18. 8. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 224/55 COUNCIL DIRECTIVE ~ of 26 June 1990 on “the zootechnical and genealogical conditions governing intra-Community trade in equidae (90/427/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 (?), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), Whereas equidae, being live animals, are included in the list of products in Annex II to the Treaty; Whereas-in order to ensure the rational development of equidae production, thereby increasing productivity in that sector, rules governing the marketing of equidae in intra-Community trade must be laid down at Community level; Whereas the breeding and rearing of equidae and in particular of horses is generally included in the farming sector; whereas it constitutes a source of income for part of the farming - population and should therefore be encouraged; Whereas satisfactory results in that respect depend largely on the use of equidae registered in stud books maintained by officially approved organizations or associations; Whereas disparities exist as regards entry in studbooks; whereas those disparities constitute a barrier to trade within the Community; whereas complete liberalization of trade calls for further harmonization, particularly regarding entry - in studbooks; Whereas intra-Community trade in  registered equidae should  be progressively liberalized; whereas complete liberalization of trade requires further additional - harmonization, in particular -as regards approval for the purpose of off-farm mating and the use of semen and ova in accordance with the characteristics of each studbook; (1) OJ No C 327, 30. 12. 1989, p. 61. (?) OJ No C 149, 18. 6. 1990. (3) OJ No C62,12. 3. 1990, p. 46. Whereas it is necessary to draw up, in accordance with a Community procedure, a harmonized model zootechnical origin and identification certificate; Whereas the name of an animal is an essential factor in identifying equidae; whereas it is often impossible to trace an animal’s descent and monitor its progress if its name is changed at a new owner’s request; whereas the rules regarding the naming of equidae should be harmonized, in particular in order to prevent unfair practices; : Whereas provisions should be introduced preventing equidae from third countries from being imported on terms which are less stringent than those applicable within the Community; Whereas it is advisable to adopt implementing measures regarding certain technical aspects; whereas, for the purposes of the measures envisaged, provision should be made for close and effective cooperation between Member States and the Commission within the Standing Committee on Zootechnics, HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: - CHAPTER 1 General provisions Article 1 This Directive lays down the zootechnical and genealogical conditions governing intra-Community trade in equidae, their semen, ova and embryos. Article 2 For the purposes of this Directive:- (a) equldae means domestic animals .of the equine or asinine species or crossbreeds thereof; (b) ‘registered equidae’ means equidae which are entered or registered and eligible for entry in a studbook, in accordance with the rules laid down pursuant to Article 4 (2) (b) and identified by means of the identification document provided for in Article 8 (1); (c) ‘studbook’ means any book, register, file or data medium: