Recommendation No 1/2000 of the EC-Switzerland Joint Commission

of 20 December 2000

on simplification of certain veterinary checks on third country products of animal origin transiting the European Community to Switzerland

(2001/125/EC)

THE JOINT COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Confederation of Switzerland on the simplification of inspections and formalities in respect of the carriage of goods, and in particular Article 5, Article 11(1) and Article 17(1),

Whereas it is necessary to provide for a simplification of certain veterinary controls for products of animal origin in transit from a third country to Switzerland,

RECOMMENDS to the Contracting Parties to the Agreement:

that the competent veterinary authorities of the two Parties cooperate in carrying out the exit checks required on transiting consignments falling under Council Directive 97/78/EC of 18 December 1997 laying down the principles governing the organisation of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries(1) according to the procedure laid down in the Annex.

Done at Brussels, 20 December 2000.

For the Joint Commission

The President

Alexander Wiedow

(1) OJ L 24, 30.1.1998, p. 9.

ANNEX

Application of the provisions of Article 11(2)(e) of Directive 97/78/EC

1. The procedure described in this Annex is applicable in the following border inspection posts:

- France: Saint-Julien/Bardonnex,

- France: Saint-Louis/Basle,

- Germany: Weil am Rhein/Basle,

- Germany: Konstanz Autobahn/Kreuzlingen,

- Germany: Bietingen/Thayngen,

- Italy: Ponte Chiasso/Chiasso,

- Italy: Gran San Bernardo/Pollein.

2. The procedure is applicable for all animal products with the exception of milk and milk products, eggs and egg products, and honey.

3. At the time of the control on entry of consignments into Switzerland carried out by the Swiss veterinary authorities, they shall collect the Annex B certificates accompanying the consignments. The authorities will also, in all cases verify, the concordance between the Annex B certificates and the products.

4. In principle the official veterinarian of the Community border inspection post will meet the Swiss official veterinarian in charge of coordination for any given post twice a week with a view:

- to examining the computerised network linking veterinary authorities (ANIMO) messages received from the border inspection posts of entry, as well as the Annex B certificates referred to in point 3 above,

- to discussing, after examination, all problems arising from the transit operations referred to in this Annex.