Imported Meat and Livestock (Hansard, 2 April 1996)

§ Mrs. Browning

[holding answer 29 March 1996]: For livestock, other member states of the European Union are obliged to ensure that animals sent to the United Kingdom originate from holdings which are subject to regular official veterinary checks and free from animal health movement restrictions. Animals also have to be accompanied by a valid health certificate signed by an official veterinarian in conformity with Community rules. The certificate details the veterinary checks carried out by the official veterinarian. As a further precaution against disease spread, spot checks are carried out on imported consignments, including some sampling and testing for evidence of disease.

Livestock from third countries can be imported only through an approved border inspection post. Most consignments of livestock must undergo full documentary, identity and physical checks by an official veterinarian at the BIP. Imported livestock from third countries for which the European Community has not agreed harmonised rules are permitted to enter the Untied Kingdom only with a valid import licence, the conditions of which must be met. National and Community animal health conditions for imported livestock include some pre-export and post-import testing requirements.

Similarly, imports of animal products from third countries may enter the Community only via approved BIPs where they are subject to a range of checks to ensure compliance with import rules.

As regards intra-Community trade in products of animal origin, the onus is on the member state of origin to ensure compliance with Community animal and public health rules. These require carcases to be health marked to indicate that they come from an approved slaughter house and to be accompanied by commercial documentation bearing the approval number of that premises. Checks and testing are undertaken here if there is reason to suspect that a consignment does not comply with Community rules.