31.12. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 373/1 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DIRECTIVE - of 10 December 1990 laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries (90/675/EEC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 43 " thereof,, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the opinion of the Eutop‘canv Parliament (2), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee. Whereas the animal products or products of animal origin and plant products subject to checks intended to prevent the spread of contagious or infectious animal diseases are listed in Annex II to the Treaty; Whereas laying down principles at Community level on the organization of veterinary checks on products coming from third countries helps to safeguard supplies and ensure market stability while also harmonizing the measures necessary to ensure the protection of animal and public health; Whereas Article 19 of Council Directive 89/662/EEC of 11 December 1989 concerning veterinary checks in intra-Community trade with a view to the completion of the internal market (3) and Article 23 of Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June 1990 concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the (1) OJ No C 252, 6. 10 1990, p. 10. (2) Opinion delivered on 23 November 1990 (not yet published in the Official Journal). () OJ No L 395, 30. 12. 1989, p. 13. completlon of the internal market (*) provide, in particular, that the Council must lay down, before 31 December 1990, the general principles applicable to checks on imports from third countries of products covered by the said Directives; Whereas each consignment of products from third countries must be subjected to documentary and identity checks upon entry to the Community; Whereas principles valid throughout the Community should be fixed concerning the organization and follow-up of physical checks to be carried out by the competent veterinary authorities; Whereas provision must be made for safeguard arrangements; whereas, in this context, the Commission must be able to act, particularly by visiting the places concerned and adopting measures appropriate to the circumstances; Whereas, if the checking system is to function smoothly there must be an approval procedure and border inspection posts must be inspected and there should be exchanges of officials empowered to carry out checks on products coming from third countries; Whereas the laying down of common principles at Community level is all the more necessary given that with the completion of the internal market in prospect, internal border controls are to be abolished; Whereas the provision of certain transitional measures of limited duration appears to be necessary in order to facilitate the move over to the new checking arrangements instituted by this Directive; : {*) OJ No L 224, 18. 8. 1990, p. 29.