It is an individual code allocated to an equine animal. The unique code consists of:
- the code assigned to the computer database or the databases (compatible with the coding system of the UELN: three digits for the numeric ISO 3166 country code + three alpha-numeric digits for the database) of delegated bodies, breed societies and the international associations or organisations, or their national federation or branches, which manages horses for competition or racing, followed by,
- a nine-digit individual identification number assigned to the equine animal.
Legal base: Article 114(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, Article 2(17) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, Articles 2(17) and (18), 5 and 6 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963
It is an injectable transponder, an ear tag, an electronic ear tag, a pastern band or an electronic pastern band.
Legal base: Articles 58 and 59 of, points (a), (b), (c), (e) or (f) of Annex III to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, Articles 7(2)(b), 13 and 43 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963
The code displayed by injectable transponders (as well as by electronic ear tags and electronic pastern bands) is composed of a three-digit ISO-3166 compatible country code and a numeric individual animal code of 12 digits.
The code displayed by injectable transponders must be the one of the country of birth of the animal.
The injectable transponder must be implanted in the country of birth of the animal at the same time or shortly before the date of completing the identification form necessary to apply for the issuing of the single lifetime identification document.
Legal base: Article 114(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, Articles 10 and 11 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963.
The veterinary authority of a Member State is responsible for issuing single lifetime identification documents. However, the competent authority may delegate this procedure to another authority or body, including breed societies, international associations or organisations, or their national federation or branches, which manage horses for competition or racing.
The issuing and delivery of single lifetime identification documents can be delegated to breed societies, organisations and associations. In this case, these organisations as delegated bodies, can issue and deliver single lifetime identification documents to operators.
In the case the issuing and delivery of single lifetime identification documents have not been delegated to breed societies, organisations and associations and these are not delegated bodies, the competent authority delivers single lifetime identification documents (issued by and received from breed societies) to operators.
In Article 22(2) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963, the breed society essentially provides a service for the competent authority, fulfilling its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/1012, i.e., to issue zootechnical certificates as an integral part of the single lifetime identification document.
To note, the competent authority of one Member State, responsible for the territory where the animal was born, may delegate the issuing and delivering of a single lifetime identification document to a breed society with the head of office in another Member State and recognised by the latter Member State.
This breed society in the latter Member State may carry out a breeding programme extended to the territory of the former Member State (where the equine animal was born and is located) and approved by the former Member State in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation 2016/1012.
Legal base: Articles 108(5)(c) and 110(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, and Article 31(1) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, Article 22 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963.
A standard identification document contains the minimum information for the identification of equine animals required in accordance with Regulations (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2019/6. It comprises Sections I, II and III of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963.
Legal base: Article 114(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, Article 65 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, Article 17(1)(a) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963
An extended identification document contains the minimum information for the identification of equine animals required in accordance with Regulations (EU) 2016/429, (EU) 2019/6 and (EU) 2016/1012, as well as in accordance with Article 65(2)(d) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035. It comprises Sections I to X of the model identification document for equine animals set out in Part 1 of Annex II to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963.
Legal base: Article 114(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, Article 65 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, Article 17(1)(b) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963
A validation mark means an entry in the single lifetime identification document made by the competent authority. Such validation mark is issued for a period not exceeding 4 years, to document that the animal is habitually resident in an establishment recognised by the competent authority as an establishment of low health risk due to frequent animal health visits, additional identity checks and health testing and the absence of natural breeding on the establishment, except in dedicated and separated premises.
An equine animal accompanied by its single lifetime identification document with a valid validation mark is eligible for issuance of a certificate with a 30-day validity period, which allows for multiple entries into other Member States and the return to the establishment of departure indicated therein.
Legal base: Articles 2(23) and 32 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963, Article 92(2)(a) and (3) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688
A licence means an entry in the single lifetime identification document made for the participation in equestrian competitions at local, regional, national or international level by the national federation of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) or the participation in races by the competent racing authority.
Such a licence is issued for a period not exceeding 4 years and documents at least two visits per year by a veterinarian, including those necessary to carry out regular equine influenza vaccinations and examinations required for movements to other Member States or third countries.
A registered equine animal accompanied by its single lifetime identification document with a valid licence is eligible for issuance of a certificate with a 30-day validity period, allowing multiple entries into other Member States and the return to the establishment of departure indicated therein.
Legal base: Articles 2(24) and 33 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963, Article 92(2)(b) and (3) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688
The competent authority, or the delegated body, shall issue a duplicate single lifetime identification document, when the identity of the equine animal can be established, or a replacement single lifetime identification document, and the competent authority shall exclude the animal from slaughter for human consumption.
Legal base: Article 12(2) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963, Articles 67 and 69 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035
Equine animals shall be deemed to be intended for slaughter for human consumption unless they are irreversibly excluded from slaughter for human consumption.
The exclusion can be done by:
- the veterinarian responsible* prior to administration of a medicinal product outside the terms of the marketing authorisation
- the competent authority (issuing a new, duplicate or replacement single lifetime identification document; for equids from third countries without approved control plans for food-producing equine animals, or without the public health attestation).
* as defined in Article 2(20) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963
Legal base: Article 112(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6, Articles 38 - 42 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963