18. 8. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 224/29 COUNCIL DIRECTIVE . 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 completion of the internal market (90/425/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 the Community is to adopt measures designed to establish the internal market progressively over a period expiring on 31 December 1992; Whereas the harmonious operation of the. common organization of the market in animals and products of animal origin implies the dismantling of zootechnical and veterinary barriers to the development of intra-Community trade in the animals and products concerned; whereas, in this respect, the free movement of animals and agricultural products is a fundamental feature of the common organization of markets and should facilitate the rational development of agricultural production - and the optimum use of the factors of production; Whereas, in the veterinary field, frontiers are currently being used for carrying out checks aimed at safeguarding pubhc health and animal health; Whereas the ultimate aim is to ensure that veterinary checks are carried out at the place of dispatch only; whereas the attainment of this objective implies the harmonization of the basic requirements. relating to the safeguarding of animal health; Whereas, with a view to the completion of the internal market, pending the attainment of this objective, emphasis should be placed on the checks to be carried out-at the place . of dispatch and in organizing those that could be carried out at the place of destination; whereas such a solution would entail the suspension of veterinary checks at- the Community’s internal frontiers and whereas, in this context, there is good reason for retaining. a health certificate or an . identification document, as provided for in Community rules; Whereas this solution implies increased confidence in the veterinary checks carried out by the State of dispatch, in particular by the setting up of a system for the rapid exchange (1) OJ No C 225, 31. 8. 1988, p. 4. (2) O] No C 326, 19. 12. 1988, p. 28. (*) OJ No C 56, 6. 3. 1989, p. 20. of information; whereas the dispatching Member State must ensure that such veterinary checks -are carried out in an appropriate manner; Whereas, in the State of destination, spot veterinary checks’ could be carried out at the place of destination; whereas, however, in the event of a serious presumption of irregularity, the veterinary check could be carried out while the animals-and products are in transit and whereas it is possible to continue to provide for the placing into quarantine in areas which have not been harmonized; Whereas provision must be made for action to be taken where a veterinary check discloses that the consignment is irregular; Whereas provision should be made for a procedure for resolving  conflicts which could arise concerning consignments from a holding, centre or organization; Whereas provision must be made for protective measures; whereas in this-area, especially for reasons of effectiveness, responsibility must rest firstly with-the Member State of - dispatch; whereas the Commission must be able to act speedily, in particular by way of on-the-spot visits and adopting measures appropriate to the situation; Whereas in order to be effective, the rules laid down by this Directive should cover all animals and products that are subject, in intra-Community trade, to veterinary requirements; Whereas, however, in view of the current state of harmonization and pending Community rules;-animals and products that are not the subject of harmonized rules should comply with the requirements of the State of destination provided that the latter are in conformity with Article 36 of the Treaty; Whereas the abovementioned rules should be applied to zootechnical checks; Whereas the provisions of existing Directives should be adapted to the new rules laid down in this Directive; Whereas these rules should be re-examined before the end of 1993; Whereas the Commission should be entrusted with the task of adopting measures for applying this Directive; whereas, to