Press Release: BSE: Commission adopts exemption for some third countries to remove specified risk materials

On 20 March 2001 the European Commission agreed to put forward to the Standing Veterinary Committee (SVC) on 21 March 2001 a Commission proposal to exempt 10 third countries from a ban on imports of specified risk materials (SRMs) and of meat and certain meat products containing SRMs. The ban will apply to all other third countries and will enter into force on 1 May 2001. It will ensure that there is an equivalent level of protection in relation to imports as applies to meat and meat products produced within the EU. Further derogations could be granted following evaluation of outstanding dossiers by several countries.