Authorisation of breeders, suppliers and users
Article 20
1. Member States shall ensure that all breeders, suppliers and users are authorised by, and registered with, the competent authority. Such authorisation may be granted for a limited period. Authorisation shall be granted only if the breeder, supplier or user and its establishment is in compliance with the requirements of this Directive. 2. The authorisation shall specify the person responsible for ensuring compliance with the provisions of this Directive and the person or persons referred to in Article 24(1) and in Article 25. 3. Renewal of the authorisation shall be required for any significant change to the structure or the function of an establishment of a breeder, supplier or user that could negatively affect animal welfare. 4. Member States shall ensure that the competent authority is notified of any changes of the person or persons referred to in paragraph 2.