Veterinary Quarantine Act of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

This Act aims at protecting animals by regulating veterinary quarantine. This Act is composed of 2 Chapters divided into 26 articles and 3 Annexes. Chapter 1 deals with terms and definitions. Chapter 2 provides for the following: (a) veterinary quarantine; (b) obtainment of licences for the importation and exportation of animals, animal products and feeds, stating that import or export of animals or their products, derivatives, waste or feed, as well as animal or biological preparations, shall be prohibited unless the necessary permit has been previously obtained from the competent veterinary Authority; (c) quarantine measures and analysis; (d) documents and certificates provided with animal consignments arriving into the country for the purposes of consumption, production or otherwise; (e) vaccination and transportation of animals; (f) dis-infestations and disinfection; (g) measures and steps to be taken in case of exportation of animals and animal products; and (h) offences and penalties. The Act in particular bans the entry of any animal from any country outside of the Member States where there is any of the infectious diseases, and gives rules in case of: suspect of epidemic disease after inspection upon arrival; animals imported from countries lacking any system of immunization; all animals or animal products or extracts that contain or carry anything which may cause harm to humans or animals; entry of semen used in artificial insemination, embryos and eggs for hatching. It is also prohibited to introduce animals into the country, whether it is for the purpose of grazing or slaughter or breeding, before being examined by a doctor supervisor of the center and decide what should be taken on them upon entry The import or export of animals of the equine family to and from Member States shall be subject to the internationally applicable regulations. Annex I contains the form of the Veterinary Health Certificate. Annex II contains the form of the Veterinary Vaccination Certificate. Annex III contains the form of the Consignment Release Certificate.