Article 3
1. Member States shall ensure that staging points are approved by the competent authority of the Member State in whose territory they are situated. 2. For the purpose of such approval, the competent authority as defined in Article 2 (6) of Directive 90/425/EEC shall ensure that staging points fulfil all the requirements in Annex I to this Regulation; in addition, such staging points shall: (a) be located in an area which is not subject to prohibition or restrictions in accordance with relevant Community legislation; (b) be under the control of an official veterinarian who shall ensure, inter alia, compliance with the provisions of this Regulation; (c) operate in compliance with all the relevant Community rules regarding animal health, the movement of animals and the protection of animals at the time of slaughter; (d) undergo regular inspection to ascertain that the requirements for approval continue to be fulfilled. 3. The competent authority shall issue an approval number to each staging point. Such approval may be limited to a particular species or to certain categories of animal and health status. The competent authority shall notify the Commission of the list of approved staging points and any updates. The Commission shall present this information to Member States in the framework of the Standing Veterinary Committee. 4. The competent authority may withdraw or suspend approval in the event of failure to comply with this Article or other relevant provisions of this Regulation, in the event of a change in the health status of the area in which the staging point is located, or in the event of breach of the rules on animal welfare. Approval may be restored when the competent authority is satisfied that the staging point is once more in compliance with all the provisions of this Regulation.