanumeric code compiling information on the individual equine animal and the database and country where such information is first recorded in accordance with the coding system managed by the French horse and riding institute (IFCE) which hosts the UELN website; (19) ‘smart card’ means a plastic device with an embedded computer chip capable of storing data and transmitting them electronically to compatible computer systems; (20) ‘veterinarian responsible’ means the veterinarian referred to in Articles 112 and 113 of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 responsible for the medicinal treatment of an equine animal and the documentation of such treatment and its effect on the status of the equine animal as intended for or excluded from slaughter for human consumption in accordance with the present Regulation; (21) ‘computer database’ means the computer database established by a Member State for the recording of information related to kept animals of the equine species as provided for in the introductory phrase and point (d) of Article 109(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429; (22) ‘single lifetime identification document’ means the single lifetime document whereby operators of equine animals are required to ensure that those animals are individually identified, as provided for in Article 114(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429; (23) ‘validation mark’ means an entry in the single lifetime identification document made by the competent authority in accordance with and for the purpose referred to in Article 92(2)(a) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688; (24) ‘licence’ means an entry in the single lifetime identification document, made for the participation in equestrian competitions at local, regional, national or international level by the national federation of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) or for the participation in races by the competent racing authority in accordance with and for the purpose referred to in Article 92(2)(b) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688; (25) ‘delegated body’ means the delegated body defined in point (5) of Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, designated in accordance with Article 108(5)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 to ensure the practical application of the identification and registration system established for equine animals, including the issuing and delivery of single lifetime identification documents for equine animals. This body is referred to as ‘issuing body’ in Chapters 2 and 3 of Title IV of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035.

Article 3 Role of operators and owners 1. The operator of an equine animal, who is not the owner or one of the owners of the equine animal, shall act in accordance with the rules laid down in this Regulation on behalf of and in agreement with the owner or a representative of the owners of the equine animal. 2. Member States and, where applicable, delegated bodies may require that the following applications made to them by operators shall be submitted by the owner or a representative of the owners: (a) applications for the issuing of single lifetime identification documents, as provided for in Article 22; (b) applications for the issuing of duplicate identification documents, as provided for in Article 25; (c) applications for the issuing of replacement identification documents, as provided for in Article 26; (d) applications for modifying identification details in existing single lifetime identification documents, as provided for in Article 30.

PART 2

UNIFORM APPLICATION OF THE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR EQUINE ANIMALS

CHAPTER I

Uniform rules on the computer database established for equine animals

Article 4 Information concerning competent authorities and delegated bodies issuing single lifetime identification documents for equine animals 1. Member States shall draw up and keep up-to-date a list of competent authorities and, where applicable, delegated bodies, responsible for issuing single lifetime identification documents for equine animals and make that list available to the other Member States and the public on a website established by the competent authority. 2. The list provided for in paragraph 1 shall: (a) include the contact details necessary to comply with the requirements of Articles 8, 9, 11, 22, 27 and 28; (b) be sufficiently comprehensible for non-native speakers and directly accessible through the internet link provided to the Commission in accordance with paragraph 3, which shall be kept working at all times. 3. In order to assist the Member States in making the up-to-date lists provided for in paragraph 1 available, the Commission shall establish a website to which each Member State shall provide a direct link to the required information on the website provided for in paragraph 1.

Article 5 Assignment of a code to the computer database and the databases of delegated bodies 1. The competent authority shall assign a code to the computer database, and where applicable each database established under the framework of the computer database by delegated bodies, breed societies and the organisations and association referred to in Article 2(5)(b) which record identification details of equine animals. 2. The code provided for in paragraph 1 shall be compatible with the coding system of the UELN and shall consist of a six-digit code for the computer database and each database established under the framework of the computer database including: (a) three digits for the numeric ISO 3166 country code; (b) three alpha-numeric digits for the database.

Article 6 Recording identification details in the computer database 1. At the time of first identification of an equine animal, the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, breed societies and the organisations and association referred to in Article 2(5)(b) shall record the identification details of the equine animal in the computer database under the unique code. 2. The unique code referred to in paragraph 1 shall consist of: (a) the code assigned to the computer database or the databases of delegated bodies, breed societies and the organisations and association referred to in Article 2(5)(b) in accordance with Article 5(2), followed by, (b) a nine-digit individual identification number assigned to the equine animal. 3. The unique code shall be the reference for any access to and data exchange between the computer databases and the databases of delegated bodies, breed societies and the organisations and association referred to in Article 2(5)(b). 4. Where delegated bodies, breed societies and the organisations and association referred to in Article 2(5)(b) set up databases under the framework of the computer database, they shall ensure that at least the information provided for in points 1 to 7 of Part A and in Part C of Section I and Part II of Section II of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II, are mirrored in the computer database.

Article 7 Operational rules of the computer databases of equine animals and access to data contained therein 1. Member States shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure that the computer databases continue operating in the event of potential disruption, and the security, protection, integrity and authenticity of the information recorded in the computer databases. 2. Member States shall ensure that, on their request, operators of establishments in respect of equine animals kept on their establishments, operators of equine animals in respect of their animals, and operators of slaughterhouses in respect of equine animals presented for slaughter to their slaughterhouse, have at least free of charge read-only access to the following information contained in the computer database on the aforementioned equine animals: (a) the unique code as described in Article 6(2); (b) where available, the identification code of the animal referred to in point (1) of Part 1 or point (2) of Part 2 of Annex I and displayed by the physical means of identification referred to in points (a), (b), (c), (e) or (f) of Annex III to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035; (c) the status of the equine animal, as intended for or excluded from slaughter for human consumption. 3. Member States shall provide competent authorities and delegated bodies read-write access to the computer database to enter identification details of equine animals or to exchange data between that computer database and databases maintained by delegated bodies. 4. Member States shall provide competent authorities of other Member States, or as applicable delegated bodies in those other Member States listed in accordance with Article 4(1), free of charge read-only access to the information detailed in points (a), (b) and (c) of paragraph 2 contained in their computer databases for the equine animals habitually kept on their territory. 5. By way of derogation from paragraph 2 of this Article, Member States may grant operators of equine animals referred to in Article 102(4) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and veterinarians responsible read-write access to relevant datasets in the computer database, provided that data protection is guaranteed in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Article.

Article 8 Technical conditions and the modalities for the exchange of electronic data between computer databases of Member States in respect of equine animals 1. Where Member States decide, in accordance with Article 108(4) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, to exchange identification details of equine animals contained in their computer databases directly with the corresponding computer databases in other Member States, the information referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) of Article 64 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 shall be exchanged as electronic data between computer databases of Member States in the format of an XML Schema Definition (XSD) made available by the Commission on the basis of the relevant standards referred to in Article 37 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1715. 2. The competent authority responsible for the establishment to which the equine animal has been moved for habitual residence may request the information referred to in paragraph 1 from the competent authority of the establishment of origin and each transmission shall be timestamped.

Article 9 Deadlines and obligations for the registration of equine animals in the computer database Operators of equine animals shall ensure the transmission to the competent authority of the information required in accordance with points (b) and (c) of Article 64 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 within a period set by the competent authority, which shall not exceed a period of seven days from the date that the equine animal has been recorded in accordance with Article 102(1)(b)(ii) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 as habitually resident in the establishment of the operator.

CHAPTER II

Technical specifications and procedures, formats, design and operational rules for the means and methods of identification

Section 1

Technical specifications and procedures, formats, design of and rules for the application of the means and method of identification

Article 10 Technical specifications for means and method of identification 1. Member States shall establish a system to ensure the uniqueness of the code displayed by transponders used in electronic identifiers, such as injectable transponders, electronic ear tags or electronic pastern bands, for the identification of equine animals born in the Union or released for free circulation in the Union after entry from a third country. 2. Electronic identifiers shall comply with the technical specifications set out in Part 1 of Annex I. 3. Ear tags and pastern bands shall comply with the technical specifications set out in Part 2 of Annex I.

Article 11 Time periods for the application of the means of identification 1. Operators of equine animals shall ensure that injectable transponders or, in accordance with Article 59(1)(a) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, ear tags are applied to equine animals at the same time as, or shortly prior to the date of, completing the identification form necessary to apply for the issuing of the single lifetime identification document within the time period for identification laid down in Article 21. 2. Operators of equine animals intend for movement to a slaughterhouse in accordance with Article 43(2) shall ensure that the means of identification is applied to the equine animal immediately after the receipt from the competent authority of the corresponding documentation issued in a format provided by that competent authority to meet the food chain information requirements set out in Section III of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004. 3. The limited delay between applying the means of identification and the completion of the identification form to apply for the issuing of a single lifetime identification document as provided for in paragraph 1 shall not apply to the identification of: (a) equine animals living under semi-wild conditions and identified in accordance with Article 60 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035; (b) foals less than 6 months old when they are marked by a means of identification for certification purposes to accompany their dam for a temporary residence in: (i) another Member State for a period of less than 30 days or in accordance with point (c)(iii) of Article 64 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035; or (ii) a third country.

Article 12 Measures to detect the previous identification of equine animals 1. Prior to applying the means of identification to the equine animal in accordance with Article 13, the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, or the veterinarian or qualified person referred to in Article 13(1) shall ensure that measures are taken to detect possible signs or marks indicative of the previous identification of the equine animal by injectable transponders or ear tags. Those measures shall include at least the following: (a) a check of the equine animal for any injectable transponder previously implanted, using a reading device complying with the requirements set out in point 2(b) of Part 1 of Annex I at least when the reader is in direct contact with the body surface of the equine animal on the spot where a transponder would have been implanted in accordance with Article 13(2); (b) any clinical signs indicating that a previously implanted transponder or a previously applied mark has been surgically removed or altered; (c) any sign or indication that an alternative method of identification authorised in accordance with Article 16 was applied to the equine animal. 2. Where the measures provided for in paragraph 1 of this Article reveal the existence of a previously implanted injectable transponder or ear tags, or any alternative method of identification applied in accordance with Article 16, indicative of a completed previous identification in accordance with Section 2 of Chapter III, the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, shall: (a) issue a duplicate or replacement identification document in accordance with Article 25 or 26, depending on the information available; (b) enter the code displayed by the transponder or ear tags, or the information on the alternative method of identity verification, in an appropriate way in the form fields to be used for the identification details in Part A and the outline diagram provided for in Part B of Section I of the model identification document for equine animals, set out in Part 1 of Annex II. 3. Where the undocumented removal of an injectable transponder, ear tag or alternative method of identification referred to in paragraph 1(c) is confirmed in an equine animal born in the Union, the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, shall issue a duplicate identification document in accordance with Article 25 or a replacement identification document in accordance with Article 26.

Article 13 Procedures and operational rules for the means and method of identification 1. The means of identification shall be applied by a veterinarian or, where provided for in national legislation, by an authorised and duly trained and qualified person. 2. The injectable transponder shall be implanted parenterally, after appropriate preparation of the place of injection, on the left side of the neck of the equine animal, in the middle between the poll and withers and in the area of the nuchal ligament. 3. Where identification is carried out by ear tag in accordance with Article 59(1)(a) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, it shall be attached to the auricle of the left ear of the equine animal. 4. The code displayed by the means of identification referred to in points (a), (b), (c), (e) or (f) of Annex III to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 after injection or application shall be recorded by or under the responsibility of the person referred to in paragraph 1 in the designated form field of the identification form required to apply for the issuing of a single lifetime identification document or directly in Part A of Section I of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II.

Article 14 Removal, modification or replacement of the means of identification and the deadlines for such operations 1. Where a transponder has ceased to function and requires replacement, the equine animal shall be identified with a new transponder displaying a new code, in which case the new transponder code shall be additionally recorded in the computer database and where applicable the database of the delegated body and in the single lifetime identification document in Part C of Section I of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II. 2. A lost or illegible ear tag applied in accordance with Article 13(3) shall be replaced by an ear tag displaying a new code, in which case the new code shall be additionally recorded in the computer database and where applicable the database of the delegated body and in the single lifetime identification document in Part C of Section I of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II. 3. Operators shall ensure that the means of identification are replaced as soon as possible after they have been lost or ceased to function correctly and in any case within a period set by the competent authority which shall not exceed 30 days from the date of the detected loss or malfunction and before the equine animal leaves the establishment of habitual residence. 4. By way of derogation from paragraph 2, where an equine animal has been identified with more identifiers than a single ear tag, the competent authority may permit that the ear tag which has become illegible or has been lost, is replaced by a new ear tag with the identification code of the animal displayed by the remaining means of identification. 5. Operators of registered equine animals shall inform the breed society or the organisation or association referred to in Article 22(2) and (3) respectively of any change of the code displayed by the means of identification.

Article 15 Measures to be taken in respect of the means of identification in the case of slaughter, killing or death of equine animals 1. The competent authority shall take the necessary measures to ensure that on the slaughter or death of the equine animal, the means of identification are protected from subsequent fraudulent use by its retrieval and destruction or disposal in situ. 2. Where the injectable transponder cannot be recovered from the body of an equine animal slaughtered for human consumption and the meat or the part of the meat containing the transponder is declared unfit for human consumption in accordance with point (m) of Article 45 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/627, the resulting animal by-products shall be disposed of to meet the requirements of paragraph 1 of this Article.

Section 2

Alternative methods of identification

Article 16 Authorisation of alternative methods of identification 1. Where a Member State has authorised, in accordance with Article 62 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, a suitable alternative method of identification for the verification of the identity of kept equine animals born in its territory, including inherited or acquired distinctive marks and genetic markers, the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, shall ensure that the details of this alternative method of identification have been verified before those details are recorded in the single lifetime identification document and the computer database. 2. Member States may require the use of alternative methods of identity verification based on genetic markers as a complement of the identification requirements laid down in Article 109(1)(d)(ii) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, for equine animals born or habitual resident in that Member State. 3. Member States shall make information on their authorised alternative methods of identification as referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, available to the Commission, the other Member States and the public on the website referred to in Article 4(1). 4. Where an alternative method of identification, as referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, is used to identify equine animals, the information details shall be recorded in the extended format of the single lifetime identification document. 5. In the case of equine animals with unique colour marks, such as zebra, in confined establishments, the competent authority may authorise the replacement of a completed outline diagram by a high quality photograph. 6. Where an alternative method of identification, as referred to in paragraph 1, is used, the operator shall provide the means of accessing that identification information or shall, if applicable, bear the costs or the consequence of the delays of verifying the identity of the equine animal.

CHAPTER III

Technical specifications, formats and operational rules for the single lifetime identification document

Section 1

Technical specifications and formats of the single lifetime identification document

Article 17 Minimum requirements as regards the format, design and content of single lifetime identification documents 1. The single lifetime identification document shall have one of the following formats: (a) standard format (standard identification document) sufficient to contain the minimum information for the identification of equine animals required in accordance with Regulations (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2019/6 and comprising Sections I, II and III of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation and meeting the additional requirements set out in Part 2 of that Annex; (b) extended format (extended identification document) sufficient to contain the minimum information for the identification of equine animals required in accordance with Regulations (EU) 2016/429, (EU) 2019/6 and (EU) 2016/1012, as well as in accordance with Article 65(2)(d) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, and comprising Sections I to X of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation and meeting the additional requirements set out in Part 2 of that Annex. 2. The single lifetime identification document shall only be issued after entering at least the information required in accordance with points 1, 2 and 4 to 7 of Part A and points 12 to 18 of Part B and, where applicable in accordance with Article 16, Section X of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II. 3. The shape of the silhouette of the equine animal in the outline diagram provided for in Part B of Section I of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II may be adapted, if the document is issued for an equine animal other than a horse. 4. The competent authority may authorise that in the case of a standard identification document, the following information is only to be completed when the equine animal has been excluded from slaughter for human consumption in accordance with Article 39(2): (a) points (3)(a) to (h) of Part A of Section I of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II; (b) points 12 to 18 of Part B of Section I of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II. 5. The outline of chestnuts in Section X of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II shall only be required in single lifetime identification documents issued for equine animals not identified with an injectable transponder or ear tag and which have no markings or only three or less whorls. 6. The anatomic place of implantation of an injectable transponder shall be indicated in the outline diagram provided for in Part B of Section I of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II.

Article 18 Minimum requirements as regards the technical specifications of the single lifetime identification documents 1. The single lifetime identification document shall meet the additional requirements set out in Part 2 of Annex II. 2. Where in the cases described in Article 21(4) the single lifetime identification document is issued in the extended format consisting of two parts comprising the standard format referred to in Article 17(1) and Sections IV to X being inserted as an indivisible whole in the pocket of the cover, as set out in point (b) of Part 2 of Annex II, the unique code entered in Section IV shall establish the link between standard format on the one side and Section IV to X on the other side.

Article 19 Recording of the transponder code in the identification document 1. When an injectable transponder is implanted in an equine animal in accordance with Article 11, the competent authority or delegated body shall enter the following information in the single lifetime identification document: (a) at least the last 15 digits of the code transmitted by the transponder and displayed by the reader following implantation, and optionally (i) either a self-adhesive sticker with a bar-code, provided the page of the identification document is sealed afterwards; or (ii) a print of the bar-code referred to in point (i) encoding at least those last 15 digits of the code transmitted by the transponder; (b) the signature of either the person who completed the description in Part A and the outline diagram in Part B of Section I of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II and read the code displayed by the transponder after its implantation, or of the person reproducing this information for the purpose of issuing the identification document in accordance with the rules of the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, or the breed society or organisation or association referred to respectively in paragraph (2) and (3) of Article 22. 2. Where an equine animal was previously identified with an injectable transponder which does not comply with the current ISO standards, the reading system shall be inserted in point 5 of Part A of Section I of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II.

Article 20 Use of plastic cards, smart cards or digital applications on portable electronic devices together with the single lifetime identification documents 1. Where the single lifetime identification document is issued together with a plastic card or a smart card, those cards shall comply with the requirements set out in Annex III. 2. Member States may authorise the use of digital applications on portable electronic devices displaying at least the identification details stored in the computer database for the purpose of the identification of the equine animal during movements: (a) on their national territory; (b) to Member States under the derogation provided for in Article 69 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688; (c) to third countries which have authorised such identification. 3. However, Member States shall not authorise the use of plastic cards, smart cards or digital applications on portable electronic devices as the only identification document where the movement is to a slaughterhouse.

Section 2

Operational rules for the single lifetime identification document

Article 21 Time periods for identification 1. The operator of an equine animal shall ensure that an equine animal under his or her responsibility is identified within a time period to be determined by the Member State and not exceeding 12 months after the date of birth of the animal and in any case, before the animal leaves the establishment of birth for a period exceeding 30 days, except where: (a) the derogations provided for in Article 66(2)(c) or (e) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 apply; or (b) such movement takes place in accordance with Article 43(2); or (c) the equine animal belongs to a population of equine animals living under semi-wild conditions and the conditions of Article 60 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 apply. 2. By way of derogation from paragraph 1 of this Article, breed societies having established breeding books for purebred breeding animals of the equine species may, in accordance with the identification requirements laid down in point 1 of Part 3 of Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2016/1012, require the identification of the animals to be carried out as ‘foal at foot’ of the dam on which they depend. 3. By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, a new single lifetime identification document may be issued at any time: (a) on request of or by the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, where the existing single lifetime identification document does not comply with the requirements of Article 17 or where certain identification details set out in Section I, II or III of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II have not been entered accurately by the issuing competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body; or (b) where the single lifetime identification document issued prior to the date of application of this Regulation cannot be adapted to meet the requirements laid down in Article 17. 4. A new single lifetime identification document shall be issued in the extended format or the existing standard identification document shall be completed to an extended identification document by adding Sections IV to X of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation in the case of an equine animal which is to be (a) upgraded to a high-health equine animal in accordance with Article 92(2)(b) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688; or (b) entered as a purebred breeding animal of the equine species in the main section or recorded as equine animal in a supplementary section of a breeding book established by a breed society which carries out a breeding programme approved in accordance with Article 8 or 12 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012; or (c) registered as a registered horse as referred to in Article 2(5)(b) in accordance with the rules of the respective association or organisation managing horses for competition or races. 5. Before a new single lifetime identification document is issued in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4 and delivered to the operator of the equine animal, the existing single lifetime identification document shall be seized by the competent authority, or as applicable by the delegated body, to be invalidated and the invalidation of the existing identification document and the issuing of the new single lifetime identification document shall be recorded in the computer database with a reference to the unique code originally assigned to the equine animal.

Article 22 Applications for identification documents for equine animals born in the Union and issuing and delivery of such documents 1. The competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, in the Member State where the establishment of birth of the equine animal is located shall, on application by the operator, issue and deliver single lifetime identification documents for equine animals other than equine animals referred to in paragraph 2 and 3. On request of the operator, the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, may issue the single lifetime identification document referred to in the first subparagraph in standard format. 2. Breed societies which carry out breeding programmes approved in accordance with Article 8 or 12 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 in the Member State where the establishment of birth of the equine animal is located shall, on application by the operator, issue extended identification documents for registered equine animals referred to in Article 2(5)(a) and for equine animals to be recorded in a supplementary section of a breeding book for the breed concerned, 3. National federations, branches or authorities of international organisations or associations which manage horses for competition or racing in the Member State where the establishment of birth of the equine animal is located shall, on application by the operator, issue extended identification documents for registered equine animals referred to in Article 2(5)(b). 4. Except where both tasks, the issuing and the delivery of extended single lifetime identification documents, have been delegated to breed societies, organisations and associations referred to respectively in paragraphs 2 and 3, the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, shall deliver the single lifetime identification document issued in accordance with paragraph 2 or 3 to the applicant operator referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 respectively. 5. For the delivery of the single lifetime identification document in accordance with paragraph 4, the competent authority, or as appropriate the delegated body, shall establish the procedures for: (a) the secure transfer from the breed societies, organisations and associations referred to respectively in paragraphs 2 and 3 of (i) the single lifetime identification document issued in accordance with paragraph 2 or 3; (ii) the information necessary to be entered in the computer database in accordance with Article 6; (b) the delivery of the single lifetime identification document to the applicant operator referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 respectively.

Article 23 Operational rules for the single lifetime identification document 1. The competent authorities, or as applicable the delegated body, and the breed societies, organisations and associations referred to in Article 22(2) and (3) respectively shall ensure that the order and numbering of the Sections of the identification documents as set out in the model identification document for equine animals in Part 1 of Annex II remain unaltered and that for those Sections providing the space for multiple entries a sufficient number of pages is included in the identification document. 2. The competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, or the breed societies and organisations and associations referred to in Article 22(2) and (3) respectively are responsible for the secure management of blank and completed identification documents on their premises. 3. Where an alternative method of identification is authorised, the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, or the breed societies and organisations and associations referred to in Article 22(2) and (3) respectively shall enter the information in point 6 or 7 of Part A of Section I and, where applicable, in Section X of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II and shall record this information in the computer database.

Article 24 Derogation for movement or transport of equine animals accompanied by a temporary identification document 1. On application by the operator of the equine animal, the competent authority, or where applicable the delegated body, shall issue a temporary document, marked as such, in accordance with the model temporary identification document set out in Annex IV, which permits the equine animals to be moved or transported within the same Member State for a period not exceeding 45 days, while the identification document is surrendered to the competent authority, or where applicable the delegated body, for the purpose of updating identification details therein. 2. The temporary identification document provided for in paragraph 1 shall be supplemented with a form in accordance with Section II of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II in order to enter the information in accordance with Article 40. 3. In accordance with Article 66(3) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, operators shall not transport equine animals accompanied by a temporary document as provided for in paragraph 1 to a slaughterhouse for slaughter for human consumption. 4. A temporary document may not be required for an equine animal for which identification details are available in digital applications on portable electronic devices and which is kept in a Member State which has authorised and implemented the use of digital applications on portable electronic devices in accordance with Article 20(2).

Article 25 Issuing of duplicate identification documents 1. A duplicate identification document shall be issued where: (a) the original identification document is lost and the identity of the equine animal can be established, notably through the code transmitted by the transponder or the alternative method of identity verification in accordance with Article 16; or (b) the equine animal has not been identified within the time limits laid down in Article 21, 37 or 43(2). 2. In the cases described in paragraph 1, the competent authority responsible for the administrative area where the equine animal is habitually kept, or as applicable the delegated body, shall on application by the operator: (a) where necessary, order the application to the equine animal of a physical means of identification or the identification of the animal by an authorised alternative method of identity verification in accordance with Article 16; (b) request the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, or the breed society, organisation and association referred to in Article 22(2) and (3) that issued the lost original single lifetime identification document (i) to issue a duplicate identification document in standard or extended format, depending on the request of the operator; (ii) to transfer the duplicate document to the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, referred to in the introductory sentence of this paragraph for delivery to the operator; (c) record in the computer database the duplicate identification document clearly marked as such and with a reference to the unique code recorded in the computer database of the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, or the breed society, organisation and association referred to in Article 22(2) and (3) that: (i) issued the lost original single lifetime identification document; or (ii) issued the duplicate identification document for an equine animal referred to in paragraph 1(b); (d) where not already excluded from slaughter for human consumption, adapt the status of the equine animal in accordance with either paragraph 1(b)(ii) or paragraph 2(b) of Article 38 in the duplicate identification document. 3. Details of the duplicate identification document issued in accordance with paragraph 2 shall be entered by reference to the unique code in the computer database. 4. Where the lost original single lifetime identification document was issued prior to the date of application of this Regulation by an issuing body that is no longer in existence and has no successor, the duplicate identification document shall be issued in accordance with paragraph 2 by the competent authority or as applicable the delegated body in the Member State where the equine animal is habitually resident.

Article 26 Issuing of replacement identification documents 1. A replacement single lifetime identification document shall be issued for an equine animal where: (a) the original single lifetime identification document has been lost, and: (i) the identity of the equine animal cannot be ascertained; (ii) there is no indication or evidence that a single lifetime identification document had been issued previously for the equine animal; or (b) the physical identifier or the single lifetime identification document has been removed, modified or replaced without the permission of the competent authority of the establishment where the equine animal is habitually kept. 2. In the cases described in paragraph 1, the competent authority responsible for the administrative area where the equine animal is habitually kept, or as applicable the delegated body, shall on application by the operator or on request of the competent authority: (a) order the application to the equine animal of a physical means of identification; (b) assign to the animal a new unique code which corresponds to the computer database in which the issuing of this replacement identification document is recorded; (c) issue and deliver a replacement identification document clearly marked as such either standard or in extended format, depending on the request of the operator; (d) declare the equine animal as not being intended for slaughter for human consumption by appropriate entry in Part II of Section II of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II and in the computer database. 3. Details of the replacement identification document issued in accordance with paragraph 2 shall be entered by reference to the unique code in the computer database.

Article 27 Measures to be taken in respect of the single lifetime identification document in the case of slaughter, killing, death or loss of equine animals 1. In the event of slaughter or killing of an equine animal, the following measures shall be taken under the responsibility of the competent authority with regard to the single lifetime identification document: (a) it shall be recovered and protected from being used for fraudulent purposes; (b) it shall be effectively invalidated; (c) it shall either: (i) be destroyed at the slaughterhouse where the equine animal was slaughtered and an attestation shall be communicated to the issuing body that issued the single lifetime identification document prior to the date of application of this Regulation, or to the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, indicated as applicable in Part A of Section I of the single life time identification document, either directly or through the contact point referred to in Article 28(2), informing of the date of slaughter of the equine animal with reference to its unique code; or (ii) be returned, after invalidation as provided for in point (b), to the issuing body, in the case of a single lifetime identification document issued prior to the date of application of this Regulation, or to the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, indicated in Part A of Section I of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II, either directly or through the contact point referred to in Article 28(2), together with information concerning the date the equine animal was slaughtered or killed for disease control purposes. 2. In all cases of death or loss, including theft, of an equine animal not referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, the operator of the equine animal shall return the single lifetime identification document within a maximum period of 30 days from the date of the death or loss of the equine animal to the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, indicated in Part A or updated in Part C of Section I of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II.

Article 28 Obligations on Member States and competent authorities to ensure the transmission of information after the slaughter, killing, death or loss of equine animals 1. Member States shall implement procedures to return the invalidated single lifetime identification documents to the issuing competent authority or delegated body as provided for in point (c)(ii) of Article 27(1). 2. Member States may establish a contact point to receive the attestation referred to in point (c)(i) of Article 27(1) or the identification documents referred to in point (c)(ii) of Article 27(1) for further distribution to the respective issuing body, in the case of a single lifetime identification document issued prior to the date of application of this Regulation, or to the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, on their territory. That contact point may be a liaison body referred to in Article 103(1) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625. 3. Where applicable, in accordance with paragraph 2 of this Article, details of the contact point shall be made available to the other Member States and the public on the website established in accordance with Article 4(1). 4. The issuing body, in the case of a single lifetime identification document issued prior to the date of application of this Regulation, or the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, which received information on the death or loss of an equine animal in accordance with Article 27 shall enter or complete, or in the case of an issuing body request the competent authority to enter or complete, in the computer database the records of the identification details contained in the returned identification document of the equine animal. 5. Where the rules of procedure of a competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, so allow, the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, shall ensure that single lifetime identification documents are effectively invalidated, before being returned to the owner in memory of the equine animal, in order to prevent any fraudulent use of the single lifetime identification document or the information contained therein.

Section 3

Deadlines, obligations and procedures for the transmission of information by operators or other natural or legal persons and for the registration of kept equine animals in the computer databases

Article 29 Obligations of operators as regards the management of the identification documents to ensure the lifetime identification of the equine animal 1. Operators of equine animals shall ensure that at least the following identification details in the single lifetime identification document are kept up-to-date and correct at all times: (a) the status of the equine animal as regards its eligibility for slaughter for human consumption; (b) the readable code of the transponder or ear tag code or the distinctive marks used as an alternative method; (c) where applicable, the validation mark or licence issued in accordance with Article 92(2) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688; (d) the information on the ownership of the equine animal, where required in accordance with national legislation. 2. Where it is necessary to update the identification details in Section I to III of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II, the operator of the equine animal shall lodge the identification document with the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, in the Member State where the equine animal is habitually resident: (a) immediately after the event that affected the identification details, in the case referred to in paragraph 1(a); (b) within seven days of the event that affected the identification details of the equine animal, in the cases referred to in points (b) or (c) or, if the operator is the owner, in point (d) of paragraph 1. 3. The operator shall ensure that the information in Sections IV to IX are kept up-to-date and correct in accordance with the rules established by the breed society, organisation or association which issued the document in accordance with Article 22(2) or (3). 4. Notwithstanding Article 66(1) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, in case of a change of ownership, the single lifetime identification document shall be handed over to the new owner.

Article 30 Obligations as regards the management of identification documents to ensure the lifetime identification of the equine animal 1. The competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, shall: (a) carry out the necessary updates of identification details in the identification document, using for updates concerning Part A or B of Section I the form fields provided for in Part C of Section I of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II; (b) complete the entries in Section IV of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II, where the change of ownership is required by the national legislation; (c) enter or complete in the computer database the records of the identification details contained in the lodged identification document as referred to in Article 29(2); (d) inform the competent authority, delegated body, breed society, organisation or association that issued the amended document of any of the aforementioned amendments to identification details in the single lifetime identification document and the computer database. 2. The breed societies, organisations and associations which issued single lifetime identification documents in accordance with Article 22(2) or (3) shall inform the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, which has delivered the document to the operator in accordance with Article 22(4) of any amendments made to Sections I to III of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II of any single lifetime identification document they have issued.

CHAPTER IV

Practical application of derogations from the identification and registration requirements of kept equine animals

Article 31 Equine animals kept under semi-wild conditions 1. In addition to the requirements laid down in Article 60 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035 for the derogations for the identification of kept equine animals living under semi-wild conditions, the information to be provided by Member States on the populations of equine animals and the areas where those animals are kept under semi-wild conditions shall be kept updated and be accompanied by geographical details of the area of the establishment in which these equine animals are kept. 2. Where equine animals kept under semi-wild conditions are removed from the equine population in order to be transported to a slaughterhouse, by way of derogation from Article 43(1), the competent authority may authorise the movement to a slaughterhouse in that Member State in accordance with the derogation provided for in Article 43(2) or shall ensure an uninterrupted traceability of those animals by equivalent measures.

CHAPTER V

Rules for the movements carried out in accordance with the derogation concerning the duration of validity of the animal health certificate provided for in Article 92(2) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688

Article 32 Responsibility of the competent authority to provide a validation mark referred to in Article 92(2)(a) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688 1. The competent authority shall lay down the rules and procedures for the application by operators of establishments keeping equine animals to obtain for one or more equine animals kept habitually on that establishment a validation mark as required for the derogation from the duration of validity of the animal health certificate provided for in Article 92(2)(a) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688. 2. The competent authority shall inspect the establishment, or have the establishment inspected on its behalf, and issue the validation mark referred to in paragraph 1 for the equine animals habitually resident on that establishment subject to compliance with the following conditions: (a) the establishment is operated in line with the applicable rules on identification, registration and traceability of equine animals, and applies biosecurity measurers to minimise the risk of introduction of diseases listed for equine animals in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882; (b) the establishment is subject to frequent and properly documented animal health visits referred to in Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 2016/429; (c) the equine animals habitually and temporarily kept on the establishment are subject to frequent and documented additional identity checks, health testing and vaccination against listed and non-listed diseases carried out in the context of animal health visits referred to in point (b), or because such checks, tests and vaccinations are required for their use in breeding or in equestrian sports and racing; (d) natural breeding on the establishment is only carried out in sufficient separation from other equine animals habitually or temporarily kept on that establishment. 3. The validation mark referred to in paragraph 1 shall be entered in the identification document in accordance with the instruction provided for in Section III of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II. 4. The issuing of a validation mark referred to in paragraph 1 shall be recorded in the computer database with reference to the unique code of the equine animal.

Article 33 Issuing of the licence referred to in Article 92(2)(b) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688 1. The national federation of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) for participation in equestrian competitions, whether carried out locally, regionally, nationally or internationally, or the competent racing authority for the participation in races, shall lay down the rules and procedures for the application by operators of a registered equine animal to obtain for that equine animal a licence as provided for in Article 92(2)(b) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688. 2. The organisations and authorities referred to in paragraph 1 shall only issue the licence referred to in that paragraph subject to compliance with the following conditions: (a) the equine animal is registered with the respective organisation or authority referred to in paragraph 1 for the participation in competitions or races; (b) the registered equine animal is identified by an extended identification document, in which it is documented that: (i) the equine animal has been vaccinated by a veterinarian against equine influenza and where applicable other diseases as required by the rules and regulations of the organisations managing horses for competition or races, including those not listed in the Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882; (ii) the equine animal was visited by a veterinarian at least twice a year, including the veterinary examinations for vaccination and for the movement to other Member States or to third countries; (iii) animal health tests have been carried out on the equine animal, including for certification purposes in relation to movements to third countries. 3. The licence shall be entered in the identification document in accordance with the instruction provided for in Section III of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II. 4. The issuing of a licence shall be recorded in the computer database with reference to the unique code of the equine animal.

CHAPTER VI

Rules for the use of the single lifetime identification document for sporting purposes and for the international movement of competition horses

Article 34 Information on the owner in Section IV of the single lifetime identification document 1. Information on the owner in Section IV of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II shall be completed by either: (a) the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, where required by national legislation; or (b) the organisations and authorities referred to in Article 33(1) where required by the rules and regulations of those organisations and authorities. 2. By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the information on the owner may be provided in the format of an ownership certificate or registration card, provided the latter is recorded in the computer database and refers to: (a) the unique code of the equine animal; or (b) the number of the identification document, where applied, and the transponder code or an authorised alternative method of identification. 3. The ownership certificate or enrolment card provided for in paragraph 2 shall be returned to the competent authority or organisations and authorities referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article if the equine animal died or was sold, lost, stolen, slaughtered or killed.

Article 35 Completion of information on vaccination and health testing in Sections VII, VIII and IX of the single lifetime identification document 1. Where the rules and regulations of an organisation or authority referred to in Article 33(1) require for access to certain equestrian competitions and races, specific vaccinations and health testing: (a) the administering veterinarian shall enter the details of the vaccination against equine influenza or other diseases respectively in Section VII or VIII of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II; (b) the veterinarian acting on behalf of competent authority or the organisations and authorities referred to in Article 33(1) requesting the health test, shall enter the results of health tests undertaken for the detection of a listed or non-listed transmissible disease by a veterinarian or a laboratory in Section IX of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II. 2. Where the competent authority has authorised the use of smart cards or digital applications on portable electronic devices in accordance with Article 20(2), the information in paragraph 1(a) and (b) shall also be included in those smart cards or digital applications on portable electronic devices.

CHAPTER VII

Identification of equine animals which have entered the Union from third countries

Article 36 Identification of equine animals which have entered the Union Identification documents issued in third countries shall be deemed valid in accordance with this Regulation for the identification of equine animals released for free circulation, provided that they comply with the following conditions: (a) the identification documents were issued: (i) in the case of purebred breeding animals of the equine species, by a breeding body in a third country which issues the zootechnical certificate and which is one of the breeding bodies listed in accordance with Article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012; or (ii) in the case of a registered horse, by a national federation or branch of an international organisation or association which manages horses for competition or racing with its headquarters in a third country listed for entry into the Union of equine animals; or (iii) in all other cases, by the competent authority of the third country of origin of the equine animal; (b) the identification documents comply with all the requirements of Article 17.

Article 37 Application for identification documents for equine animals which have entered the Union and are released for free circulation 1. Operators of equine animals which entered the Union from a third country shall apply to the competent authority of the place of habitual residence of the equine animal, or as applicable the delegated body, for the issuing of a single lifetime identification document, or for the registration of the existing identification document referred to in Article 36 of this Regulation in the computer database, within a period of 30 days from the date of completion of the customs procedure for release for free circulation as laid down in Article 201 of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013. 2. Where the existing identification document referred to in paragraph 1 does not comply with the requirements laid down in Article 17, the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, shall on request of the operator: (a) complete the identification document, so that it complies with the requirements laid down in Article 17; (b) record the identification details of the equine animal and the complementary information in the computer database. 3. Where the existing identification document as referred to in Article 36 cannot be amended so as to comply with the requirements laid down in Article 17, it shall not be considered valid for identification purposes in accordance with this Regulation, and the equine animal shall be identified by issuing, in accordance with Article 21(3), a new single lifetime identification document based on the information contained in the submitted identification document on which the equine animal has entered the Union.

PART 3

DOCUMENTATION OF THE STATUS OF AN EQUINE ANIMAL AS INTENDED FOR OR EXCLUDED FROM SLAUGHTER FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION

Article 38 Exclusion from and delay of the slaughter of an equine animal for human consumption 1. Equine animals shall be deemed to be intended for slaughter for human consumption unless they are irreversibly excluded from slaughter for human consumption by the completing and signing of the relevant entry in Part II of Section II of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II by either: (a) the veterinarian responsible prior to a treatment in accordance with Article 39(2) of this Regulation; or (b) the competent authority: (i) in the case of issuing a new single lifetime identification document in accordance with Article 21(3) for an equine animal for which the previous exclusion from slaughter for human consumption was recorded either in the single lifetime identification document or in the computer database; (ii) in the case of issuing a duplicate single lifetime identification document in accordance with Article 25 or a replacement single lifetime identification document in accordance with Article 26; (iii) in the case of equine animals which entered the Union from a third country or territory not listed for equine animals in the Annex to Commission Decision 2011/163/EU, or for which the public health attestation in point II.6 of the official certificate for entry into the Union of equine animals not intended for slaughter (MODEL ‘EQUI-X’) accompanying the equine animal to the border laid down in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/403 was not certified for other reasons. 2. The slaughter of a food-producing equine animal shall be delayed for a period of at least six months: (a) by the veterinarian responsible prior to a treatment with a medicinal product containing a substance included in the list of substances set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1950/2006 and documented in Part III of Section II of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation; (b) by way of derogation from paragraph 1(b)(ii), and by decision of the competent authority, documented in Part V of Section II of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II to this Regulation, in the event of the issuing of a duplicate identification document within a period of 30 days from the date of the declared and substantiated loss of the single lifetime identification document, where the operator can satisfactorily substantiate that the status of the equine animal as intended for slaughter for human consumption has not been compromised by any medicinal treatment.

Article 39 Obligation of the veterinarian responsible in relation to the documentation of the status of an equine animal as intended for or excluded from slaughter for human consumption in the single lifetime identification document 1. Prior to any treatment with a veterinary medicinal product authorised in accordance with Article 8(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6, or a medicinal product applied in accordance with Article 112(4) thereof, or containing a substance included in the list