THE Standing Veterinary Committee (SVC) of the European Commission has

agreed to lift remaining restrictions on exports and imports of British meat, animal products and livestock.

The decision on Tuesday provides the legal basis for EU trade in animals and animal products to resume.

The key feature of the SVC's decision is that exports of live sheep can resume, although such exports will be subject to a 30-day residency period and a 21-day standstill period.

Exports of sheep cannot go ahead immediately. DEFRA expects the Commission's decision to be published in the Official Journal within the next week or two and exports to resume once the necessary legal and administrative changes have been introduced.

Updated: 10:20 Thursday, February 07, 2002