L 3/50 Official Journal of the European Communities 5.1.2002 COMMISSION DECISION of 28 December 2001 amending Decision 98/371/EC as regards the animal health certificate for certain imports of fresh (notified under document number C(2001) 4666) (Text with EEA relevance) (2002/7[EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Directive 72[462/EEC of 12 December 1972 on health and veterinary inspection problems upon importation of bovine, ovine and caprine animals and swine, fresh meat and meat products from third countries ('), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1452/2001 (3, and in particular Article 22(2) thereof, Whereas: (1) The animal health conditions and veterinary certification for the importation of fresh meat from certain European countries were established by Commission Decision 98/ 371/EC (}) concerning the animal health conditions and veterinary certification for imports of fresh meat from certain European countries, as last amended by Decision 2001/774[EC (¥). (2)  Article 14(1) of Directive 72[462/EEC provides that meat intended for export to the Community must come from animals which have stayed for a three-month period prior to their slaughter in one of the countries or territories thereof that are approved for imports to the Community. (3) It is appropriate, in the case of equine animals, to consider that requirement to be met if the animals have stayed for three months at least either in the country of () O] L 302, 31.12.1972, p. 28. () O] L 198, 21.7.2001, p. 11. () O] L 170, 16.6.1998, p. 16. () O] L 291, 8.11.2001, p. 48. slaughter or in another country approved for the same purpose provided that appropriate certification is given. () The relevant model certificate annexed to Decision 98/ 371/EC must therefore be amended accordingly. (5)  The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Commiittee, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 Annex III to Decision 98/371/EC is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Decision. Article 2 This Decision shall apply from 1 January 2002. Article 3 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 28 December 2001. For the Commission David BYRNE Member of the Commission