Article 5Determination and modification of frequency rates for identity checks and physical checks performed on animals, products of animal origin, germinal products, animal by-products, derived products, hay and straw and composite products

1.

The baseline frequency rates for identity checks and for physical checks on consignments of animals and goods referred to in Article 1 are set out in Annex I to this Regulation, based on the scientific assessments and information referred to in points (a)(v) and (vi) of the first subparagraph of Article 54(3) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.

2.

The frequency rate for physical checks on specific goods from a specific third country may be increased where serious deficiencies are identified based on:

(a)

information collected by the F1appropriate authority in accordance with Article 125(1) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625; or

(b)

the outcome of controls performed by Commission experts in accordance with Article 120(1) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.

In this case, the frequency rate determined in accordance with paragraph 1 is increased to the next higher baseline frequency rate set out in Annex I or to a frequency rate of 50 % where the frequency rate applicable to the specific category of goods is at 30 %,

3.

The frequency rate of physical checks shall be increased from the baseline frequency rate determined in accordance with paragraph 1 to the next higher baseline frequency rate set out in Annex I, or to a frequency rate of 50 % if the frequency rate applicable to the specific category of goods is at 30 %, where data and information collected via the F2appropriate computerised information management system indicate for specific goods from a specific third country a level of non-compliance with respect to physical checks in the last 12 months, for the same category of goods, which exceeds by 30 % the average rate of non-compliance for the same category of goods from all third countries.

4.

Where the criteria referred to in paragraph 2 or in paragraph 3 are no longer met, the frequency rate shall be reduced to the respective baseline frequency rate set out in Annex I.

5.

The F3appropriate authority shall make frequency rates determined in accordance with this Article available to competent authorities and to operators through the F4appropriate computerised information management system.