BAKGRUNN (fra Kommisjonens faktaark, engelsk utgave)

Zootechnical and genealogical conditions governing intra-Community trade in equidae
The European Union is harmonising the zootechnical and genealogical conditions governing intra-Community trade in equidae, in order to facilitate the movement of such animals within the Community.

This Directive sets out the zootechnical and genealogical conditions governing intra-Community trade in equidae and their semen, ova and embryos.

Intra-Community trade in equidae may not be prohibited or restricted on zootechnical or genealogical grounds.

The Directive lays down genealogical rules for registered equidae. In particular, the Commission is to determine criteria for the identification of equidae, for the approval of organisations keeping studbooks and for the entry of equidae in studbooks. In intra-Community trade, equidae registered in the country of dispatch must be entered in the studbook of the country of destination under the same name.

Each Member State will be responsible for updating a list of organisations which maintain or establish studbooks and for communicating this list to other Member States and to the public.