23.7.2010 Official Journal of the European Union L 192/1 (Acts adopted before 1 December 2009 under the EC Treaty, the EU Treaty and the Euratom Treaty) COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2009/156/EC of 30 November 2009 on animal health conditions governing the movement and importation from third countries of equidae (codified version) (Text with EEA relevance) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 37 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament ('), Whereas: 1 Council Directive 90[426/EEC of 26 June 1990 on animal health conditions governing the movement and import from third countries of equidae () has been substantially amended several times (). In the interests of clarity and rationality the said Directive should be codified. Equidae, being live animals, are included in the list of products in Annex I to the Treaty. In order to ensure the rational development of equidae production, thereby increasing productivity in that sector, rules governing the movement of equidae between Member States should be laid down at Community level. The breeding and rearing of equidae, and in particular of horses, is generally included in the farming sector. It constitutes a source of income for part of the farming population. Disparities as regards animal health conditions in the Member States should be eliminated in order to encourage intra-Community trade in equidae. (") Opinion of 22 April 2009 (not yet published in the Official Journal). () OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 42. (>) See Annex V, Part A. (6) (10) ) In order to encourage the harmonious development of intra-Community trade, a Community system should be provided for to govern imports from third countries. The conditions for the movement on national territory of registered equidae bearing an identification document should also be regulated. In order to be the subject of trade, equidae should satisfy certain animal health requirements, so as to avoid the spreading of infectious or contagious diseases. It appears in particular appropriate to provide for a possible regionalisation of restrictive measures. The transport conditions should be laid down for the same reasons, taking into account the animal welfare conditions laid down in Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations (*). To ensure that those requirements are satisfied, provision should be made for the issue by an official veterinarian of a health certificate to accompany the equidae to their place of destination. The organisation of and the follow-up to the checks to be carried out by the Member State of destination and the safeguard measures to be implemented have been laid down in Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June 1990 concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market (°). (* OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1. oJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 29.