6. 10. 83 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 267/5 
II 
(Preparatory Acts) 
COMMISSION 
Proposal for a Council Directive on animal health problems affecting intra-Community 
trade and imports from third countries of semen of domestic animals of the bovine and 
porcine species 
(Submitted by the Commission to the Council on 26 September 1983) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Economic Community, and in particular 
Article 43 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Having regard to the opinion of the European 
Parliament, 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and 
Social Committee, 
Whereas rules relative to problems of animal health 
concerning intra-Community trade in bovine animals 
and swine are already in force pursuant to Council 
Directive 64/432/EEC (*), as last amended by 
Directive 82/61 /EEC (2); whereas, in addition, rules 
exist in relation to problems of animal health when 
bovine animals and swine are imported from third 
countries into the Community pursuant to Council 
Directive 72/462/EEC (3), as last amended by 
Directive 83/91 /EEC (4); 
Whereas, by means of the aforesaid rules it has been 
possible to ensure that, in trade in bovine animals and 
swine between Member States and to Member States 
from third countries, animal health criteria have been 
certified by the exporting country so that the risk of 
spreading animal disease has been virtually 
eliminated; whereas a certain risk of spread of animal 
disease exists when semen is traded; 
Whereas in continuation of the Community policy of 
harmonizing Member States' national rules on animal 
health when animals and their products are traded 
C) OJ No 121, 29. 7. 1964, p. 1977/64. 
O OJ No L 29, 6. 2. 1982, p. 13. 
(3) OJ No L 302, 31. 12. 1972, p. 28. 
(*) OJ No L 59, 5. 3. 1983, p. 34. between Member States it is now necessary to achieve 
a harmonized system when semen is traded between 
Member States and when imported from third 
countries into the Community; 
Whereas in the context of intra-Community trade in 
semen the Member State where the semen is collected 
should be under an obligation to ensure that such 
semen has been collected and processed at approved 
and supervised semen collection centres, has been 
obtained from animals whose health status is such as 
to ensure that the risk of spread of animal disease is 
eliminated, has been collected, processed, stored and 
transported in accordance with rules which preserve 
its health status and is accompanied during transport 
to the country of destination by an animal health 
certificate; 
Whereas, while awaiting harmonized rules for the 
control and eradication of foot and mouth disease 
within the Community, those Member States which 
do not practise vaccination against that disease and 
which do not allow vaccinated animals on their 
territory should be afforded additional safeguards; 
whereas in order to protect the Community as a 
whole from blue tongue disease and African swine 
fever, specific requirements should be laid down by 
means of the procedure of the Standing Veterinary 
Committee if and when a Member State becomes 
infected with either of these diseases; 
Whereas Community arrangements regarding 
veterinary experts should be introduced to provide a 
means of settling problems between Member States 
concerning the implementation of this Directive; 
whereas a Community procedure should be provided 
under which Member States may have the possibility 
of refusing entry in respect of consignments of semen 
if the rules of the Directive are not followed or if 
there is suspicion of the presence of, or of contami­
nation by, infectious animal disease in the 
consignment or if an outbreak of epizootic disease 
occurs in the consigning Member State; 
No C 267/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 6.10. 83 
Whereas for imports of semen into the Community 
from third countries a list of suitable third countries 
or parts thereof should be drawn up taking into 
account certain animal health criteria; whereas 
notwithstanding such a list the Member States should 
authorize importation of semen only from semen 
collection centres which reach certain standards and 
which are officially supervised; whereas, in addition, 
in respect of countries or parts thereof on the list, 
specific animal health conditions should be laid down 
according to circumstances; 
Whereas in order to verify whether the provisions of 
the Directive are being implemented in third countries 
inspections should be undertaken on the spot; 
Whereas safeguards concerning inter alia blue tongue 
disease and African swine fever should also be 
possible in respect of third countries; whereas official 
certification should be provided in respect of each 
consignment; whereas Member States should subject 
each importation to an import control to ensure that 
the provisions of the Directive have been complied 
with; whereas Member States may reject 
consignments of semen inter alia if epizootic disease 
occurs in the third country or part thereof; 
Whereas provision should be made for the gradual 
implementation of this Directive particularly, in 
relation to existing stocks of frozen semen; whereas 
during this transitional period national animal health 
rules should continue to apply, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 
CHAPTER I 
General provisions 
Article 1 
This Directive shall apply to animal health problems 
affecting intra-Community trade and imports from 
third countries of semen of domestic animals of the 
bovine and porcine species. 
Article 2 
For the purposes of this Directive: 
(a) 'semen* means the ejaculate of a domestic animal 
of the bovine or porcine species; 
(b) 'semen collection centre' means an officially 
approved and supervised establishment situated 
in the territory of a Member State or in the 
territory of a third country in which semen is 
produced for use in artificial insemination; (c) 'designated veterinarian' means the veterinarian 
designated by the competent authority of the 
Member State or of the third country to be 
responsible for the routine observance of the 
provisions of this Directive on a semen collection 
centre; 
(d) 'consignment' means a quantity of semen covered 
by the same certificate; 
(e). 'Member State of collection' means the Member 
State in which semen is collected and from which 
it is sent to another Member State; 
(f) 'third country of collection' means the third 
country in which semen is collected and from 
which it is sent to the Community; 
(g) 'Member State of destination' means the Member 
State to which semen is sent from another 
Member State or from a third country; 
(h) 'officially tuberculosis-free bovine herd' means a 
bovine herd which satisfies the conditions laid 
down in Annex A (I) to Directive 64/432/EEC; 
(i) 'officially brucellosis-free bovine herd' means a 
bovine herd which satisfies the conditions laid 
down in Annex A (II) (A) (1) to Directive 
64/432/EEC; 
(j) 'brucellosis-free swine herd' means a swine herd 
which satisfies the conditions laid down in Annex 
A (II) (B) (2) to Directive 64/432/EEC; 
(k) 'officially swine fever-free holding' means a 
holding as defined in Article 2 (p) of Directive 
64/432/EEC; 
(1) 'approved laboratory* means a , laboratory 
situated in the territory of a Member State or 
third country designated by the competent 
veterinary authority to carry out the test or tests 
required in this Directive. 
(m) 'third country' means any country in which 
Directive 64/432/EEC does not apply; 
(n) 'official veterinarian' means the veterinarian 
appointed by the competent authority of the 
Member State or third country to check the 
conditions of approval and the supervision of a 
semen collection centre. 
6. 10. 83 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 267/7 
CHAPTER II 
Intra-Community trade in semen 
Article 3 
1. Each Member State shall ensure that only semen 
complying with the following general conditions is 
sent from its territory to the territory of another 
Member State: 
(a) it must have been collected and processed for the 
purpose of artificial insemination in a semen 
collection centre approved and supervised for the 
purpose of intra-Community trade in accordance 
with Article 4 (1); 
(b) it must have been collected from domestic 
animals of the bovine or porcine species whose 
health status is in accordance with the provisions 
of Annex B; 
(c) it must have been collected, processed, stored and 
transported in accordance with the provisions of 
Annexes A and C; 
(d) it must be accompanied, during transport to the 
country of destination, by an animal health certi­
ficate in accordance with Article 5(1). 
2. Without prejudice to such provisions as the 
Community may adopt in relation to the control and 
eradication of foot and mouth disease, Member 
States which do not practice vaccination against foot 
and mouth disease and which by way of derogation 
from Directive 64/432/EEC do not allow on their 
territory animals vaccinated against the said disease 
may, prior to the introduction of semen into their 
territory and while complying with the general 
provisions of the Treaty, require that: 
(a) donor animals are located in semen collection 
centres in which no foot and mouth disease vac­
cination has taken place within the 30 days 
immediately prior to collection of semen for 
intra-Community trade; 
(b) when on the same centre vaccinated and unvac-
cinated animals are kept, the latter shall be 
housed separately and semen therefrom shall be 
certified as having come from unvaccinated 
animals; 
(c) when the donor animals have been vaccinated 
within the 12 months immediately prior to 
collection, an aliquot of semen from each 
ejaculate shall be subject to a virus isolation test 
for foot and mouth disease with negative results. 
3. Semen from semen collection centres situated in 
Member States in which blue tongue disease, in the 
case of bovine semen, and African Swine fever, in the 
case of porcine semen, have been recorded shall not be permitted to enter intra-Community trade. 
However, according to the procedure laid down in 
Article 17, it may be decided that under specific 
conditions such semen may enter intra-Community 
trade. In deciding, consideration shall be given to the 
following points: 
(a) the health status of the area surrounding the 
semen collection centre and vector survival 
therein; 
(b) the health status of the herd in the semen 
collection centre, including testing requirements; 
(c) the health status of the donor animal and testing 
requirements; and 
(d) testing requirements in relation to semen. 
Article 4 
1. The Member State on whose territory the semen 
collection centre is situated shall ensure that the 
approval provided for in Article 3 (1) (a) is granted 
only where the provisions of Annex A are observed 
and where that semen collection centre is able to 
satisfy the other provisions of this Directive. The 
Member State shall also ensure that an official veter­
inarian supervises the observance of those provisions 
and shall withdraw approval when one or more of the 
provisions is no longer observed. 
2. All semen collection centres shall be registered 
on a list, each centre having an approval number. 
Each Member State shall communicate the list of 
semen collection centres and their approval numbers 
to the other Member States and to the Commission 
and notify them without delay of any withdrawal of 
approval. 
3. When a Member State considers that the 
provisions governing approval are not, or are no 
longer, observed in a semen collection centre in 
another Member State, it shall inform the competent 
authority of that State accordingly. The latter shall 
take all necessary measures and notify the competent 
authority of the other Member State of the decisions 
taken and the reasons for such decisions. 
If that other Member State fears that the necessary 
measures have not been taken or are inadequate, it 
may so inform the Commission, which shall seek the 
opinion of one or more veterinary experts. In the 
light of that opinion, Member States may be auth­
orized under the procedure laid down in Article 18 to 
prohibit provisionally the introduction into their 
territory of semen coming from that centre. 
Such authorization may be withdrawn under the 
procedure laid down in Article 18 in the light of a 
No C 267/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 6. 10. 83 
new opinion delivered by one or more veterinary 
experts. 
Veterinary experts must be nationals of a Member 
State other than those involved in the dispute. 
After consulting the Member States, the Commission 
shall lay down general rules for applying this 
paragraph, in particular as regards the appointment of 
veterinary experts and the procedure to be followed 
as regards delivery of opinions by them. 
Article 5 
1. Each Member State shall authorize semen of 
bovine animals and swine to be imported only on 
submission of an animal health certificate in 
accordance with Annex D drawn up by a designated 
veterinarian of the Member State of collection. 
This certificate must: 
(a) be drawn up in the official languages of the 
Member State of collection and of the Member 
State of destination; 
(b) accompany the consignment to its destination; 
(c) be drawn up on a single sheet of paper; 
(d) be made out to a single consignee. 
2. (a) The Member State of destination may prohibit 
the introduction of consignments of semen of 
bovine animals or swine into its territory if the 
documentary control reveals that the 
provisions of Article 3 (1) (d) have not been 
observed. 
(b) The Member State of destination may take the 
necessary measures, including storage in 
isolation, to ascertain the position as regards 
semen suspected of being affected or 
contaminated by a contagious or infectious 
animal disease. 
(c) Decisions taken under points (a) or (b) above 
must, at the request of the consignor or his 
representative, authorize the return of the 
semen provided this is not contrary to 
considerations of animal health. 
3. If the introduction of semen has been prohibited 
on any of the grounds set out in paragraph 2 (a) and 
(b) and the Member State of collection does not 
within 30 days authorize the return thereof, the 
competent veterinary authority of the Member State 
of destination may order the semen to be destroyed. 4. If, after the introduction of semen into the 
territory of the Member State of destination, facts 
come to light which would have justified the 
application of paragraph 3, the competent veterinary 
authority of the Member State of collection must, at 
the request of the competent veterinary authority of 
the Member State of destination, make the necessary 
investigations and notify the latter authority without 
delay of the outcome of such investigations. 
5. The decisions taken by the competent veterinary 
authority under paragraphs 2 and 3 must be 
communicated to the consignor or his representative, 
together with the reasons for such decisions. These 
reasoned decisions must, on request, be 
communicated to him forthwith in writing with an 
indication of what appeals against them are open 
under current legislation and the form and time in 
which they must be commenced. The decisions must 
also be communicated to the competent veterinary 
authority of the Member State of collection. 
Article 6 
1. A Member State may, if there is a danger of 
animal diseases spreading as a result of the intro­
duction of semen into its territory from another 
Member State, take the following measures: 
(a) in the event of an outbreak of an epizootic 
disease in the other Member State, temporarily 
prohibit or restrict the introduction of semen 
from the affected areas of that Member State; 
(b) if an epizootic disease becomes widespread or if 
there is an outbreak of a new serious naturally 
transmissible animal disease, temporarily prohibit 
or restrict the introduction of semen from the 
entire territory of that State. 
2. Each Member State must immediately inform 
the other Member States and the Commission of the 
outbreak on its territory of any disease referred to in 
paragraph 1, and of the measures taken to control it. 
It must also notify them immediately of the 
elimination of the disease. 
3. Measures taken by the Member States under 
paragraph 1 and the repeal of such measures must be 
communicated immediately to the other Member 
States and the Commission together with the reasons 
therefor. 
Under the procedure laid down in Article 18 a 
decision may be taken to repeal or amend those 
measures in particular in order to coordinate them 
with measures adopted by other Member States. 
6. 10. 83 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 267/9 
4. If the situation envisaged in paragraph 1 arises 
and if it appears necessary that other Member States 
also apply the measures taken under that paragraph, 
amended, where necessary, pursuant to paragraph 3, 
appropriate measures shall be adopted under the 
procedure laid down in Article 18. 
Article 7 
1. Rights of appeal existing under current 
legislation in the Member States against decisions 
taken pursuant to this Directive by the competent 
authority shall not be affected by this Directive. 
2. Each Member State shall grant to consignors in 
respect of whose consignments of semen such 
measures as are provided for in Article 5 (2) have 
been taken, the right to obtain, before other measures 
are taken by the competent authority, the opinion of 
a veterinary expert to determine whether the 
conditions of Article 5 (2) have been fulfilled. 
The veterinary expert must be a national of a 
Member State other than the Member State of 
collection or of destination. 
The Commission, acting on a proposal from the 
Member States, shall draw up a panel of veterinary 
experts who may be instructed to formulate such 
opinions. After consulting the Member States it shall 
lay down general rules which are to be applied, in 
particular as regards the procedure for formulation of 
these opinions. 
CHAPTER III 
Imports of semen from third countries 
Article 8 
1. The Council, acting on a proposal from the 
Commission, shall draw up a list of third countries or 
parts thereof from which the Member States shall 
authorize importation of semen of bovine animals and 
swine taking into account the health situation in those 
countries or parts thereof. This list may be 
supplemented or amended according to the procedure 
laid down in Article 17. 
2. In deciding whether a third country or part 
thereof may appear on the list referred to in 
paragraph 1 particular account shall be taken of: 
(a) the state of health of the livestock, other domestic 
animals and wildlife in the third country, 
particular attention being paid to exotic animal 
diseases, and of the health situation of areas adjacent to the country, which might endanger 
animal health in the Member States; 
(b) the regularity and rapidity of the information 
supplied by the third country relating to the 
existence of contagious animal diseases in its 
territory, in particular those diseases mentioned in 
lists A and B of the International Office of 
Epizootic Diseases; 
(c) the rules of the country on the prevention and 
control of animal diseases; 
(d) the structure of the veterinary services in the 
country and their powers; 
(e) the organization and implementation of measures 
to prevent and control contagious animal 
diseases; and 
(f) the guarantees which the third country can give 
with regard to compliance with the provisions of 
this Directive. 
Article 9 
1. In accordance with the procedure laid down in 
Article 17 one or more lists shall be drawn up of 
semen collection centres from which Member States 
may authorize the importation of semen from third 
countries. The list or lists may be amended or 
supplemented according to the same procedure. 
2. In deciding whether a semen collection centre in 
a third country may appear on the lists referred to in 
paragraph 1 particular account shall be taken of the 
veterinary control of semen production systems in the 
third country, the powers of the veterinary services 
and the supervision to which semen collection centres 
are subject. 
3. A semen collection centre shall appear on the 
list or lists provided for in paragraph 1 only if: 
(a) it is situated in one of the countries on the list 
referred to in Article 8 (1); 
(b) it has been officially approved for exports to the 
Community by the veterinary services of the third 
country concerned; 
(c) it is under the supervision of a designated veteri­
narian of the third country concerned; and 
(d) it is subject to regular inspection by an official 
veterinarian of the third country concerned at 
least twice per year. 
Article 10 
1. Semen of bovine animals and swine must come 
from animals which immediately prior to collection of 
their semen have remained in the territory of part of 
No C 267/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 6. 10. 83 
the territory of a third country on the list established 
in accordance with Article 8 (1) for not less than six 
months. 
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 8 (1), 
and paragraph 1 above, the Member States shall 
authorize the importation of semen of bovine animals 
and swine from a third country or part of a third 
country on the list only if the semen complies with 
the animal health requirements adopted in accordance 
with the procedure set out in Article 17 for imports of 
semen from that country according to the species of 
animal concerned. 
In adopting such requirements in relation to blue 
tongue disease and African swine fever consideration 
shall be given to the following points: 
(a) the health status of the area surrounding the 
semen collection centre and vector survival 
therein; 
(b) the health status of the herd in the semen 
collection centre including testing requirements; 
(c) the health status of the donor animal and testing 
requirements; and 
(d) testing requirements in relation to semen. 
3. The reference basis for fixing animal health 
conditions in accordance with paragraph 2 for bovine 
tuberculosis and bovine and swine brucellosis shall be 
the standards laid down in Annex A to Directive 
64/432/EEC. It may be decided, in accordance with 
the procedure laid down in Article 17 on a case-by-
case basis, to waive these conditions where the third 
country concerned provides similar animal health 
guarantees. In that case, animal health conditions at 
least equivalent to those in Annex A to that Directive 
shall be laid down in accordance with the same 
procedure. 
Article 11 
1. Member States shall authorize semen of bovine 
animals and swine to be imported only on submission 
of an animal health certificate drawn up by a 
designated veterinarian of the third country of 
collection. 
This certificate must: 
(a) be drawn up in the language of the third country 
of collection and in at least one of the official 
languages of the Member State of destination; 
(b) accompany the semen in the original; 
(c) be drawn up on a single sheet of paper; 
(d) be made out to a single consignee. 2. The certificate must correspond to a specimen 
drawn up in accordance with the procedure laid 
down in Article 17. 
Article 12 
1. Member States shall ensure that each 
consignment of semen entering the georgraphical 
territory of the Community is subjected to an import 
control before it is placed under any temporary or 
final customs procedure except the procedure for 
external transit, and shall prohibit the introduction of 
such semen into the Community if the import control 
made on arrival reveals that: 
— the semen does not come from the territory, or 
part thereof, of a third country included on the 
list drawn up in accordance with Article 8 (1), 
— the semen does not come from a semen collection 
centre included on the list provided for in Article 
9(1), 
— the semen comes from a territory, or part thereof, 
of a third country from which imports are 
prohibited in accordance with Article 15, 
— the animal health certificate which accompanies 
the semen is not in conformity with the provisions 
of Article 11. 
2. The Member State of destination may take the 
necessary measures, including storage in isolation, to 
ascertain the position as regards semen suspected of 
being affected or contaminated by a contagious or 
infectious animal disease. 
3. If the introduction of semen has been prohibited 
on any of the grounds set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 
above and the exporting third country does not 
within 30 days authorize the return thereof, the 
competent veterinary authority of the Member State 
of destination may order the semen to be destroyed. 
Article 13 
Each consignment of semen authorized for intro­
duction into the Community by a Member State on 
the basis of the controls referred to in Article 12 (1) 
must, when sent to the territory of another Member 
State, be accompanied by the original certificate or an 
authenticated copy thereof, suitably endorsed, in 
either case, by the competent veterinary authority 
which was responsible for the examination carried out 
in accordance with Article 12. 
Article 14 
All expenditure incurred as a result of the application 
of Articles 12 and 13 and in particular the cost of 
controlling the semen, storage costs and the cost of 
6.10.83 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC267/ll 
any destruction of semen shall be chargeable to the 
consignor, the consignee or their agent, without 
compensation by the State. 
Article 15 
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 8, if in 
a third country a contagious animal disease which can 
be carried by semen breaks out or spreads and 
endangers the health of the livestock in one of the 
Member States or if any other reasons connected with 
animal health so justifies, the Member State of 
destination concerned shall prohibit the importation 
of that semen, whether imported directly or indirectly 
through another Member State, either from the whole 
of the third country or from part of its territory. 
2. Measures taken by the Member States under 
paragraph 1 and notice of the withdrawal of such 
measures, must be communicated immediately to the 
other Member States and the Commission, together 
with the reasons therefor. 
The Standing Veterinary Committee shall meet as 
soon as possible after such communication and shall 
decide, in accordance with the procedure laid down 
in Article 18, whether these measures should be 
amended, in particular in order to coordinate them 
with measures adopted by other Member States, or 
withdrawn. 
If the situation envisaged in paragraph 1 arises and if 
it appears necessary that other Member States also 
apply the measures taken under that paragraph, 
amended where necessary in accordance with the 
preceding subparagraph, appropriate measures shall 
be adopted under the procedure laid down in Article 
18. 
3. Resumption of importation from the third 
country concerned shall be authorized in accordance 
with the same procedure. 
CHAPTER IV 
Common provisions 
Article 16 
1. Veterinary experts from the Commission may, 
in so far as is necessary to ensure uniform application 
of this Directive, make on-the-spot checks; they may 
verify whether approved semen collection centres are 
actually complying with this Directive, particularly 
with Annexes A, B and C. However, verification of 
compliance with the provisions of Article 8 (2) shall 
not be obligatory where an on-the-spot inspection in accordance with the provisions of Article 5 of 
Directive 72/462/EEC has taken place. The 
Commission shall inform the Member States of the 
results of the investigation. 
A Member State in whose territory a check is being 
carried out shall give all necessary assistance to the 
experts in carrying out their duties. 
The general provisions for implementing this Article 
shall be determined in accordance with the procedure 
laid down in Article 17. 
In accordance with the same procedure, a code shall 
be established containing the rules to be followed for 
the purpose of the checks provided for in this 
paragraph. 
2. Before 1 January 1988, the Council shall review 
this Article on the basis of a report from the 
Commission, which may also submit proposals in this 
connection. 
Article 17 
1. Where the procedure laid down in this Article is 
to be followed, matters shall be referred by the 
chairman, either on his own initiative or at the 
request of a Member State, to the Standing 
Veterinary Committee (hereinafter called 'the 
Committee') set up by Council Decision 68/361/ 
EEC 0). 
2. Within the Committee the votes of Member 
States shall be weighted as provided for in Article 148 
(2) of the Treaty. The chairman shall not vote. 
3. The representative of the Commission shall 
submit a draft of the measure to be adopted. The 
Committee shall deliver its opinion on such measures 
within two days. Opinions shall be delivered by a 
majority of 45 votes. 
4. The Commission shall adopt the measures and 
shall apply them immediately where they are in 
accordance with the opinion of the Committee. If 
they are not in accordance with the opinion of the 
Committee or if no opinion is delivered, the 
Commission shall immediately submit to the Council 
the measures to be adopted. The Council shall adopt 
the measures by a qualified majority. 
If, within three months from the date on which the 
proposal was submitted to it, the Council has not 
adopted any measures, the Commission shall adopt 
the proposed measures and apply them immediately, 
save where the Council has decided by a simple 
majority against those measures. 
O OJ No L 255, 18. 10. 1968, p. 23. 
NoC267/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 6.10.83 
Article 18 
1. Where the procedure laid down in this Article is 
to be followed, matters shall without delay be 
referred by the chairman, either on his own initiative 
or at the request of a Member State, to the 
Committee. 
2. Within the Committee the votes of the Member 
States shall be weighted as provided for in Article 148 
(2) of the Treaty. The chairman shall not vote. 
3. The representative of the Commission shall 
submit a draft of the measures to be adopted. The 
Committee shall deliver its opinion on such measures 
within two days. Opinions shall be delivered by a 
majority of 45 votes. 
4. The Commission shall adopt the measures and 
shall apply them immediately where they are in 
accordance with the opinion of the Committee. 
Where they are not in accordance with the opinion of 
the Committee or if no opinion is delivered, the 
Commission shall immediately submit to the Council 
a proposal regarding the measures to be adopted. The 
Council shall adopt the measures by a qualified 
majority. 
If, within 15 days from the date on which the 
proposal was submitted to it, the Council has not 
adopted any measures, the Commission shall adopt the proposed measures and apply them immediately, 
save where the Council has decided by a simple 
majority against those measures. 
Article 19 
1. The provisions of Articles 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 shall 
not be applicable to semen collected and processed in 
a Member State before 1 January 1985. 
2. The provisions of Articles 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 
14 and 15 shall not be applicable to semen collected 
and processed in a third country before 1 January 
1985. 
3. Until the date of entry into force of the 
provisions referred to in Article 9 the Member States 
shall not apply to imports of semen from third 
countries more favourable conditions than those 
resulting from Chapter II concerning intra-
Community trade. 
Article 20 
The Member States shall bring into force the laws, 
regulations and administrative provisions necessary to 
comply with this Directive on 1 January 1985, and 
shall immediately inform the Commission thereof. 
Article 21 
This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 
ANNEX A 
CHAPTER I 
Conditions for the approval of semen collection centres 
Semen collection centres must: 
(a) have at their disposal at least: 
(i) animal accommodation including isolation facilities, 
(ii) semen collection facilities including a separate disinfection room, 
(iii) a semen processing room, 
(iv) a semen storage room; 
(b) be so constructed or insulated that contact with outside livestock is prevented; 
(c) be so constructed that the animal housing, and the semen collecting, processing and storing 
facilities are readily capable of being cleansed and disinfected; 
(d) be so constructed that the health of the animals contained therein is catered for; 
(e) have at their disposal isolation accommodation which shall have no direct communication with 
the normal animal accommodation; 
(f) be so designed that the animal accommodation is physically separate from the semen processing 
room and both are separate from the semen storage room. 
6. 10. 83 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 267/13 
CHAPTER II 
Conditions relating to the supervision of semen collection centres 
The collection centres must: 
(a) be so supervised that only animals of the species whose semen is to be collected are contained 
therein; 
(b) be so supervised that a register is kept of all animals at the centre, giving details of the breed, 
date of birth and identification of each of the animals; 
(c) be subject to regular inspection by an official veterinarian at least twice per year, at which time 
the conditions of approval and supervision shall be checked; 
(d) be so supervised that the entry of unauthorized persons is prevented. However, authorized 
visitors shall be permitted, according to the conditions laid down by the designated veterinarian; 
(e) employ technically competent staff suitably trained in disinfection procedures and hygiene 
techniques relevant to the control of the spread of disease; 
(f) be so supervised that: 
(i) only semen collected at an approved centre is processed and stored in an approved centre, 
without coming into contact with any other semen. However, semen not collected in an 
approved collection centre may be processed at an approved collection centre provided this 
is done at a separate time and with separate equipment, 
(ii) collection, processing and storage of semen takes place only in the accommodation set 
aside for the purpose under conditions of the strictest hygiene, 
(iii) all pieces equipment having contact with the semen or the donor animal during collection 
and processing are appropriately disinfected prior to use, 
(iv) products of animal origin used in the processing of semen are obtained from sources which 
present no animal health risk to the species of animal in question or are so treated prior to 
use that such risk is prevented, 
(v) storage flasks and transport flasks are appropriately disinfected prior to commencement of 
filling, 
(vi) the cryogenic agent used has not been previously used for other products of animal origin, 
(vii) each individual dose of semen is clearly marked in such a way that the date of collection, 
breed and identification of donor animal may be readily established. 
ANNEX B 
CHAPTER I 
Conditions to be met prior to entry of animals into approved semen collection centres 
1. All animals entering a semen collection centre shall: 
(a) have been subjected to a period of isolation of at least 30 days in accommodation specifically 
approved for the purpose by the competent authority of the Member State; 
No C 267/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 6.10. 83 
(b) prior to entry into the isolation described in (a) above have been obtained from herds which 
satisfy the following conditions: 
— in the case of bovine animals they are: 
(i) officially tuberculosis free, 
(ii) officially brucellosis free or brucellosis free, 
(iii) herds in which no facts have been brought to the notice of the designated veteri­
narian which would lead him to conclude that a case of enzootic bovine leukosis has 
occurred within the three preceding years; 
— in the case of swine they are brucellosis free. 
Further in the case of swine they have been obtained from an officially swine fever-free 
^ holding. 
(c) following at least 30 days in isolation described at (a) above and within 30 days prior to 
entering the semen collection centre have been subjected to the following tests with negative 
results: 
— in the case of bovine animals: 
(i) an intradermal tuberculin test carried out in accordance with the procedure laid 
down in Annex B of Council Directive 64/432/EEC, 
(ii) a serum agglutination test complying with the procedure laid down in Annex C of 
Council Directive 64/432/EEC and have shown a brucella count of lower than 30 
international units (iu) of agglutination per millilitre, 
(iii) a serological test for enzootic bovine leukosis carried out in accordance with the 
procedure laid down in Annex G of Council Directive 64/432/EEC, 
(iv) a fluorescent antibody test for Campylobacter fetus infection on a sample of preputial 
material or vaginal washings or, test mating of maiden heifers. In the case of female 
animals a vaginal mucus agglutination test shall be carried out, 
(v) a microscopic and cultural test for Trichomonas foetus on a sample of preputial 
washings. In the case of females the test shall be done on a sample of 
vaginal washings; 
— in the case of swine: 
(i) a sero-agglutination test in accordance with the provisions of Annex C of Council 
Directive 64/432/EEC showing a brucella count lower than 30 iu of agglutination 
per millilitre, 
(ii) a complement fixation test in accordance with the provision of Annex C of Council 
Directive 64/432/EEC; 
(d) a serum neutralization test for Aujeszky's disease. 
2. Tests, where appropriate, shall be carried out in a laboratory approved by the Member State. 
3. (i) If an animal intended for entry to a semen collection centre has undergone a period of 
individual isolation and has reacted positively to: 
(a) the tests for tuberculosis, brucellosis or enzootic bovine leukosis it shall not be permitted 
to enter the semen collection centre, 
(b) the tests for campylobacteriosis, trichomoniasis or Aujeszky's disease it shall not be 
permitted to enter the semen collection centre but may be subjected to a further period 
of isolation and if similar tests carried out after this period prove to be negative it may 
then enter. 
(ii) If an animal entering a semen collection centre has undergone a period of group isolation 
and has reacted positively to: 
(a) the tests for tuberculosis, brucellosis, and enzootic bovine leukosis none of the group 
shall be permitted to enter the semen collection centre. Eligibility of the non-reacting 
animals in the group may be re-established according to the provisions of Annex B, 
Chapter I, paragraph 1 (b) and (c) of this Directive, 
6.10. 83 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 267/15 
(b) the test for campyiobacteriosis, trichomoniasis or Aujeszky's disease the procedure at 3 
(i) (b) above may be applied to any or all of the animals in the group. 
4. Animals entering the semen collection centre shall do so only with the express permission of the 
designated veterinarian. All movements both in and out shall be recorded. 
5. All animals entering the semen collection centre shall show no clinical sign of disease on the day 
of consignment and shall have been obtained from isolation accommodation which on the day of 
consignment officially fulfils the following conditions: 
(i) is situated in the centre of an area 20 km in diameter in which for at least 30 days there has 
been no incidence of foot and mouth disease and in addition, in the case of swine, are 
situated in the centre of an area two km in diameter in which for at least 15 days there has 
been no incidence of swine fever, swine vesicular disease or contagious swine paralysis 
(Teschen disease); 
(ii) has for at least three months been free from foot and mouth disease and brucellosis in the 
case of bovine animals and foot and mouth disease, swine vesicular disease, bovine and 
porcine brucellosis, swine fever and contagious porcine paralysis (Teschen disease) in the 
case of swine; 
(iii) has for at least 30 days been free from all other compulsorily notifiable diseases which are 
contagious or infectious for the animal species in question according to Annex E of Council 
Directive 64/432/EEC. 
6. Provided the conditions of paragraph 5 above are satisfied and the routine tests referred to in 
Chapter II have been carried out during the previous 12 months, animals may move from one 
semen collection centre to another without isolation and test provided the movement is direct, 
the animal in question does not come in contact, direct or indirect, with ruminating animals and 
swine of a lower health status and the means of transport has been desinfected. If the movement 
from one semen collection centre to another takes place between Member States it shall take 
place without prejudice to Council Directive 64/432/EEC. 
CHAPTER II 
1. Routine test to be applied to all bovine animals on an approved semen collection centre. 
All bovine animals kept on an approved semen collection centre shall be subjected at least once 
per year to the following tests or treatments. 
(i) an intradermal tuberculin test for tuberculosis carried out in accordance with the procedure 
laid down in Annex B of Council Directive 64/432/EEC with negative results; 
(ii) a serum agglutination test for brucellosis giving a count of lower than 30 iu of agglutination 
per millilitre when carried out in accordance with the procedure laid down in Annex C of 
Council Directive 64/432/EEC; 
(iii) a serological test for enzootic bovine leukosis with negative results carried out in accordance 
with the procedure laid down in Annex G of Council Directive 64/432/EEC; 
(iv) a serum neutralization test for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/infectious pustular vulvo­
vaginitis with negative results or, in the case of an animal giving a positive reaction to this 
test, within 30 days following the test and prior to collection of semen, to a virus isolation 
test for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus with negative results; 
(v) a fluorescent antibody test for Campylobacter fetus on preputial material or vaginal washings 
with negative results, or in the case of females a vaginal mucus agglutination test or, sheath 
lavage with an antibiotic suspension active against Campylobacter fetus on each of three 
consecutive days; 
(vi) a microscopic and cultural test for Trichomonas foetus on a sample of preputial material. 
No C 267/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 6. 10. 83 
2. Routine tests to be applied to all swine on approved semen collection centres. 
All swine kept on an approved semen collection centre shall be subjected at least once per year to 
the following tests: 
(i) a serum agglutination test for brucellosis and show a brucella count of lower than 30 iu of 
agglutination per millilitre when carried out in accordance with the procedure laid down in 
Annex C of Council Directive 64/432/EEC; 
(ii) a negative complement fixation reaction when given a serological examination for 
brucellosis in accordance with the procedure laid down in Annex C of Council Directive 
64/432/EEC; 
(iii) a serum neutralization test for Aujeszky's disease with negative results; 
(iv) a serum neutralization test for swine fever with negative results, except where swine have 
been derived from officially swine fever-free holdings. 
3. Tests, where appropriate, shall be carried out in a laboratory approved by the Member State. 
4. Where a donor animal gives a positive reaction to any of the routine tests outlined in paragraphs 
1 and 2 above, semen from that animal collected since the date of the most recent negative test 
of that animal for the disease in question shall not be permitted to enter intra-Community trade. 
ANNEX C 
Conditions relating to the semen collected at approved semen collecting centres for the purpose of 
intra-Community trade 
1. Semen shall be obtained from animals which: 
(a) show no clinical sign of disease on the day of collection; 
(b) have not been vaccinated against foot and mouth disease within the 30 days immediately 
prior to collection; 
(c) have been resident on an approved semen collection centre for a continuous period of at 
least six months in the case of bovine semen and for at least three months in the case of 
porcine semen immediately prior to collection; 
(d) are not allowed to serve naturally; 
(e) are located in semen collection centres which on the day of collection are situated in the 
centre of an area of 20 km in diameter in which for at least 30 days there has been no 
incidence of foot and mouth disease and in addition, in the case of swine, are situated in the 
centre of an area two km in diameter in which for at least 15 days there has been no 
incidence of swine fever, swine vesicular disease, or contagious porcine paralysis (Teschen 
disease); 
(f) (i) are located in semen collection centres, in the case of frozen semen, which for at least 
three months prior to collection until 30 days after collection have been free from foot 
and mouth disease in the case of bovine semen and foot and mouth disease, swine 
vesicular disease, bovine and porcine brucellosis, swine fever and contagious porcine 
paralysis (Teschen disease) in the case of porcine semen, 
(ii) are located in semen collection centres which, in the case of fresh porcine semen for at 
least three months prior to collection until the day of consignment have been free from 
foot and mouth disease, swine vesicular disease, bovine and porcine brucellosis, swine 
fever and contagious swine paralysis (Teschen disease), 
(iii) are located in semen collection centres where, if all bovine animals are not seronegative 
for IBR/IPV, the donor bull is seronegative on the day of collection or the semen 
therefrom has been subjected to a virus isolation test with negative results; 
6.10. 83 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 267/17 
(g) are located in semen collection centres which have been free from all other compulsorily 
notifiable diseases which are infectious or contagious for the animal species in question 
according to Annex E of Council Directive 64/432/EEC during the period commencing 30 
days prior to collection until 30 days after collection. 
2. Semen for intra-Community trade shall: 
(i) be stored in approved accommodation for a minimum period of 30 days prior to dispatch 
except in the case of fresh porcine semen; 
(ii) be transported to the Member State of destination in flasks which have been cleansed and 
disinfected before use and which have been suitably sealed prior to dispatch from the 
approved storage accommodation. 
(iii) be sent direct to the place of loading under the responsibility of the designated veterinarian. 
No C 267/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 6. 10. 83 
ANNEX D 
Animal Health Certificate 
for trade between Member States of the EEC in semen of animals of the bovine and porcine species 
Country of collection: 
Competent authority: 
Competent local authority: 
I. Identification of semen: 
Species of donor animal: No 
No of doses Date(s) of 
collection Identification of 
donor animal Breed Date of birth 
II. Origin of semen: 
Address of semen collection centre(s): 
Approval number of semen collection centre(s): 
III. Destination of semen: 
The semen will be sent from 
(place of loading) 
(country and place of destination) 
by 
Name and address of consignor: (means of transport) 
Name and address of consignee: 
IV. I, the undersigned designated veterinarian, certify that: 
1. The semen described above was collected, processed and stored under conditions which 
comply with the standards laid down in Directive .../.. ./EEC; 
2. The semen described above was sent to the place of loading in a sealed container under 
conditions which satisfy the provisions of Directive .../.. ./EEC. 
Done at on 
(Signaturet) 
Seal 
(Name in block letters)