The road transport industry is subject to an on going series of Community regulations which aim to establish specific procedures which require qualified personnel and strengthen checking system.

Directive 91/628/EEC, amended by Directive 95/29/EC, constitutes the current Community legislative framework. Council Regulation (EC) no. 97/1255, Council Regulation (EC) no 98/411 and no. 2005/1 were adopted subsequently to provide more detailed rules.

The process of revision has been developed following the recommendations of the Scientific Committee on Animal Welfare and by close scrutiny of the economic impact of the proposed measures.

The aim of the Council Regulation no. 2005/1/EC is to guarantee that the high standards recommended by the Scientific Committee are fulfilled via the creation of proper legislative instruments allowing competent authorities to perform better control and enforcement.

Transport of animals is part of the process of animal production. Their movement is necessary to adjust the unequal distribution of resources and demand and link between animal welfare, food safety and animal health issues is generally recognised.

Taking into account the fundamental modifications in the regulation which derive from the experience acquired by Member States and from the review of the latest scientific data, the recent legislation is the most appropriate means of achieving the desired objective.