Council Directive 90/675/EEC of 10 December 1990 laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries
Date: 1990-12-10
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: animal product, crop production, customs, free movement of goods, fresh fish, veterinary inspection













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31990L0675

Council Directive 90/675/EEC of 10 December 1990 laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries  


Official Journal L 373 , 31/12/1990 P. 0001 - 0014 Finnish special edition: Chapter 3 Volume 36 P. 0059  Swedish special edition: Chapter 3 Volume 36 P. 0059  





COUNCIL DIRECTIVEof 10 December 1990laying down the principles governing the organization  of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries(90/675/EEC) 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 (1), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee. Whereas the animal products or products of animal origin and plant products subject to checks  intended to prevent the spread of contagious or infectious animal diseases are listed in Annex II  to the Treaty; Whereas laying down principles at Community level on the organization of veterinary checks on  products coming from third countries helps to safeguard supplies and ensure market stability while  also harmonizing the measures necessary to ensure the protection of animal and public health; Whereas Article 19 of Council Directive 89/662/EEC of11 December 1989 concerning veterinary checks  in intra-Community trade with a view to the completion ofthe internal market (3) and Article 23 of  Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June 1990 concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks  applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to  thecompletion of the internal market (4) provide, in particular, that the Council must lay down,  before 31 December 1990, the general principles applicable to checks on imports from third  countries of products covered by the said Directives; Whereas each consignment of products from third countries must be subjected to documentary and  identity checks upon entry to the Community; Whereas principles valid throughout the Community should be fixed concerning the organization and  follow-up of physical checks to be carried out by the competent veterinary authorities; Whereas provision must be made for safeguard arrangements; whereas, in this context, the Commission  must be able to act, particularly by visiting the places concerned and adopting measures  appropriate to the circumstances; Whereas, if the checking system is to function smoothly there must be an approval procedure and  border inspection posts must be inspected and there should be exchanges of officials empowered to  carry out checks on products coming from third countries; Whereas the laying down of common principles at Community level is all the more necessary given  that with the completion of the internal market in prospect, internal border controls are to be  abolished; Whereas the provision of certain transitional measures of limited duration appears to be necessary  in order to facilitate the move over to the new checking arrangements instituted by this  Directive; Whereas the task of adopting measures for the application of this Directive should be entrusted to  the Commission, HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: Article 11.  Veterinary checks in respect of  products from third countries entering the Community shall be carried out by the Member States in  accordance with this Directive. 2.  This Directive shall be without prejudice to the continued application of national veterinary  requirements in respect of products, trade in which has not been the subject of Community  harmonization or to the requirements resulting from Community rules where such requirements have  not yet been completely harmonized at Community level. Article 21.  For the purposes of this  Directive, the definitions contained in Article 2 of Directive 89/662/EEC and in Directive  90/425/EEC shall apply as necessary. 2.  In addition: (a)  'products` means the animal products or products of animal origin referred to in Directives  89/662/EEC and 90/425/EEC, or, in the circumstances described in Article 18: - fresh fish landed immediately from fishing vessels, - certain plant products, - by-products of animal origin not covered by Annex II to the Treaty; (b)  'documentary check` means verification of the veterinary certificates or documents  accompanying a product; (c)'identity check` means verification, by visual inspection only, for consistency between the  documents or certificates and the products and for the presence of the stamps and marks which must  appear on the products in accordance with Community rules or in the case of products trade in which  has not been harmonized at Community level, in accordance with the national legislation relevant to  the various cases provided for by this Directive; (d)'physical check` means a check of the product itself, possibly including sampling and  laboratory testing; (e)'importer` means any national or legal person who presents products for importation into the  Community; (f)'consignment` means a quantity of products of the same type, covered by the same veterinary  certificate or document, conveyed by the same means of transport and coming from the same third  country or part of such country; (g)'border inspection post` means any inspection post located in the vicinity of the external  border of one of the territories referred to in Annex I, designated and approved in accordance with  Article 9; (h)'competent authority` means the central authority of a Member State, empowered to carry out  veterinary or zootechnical checks, or any authority to which it has delegated such powers. CHAPTER IORGANIZATION AND EFFECTS OF CHECKS Article 3The Member States shall ensure that the  customs authorities do not authorize entry for home use into one of the territories referred to in  Annex I unless - without prejudice to the special provisions to be adopted in accordance with  Article 17 - proof has been supplied that: i(i)  in the form of the certificate for which Article 10 (1) provides, that the veterinary checks  have been carried out on the products in question in accordance with Articles 4, 5, 6 and 8 to the  satisfaction of the competent authority; (ii)  that the veterinary checks have been paid for, and that where relevant a deposit covering any  costs provided for in Article 16 (3) has been lodged. If necessary, detailed rules for implementing  this Article shall be adoptedin accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24. Article  41.  Each consignment of products from a third country shall be subjected to a documentary and  identity check, irrespective of the customs destination of the products, in order to verify: - their origin, - their subsequent destination, particularly in the case of non-harmonized products, - that the particulars they contain afford the guarantees required by Community rules or, where  products are concerned for which trade has not been harmonized at Community level, the guarantees  required under national rules referred to in the various cases covered by this Directive. 2.  These documentary and identity checks shall be carried out: i(i)  on entry into one of the territories referred to in Annex I at one of the border inspection  posts or at any otherborder crossing point a list of which - and regular updates - are to be  notified by the Member States to the Commission, which shall arrange for their publication in the  Official Journal of the European Communities; (ii)  by the veterinary staff of the border inspection post or - in the case of passage through a  crossing point referred to in (i), by the competent authority. Where the products undergo the documentary and identity checks at such a crossing point, they must  be dispatched without delay under customs supervision to the nearest border inspection post to  undergo the checks provided for in Article 8. 3.  Entry into one of the territories defined in Annex I shall be prohibited where these checks  show that: (a)  these products come from a territory or part of a territory of a third country which does not  meet the following conditions: i(i)  in the case of products rules governing the import of which have been harmonized: - they shall be entered on a list drawn upin accordance with Community rules, and Directive  72/462/EEC (1) in particular, as last amended by Directive 90/425/EEC, - imports are not prohibited pursuant to a Community decision; (ii)  in the absence of harmonized rules, in particular rules on animal health, they do not comply  with the requirements provided for in the national rules applicable to the various cases covered by  this Directive; (b)the veterinary certificate or document accompanying the products does not meet the conditions  set pursuantto Community rules or, where rules have not been harmonized, the requirements provided  for in the national rules applicable to the various cases covered by this Directive. 4.  The Member States shall ensure that importers are obliged to give prior notice to the  veterinary staff of the border inspection post where the products are to be submitted specifying  the amount, nature and estimated time of arrival of the products. 5.  Where: - products are intended for a Member State or an area having specific requirements, - samples have been taken but the results are not known when the means of transport leaves the  border inspection post, - imports authorized for specific cases, are involved, information from the competent authority of the place of destination must be given: - for products covered by Directive 90/425/EEC by means of the computerized system provided for in  Article 20 of the said Directive, - for the other products, in accordance with Article 7 (1) of Directive 89/662/EEC. 6.  The detailed rules for applying paragraphs 1 to 5 shall be adopted in accordance with the  procedure laid down in Article 24. 7.  All expenditure incurred by the application of this Article shall be chargeable to the  consignor, the consignee or their agent, without reimbursement by the Member State. Article 51.   For the purpose of admission to a free zone or free warehouse, as defined in Article 1 (4) (a) and  (b) of Regulation (EEC) No 2504/88 (2) the competent authority shall ensure that products undergo a  documentary check and verification by simple visual inspection that the documents or certificates  tally with the products and, if necessary, where there are grounds for suspicion, an identity check  and a physical check. Products leaving a free zone or free warehouse to be entered for home use in  one of the territories referred to in Annex I will have to undergo the checks provided for in this  Directive. 2.  The detailed rules for implementing this Article shall be adopted in accordance with the  procedure laid down in Article 24. Article 61.  At the time of admission to the warehouse, the  competent authority shall carry out an identity check on products to be stored under the 'customs  warehousing procedure` as defined in Regulation (EEC) No 2503/88 (3) or the 'temporary storage of  goods procedure` as definedin Regulation (EEC) No 4151/88 (4) in a warehouse designated by the  competent authority on the basis of guidelines to be determined under the procedure laid down in  Article 24. In addition, the competent authority shall perform the appropriate veterinary checks at the  warehouse in accordance with paragraph 5. 2.  The Member States shall draw up a list of the warehouses referred to in paragraph 1, specifying  the type of veterinary check made on entry and exit of the productsreferred to in Article 2. They  shall forward the list, and any subsequent updates to the Commission. The Commission shall publish the list of these warehouses and any subsequent updates in the  Official Journal of the European Communities. 3.  Products stored in a warehouse designated by a Member State which are to enter free circulation  in the territories referred to in Annex I must be kept under customs supervision and before  entering free circulation they must undergo the checks provided for in Article 8, or in the case of  products trade in which has not been harmonized at Community level to the checks set out in Article  11. Where a consignment is split, the products leaving the warehouse must be accompanied: - by the certificate provided for in Article 10 (1), second indent drawn up by an official  veterinarian on the basis of the certificates accompanying the consignments of products during  storage and must specify the origin of the products, - in accordance with Article 11 (4) (b) second indent by the copy of the original certificates. 4.  The cost of the veterinary checks provided for in this Article shall be borne by the operator  seeking customs warehousing or temporary storage. These costs, including a deposit to cover the costs incurred as a result of any recourse to the  possibilities provided for in Article 16 (3), must be paid before the products enter the  warehouse. 5.  Detailed rules for the application of this Article shall be adopted in accordance with the  procedure laid down in Article 24. Article 71.  Without prejudice to measures adopted pursuant to  Article 19, Member States need not apply the requirements of Article 4 (3) to products which do not  satisfy either the requirements of Community rules or, in the case of products trade in which has  not been the subject of Community harmonization, the relevant national rules and which are intended  to be stored in a free zone provided that: - there is a correspondence between the products or consignments and the accompanying documents, - the products in question are subsequently forwardedto a third country under the conditions laid  down in Article 12, - the products in question are stored in such a way as to be clearly separated from products  intended to be admitted for home use to the territories referred to in Annex I. 2.  Any detailed rules for implementing this Article shall be adopted in accordance with the  procedure laid down in Article 24. Article 8Products for which the veterinary requirements  governing trade have been harmonized at Community level and which have been presented at one of the  points of entry to the territory defined in Annex I must meet the following requirements: 1.  If(a)  the point of entry is a border inspection post, the products must undergo without delay  the checks provided for in Article 4 (1) and in point 2 below: (b)the point of entry is a crossing point of the kind referred to in Article 4 (2), or if the  products come from a warehouse in accordance with Article 6 (3), they must be transferred without  delay under customs supervision to the nearest border inspection post where the official  veterinarian must: - ensure that the checks provided for in Article 4 (1) have been satisfactorily performed, - carry out the checks provided for in point 2. 2.  The official veterinarian must: (a)carry out a physical check on each consignment, on the basis of a representative sample of the consignment in order to ensure that the products are  still in a fit state to be used for the purpose specified in the accompanying certificate or  document; (b)perform the laboratory tests which have to be carried out on-the-spot; (c)take official samples to be examined for residues or pathogens and have them analysed as soon  as possible. The official veterinarian may be assisted in certain of these tasks by qualified staff with special  training, working under his direction. 3.  The detailed rules for carrying out the checks provided for in points 1 and 2 shall be laid  down by the Commission under the procedure provided for in Article 24. At the request of a Member State, accompanied by the requisite substantiating information, or  acting on its own initiative, the Commission may follow the same procedure and determine that  checks are to be less frequent, under certain conditions and in the light in particular of the  results of previous checks, with respect to certain third countries or third country establishments  offering satisfactory guarantees as regards checks at the point of origin. The Commission will take into account the following criteria for granting derogations of this  nature: (a)  the guarantees offered by the third country in question with respect to compliance with  Community requirements, particularly those laid down in Directives 72/462/EEC and 90/426/EEC (1); (b)the health situation of animals in the third country concerned; (c)information on the general health situation in the country; (d)nature of the measures to monitor and to combat disease applied by the third country; (e)structures and powers of the veterinary service; (f)compliance with the minimum standards laid down by Community law in regard to production  hygiene; (g)rules on the authorization of certain substances and compliance with the requirements set out  in Article 7 of Directive 86/469/EEC (2); (h)outcome of the Community inspection visits; (i)outcome of the import controls carried out. 4.  However, by way of derogation from point 2, for products entering a port or airport in one of  the territories referred to in Annex I, the checks may be carried out in the port or airport of  destination, provided that such port or airport has a border inspection post of the kind referred  to in Article 2 and the products are transported by sea or air as the case may be. Article 91.   The border inspection posts must satisfy the requirements of this Article. 2.  Border inspection posts must be: ii(i)  located in the vicinity of the point of entry into one of the territories referred to in  Annex I; i(ii)  designated and approved in accordance with paragraph 3; (iii)  placed under the authority of an official veterinarian, who shall be effectively responsible  for the checks. The official veterinariam may be assisted by specially trained auxiliary staff. 3. Before 31 March 1991, and once border posts have been shortlisted by national authorities,  acting in conjunction with the Commission departments which will verify their compliance with the  minimum requirements set out in Annex II, the Member States shall submit to the Commission the list  of border inspection posts that will carry out veterinary checks on products and provide the  following information: (a)  nature of the border inspection post: - port, - airport, - road checkpoint, - rail checkpoint; (b)nature of the products which could be checked at the border inspection post in question given  the equipment and veterinary staff available, possibily mentioning any products that cannot be  checked at those border inspection posts; (c)staff allocated to veterinary checks: - number of official veterinarians with at least one official veterinarian on duty at all times  that the border inspection post is open, - number of specially qualified auxiliary staff or assistants; (d)description of the equipment and premises available given the various checks to be carried out  for the following operations: - documentary check, - physical check, - sampling, - laboratory for carrying out on the spot the general tests laid down in Article 8 (2) (b), - laboratory available for specific tests ordered by the official veterinarian; (e)capacity of the available premises and cold stores for storing the products pending the test  results; (f)nature of the equipment allowing a rapid exchange of information, particularly with other  border inspection posts; (g)procedure for handling disputes with third countries; (h)volume of trade (types and quantities of products passing through this border inspection  post). 4.  Acting in conjunction with the competent national authorities, the Commission shall inspect the  border inspection posts designated in accordance with paragraph 3 with a view to ensuring that  there is uniform application of the rules on veterinary checks and that the various border  inspection posts in fact possess the necessary infrastructures and meet the minimum requirements  laid down in Annex II. N° later than 31 December 1991, the Commission shall submit to the Standing Veterinary Committee a  report on the outcome of this inspection together with proposals taking into account the  conclusions of the report with a view to establishing a Community list of border inspection posts  approved in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24. This report shall cover any problems encountered by certain Member States if the shortlisting  referred to in the first subparagraph of paragraph 3 were to result in a large number of border  inspection posts being excluded at 1 January 1992. In accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 23, a period of up to three years may be  granted to enable the border inspection posts of the Member States referred to in the previous  subparagraph to comply with the requirements of this Directive and in particular those concerning  equipment and infrastructure. The Commission shall publish the list of border inspection posts, and any subsequent updates, in  the Official Journal of the European Communities. 5.  The Commission shall adopt any detailed rules required for implementing this Article in  accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24. Article 101.  Where products, trade in  which has been harmonized at Community level, are not to be entered for home use in the territory  of the Member State which carried out the checks referred to in Article 8, point 2, the official  veterinarian responsible for the border inspection post shall: - provide the person concerned with a copy or, if the consignment of goods is split, several  authenticated copies of the original certificates relating to the goods; the period of the  certificates' validity will be set in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24 and  will depend on the nature of the product concerned, - issue a certificate which matches the model to be devised by the Commission in accordance with  the procedure laid down in Article 24 attesting that the checks referred to in Article 8, point 2,  have been carried out to the satisfaction of the official veterinarian, and specifying the nature  of the samples that have been taken and the results of any laboratory tests, - keep the original certificate or certificates accompanying the goods. 2.  Detailed rules for the application of paragraph 1 particularly those concerning products  imported for specific purposes shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in  Article 24. 3.  Trade in the products referred to in Directive 89/662/EEC and allowed into the territories  referred to in Annex I of this Directive shall be conducted in accordance with the rules laid down  in the said Directive, in particular in Chapter II thereof. Article 111.  This Article shall apply in respect of the products referred to in Article 2, where  the rules governing trade in which have not yet been harmonized at Community level, and which,  after entering one of the territories referred to in Annex I are to be re-dispatched to another  Member State which authorizes the entry of such products into its territory. 2.  Each consignment of products must undergo the checks provided for in Article 4 (1) and: (a)  must either undergo the veterinary checks laid down in Article 8 at the border inspection post  situated in the territory of the Member State where the products are introduced, to verify in  particular whether the products concerned comply with the rules of the Member State of  destination; (b)or, where a prior bilateral agreement has been reached between the Member State in the  territory of which the point of entry to one of the territories referred to in Annex I is located  and the Member State of destination, possibly together with the Member State or States of transit,  on the arrangements for carrying out the checks, must be sent under customs supervision to the  place of destination where veterinary checks must be carried out. Member States shall inform the Commission and the other Member States meeting the Standing  Veterinary Committee of the system adopted pursuant to this paragraph. 3.  In the case referred to in paragraph 2 (a), Article 10 shall apply. 4.  In the cases referred to in paragraph 2 (b): (a)  the documentary and identity checks and the physical check must be carried out at a border  inspection post situated in the territory of the Member State of destination; (b)the competent authorities carrying out the documentary check and the identity check must; - give the official veterinarian at the inspection post of the place of destination notice of the  passage of the products, and of their probable date of arrival, in the context of the programme for  developing the computerization of veterinary procedures in respect of imports (Shift project), - specify the fact of passage on the copy or, if the consignment of products is split, copies of  the original certificates, - keep the original certificate or certificates relating to the products. Where special conditions so warrant and where a Member State so requests, with due substantiation,  the physical check may be carried out in a place other than one referred to in point (a). Such a place shall be determined in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24. 5.  In the cases provided for in paragraph 4, the products shall be transported under the Community  transit system (external procedure) as defined in Regulation (EEC) No 2726/90 (1) in vehicles or  containers sealed by the competent authority. Trade in the products admitted after being checked in accordance with this Article shall be subject  to the rules laid down in Directive 89/662/EEC. 6.  If the physical check referred to in this Article shows that the product cannot be entered for  home use, Article 16 shall apply. 7.  Any detailed rules necessary for the application of this Article shall be adopted in accordance  with the procedure laid down in Article 24. Article 121.  The Member States shall authorize the  transport of products from one third country to another third country provided that: (a)  the party concerned supplies proof that the first third country to which products are being  sent, after transit through one of the territories referred to in Annex I, undertakes under no  circumstances to reject or to send back products the importation or transit of which it has  authorized; (b)such transport has been previously authorized by the official veterinarian of the border  inspection post of the Member State in the territory of which the checks provided for in Article 4  (1) are carried out; (c)in the case of passage through one of the territories referred to in Annex I such transport is  carried out, without the goods being unloaded, under the supervision of the competent authorities  in vehicles or containers sealed by the competent authorities; the only handling authorized during  transport shall be that carried out at the point of entry into or exit from one of the territories  referred to in Annex I. 2.  All expenditure incurred pursuant to this Article shall be chargeable to the consignor, the  consignee or their representative without compensation by the Member State. 3.  Detailed rules for the application of this Article shall be adopted in accordance with the  procedure laid down in Article 24. Article 131.  The competent veterinary service shall carry out  an identity check and, where appropriate and without prejudice to Article 15, a physical check on  products for which the customs destination is other than as provided for in Articles 5, 6, 10, 11  and 12. 2.  Detailed rules for the application of this Article shall be adopted, where necessary, in  accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24. Article 141.  Apart from Article 15, this  Chapter shall not apply to products which: ii(i)  form part of travellers' personal luggage and are intended for their personal consumption  insofar as the quantity does not exceed a quantity to be defined in accordance with paragraph 3 and  provided that the products come from a third country or part of a third country appearing on the  list adopted in accordance with Community rules and from which importation is not prohibited; i(ii)  are sent as small packages to private persons, provided that the products are not being  imported by way of trade, insofar as the quantity sent does not exceed a quantity to be defined in  accordance with paragraph 3 and provided that the products come from a third country or part of a  third country appearing on a list drawn up in accordance with Community rules and from which  importation is not prohibited; (iii)  are intended for consumption by the crew and passengers on board means of transport  operating internationally, provided that they come from a third country or part of a third country  or from an establishment imports from which are not prohibited under Community rules. Where such products or their kitchen waste are unloaded, they must be destroyed. It is not,  however, necessary to destroy products when they are transferred, directly or after being placed  provisionally under customs supervision, from one means of transport to another; (iv)  where quantities not exceeding a figure to be fixed in accordance with paragraph 3 are  involved, have undergone heat treatment in a hermetically sealed container to a Fo value of 3,00 or  more and: (a)  form part of travellers' personal luggage and are intended for their personal consumption; (b)are sent as small packages to private persons, provided that the products are not being  imported by way of trade. 2.  Paragraph 1 shall not affect the rules applicable to fresh meat and meat products in accordance  with Article 1 (2) of Directive 72/462/EEC. 3.  In accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24, the Commission shall set the weight  limits for the different products liable to be covered by the derogations referred to in paragraph  1. Article 15Without prejudice to the provisions of this Chapter, the official veterinarian or the  competent authority shall, where it is suspected that veterinary legislation has not been complied  with or there is doubt as to the identity of a product, carry out any veterinary checks it deems  appropriate.Article 161.  Where the checks referred to in this Directive show the competent  authority that the product does not satisfy the requirements laid down in the Community rules or  national rules in matters which have not yet been harmonized at Community level, or where such  checks reveal an irregularity, the competent authority, in consultation with the importer or his  representative, shall decide either: (a)  to re-dispatch, within a time limit to be set by the competent national authority, the  consignment outside the territories referred in Annex I where veterinary inspection and health  requirements so allow. In this case, the official veterinarian of the border post must: - inform the other border inspection posts, in accordance with paragraph 5 that the consignment has  been rejected, indicating the infringements observed; - under arrangements to be defined by the Commission in accordance with the procedure provided for  in Article 24, cancel the veterinary certificate or document accompanying the rejected  consignments; - at intervals to be determined by the Commission, supply information via the competent central  authority, as to the nature and frequency of the infringements observed; (b)  to destroy the consignment in the territory of the Member State where the checks were carried  out if re-dispatch is impossible. 2.  Without prejudice to the options provided in Article 24 (5) third subparagraph of Directive  72/462/EEC and in Article 8 (1) (b) first indent of Directive 90/425/EEC, derogations from  paragraph 1 of this Article may be made in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24,  in particular to permit the use of products for purposes other than human consumption. In the  context of such derogations and in accordance with the same procedure, conditions shall be adopted  with regard to the use of the products concerned. 3.  The importer or his representative shall be liable for the costs incurred in the process of  re-dispatching or destroying the consignment or using the product for other purposes. 4.  Detailed rules for the application of this Article shall be adopted, where necessary, in  accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24. 5.  Provisions concerning the communication of information to the Member States will be adopted in  the context of the programme for developing the computerization of veterinary procedures in respect  of imports (Shift project). 6.  The competent authorities shall, were appropriate, communicate to the Commission and the other  Member States any information at their disposal in accordance with Council Directive 89/608/EEC of  21 November 1989 on mutual assistance between the administrative authorities of the Member States  and cooperation between the latter and the Commission to ensure the correct application of  legislation on veterinary and zootechnical matters (1). Article 17The Commission, in accordance  with the procedure laid down in Article 24, shall on the basis of the plans referred to in the  second paragraph, adopt the rules applicable to imports into certain parts of the territories  referred to in Annex I, to take account of the natural constraints specific to these territories in  particular their remoteness from the mainland part of Community territory. To that end, by 1 July 1991 at the latest, the French Republic and the Hellenic Republic will  submit a plan to the Commission setting out, in the particular case of the French Overseas  Departments and of certain islands and groups of islands, the nature of the checks to be carried  out on imports into these regions of products originating in third countries, taking into account  the natural geographical constraints specific to these territories. These plans must specify the checks carried out to prevent products introduced into these  territories being re-dispatched under any circumstances to other parts of Community territory.  Article 181.  The Commission, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24, shall draw  up a list of plant products covered by Article 2 (2) (a) second indent which, in particular on  account of their subsequent destination, may give rise to the risk of spreading infectious or  contagious animal diseases and on that account are to be subjected to the veterinary checks laid  down by this Directive, and in particular those provided for in Article 4, in order to verify the  origin and planned destination of such plant products. The following shall be adopted in accordance with the same procedure: - the animal health conditions which third countries must comply with and the guarantees which must  be offered, in particular the nature of any processing to be required in the light of their animal  health situation, - a list of the third countries which, in the light of these guarantees, may be authorized to  export to the Community the plant products referred to in the first paragraph, - any specific inspection procedures, in particular with reference to sampling which may be  applied to these products, especially in the case of imports in bulk. 2.  Pending the adoption of Community rules applicable to imports of these products, the Commission  may, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24, extend to by-products of animal  origin not covered by Annex II to the Treaty the veterinary inspection rules laid down by this  Directive by fixing where appropriate certain specific criteria which must be complied with when  veterinary checks on these products are being carried out. 3.  Fresh fish immediately landed from a vessel flying a third country flag must - before entering  for home use in the territory defined in Annex I - undergo the checks laid down in respect of fish  immediately landed by vessels flying the flag of a Member State. 4.  In accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24, derogations may be granted from the  provisions of Article 9 and, as regards the staff responsible for carrying out the checks, those of  Article 8 (2) for ports where fish is landed. CHAPTER IISafeguard provisions Article 191.  If, in the territory of a third country, a disease  referred to in Directive 82/894/EEC (1), a zoonosis or other disease or phenomenon liable to  present a serious threat to animal or public health, or if any other serious animal health or  public health reason so warrants in particular in the light of the findings of its veterinary  experts, the Commission may, acting on its own initiative or at the request of a Member State,  adopt one of the following measures without delay and depending on the gravity of the situation: - suspend imports coming from part or all of the third country concerned, and where appropriate  from the transit third country, - set special conditions in respect of imports coming from part or all of the third country  concerned. 2.  If one of the checks provided for in this Directive indicates that a consignment of products is  likely to constitute a danger for animal or human health, the competent veterinary authority shall  immediately take the following measures: - it shall seize and destroy the consignment, - it shall immediately inform the other border inspection posts and the Commission of the findings  and ofthe origin of the products, in accordance with Article 16 (5). 3.  In the case provided for in paragraph 1, the Commission may take provisional protective  measures in respect of products covered by Article 12. 4.  Representatives of the Commission may make an immediate visit to the third country concerned. 5.  As regards products the rules on imports of which have not yet been harmonized, and in the case  where a Member State informs the Commission officially of the need to take safeguard measures and  the Commission has not invoked the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 3 or made a referral to the  Standing Veterinary Committee in accordance with paragraph 6, that Member State may take interim  protective measures in respect of the products in question. Where a Member State takes provisional protective measures in respect of a third country or third  country establishment under the terms of this paragraph, it shall inform the other Member States  and the Commission in accordance with Article 16 (5). 6.  Without delay the Commission shall review the situation within the Standing Veterinary  Committee. It may adopt the necessary decisions in accordance with the procedure laid down in  Article 23, including those relating to intra-Community movements of products and to transit. 7.  Decisions to modify, repeal or extend measures decided on by virtue of paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 6  shall be taken in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 23. 8.  Detailed rules for the application of this Chapter shall be adopted, where necessary, in  accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24. CHAPTER IIIInspection Article 201.  Veterinary experts from the Commission may, in conjunction  with the competent national authorities and to the extent that uniform application of the  requirements of this Directive renders necessary, verify that the border inspection posts approved  in accordance with Article 9 satisfy the criteria listed in Annex II. 2.  Veterinary experts from the Commission may, in conjunction with the competent authorities, make  on-the-spot checks. 3.  A Member State in whose territory an inspection is made shall provide the veterinary experts  from the Commission with any assistance they may require in the performance of their tasks. 4.  The Commission shall inform the Member States of the outcome of the checks. 5.  Where the Commission deems that the outcome of checks so justifies, it shall review the  situation within the Standing Veterinary Committee. It may adopt the necessary decisions in  accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 23. 6.  The Commission shall monitor developments; in the light of such developments and in accordance  with the procedure laid down in Article 23, it may amend or repeal the decisions referred to in  paragraph 5. 7.  Detailed rules for the application of this Article shall be adopted, where necessary, in  accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24. Article 211.  Where, on the basis of the  checks carried out at the point where the products are marketed, a competent authority of a Member  State considers that this Directive is not being complied with at a border inspection post, a  crossing point referred to in Article 4 (2) (i), a free port or free zone referred to in Article 5  or a free warehouse referred to in Article 6 of another Member State, it shall contact the  competent central authority of that Member State without delay. The latter shall take all the necessary measures and inform the competent authority of the first  Member State of the nature of the checks made, the decisions taken and the reasons for such  decisions. If the competent authority of the first Member State believes the measures are insufficient it  shall examine, with the competent authority of the Member State in question, the ways and means in  which the situation could be remedied, where necessary by visiting the Member State in question. Where the checks referred to in the first subparagraph show repeated non-compliance with this  Directive, the competent authority of the Member State of destination shall inform the Commission  and the competent authorities of the other Member States. The Commission may, at the request of the competent authority of the Member State of destination or  on its own initiative, and taking account of the type of infringements complained of: - send an inspection team to the Member State in question in conjunction with the competent  national authorities, - request the competent authority to step up the checks carried out at the border inspection post,  crossing point, free port, free zone or free warehouse in question. Pending the Commission's findings, the Member State attached must, at the request of the Member  State of destination, step up checks at the border inspection post, crossing point, free port, free  zone or free warehouse concerned. The Member State of destination may, for its part, intensify checks on products coming from these  sources. At the request of one of the two Member States concerned - where the irregularities are conformed  by the inspection referred to in the first indent of the fourth subparagraph - the Commission must,  in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 23, take the appropriate measures. These  measures must be confirmed or reviewed as soon as possible in accordance with the same procedure. 2.  Rights of appeal existing under the laws in force in the Member States against decisions by the  competent authorities shall not be affected by this Directive. Decisions taken by the competent authority and the reasons for such decisions shall be notified to  the operator concerned by such decisions or his respresentative. If the operator concerned or his representative so requests, the said decisions and reasons shall  be forwarded to him in writing with details of the rights of appeal which are available to him  under the law in force in the Member State performing the checks of the procedure and time limits  applicable. 3.  The detailed rules for the application of this Article shall be adopted in accordance with the  procedure laid down in Article 24. Article 221.  Each Member State shall draw up a programme for  the exchange of officials empowered to carry out the checks on products coming from third  countries. 2.  The Commission and the Member States shall coordinate the programmes referred to in paragraph 1  within the Standing Veterinary Committee. 3.  Member States shall take all the measures necessary to allow implementation of the programmes  resulting from the coordination referred to in paragraph 2. 4.  Each year, in the Standing Veterinary Committee, the implementation of programmes shall be  reviewed on the basis of reports drawn up by the Member States. 5.  Member States shall take into account the experience gained in order to improve and develop the  programme of exchanges. 6.  A financial contribution from the Community may be granted in order to promote the efficient  development of exchange programmes. Detailed rules for the Community's financial contribution and  the estimated amount to becharged to the Community budget are laid down in Council Decision  90/424/EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field (1). 7.  Detailed rules for the application of paragraphs 1, 4 and 5 shall be adopted where necessary,  in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24. CHAPTER IVGeneral provisions Article 23Where reference is made to the procedure provided for in  this Article, the Standing Veterinary Committee set up by Decision 68/361/EEC (2) shall take  decisions in accordance with the rules established in Article 17 of Directive 89/662/EEC. Article  24Where reference is made to the procedure defined in this Article, the Standing Veterinary  Committee shall take decisions in accordance with the rules established in Article 18 of Directive  89/662/EEC. Article 25Annex II to this Directive may be supplemented in accordance with the  procedure laid down in Article 24. Article 26This Directive shall be without prejudice to  obligations arising from customs rules. Article 27Article 23 of Directive 72/462/EEC is hereby  deleted. Pending the decisions provided for in Article 4 (6), the acts taken pursuant to Article 23 of  Directive 72/462/EEC shall continue to apply. Article 28Article 6 (1) of Directive 89/662/EEC is  hereby replaced by the following: '1.  Member States shall ensure that, during the checks carried out at the places where products  from a third country may be brought into the territories, defined in Annex I to Directive  90/675/EEC (*) such as ports, airports and border inspection posts with third countries, the following measures are taken: (a)  a documentary check is made on the products` origin; (b)products originating in the Community are subject to the rules on checks provided for in  Article 5; (c)products from third countries are subject to the rules laid down in Directive 90/675/EEC. (*) OJ N° L 373, 31. 12. 1990, p. 1.' Article 29Article 7 of Directive 90/425/EEC is hereby  replaced by the following: 'Article 71.  Member States shall ensures that during the checks carried out at the places where  animals and products referred to in Article 1 from a third country may be brought into the  territories referred to in Annex I to Directive 90/675/EEC (*), such as ports, airports and border  inspection posts with third countries, the following measures are taken: (a)  certificates or documents accompanying the animals and products are checked; (b)the products from third countries shall be subject to the rules laid down by Directive  90/675/EEC; (c)where animals are imported from third countries, they must be sent, under customs supervision,  to border inspection posts in order that veterinary checks may be carried out. The animals referred to in Annex A may not be given customs clearance unless those checks have  shown that they comply with Community rules; (d)Community animals and products shall be subject to the control rules laid down in Article 5. 2.  The animals must be brought directly into Community territory via one of the border inspection  posts of the Member State which intends to import them and be inspected there in accordance with  paragraph 1 (b). Member States which make imports from third countries on the basis of national animal health rules  shall inform the Commission and the other Member States, in particular Member States of transit, of  the existence of such imports and of the requirements to which they subject such imports. Member States of destination shall prohibit animals from being sent on from their territory unless  they have remained there for the periods laid down in the specificCommunity rules unless they are  bound, without transit, for another Member State using the same option. However, pending the adoption of Community rules, those animals may be brought into the territory  of a Member State other than that referred to in the second subparagraph following prior agreement  given by that other Member State in a general manner and, where appropriate, by a Member State of  transit on the arrangements for control. Member States shall inform the Commission and the other  Member States in the framework of the Standing Veterinary Committee when they are making use of  this derogation and of the control arrangements agreed upon. 3.  However, from 1 January 1993 and by way of derogation from paragraph 1, all animals and  products transported by regular, direct means of transport linking two geographical points of the  Community shall be subject to the control rules laid down in Article 5. (*) OJ N° L 373, 31. 12. 1990, p. 1.`  Article 30Acting in accordance with the procedure laid  down in Article 24, the Commission may adopt for three years the transitional measures necessary to  facilitate the move over to the new checking arrangements provided for in this Directive. Article  31Member States may make use of the Community financial assistance provided for in Article 38 of  Directive 90/424/EEC for the implementation of this Directive. Article 321.  Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative  provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 31 December 1991 at the latest. They shall  forthwith inform the Commission thereof. Detailed rules for applying this Directive and in particular those of Article 8 (3) shall be  adopted and the Shift system brought into force not later than 31 December 1991. Should the date referred to in the preceding subparagraph not be met, the transitional measures  provided for in Article 30 shall be taken on that date. 2.  When Member States adopt the measures referred to in paragraph 1, they shall contain a  reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference on the occasion of their  official publication. The methods of making such a reference shall be laid down by the Member  States. Article 33This Directive is addressed to the Member States.Done at  Brussels, 10 December 1990. For the CouncilThe PresidentV. SACCOMANDI(1) OJ N° C 252, 6. 10. 1990, p.  10. (2) Opinion delivered on 23 November 1990 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (=) OJ N° L 395, 30. 12. 1989, p. 13. (4) OJ N° L 224, 18. 8. 1990, p. 29. (1) OJ N° L 302, 31. 12. 1972, p. 28. (2) OJ N° L 225, 15. 8. 1988, p. 8. (3) OJ N° L 225, 15. 8. 1988, p. 1. (4) OJ N° L 367, 31. 12. 1988, p. 1. (1) OJ N° L 224, 18. 8. 1990, p. 42. (2) OJ N° L 275, 26. 9. 1986, p. 36. (1) OJ N° L 262, 26. 9. 1990, p. 1. (1) OJ N° L 351, 2. 12. 1989, p. 34. (1) OJ N° L 378, 31. 12. 1982, p. 58. (1) OJ N° L 224, 18. 8. 1990, p. 19. (2) OJ N° L 255, 18. 10. 1968, p. 23. ANNEX I 1.  The territory of the Kingdom of Belgium.  2.  The territory of the Kingdom of Denmark with the exception of the Faroe Islands and  Greenland.  3.  The territory of the Federal Republic of Germany.  4.  The territory of the Kingdom of Spain, with the exception of the Canary Islands, Ceuta and  Melilla.  5.  The territory of the Hellenic Republic.  6.  The territory of the French Republic.  7.  The territory of Ireland.  8.  The territory of the Italian Republic.  9.  The territory of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. 10.  The territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Europe. 11.  The territory of the Portuguese Republic. 12.  The territory of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. ANNEX IIIn order to obtain Community approval, border inspection posts must have: - the staff necessary to check the documents (public health and animal health certificates or any  other document laid down by Community legislation) accompanying the products, - sufficient numbers, in relation to the quantity of products dealt with by the border inspection  post, of veterinary and auxiliary staff specially trained to carry out checks that products  correspond to the accompanying documents and systematic physical checks of each product  consignment, - sufficient staff to take and process random samples of product consignments presented at a given  border inspection post, - sufficiently large premises at the disposal of the staff responsible for carrying out veterinary  checks, - appropriate premises and facilities for taking and processing the samples for the routine checks  laid down in Community rules (microbiological standards), - the services of a specialized laboratory situated near the border inspection post and able to  carry out special tests on the samples taken at that post, - premises and cold stores permitting the storage of part-consignments taken for testing and  products whose release for free circulation has not been authorized by the veterinary officer  responsible for the border inspection post, - appropriate equipment permitting the rapid exchange of information, in particular with other  border inspection posts (from 1 January 1993, through the computerized system provided for in  Article 20 of Directive 90/425/EEC or the Shift project).