TITLE IIIREFERENCE LABORATORIES

Article 33National reference laboratories

1

Member States shall arrange for the designation of one or more national reference laboratories for each Community reference laboratory referred to in Article 32. A Member State may designate a laboratory situated in another Member State or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Member and a single laboratory may be the national reference laboratory for more than one Member State.

2

These national reference laboratories shall:

a

collaborate with the Community reference laboratory in their area of competence;

b

coordinate, for their area of competence, the activities of official laboratories responsible for the analysis of samples in accordance with Article 11;

c

where appropriate, organise comparative tests between the official national laboratories and ensure an appropriate follow-up of such comparative testing;

d

ensure the dissemination to the competent authority and official national laboratories of information that the Community reference laboratory supplies;

e

provide scientific and technical assistance to the competent authority for the implementation of coordinated control plans adopted in accordance with Article 53;

f

be responsible for carrying out other specific duties provided for in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 62(3), without prejudice to existing additional national duties.

3

Article 12(2) and (3) shall apply to national reference laboratories.

4

Member States shall communicate the name and address of each national reference laboratory to the Commission, the relevant Community reference laboratory and other Member States.

5

Member States that have more than one national reference laboratory for a Community reference laboratory must ensure that these laboratories work closely together, so as to ensure efficient coordination between them, with other national laboratories and with the Community reference laboratory.

6

Additional responsibilities and tasks for national reference laboratories may be laid down in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 62(3).

7

Paragraphs 1 to 5 shall apply without prejudice to more specific rules and in particular Chapter VI of Regulation (EC) No 999/2001 and Article 14 of Directive 96/23/EC.