Considerations on COM(2003)103 - Amendment of Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 as regards the extension of the period for transitional measures

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dossier COM(2003)103 - Amendment of Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 as regards the extension of the period for transitional measures.
document COM(2003)103 EN
date June 16, 2003
 
(1) Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies(4) provides a single legal basis for all legislation regarding transmissible spongiform encephalopathies in the Community.

(2) Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 establishes rules for the determination of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) status of a Member State, third country or one of their regions. That status, hereinafter referred to as 'BSE status', determines certain measures concerning the control of BSE and trade and the importation of certain live animals and animal products. The Regulation provides that, prior to determination of the BSE status, transitional measures are to be adopted for a maximum period of two years.

(3) Commission Regulation (EC) No 1326/2001 of 29 June 2001(5) provides for transitional measures which are to apply for a maximum period of two years from 1 July 2001.

(4) Certain problems have been encountered in using the criteria laid down in Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 to determine BSE status. The Commission has discussed with Member States possible amendments to those criteria in order to produce a better alignment of BSE status and risk. The outcome of those discussions may be significantly influenced by developments in the BSE Chapter in the International Animal Health Code of the International Office of Epizootics.

(5) It is necessary to prolong the period of application of the transitional measures to allow those discussions to be concluded.

(6) Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 should therefore be amended accordingly.