CHAPTER IIIU.K.DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPETENT AUTHORITIES

Article 18U.K.Certificate of approval of means of transport by road

1.[F1The competent authority] shall grant a certificate of approval for means of transport by road used for long journeys upon application, provided that the means of transport:

(a)are not the subject of an application submitted to or an approval by another competent authority F2...;

(b)have been inspected by [F1the competent authority] and found to comply with the requirements of Chapters II and VI of Annex I applicable to the design, the construction and the maintenance of means of transport by road used for long journeys.

2.[F3[F1The competent authority] shall issue each certificate with a number unique in Great Britain and in accordance with the form published by an Appropriate Minister from time to time. The certificate shall be drawn up in English and other languages may also appear.] Certificates shall be valid for a period of not more than five years from the date of issue and shall become invalid as soon as the means of transport are modified or refitted in a way that affects the welfare of the animals.

3.[F4The issuing competent authority] shall record the certifications of the approval of the means of transport by road for long journeys in an electronic database F5....

4.[F6The appropriate authority may, by regulations] grant derogations to the provisions of this Article and to the provisions of Chapter V, paragraph 1.4, point (b) and Chapter VI of Annex I for means of transport by road in respect of journeys not exceeding 12 hours in order to reach the final place of destination.