Council Directive 2002/99/EC laying down the animal health rules governing the production, processing, distribution and introduction of products of animal origin for human consumption.

This Directive, which consists of three Chapters and five Annexes, lays down the general animal health rules governing all stages of the production, processing and distribution within the Community as well as the introduction from third countries of products of animal origin and products obtained therefrom and intended for human consumption. For the purposes of this Directive, products of animal origin means products obtained from animals and products obtained therefrom, for human consumption, including live animals if they are prepared for such use. Chapter I makes provision on animal health requirements applicable to all stages of the production, processing and distribution of products of animal origin within the Community. In accordance with article 3, Member States shall ensure that all stages of the production, processing and distribution of products of animal origin as well as food business operators do not cause the spread of diseases transmissible to animals. To this end, the products must be obtained from animals which meet the animal health conditions established under the relevant Community legislation. Article 4 lays down particular derogations from such prescription. Article 5 makes provision in matter of veterinary certificates. As per article 6, Member States shall ensure that official animal health controls are carried out by their respective competent authorities in order to guarantee the compliance with this Directive. As a general rule, inspections shall be performed without any prior announcement and in accordance with the provisions contained in Directive 89/662/EEC. Chapter II is devoted to imports from third countries. In particular, article 9 specifies the documents which shall be necessary for importation. To provide for the enforcement of the present Directive, the Commission shall be assisted by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health set up by article 58 of Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002. In addition, the following Annexes are attached: (I) Diseases of relevance to trade in products of animal origin and for which control measures have been introduced under Community legislation; (II) Special identification marks for meat from a territory or a part of a territory; (III) Treatments to eliminate certain animal health risks linked to meat and milk; (IV) General principles of certification.