EPO Conference on import of pet animals into the EU
EPO, in cooperation with IPAC, organizes a conference on European import legislation on the Saturday morning of Interzoo, 24 May 2008, at the Exhibition Center in Nuremberg, The conference will take place from 9:00 - 12:30 Room St. Petersburg, CCN Ost. Access is free.

Three speakers representing the European Commission will give an introduction to the following topics:

1. Pedro Rosado Martin (DG SANCO): The new European legislation on import of ornamental fish, ornamental crustaceans and ornamental mollusks, which will enter into force on 1 August 2008.
2. Pierangelo Bernorio (DG SANCO): The development of new import legislation for "other animals", including reptiles, amphibians and small mammals.
3. Henk Eggink (DG ENV): An introduction to the EU strategy on Invasive Alien Species. This topic will soon affect the import of aquarium and pond plants, but also ornamental fish, reptiles and amphibians, and other pet animals.
4. Henk Eggink (DG ENV):The European implementation of CITES. What is different in Europe?

Each speaker will give an introduction followed by some 20 minutes for questions. For most operators in the industry, importers, retailers and wholesalers, it will be the first time they have the possibility to learn about the European developments first hand. For the representatives of the European Commission it will be an opportunity to present their concerns and explain the need for new legislation.