Where, however, the comparative examination shows a substantial difference, the host Member State shall give the beneficiary the opportunity to demonstrate that he has acquired the knowledge and skills which were lacking.

Before 31 May each year, the Commission shall carry out a comparative examination of the information referred to in Articles 14 and 15 and shall fix the relevant correcting coefficients in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 23 of Regulation (EEC) No 1766/92.

Where the comparative examination shows that the knowledge and skills certified by a diploma, certificate or other evidence of formal qualifications awarded by another Member State correspond to those required by the national rules, the host Member State cannot refuse the holder the right to pursue the activity in question.

These comparative tests shall be used to harmonise the technical methods of certification and post-control examination so as to obtain results which are equivalent.

Community comparative tests shall be carried out within the Community for the post-control examination of samples of basic seed, with the exception to that of hybrid and synthetic varieties, and of certified or standard vegetable seed, taken during sampling.

Whereas a comparative examination of animal welfare provisions applicable in the Community and in certain non-member countries together with an appraisal thereof should be undertaken with a view to determining the nature of future Community initiatives aimed at eliminating distortions of competition,

Whereas, in order to harmonise technical methods of examination used in the Member States and to compare propagating material produced in the Community with those produced in third countries, comparative trials should be carried out to check compliance of propagating material with the requirements of this Directive;

Whereas, in order to harmonize technical methods of examination used in the Member States and to compare propagating and planting material and vegetable plants produced in the Community with that produced in third countries, comparative trials should be carried out to check compliance of such products with the requirements of this Directive;

Whereas, this comparative examination has been completed and has shown that the regulatory requirements of the Community and the United States of America basically provide equivalent safeguards against public health risks;

Whereas, under an exchange of letters signed on 7 May 1991, as referred to in Article 2 (2) of Decision 91/552/EEC, the Commission and the Government of the United States of America commenced a comparative examination of the Community third country Directive and corresponding United States of America regulatory requirements with respect to trade in fresh bovine and porcine meat, with the objective of determining whether Community and United States of America requirements are equivalent;

Such measures shall be without prejudice to the general conditions applicable to the examination of the annual reports on the confirmed results and conclusions of Community comparative trials and tests.

These comparative tests and trials shall be used to harmonise the technical methods of examination of propagating material and fruit plants and to check satisfaction of the conditions with which the material must comply.

These comparative tests and trials shall be used to harmonise the technical methods of examination of propagating material of ornamental plants and to check satisfaction of the conditions with which the material must comply.

These comparative tests and trials shall be used to harmonise the technical methods of examination of vegetable propagating and planting material and to check satisfaction of the conditions with which the material must comply.

Community comparative tests and trials shall be carried out within the Community for the post-control examination of samples of vegetable seed placed on the market under the provisions of this Directive, whether mandatory or discretionary, and taken during sampling.

Whereas, in order to harmonize the technical methods of examination used in the Member States and to compare propagating material and fruit plants produced in the Community with those produced in third countries, comparative trials should be carried out to check compliance of such products with the requirements of this Directive;

Whereas in accordance with Article 8 (1) (b) of Council Directive 86/469/EEC of 16 September 1986 concerning the examination of animals and fresh meat for the presence of residues (7), as amended by Decision 89/187/EEC (8), the national reference laboratories are to be responsible for coordinating the standards and methods of analysis for each residue or group of residues concerned, including the arrangement of periodic comparative tests of split samples by approved laboratories, and of compliance with the limits laid down;