These Regulations implement for Northern Ireland Council Directive 97/78/EC the organization of veterinary checks on products listed and shall apply to products listed in Schedule 1 to these Regulations and entering the Community from third countries.
The Regulations define the authorities that enforce the Regulations and establish an inspection system. The introduction into Northern Ireland of products, which do not comply with the Schedule 1 requirements, is prohibited, unless they are being transported across Northern Ireland. The Regulations also lay down special provisions, which apply to particular categories of product and confers on the Department and the Food Standards Agency the power to prohibit the introduction of products into Northern Ireland from non-EEA countries in which there is an outbreak of animal disease.