The European Equine Studbooks
All equine studbooks in Europe were established either by organisations or associations (independent private bodies), or by official departments (state bodies). Many of these studbooks are over one hundred years old.
However, from the time Council Directive 90/427/EEC introduced mandatory identification of registered equidae in 1990, it has been necessary for official identification documents to be issued in respect of the equines registered in equine studbooks (studbooks for registered equidae).
Whereas organisations and associations which established their own studbooks (being independent private bodies) therefore needed to apply for approval to have their studbooks recognised as official studbooks in respect of which official identification documents could be issued, official departments which established their own studbooks (being state bodies) do not need approval because their studbooks are already official studbooks in respect of which official identification documents could be issued. However, official departments which established studbooks can approve an official agency to maintain their studbooks on their behalf.
Commission Decision 92/353/EEC
(which was adopted by the Commission pursuant to Article 4(2)(a) of Council Directive 90/427/EEC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 90/427/EEC of 26 June 1990 on the zootechnical and genealogical conditions governing intra-Community trade in equidae, and in particular Article 4(2)(a) thereof,
Whereas in all Member States studbooks are maintained or established either by organisations or associations or by official departments; whereas, therefore, it is necessary to lay down the criteria for the approval or recognition of the said organisations and associations;
Equine identification from 1990
From 1990—the 'Minimum Identification' document laid down in the Annex to Council Directive 90/427/EEC.
From 1993— the identification document (passport) established in Decision 93/623/EEC.
From 2000—the identification document (passport) established in Decision 93/623/EEC as amended in Decision 2000/68/EC.
From 2008—the new identification document laid down in Regulation (EC) 504/2008 (which repealed Decisions 93/623/EEC and 2000/68/EC).
From 2015—the new identification document laid down in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262 (which repealed Regulation (EC) 504/200).
From 2021—the new identification document laid down in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2012/963 (which repealed Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262).