General Conditions regarding the Import of Animal Products
Under the single market trade in products of animal origin is permitted on the basis that harmonised controls apply to the production of these products within the EU. Thus, for the purposes of trade, animal products must have been produced in an EU approved premises and bear an EU health mark. Products moving in intra-community trade must be accompanied by a commercial document containing information as to the establishment of production together with its approval number. These conditions are set down to protect animal health and public health. Advance notification of import should be supplied to the Department of Agriculture by means of a VET 1 forms.
In accordance with international trade agreements the EU has set down the conditions for trade in animal products with non-EU countries. These require that the exporting country has been approved by the EU as having veterinary controls at least equivalent to the EUs. For trade, animal products must have originated in an area where there are no restrictions imposed under EU Safeguard measures, come from establishments which are under the supervision and control of the competent authorities, must be correctly labelled and travel with the specific health certificate conforming to the models laid down in EU legislation. Imports into the EU must be presented for veterinary inspection at an EU approved EU Border Inspection Post (BIP) following the submission of advance notification - form CVED (The Common Veterinary Entry Document) to the BIP.
