COMMISSION DECISION of 18 April 1996 on certain protective measures in respect of bivalve molluscs from Tunisia (Text with EEA relevance) (96/276/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 90/675/EEC of 10 December 1990 laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries (1), as last amended by Directive 95/52/EC (2), and in particular Article 19 thereof,

Whereas the presence of a diarrhoeic poison (DSP) has been detected on several occasions in bivalve molluscs imported into the Community from Tunisia;

Whereas the poison levels recorded could be a serious danger to public health; whereas the necessary protective measures must be swiftly adopted by the Community;

Whereas, in the absence of health guarantees from the Tunisian authorities, imports of bivalve molluscs from Tunisia should be prohibited;

Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Member States shall prohibit the importation of consignments of bivalve molluscs from Tunisia.

Article 2

Member States shall amended the measures they apply to imports so that they comply with this Decision. They shall inform the Commission thereof.

Article 3

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 18 April 1996.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ No L 373, 31. 12. 1990, p. 1.

(2) OJ No L 265, 8. 11. 1995, p. 16.