(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations implement in England and Northern Ireland a change in the restrictions on imports and exports of certain animals and animal products in accordance with Commission Decision 2001/209/EC amending Commission Decision 2001/172/EC concerning certain protection measures with regard to foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom (OJ No. L67, 9.3.2001, p. 88).
They prohibit the export of equidae to other member States unless the animals are accompanied by a certificate, which can only be issued if they have not been in an infected area during the 15 days prior to certification (regulation 14).
They continue to regulate the export of biungulates, fresh meat, meat products, milk, milk products and other animal products. They contain powers of inspectors, and provisions relating to illegal consignments.
Breach of the regulations is, under regulation 18, punishable—
(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to imprisonment not exceeding three months or to both;E+W+N.I.
(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.E+W+N.I.
Certificates issued in Wales and Scotland are valid under these Regulations (regulation 20).
The Regulations are enforced in England by the Minister or the local authority and in Northern Ireland by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (regulation 21).