Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Regulations.)
These Regulations implement Council Directives 72/461/EEC and 72/462/EEC as amended. The Regulations also implement Commission Directive 94/59/EC which amends the Annexes to Council Directive 77/96/EEC on the examination for Trichinae upon importation from third countries of fresh meat derived from domestic swine. They provide that the Landing of Carcases and Animal Products Order (Northern Ireland) 1985 and the Imported Food Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991 shall not apply to fresh meat (regulation 15) and modify certain enforcement provisions of the Products of Animal Origin (Import and Export) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1993 in their application to fresh meat to which these Regulations apply (regulation 16).
The Regulations apply to fresh meat for human consumption obtained from bovine animals, swine, sheep and goats and solipeds (horses etc.) (regulation 3).
Exempt from the Regulations are, fresh meat for the crew and passengers on board international transport (regulation 5), personal imports (regulation 6) from EEA States and third countries and fresh meat imported under authorisation, or for international organisations or visiting forces (regulation 7).
Provision is made for the transhipment through, and storage in, Northern Ireland of fresh meat consigned from a third country to an EEA State (regulation 8).
The Regulations prohibit the import of fresh meat into Northern Ireland other than in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations (regulations 9, 10 and 11) and provide for the importation and treatment of samples and their packaging (regulation 12).
The Regulations set out certain requirements for certificates and documents needed for the purposes of the Regulations (regulation 13) and make provision regarding offences and penalties (regulation 14).