It is prohibited to participate in (or allow participation in) competitions, exhibitions and inspections with dogs whose ears or tails have been cropped and with horses whose tails have been docked and which were born on or after 1 December 2016.

Decision of** amending the Animal Keepers Decree due to an extension of the ban on admission and participation in competitions, exhibitions and inspections with cropped and docked dogs and horses

This decision prohibits the participation in competitions, exhibitions and inspections of dogs whose ears or tails have been cropped and of horses whose tails have been docked that were born on or after 1 December 2016, even if the physical intervention was lawfully carried out in a country where it is permitted or due to a veterinary necessity. This decision also prohibits the admission of these animals to a competition, exhibition or inspection.

Article 4.19 (may) contain a technical regulation because the ban on participating in or being admitted to competitions, exhibitions or inspections in the Netherlands constitutes a barrier to intra-community trade.
The decision does not prohibit the admission of products, foreign producers or suppliers to the Dutch market. No technical requirements are imposed. A mutual recognition provision is therefore not necessary.