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Intra-community trade

Intra-community

Intra-community trade or refers solely to the movement of animal products between EU Member States. In general, the requirements for intra-community trade are harmonised between the Member States. To ensure harmonisation is maintained, meat, milk and other products of animal origin must be produced in an authorised establishment usually under the supervision of an official veterinarian. Further random checks on the products may also be carried out at the final destination. For details on general legislation, see section titled new food law.

In addition to the general health requirements, specific requirements for animal products may also be required which take account of such issues as evolving disease situations in the Member States. In such instances, specific animal health certificates may be required, e.g., restrictions on movement of animal products due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease, avian influenza, etc.

EU legislation

Corrigendum (OJ L151,p40, 15/06/1990) to Council Directive 89/662/EEC (OJ L 395, p13, 30/12/1989) of 11 December 1989 concerning veterinary checks in intra- Community trade with a view to the completion of the internal market

Amended by

Implemented by

  • Commission Decision 94/338/EC (OJ L 151, p36, 17/06/1994) of 25 May 1994 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Directive 90/425/EEC as regards the taking of samples for the purpose of veterinary inspections at the place of destination
  • Commission Decision 94/339/EC (OJ L 151, p38, 17/06/1994) of 25 May 1994 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 9.1 of Council Directive 90/425/EEC concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market

Council Directive 96/93/EC (OJ L13, p28, 16/01/1997) of 17 December 1996 on the certification of animals and animal products

National legislation

European Communities (Trade in Animals and Animal Products) Regulations 1994 (S.I. No 289 of 1994) 

European Communities (Certification of Animals and Animal Product) Regulations 1999 (S.I. No. 380 of 1999) 

Note: the European Communities (Trade in Animals and Animal Products) Regulations 1994 (S.I. No. 289 of 1994) are disapplied in so far as they refer to products of animal origin (see European Communities (Trade in the Production, Processing, Distribution and Introduction of Products of Animal Origin for Human Consumption) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 820 of 2004))

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