Release of in-transit shipments of skimmed milk powder or frozen meat from EU countries requires the certification described below in addition to the veterinary health certificate. The certification must be issued for each shipment by the duly authorized veterinary officer in the exporting country, unequivocally stating that the product

"originates solely from animals from farms which have not used Belgian products and is free from dioxin contamination."

The certification issued for each shipment must clearly identify [a] the product and the HS Code, [b] the farm of origin for meat or the plant of origin for milk and [c] the slaughter date for meat or manufacture date for milk.

Each in-transit shipment of skimmed milk powder or meat from Belgium will only be considered if certified "free from dioxin contamination" and the certification is accompanied by analytical data on dioxin levels of samples taken from the product prior to shipment. Such data should clearly demonstrate no significant increase over the average background levels found in uncontaminated products.

Advisories assuring freedom from dioxin contamination will be issued for processed/formulated milk and meat products from EU countries except Belgium already on the shelves if the above certification requirement is met.

So ordered.

Adopted: 14 June 1999

(SGD.) EDGARDO J. ANGARA
Secretary