Before 30 June 1999 the Commission shall submit to the Council a report on:

• the comparison between animal welfare provisions in the Community and in non-member countries which supply the Community,

• the scope for obtaining wider international acceptance of the welfare principles laid down in this Directive, and

• the extent to which Community objectives in relation to animal welfare may be liable to be undermined as a result of competition from non-member countries which do not apply equivalent standards.

The report referred to in paragraph 1 shall be accompanied by any necessary proposals with the aim of eliminating distortions of competition.