S.L. 437.102 Art. 7Importation of semen from third countries.

(1) The competent authority may authorise importation of semen only from those third countries which appear on a list drawn up in accordance with the procedure laid down in the definition "Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health" provided under rule 2(2), and which list may also be amended in accordance with the same procedure.

(2) In deciding whether a third country may appear on the list referred to in sub-rule (1), particular account shall be taken of:

(a) the state of health of the livestock, other domestic animals and wildlife in the third country, with particular reference to exotic animal diseases, and of the environmental health situation in that country, which might endanger animal health in Malta;

(b) the regularity and rapidity of the information supplied by the third country concerning the existence of contagious animal diseases in its territory, in particular those diseases mentioned in lists A and B of the International Office of Epizootic Diseases;

(c) such country’s rules on animal disease prevention and control;

(d) the structure of the veterinary services in the country and their powers;

(e) the organization and implementation of measures to prevent and control contagious animal diseases; and

(f) the guarantees which the third country can give with regard to compliance with these rules.