U.S., EU Sign Veterinary Equivalency Agreement

July 21,1999

The United States has signed a new agreement with the European Union that will lead to mutual recognition of animal health systems and easier resolution of related future disputes. The agreement identifies specific areas where both sides recognize that varied requirements of different nations can achieve an equivalent level of protection for public and animal health.

In practical terms, that means producers in one country wishing to export to another can meet the standards of the importing country in alternative ways, in addition to meeting their own domestic requirements. That should help reduce compliance costs for producers, possibly easing unnecessarily depressed exports.

Veterinary inspection requirements may differ from country to country, and the agreement ensures that the United States has the right to establish its own level of public health protection for imported and domestic products.