2005/573/: Commission Decision of 22 July 2005 amending Decision 2002/994/EC concerning certain protective measures with regard to the products of animal origin imported from China (notified under document number C(2005) 2764) Text with EEA relevance

23.7.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 193/41
COMMISSION DECISION
of 22 July 2005
amending Decision 2002/994/EC concerning certain protective measures with regard to the products of animal origin imported from China
(notified under document number C(2005) 2764)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2005/573/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 97/78/EC of 18 December 1997 laying down the principles governing the organisation of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries (1), and in particular Article 22(1) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Following the detection of residues of veterinary medicines in certain products of animal origin imported from China, and the shortcomings identified during an inspection visit to that country as regards the regulation of veterinary medicines and the residue control system in live animals and animal products, the Commission adopted Decision 2002/69/EC (2).
(2) Corrective measures were subsequently implemented by Chinese authorities and additional information and supplementary guarantees were provided. Along with favourable results of the checks carried out by the Commission services and Member States, these measures allowed amendments of Decision 2002/69/EC and the subsequent adoption of several measures to authorise the importation of products of animal origin from China. These amendments were consolidated in Commission Decision 2002/994/EC of 20 December 2002 concerning certain protective measures with regard to the products of animal origin imported from China (3), which has repealed Decision 2002/69/EC.
(3) Results of the checks carried out by Member States on the products authorised for import since the application of Decision 2004/621/EC are generally favourable. This allows consideration of the authorisation of imports from China of petfood. In view of the negligible risk for consumers, it is appropriate to amend the Decision accordingly.
(4) In order to improve legal clarity over the range of animal products which are prohibited for import from China, it is appropriate to clarify the text of Decision 2002/994/EC.
(5) Decision 2002/994/EC should therefore be amended accordingly.
(6) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,