S.L. 437.41 Art. 4Veterinary checks on each consignment at border inspection posts. Cap. 437. Cap. 437.

(1) Each consignment shall be subject to veterinary checks in the border inspection post referred to in regulation 3(2) by the

Veterinary Services under the responsibility of the official veterinarian in accordance with regulation 6(1)(b).

(2) For each consignment the official veterinarian shall, on the basis of the information referred to in regulation 3(3), consult any database or document to be informed on possible rejected consignments by other border inspection post in Malta or in Member States. Furthermore, for each consignment intended for import into the territory of Malta, he shall, if necessary, consult the EU database or document to be informed on the import requirements concerning imports from third countries. The official veterinarian shall ensure that all the operations required to maintain these databases or documents are carried out.

(3) Each consignment shall be subject to a documentary check irrespective of the customs-approved treatment or use in order to establish -

(a) that the information in the certificates or documents referred to in regulation 7(1) corresponds to the information forwarded in advance in accordance with regulation 3(3);

(b) in the case of imports, that the particulars contained in the certificates or documents referred to in regulation 7(1) or other documents afford the guarantees required.

(4) Apart from the specific cases stipulated in regulations 9 to 14, the official veterinarian shall carry out the following checks:

(a) an identity check on each consignment to ascertain that the products correspond to the information given in the accompanying certificates or documents. Apart from bulk consignments as provided for in European Union Council Directive 92/118/EEC , this procedure shall comprise -

(i) where products of animal origin arrive in containers, verification that the seals fixed by the official veterinarian (or the competent authority), where required by veterinary legislation, are intact and that the information appearing thereon corresponds to that given in the accompanying document or certificate;

(ii) in other cases - for all types of product, a check that the stamps, official marks and health marks identifying the country and establishment of origin are present and conform to those on the certificate or document, - in addition, for wrapped or packaged products, a check on the specific labelling provided for in veterinary legislation,

(b) a physical check on each consignment -

(i) in order to ascertain that the products satisfy the requirements of European Community veterinary legislation and are in a fit state to be used for the purpose specified in the accompanying certificate or document. These checks must be carried out in accordance with the criteria laid down in Schedule II;

(ii) prior to carrying out, in accordance with the frequencies to be established, using European Community rules and the procedure laid down in article 16(5) of the Veterinary Services Act -- any laboratory tests on the spot, - any official sampling required for earliest possible analysis.

(5) Detailed rules for the application of this regulation shall be adopted in accordance with European Community rules and the procedure laid down in article 16(2) and (5) of the Veterinary

Services Act.