1.For the organisation of the official controls referred to in this Chapter, the competent authorities and the customs services shall cooperate closely.
2.With regard to consignments of feed and food of animal origin and of feed and food referred to in Article 15(5), customs services shall not allow their entry or handling in free zones or free warehouses without the agreement of the competent authority.
3.Where samples are taken, the competent authority shall inform the customs services and the operators concerned and indicate whether or not the goods can be released before the results of the analysis of the samples are available, provided the traceability of the consignment is ensured.
4.In the case of release for free circulation, competent authorities and customs services shall work together in accordance with the requirements laid down in Articles 2 to 6 of Regulation (EEC) No 339/93.