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COMMISSION DECISION

of 17 December 1982

concerning the establishments in the Republic of Guatemala from which Member States may authorize the importation of fresh meat

(82/923/EEC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN

COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 72/462/EEC of 12 December 1972 on health and veterinary inspection problems upon importation of bovine animals and swine and fresh meat from third countries (1), and in particular Articles 4 (1) and 18 (1) (a) and (b) thereof,

Whereas establishments in third countries cannot be authorized to export fresh meat to the Community unless they satisfy the general and special conditions laid down in Directive 72/462/EEC;

Whereas Guatemala has forwarded, in accordance with Article 4 (3) of Directive 72/462/EEC, a list of establishments authorized to export to the Community;

Whereas Community on-the-spot visits have shown that the case of these establishments has to be reexamined on the basis of additional information regarding their hygiene standards and their ability to adapt quickly to the Community rules;

Whereas, in the meantime and so as to avoid any abrupt interruption of existing trade flows, these establishments may be authorized temporarily to continue their exports of fresh meat to those Member States prepared to accept them;

Whereas it will therefore be necessary to re-examine and, if necessary, amend this Decision in the light of measures taken to this end and improvements made;

Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

1. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 2, Member States shall prohibit the importation of fresh meat coming from establishments in Guatemala.

2. The Member States may continue to authorize, until 31 July 1983, imports of fresh meat coming from establishments which have been officially proposed by the Guatemalan authorities as of 1 February 1982 pursuant to Article 4 (3) of Directive 72/462/EEC, unless a decision is taken to the contrary, in accordance with Article 4 (1) of the abovementioned Directive, before 1 August 1983.

The Commission shall forward the list of these establishments to the Member States.

Article 2

This Decision shall apply from 1 January 1983.

Article 3

This Decision shall be reviewed and if necessary amended before 1 May 1983.

Article 4

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 17 December 1982.

For the Commission

Poul DALSAGER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ No L 302, 31. 12. 1972, p. 28.