19.2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 46/1 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 28 January 1991 concerning the animal health conditions governing the placing ori the market of aquaculture animals and products (91/67/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 European Parliament (2), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), ‘ Whereas aquaculture animals and products are included in the list in Annex II to the Treaty; Whereas the breeding and rearing of aquaculture animals, and the placing on the market of aquaculture animals and products constitutes a source of income for persons working in the fisheries sector; - Whereas, in order to ensure the rational development of this sector and to increase productivity, health rules for this sector must be laid down at Community level; Whereas in this context it is necessary to contribute to the completion of the internal market, avoiding the spread of infectious or contagious diseases; Whereas the animal health situation for aquaculture animals is not the same throughout the territory of the Community; whereas reference must therefore be made to the concept of zones when dealing with parts of the territory concerned; Whereas criteria and procedures should be laid down for the grant, maintenance, suspension, restoration and withdrawal of approval of such zones; (1) OJ No C 84, 2. 4. 1990, p. 42. (¢) OJ No C 19, 28. 1. 1991. (3) O] No C 332, 31. 12. 1990. Whereas reference should also be made to the concept of farms enjoying a specific animal health status; Whereas criteria and procedures should be laid down for the grant, maintenance, suspension, restoration and withdrawal of approval of such farms; Whereas it is necessary to set Community requirements applicable to imports of aquaculture animals and products from third countries; whereas these requirements must provide for adequate protective measures; ‘Whereas a Community inspection system should be established in order to verify compliance with . this Directive; Whereas scientific studies should be undertaken so as to be able to supplement in the future the rules laid down by this Directive; - Whereas provision should be made for a procedure establishing close and efficient cooperation between the Commission and the Member States within the Standing Veterinary Committee, HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: CHAPTER 1 General provisions Article 1 This Directive defines the animal health conditions governing the placing on the market of aquaculture animals and products.