Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 provides inter alia that food business operators importing products of animal origin from third countries are to ensure that import only takes place if the requirements of Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 are satisfied.

Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 provides that a document meeting certain requirements is to accompany consignments of products of animal origin when they are imported into the Union. However, Article 15(3) of that Regulation provides that when fishery products inter alia are imported directly from a freezer vessel, that document may be replaced by a document signed by the captain.

Member States and stakeholder organisations have requested the Commission to establish a model document to be signed by the captain in order to harmonise the information requested and procedures applied when frozen fishery products are imported into the Union directly from a freezer vessel.

The model document to be signed by the captain should specifically refer to the provisions relevant for handling of fishery products as laid down in Section VIII of Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 on board freezer vessels. The model document should also fit into the electronic system for exchange of health certificates and import documents between the National Competent Authorities for health issues in relation to live animals and products of animal origin (TRACES).

It is therefore appropriate to establish a harmonised model document to be signed by the captain when fishery products are imported into the Union directly from a freezer vessel. Regulation (EC) No 2074/2005 should be amended accordingly.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,