3.3.97 \ Official Journal of the European Communities No L 61/1 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 130s (1) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189c of the Treaty (%), (1)  Whereas Regulation (EEC) No 3626/82 (*) applies _the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in the Community with effect from 1 January 1984; whereas the purpose of the Convention is to protect endangered species of fauna and flora through - controls on international trade in specimens of those species; (2)  Whereas, in order to improve the protection of species of wild fauna and flora which are threatened by trade or likely to be so threatened, Regulation (EEC) No 3626/82 must be replaced by (1) OJ No C 26, 3. 2. 1992, p. 1, and O] No C 131, 12. 5. 1994, p. 1. %) O No C 223, 31. 8. 1992, p. 19. {*) Opinion of the European Parliament of 15 December 1995 (O] No C 17, 22. 1. 1996, p. 430). Common position of the Council of 26 February 1996 (O] No C 196, 6. 7. 1996, p.58) and Decision of the European Parliament of 18 September 1996 (O] No C 320, 28. 10. 1996). (*y O] No L 384, 31. 12. 1982, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 558/95 (O] No L 57, 15. 3. 1995, p. 1). a Regulation taking account of the scientific knowledge acquired since its adoption and the current structure of trade; whereas, moreover, the abolition of controls at internal borders resulting from the Single Market necessitates the adoption of stricter trade control measures at the Community’s external borders, with documents and goods being checked at the customs office at the border where they are introduced; Whereas the provisions of this Regulation do not prejudice any stricter measures which may be taken or maintained by Member States, in compliance with the Treaty, in particular with regard to the holding of specimens of species covered by this Regulation; Whereas it is necessary to lay down objective criteria for the inclusion of species of wild fauna and flora in the Annexes to this Regulation; Whereas the implementation of this Regulation necessitates the application of common conditions for the issue, use and presentation of documents relating to authorization of the introduction into the Community and the export or re-export from the Community of specimens of the species covered by this Regulation; whereas it is necessary to lay down specific provisions relating to the transit of specimens through the Community; Whereas it is for a management authority of the Member State of destination, assisted by the scientific authority of that Member State and, where appropriate, taking into account any opinion of the Scientific Review Group, to decide