The Reference Laboratories are responsible for the residues referred to in Annex I, Group A and Group B, points 1 and 2(a), (b), (d), (e) and (f) of Directive 96/23/EC. These include substances with anabolic effect and unauthorized substances (Group A) and veterinary medicinal products (Group B).

• Analyze samples for veterinary drugs and hormones as part of the National Residue Control Plan;
• Perform confirmatory and comparative analyses for routine laboratories testing antibiotics using inhibitor assays;
• Develop and validate new analytical methods;
• Support the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection in the annual preparation of the National Residue Control Plan for live animals and animal products;
• Providing expert opinions and information;

Substances with anabolic effect and unauthorized substances (Group A) A1: Stilbenes, stilbene derivatives, their salts and esters A2: Thyrostatic agents A3: Steroids A4: Resorcylic acid lactones (including zeranol) A5: ß-agonists A6: Prohibited veterinary medicinal products according to Table 2 of Regulation (EU) 37/2010 Veterinary medicinal products (Group B ) B1: Substances with antibacterial activity including sulfonamides and quinolones B2a: Antiparasitics B2b: Coccidiostats (including nitroimidazoles) B2d: Tranquilizers B2e: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) B2f: Corticosteroids and quinoxalines (carbadox and olaquindox)