Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3254/91 of 4 November 1991 prohibiting the use of leghold traps in the Community and the introduction into the Community of pelts and manufactured goods of certain wild animal species originating in countries which catch them by means of leghold traps or trapping methods which do not meet international humane trapping standards1, and in particular Article 4 thereof,

Whereas, without prejudice to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3626/822, as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 2727/953, Regulation (EEC) No 3254/91 can only be adequately implemented by means of certificates to be issued by competent authorities of exporting and re-exporting countries and by laying down the requirements for such certificates;