import restrictions affecting bse-free countries on behalf of a grou of countries see table above romania drew attention to a number of emergency notifications banning imports of certain animal products from countries that were bse-free. these measures violated the sps agreement since they were not based on a proper risk assessment. the affected countries were willing to provide the necessary documentation of their bse-free status. the european communities added that testing or suspension of imports of milk dairy products collagen and gelatine for bse was not in conformity with oie guidelines and requested members to adapt their requirements to the international standard. the united states affirmed that bse-related measures must be based on science and international standards. the united states although bse-free had also been affected by import restrictions some of them imposed by countries sponsoring the statement presented by romania. the united states had provided evidence on its freedom from bse its surveillance system and control measures to interested trade partners and required similar data from countries that may pose a bse risk. the united states looked forward to receiving the necessary information to assess the risks involved. new zealand and australia were concerned over the increase in known incidence of the disease in europe as a result of intensified testing and had issued emergency food standards to protect public health. they were developing permanent measures which would be notified to allow for comments from interested members. canada had not recognized any of the countries of the joint declaration as bse-free and would evaluate individual countries based on a risk assessment as soon as the necessary information was received. korea indicated that a temporary measure had been introduced because of the increased prevalence of bse in europe. korea would seek the additional information necessary for a more objective assessment of the risks involved. argentina indicated that its emergency measure was based on the scientific information available at the time and stressed that any new information received would be considered. bulgaria pointed out that according to article 5.7 members were obliged to request additional information when temporary measures were implemented. brazil reaffirmed members right to go beyond international guidelines based on a risk assessment but stressed that this should only take place once the necessary information had been provided. in july 2001 bulgaria reiterated its concern regarding import restrictions affecting bse-free countries.