Experiences with the import of products of animal origin during the World Exhibition Expo 2000

The importation of products of animal origin from states that don't belong either to the European Union nor to the signatory states of the Agreement on the European Economic Area is subject to European and national law. The examination of these products on import has to be carried out at the approved and published border control points at the external borders of the European Union (including border control points at airports). Although there wasn't any exception of these regulations during the World Exhibition EXPO 2000 sometimes it occurred that foods of animal origin passed a border control point and reached the EXPO site without veterinary import controls. Numbers of cases are mentioned and exemplary cases are described. Further steps by the responsible supervisory authority (Department of Trade and Veterinary Matters of the Federal State Capital of Hannover) to secure the consideration with legislation on prevention of epizootic disease are also explained.