January 8: deadline for submissions by meat and milk companies which want to trade with the EU

January 8 is the deadline for submissions by meat and milk companies which want to trade with the EU, the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry said.

All milk and meat processors seeking approval to trade with the EU member states will be inspected by the Bulgarian veterinary authorities between January 9 and January 15, 2007, the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry press office said referring to the National Veterinary Service (NVS).

The milk and meat processors approved by the NVS will be inspected by a mission of the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) between January 22 and February 2. The FVO will review the compliance of milk and meat product makers with the EU law and the control exercised by the NVS.

A second FVO mission will evaluate the operation of the system for border control of the import and transit of animal products and live animals between January 15 and January 26. The mission will inspect storage facilities, customs warehouses, the enterprises authorized to effect exports to the EUI member states and those that have not got such authorization. The EU experts will also check the traceability of the inputs imported by milk and meat processors by January 1, 2007 from third countries. The deadline for applying for approval to conduct trade with the EU member states in meat and milk product expires on January 8.

BTA