COMMISSION DECISION

of 19 May 1999

recognising the fully operational character of Luxembourg's database for bovine animals

(notified under document number C(1999) 1270)

(Only the French text is authentic)

(1999/375/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 820/97 of 21 April 1997 establishing a system for the identification and registration of bovine animals and regarding the labelling of beef and beef products(1), and in particular Article 6(3), first indent,

Having regard to the request submitted by Luxembourg,

(1) Whereas on 14 August 1998, Luxembourg's authorities submitted to the Commission a request asking for recognition of the fully operational character of their database that forms part of Luxembourg's system for the identification and registration of bovine animals; whereas this request was accompanied by appropriate information that was updated on 12 March 1999;

(2) Whereas Luxembourg's authorities have undertaken the commitment to improve the reliability of this database ensuring in particular that (i) the competent authority will be able to promptly correct any errors or deficiencies which could be detected automatically or following the appropriate on-the-spot inspections; (ii) the delays for notification of movements, births and deaths shall be shortened to seven days and (iii) measures shall be taken to implement the provisions of Commission Regulation (EC) No 2630/97(2) as necessary; whereas, in addition, Luxembourg's authorities have undertaken the commitment to modify their current provisions regarding re-identification of bovine animals in case of lost ear tags so as to comply with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 820/97; whereas Luxembourg's authorities have undertaken the commitment to implement those improvement measures at the latest by 30 July 1999;

(3) Whereas in view of the situation in Luxembourg, it is appropriate to recognise the fully operational character of the database for the bovine animals,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Luxembourg database for bovine animals is recognised as fully operational from 1 August 1999.

Article 2

This Decision is addressed to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Done at Brussels, 19 May 1999.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 117, 7.5.1997, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 354, 30.12.1997, p. 23.