2002/183/EC: Commission Decision of 28 February 2002 amending Decisions 95/233/EC and 96/482/EC as regards the importation of live poultry from third countries with respect to Bulgaria and repealing Decision 96/483/EC (Text with EEA relevance) (notified under document number C(2002) 641)

Commission Decision
of 28 February 2002
amending Decisions 95/233/EC and 96/482/EC as regards the importation of live poultry from third countries with respect to Bulgaria and repealing Decision 96/483/EC
(notified under document number C(2002) 641)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2002/183/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 90/539/EEC of 15 October 1990 on animal health conditions governing intra-Community trade in, and imports from, third countries, of poultry and hatching eggs(1), as last amended by Decision 2001/867/EC(2), and in particular Article 21, Article 23(1), and Articles 24 and 26 thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Commission Decision 95/233/EC(3), as last amended by Commission Decision 2001/751/EC(4), lists in principle third countries, from which Member States are authorised to import live poultry and hatching eggs including ratites and eggs thereof.
(2) Commission Decision 96/482/EC(5), as last amended by Commission Decision 2000/505/EC(6), lays down more detailed rules for the importation of live poultry and hatching eggs and the relevant animal health certificates.
(3) Commission Decision 96/483/EC(7), as last amended by Commission Decision 96/628/EC(8), establishes the list of third countries, which are entitled to use the specific models of animal health certificates.
(4) Bulgaria has requested to be authorised for exports of live poultry and hatching eggs to the Community and has submitted the necessary guarantees.
(5) An inspection carried out by the Commission's services to Bulgaria in October 2000 has shown that Bulgaria is covered by sufficiently well structured and organised veterinary services regarding the animal health status concerning poultry.
(6) Furthermore the Bulgarian veterinary authorities have been able to demonstrate that the specific animal health requirements as laid down in Decision 96/482/EC are fulfilled.
(7) It is appropriate therefore to add Bulgaria to the lists of third countries laid down by Decision 95/233/EC.
(8) Croatia was allowed to export live poultry and hatching eggs only from designated areas of its territory. Inspections carried out in September/October 1997 and October 2000 have revealed that there is no further need for regionalisation.
(9) For reasons of transparency the list in the Annex to Decision 96/483/EC should be incorporated into Decision 96/482/EC. At the same time Bulgaria shall be added to it and the whole country of Croatia shall be listed without regionalisation.
(10) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,