Conditions to be fulfilled by the border inspection posts: the Member States shall submit a list of the border inspection posts responsible for carrying out the checks to the Commission, together with the necessary information such as the type of inspection post and the animals likely to be checked. This list shall be updated regularly.

The Commission shall introduce a computerised data-processing system with a databank which provides a link between the border inspection services and the veterinary authorities of the Commission. This system, which is called SHIFT, covers the importation of animals from third countries and is linked to the system for the exchange of information between veterinary authorities provided for in Directive 90/425/EEC. The Shift project was replaced by the TRACES system in 2003.

The Directive sets the conditions for the transportation of animals from a third country to another third country.

If these animals do not meet the conditions laid down in Community legislation, the competent authority can decide to place them in quarantine, or arrange for their re-exportation or slaughter.

The Commission shall adopt the rules which apply to imports of animals for slaughter intended for local consumption and the rules applicable to animals for breeding and production in certain parts of the territories in order to take account of the natural constraints particular to those territories and of their remoteness from the mainland part of the Community territory.

Safeguard measures: if warranted by any serious threat to animal or public health, the Commission may, as a precautionary measure, prohibit the direct or indirect importation of animals from a third country (or from part of its territory), or subject it to special conditions.

Veterinary experts from the Commission, in conjunction with the competent authorities, shall verify that the inspection posts and quarantine stations satisfy the approval requirements. In the event of non-compliance with the Directives, the competent authority of the Member State of destination shall inform the Commission and the other Member States.

Each Member State shall draw up a programme for the exchange of officials empowered to carry out the checks on animals coming from third countries.

The Commission shall be assisted in its task by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.

The Directive amends the following legislative acts:

• Directive 89/662/EEC concerning veterinary checks in intra-Community trade;
• Directive 90/425/EEC concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks in intra-Community trade;
• Directive 90/675/EEC laying down the principles governing the organisation of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries.