This Order applies only to England. It revokes the Sheep and Goats Identification (England) Order 2000 (S.I. 2000/2027) which implemented the provisions relating to sheep and goats of Council Directive 92/102/EEC on the identification and registration of animals (O.J. No. L355, of 5.12.92 p. 32). The implementation of those provisions is re-enacted in this Order.

Since 1st November 2001 it has been normal practice to make available to Parliament, alongside primary or secondary legislation giving effect to European Directives, a transposition note that sets out how the Government will transpose the main elements of those Directives into UK law. A transposition note has not been made available in the present case since the Directive was implemented prior to 1st November 2001.

This Order provides interim disease control-related measures for the period from 11th February 2002 to 30th November 2002.

It requires a person keeping sheep or goats to notify the Minister (Article 3) and to keep records of the movements and other details of sheep and goats (Articles 4 and 5).

Article 7 requires sheep and goats born in England to be marked with an Origin Mark and Article 8 prohibits moving the animals from their holding of birth without an Origin Mark. Article 9 prohibits various general movements of sheep or goats unless they are marked with specified identification marks.

Article 10 provides for a maximum of 2 or 3 identification marks to be applied to a sheep or goat in most cases. Article 11 requires a sheep or goat imported from outside the European Union to be marked with an F Mark within 30 days.

Article 12 provides for a document containing specified information to accompany sheep or goats when they are moved, except in certain circumstances.

Articles 13 to 15 provide for the removal, replacement and addition of the ear tags and tattoos, and prohibits their defacement. Article 16 requires production of records to an inspector and Article 17 provides for local authorities to enforce the provisions of this Order.

Breach of any provision of this Order is an offence under Section 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981 and is punishable on conviction with a fine.

A regulatory impact assessment has not been prepared for this Order.