Presidential Decree No. 420 laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market and the import of them into the national territory from third countries, in compliance with Council Directives 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC, 90/675/EEC and 91/496/EEC.

The Decree, with the view to implement a number of EU Directives as regards veterinary checks and imports from third countries of live animals and products, lays down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks applicable in intra-Community trade and imports into the national territory from third countries. The veterinary checks to be carried out on products of animal origin which are covered by the provisions listed in Annex A or by article 13 to this Decree and which are intended for trade are no longer carried out, without prejudice to article 7, at frontiers but are carried out in accordance with this Decree. Chapter I and II prescribe the specific measures for veterinary checks of live animals and products at origin and on arrival at the destination. The Veterinary and Public Health Department of the Ministry of Agriculture is being appointed as the competent authority responsible for carrying out the veterinary checks and collaborating with the other Member States' inspection departments.