Animal diseases and harmful organisms can be rapidly spread through the international movements of live animals, foodstuffs, plants and products of animal and plant origin. Imported foodstuffs and animal feeds may contain infectious agents or other hazardous substances. The spread of such factors can seriously affect the health of plants, animals and humans around the world, and also result in major economic losses.
The EU’s trade requirements are based on risk assessments that account for the proportionality principles set out in the World Trade Organisation’s Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement). Responsibility for compliance with the legal requirements related to the trade and movements of animals and goods lies with the companies and persons involved. The authorities within the EU Member States work to control these risks at the places of origin and destination, as well as along the external borders of the EU.