Council Directive 96/23/EC on measures to monitor certain substances and residues thereof in live animals and animal products and repealing Directives 85/358/EEC and 86/469/EEC and Decisions 89/187/EEC and 91/664/EEC.

This Directive lays down measures to monitor the substances and groups of residues listed in Annex I. The production process of animals and primary products of animal origin shall be monitored for the purpose of detecting the presence of the residues and substances listed in Annex I in live animals, their excrement and body fluids and in tissue, animal products, animal feed and drinking water. Member States shall assign the task of coordinating the implementation of the inspections, which are carried out within their national territory, to a central public department or body. Where there is evidence of residues of authorized substances or products of a level exceeding the maximum limit for residues, the competent authority shall carry out an investigation in the farm of origin or departure, as applicable, to determine why the above limit was exceeded. Where unauthorized substances or products or substances discovered in the possession of non-authorized persons, those unauthorized substances or products must be placed under official control until the competent authority takes appropriate measures. Under chapter VI are set the rules for imports from third countries. In Annex are set the sampling methods and the substances. (39 articles and 6 Annexes)