23. 8. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 247/19 COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 18 July 1989 laying down the criteria for approval and supervision of breeders’ associations and breeding organizations which establish or maintain herd-books for pure-bred breeding pigs (89/501/EEC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, Having regard to Council Directive 88/6617/EEC of 19 December 1988 on the zootechnical standards applicable to breeding animals of the porcine species (1), and in particular the fourth indent of Article 6 (1) thereof, Whereas in all Member States herd-books are maintained or established by breeders’ associations, breeding organizations or official services; whereas it is therefore necessary to lay down the criteria for the approval of breeders’ associations and breeding organizations; Whereas breeders’ associations or breeding organizations ‘must apply for official approval to the competent authorities of the Member State on whose territory their headquarters are situated; Whereas, where breeders’ associations or - breeding organizations meet certain criteria and have defined targets, they must be officially approved by the authorities of the Member State to which they have applied; Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are. in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Zootechnics, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: - Article 1 In order to be officially approved, breeders’ associations or - breeding organizations which maintain or establish (1) OJ No L 382, 31.12. 1988, p. 36. herd-books must submit an application to the authorities of the Member State on whose territory their headquarters are situated. Article 2 The authorities of the Member State concerned must grant official ‘approval to any breeders’ association or breeding organization which maintains or establishes herd-books if it meets the conditions laid down in the Annex. However, in a Member State in which in respect of a given breed one or more officially-approved breeders’ associations or breeding organizations already exist, the authorities of the Member State concerned may refuse to recognize a new breeders’ association or breeding organization if it endangers the preservation of the breed or jeopardizes the zootechnical programme of the existing association or organization. In such a case, the Member State shall inform the Commission of approvals granted and refusals to give recognition. Article 3 The authorities of the Member State concerned shall withdraw official approval from any breeders’ association or breeding organization which maintains herd-books if the conditions laid down in the Annex are no longer being fulfilled in a persistent manner by the breeders’ association or breeding organization concerned. Article 4 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 18 July 1989. For the Commission Ray MAC SHARRY Member of the Commission -