WRITTEN QUESTION E-0577/02 by Emmanouil Bakopoulos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Illegal imports of domestic animals into the European Union.
Date: 2002-03-06
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: customs fraud, customs regulations, domestic animal, fraud, health control, health risk, illicit trade, veterinary legislation

C 205 E/166

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.8.2002

In the context of structural policy, there are a number of rural development measures which can be
7.
taken with a view to encouraging the production and sale of local products. Furthermore, where diseases
occur, Community provisions already impose restrictions on the movement of animals and their products.

(2002/C 205 E/177)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0577/02

by Emmanouil Bakopoulos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(6 March 2002)

Subject: Illegal imports of domestic animals into the European Union

According to newspaper reports, a large number of domestic animals have been imported illegally into the
European Union in recent years, mainly from eastern Europe. These animals are then sold on without
complying with basic health and hygiene standards, leading to an increase in animal mortality and health
hazards for consumers.

What measures will the Commission take in future to halt this illegal trade and enhance the quality of life
of domestic animals?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(24 April 2002)

The health conditions applying to live animals imported into the territory of the Community are laid down
in various Council directives.

With regard to cats and dogs, which seem to be the main focus of the question, these conditions are laid
down in Council Directive 92/65/EEC of 13 July 1992 laying down animal health requirements governing
trade in and imports into the Community of animals, semen, ova and embryos not subject to animal
health requirements laid down in specific Community rules referred to in Annex A (I) to Directive 90/425/
EEC (1), particularly in its Articles 10 and 16.

The general principles governing checks to be carried out on these animals when they enter the territory
of the EU are also set out in Council Directive 91/496/EEC of 15 July 1991 laying down the principles
governing the organisation of veterinary checks on animals entering the Community from third countries
and amending Directives 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC and 90/675/EEC (2). This Directive particularly states
that animals should be subject to systematic checks at the point of entry into the Community, at a border
inspection post.

terms, whilst

In general
its
implementation is the responsibility of the authorities in the Member States. It is therefore up to the
national authorities to ensure the correct implementation of the Community rules in force, and to take all
necessary measures to tackle illegal imports and fraud.

the initiative for Community legislation lies with the Commission,

It would be useful for the Commission to have more detailed information on the circumstances of the
illegal imports being reported here so that it can properly look into whether the Member States concerned
are complying with the obligations to which they are subject.

(1) OJ L 268, 14.9.1992.
(2) OJ L 268, 24.9.1991.