CHAPTER I

ANIMAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO ALL STAGES OF THE PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION OF PRODUCTS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

Derogations
Article 4
1
Notwithstanding Article 3 and subject to compliance with the disease control measures referred to in Annex I, Member States may authorise the production, processing and distribution of products of animal origin which come from a territory or part of a territory subject to animal health restrictions but which do not come from a holding which is infected or suspected of being infected, provided that:
1. before being subjected to the treatment referred to below, the products have been obtained, handled, transported and stored separately, or at different times, from products fulfilling all the animal health conditions, and the conditions for transport out of the territory subject to animal health restrictions have been approved by the competent authority;
2. the products which are to undergo treatment are clearly identified;
3. the products undergo treatment enabling the animal health problem concerned to be eliminated, and
4. the treatment is applied at an establishment approved for that purpose by the Member State in which the animal health problem occurred.
The provisions of the first subparagraph shall be applied in accordance with Annexes II and III(1) hereto, or with detailed rules to be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 12(2).
2
The production, processing and distribution of aquaculture products not complying with the conditions laid down in Article 3 shall be authorised, subject to the conditions laid down in Directive 91/67/EEC and, where necessary, in accordance with further conditions to be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 12(2).
3
Furthermore, where the health situation so permits, derogations from Article 3 may be granted in certain situations, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 12(2). In such cases, particular account shall be taken of:
a
the specific characteristics of the disease in the species concerned, and
b
any tests or measures to which the animals must be subjected.
Where such derogations are granted, steps must be taken to ensure that the degree of protection from animal disease will in no way be impaired. Any measures needed to ensure the protection of animal health in the Community shall therefore be adopted in accordance with the same procedure.