Authorisation of automated grading methods for beef and sheep carcasses
Article 10
1. Member States may grant a licence authorising beef and sheep automated grading methods that consist of an automated grading technique (apparatus) and an equation (formula) for application in their territory or a part thereof. 2. Authorisation shall be subject to meeting the conditions and minimum requirements for an authorisation test laid down in Part A of Annex IV. 3. At least two months prior to the start of the authorisation test, Member States shall provide the Commission with the information referred to in Part B of Annex IV in order to allow the Commission to participate in the authorisation test. 4. Member States shall designate an independent body which shall analyse the results of the authorisation test. Within two months upon completion of the authorisation test, Member States shall provide the Commission with the information referred to in Part C of Annex IV. 5. Where a licence is granted authorising beef or sheep automated grading methods based on an authorisation test during which more than one carcass presentation was used, the differences between those carcass presentations shall not lead to differences in the classification results. 6. Member States may authorise beef and sheep automated grading methods without organising an authorisation test, provided that such authorisation has already been granted for the same grading methods for application in another Member State on the basis of an authorisation test where the sample of carcasses is sufficiently representative for the bovine or sheep population in the Member States concerned. 7. Modifications of the technical specifications of an authorised beef or sheep automated grading method shall be approved by the competent authorities subject to proof that such modifications result in a level of accuracy that at least fulfils the minimum requirements for an authorisation test. Member States shall inform the Commission of any such modifications for which they have given their approval.