1.A Member State may authorize importation of semen only from those third countries which appear on a list drawn up in accordance with [F1the procedure referred to in Article 18(2)]. That list may be supplemented or amended in accordance with [F1the procedure referred to in Article 18(2)].
2.In deciding whether a third country may appear on the list referred to in paragraph 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 the Member States;
(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)that 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 this Directive.
3.The list referred to in paragraph 1 and all amendments thereto shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.