G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
17 September 2021  
(21-6951) Page: 1/38 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 7.3 OF THE AGREEMENT  
 ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  - 2021 
EUROPEAN UNION 
The following communication, dated 7 September 20 21, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of the European Union.  
_______________  
 
Table of Contents  
Page 
1   TEXTILES ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  2 
1.1   An autonomous regime governing imports from other countries  ................................ ........  2 
1.2   A surveillance regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 3 
2   AGRICULTURE  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  3 
2.1   Cereals and rice  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  7 
2.2   Sugar (cane or beet)  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 8 
2.3   Milk and milk products  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 8 
2.4   Beef and veal  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  10 
2.5   Pig meat  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  12 
2.6   Poultry meat  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  12 
2.7   Eggs and  products in the egg sector and egg albumin  ................................ ....................  13 
2.8   Garlic  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  14 
2.9   Preserved mushrooms  ................................ ................................ ................................  14 
2.10   Ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin  ................................ ................................ ..............  15 
2.11   Hemp  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  15 
3   OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES – ODS – (CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES)  .................  15 
4   FLUORINATED GASES INCLUDING HYDROFLUOROCARBONS (HFCS)  .......................  21 
5   IMPORT OF ROUGH DIAMONDS  ................................ ................................ ................  26 
6   IMPORT OF WASTE SHIPMENT  ................................ ................................ .................  29 
7   IMPORT OF HARVESTED TIMBER  ................................ ................................ ..............  31 
8   IMPORT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES (CITES)  ................................ .............................  33 
9   IMPORT IN THE FIELD OF DRUG PRECURSORS  ................................ .........................  36 
 
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
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  Introduction  
The EU import licensing system is based on the general premise that no import licences are required. 
However, some exceptions are applicable; in particular: i) for products th at may be subject to 
safeguard measures against injurious imports; ii) for a number of products subject to EU surveillance 
with the purpose of improving transparency of import trends of the products concerned, without 
limiting the access to the EU market; iii) for certain agricultural products imported under Tariff Rate 
Quotas (TRQs).  
Furthermore, import licences may also be required for the importation of certain goods in compliance 
with international commitments ( e.g., CITES, FLEGT, Kimberly certificate scheme).  
Outline of system  
Import licences are issued by the competent authorities in the EU Member States or by the European 
Commission and are valid for a certain period which varies depending upon the different products.   
Licensing is statutorily required for the products listed  in the relevant legislative texts that also define 
the product coverage without leaving any administrative discretion. Relevant regulations contain 
provisions relating to the duration and expiry of the licensing regime and a licensing system can only 
be abolished by legislative act.  
 
Further detailed information as well as replies to the remaining questions have been organized by 
the different legislative instruments owing to the different products involved.  
  
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
 
Please ref er to each section below.  
 
1  TEXTILES  
Outline of the system  
1.  The following import regime schemes are maintained:  
 
- An autonomous regime governing imports from one non -WTO Member, namely Democratic 
People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), with which no bilater al agreements, protocols, other 
arrangements or specific EU import rules exist.  
 
-  A surveillance  regime.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
Replies to questions 2 to 5:  
 
1.1  An autonomous regime governing imports from other countries   
The legal basis is Regulation (EU) No. 2015/936 of the European  Parliament and of the Council  
(OJ L 160, 25.6.2015, p.1) on common rules for imports of textile products from certain third 
countries not covered by bilateral agreements, protocols or other arrangements, or by other specific 
Union import rules and its amendments. This is the recast ver sion of former Council Regulation (EC) 
No. 517/94 (OJ L 67, 10.3.94, p.1). A consolidated version of Regulation can be consulted at the 
following address: https:/ /eur-lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02015R0936 -
20180226 .  
 
The system establishes quantitative restrictions on imports of certain textile products originating in 
certain third countries, namely DPRK, to be allocated on a first come, first se rved basis. For 2020, 
while the system is maintained, no quotas have been fixed. Further to UN Security Council Resolution 
No. 2375 (2017) of 11 September 2017, Council of the European Union adopted Regulation (EU) 
No. 2017/1836 amending Regulation (EU) No . 2017/1509 concerning restrictive measures against 
the Democratic People's Republic of Korea ( OJ L 261, 11.10.2017, p.1 ). Regulation prohibits to G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
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  import, purchase of transfer, directly or indirectly, textiles, <…> from the DPRK, whether or not 
originating  in the DPRK. It can be consulted at the following address: https://eur -
lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2017:261:TOC . 
 
1.2  A surveillance regime   
A surveillance  mechanism is in place in case textile imports from third countries threaten to cause 
damage to the EU production of like or directly competitive products. The Commission, at the request 
of a Member State or on its own initiative may decide to introduce re trospective surveillance or make 
certain imports subject to prior EU surveillance.  
 
The legal basis is Regulation (EU) No. 2015/936 (OJ L 160, 25.6.2015, p.1) on common rules for 
imports of textile products from certain third countries not covered by bila teral agreements, 
protocols or other arrangements, or by other specific Union import rules. A consolidated version can 
be consulted at the following address: https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02015R0936 -20180226 . 
 
Currently, no third country is under this surveillance mechanism.  
 
As the above -mentioned, the two import regime schemes are currently not applied.  
 
For details on the procedures applicable, the eligibility of importers to apply for a licence, the 
documentational and other requirements for application for a licence and the conditions of licensing, 
please refer to the previous EU notification (G/LIC/N/3/EU/6).  
 
2  AGRICULTURE  
Outline o f system  
1. The import licensing scheme for agricultural products serves statistical and quota management 
purposes and is an automatic licensing system. As a general rule, the competent authorities in the 
Member States issue import licences to any applican t, which is registered on their territory for the 
Value Added Tax (VAT) purposes. Import licences are subject to lodging a security and are valid in 
all the Member States of the EU. Import licences have to be submitted at the same time with the 
import decl aration.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
Replies to questions 2 to 5:  
 
The system applies in the EU to the agricultural products described below originating in third 
countries, notably for the administration of the relevant WTO tariff rate quotas. The EU considers 
the method adopted to be the most appropriate to administer these tariff rate quotas.  
 
When agricultural tariff quotas are managed by import licences, the European Commission's 
Directorate -General responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development  shares its management with 
Member St ates' licence issuing authorities.   
 
These import licences allow the EU authorities to monitor trade flows and administer import tariff 
rate quotas. To obtain an import licence, importers must apply to the competent authorities of the 
EU Member State wher e they are registered for VAT purposes and lodge a security (returnable on 
giving proof of import).  
 
The Common Market Organisation (CMO) Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council 
(cited below) and various EU Regulations contain the specific pr ovisions for the management of 
these tariff quotas; some of them are general and other ones are specific to certain products.  
 
The legal basis governing the import licences procedures in the agriculture sector is:  
 
• Regulation (EU) No. 1308/2013 of the Eur opean Parliament and of the Council of 
17 December  2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
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  and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No. 922/72, (EEC) No. 234/79, (EC) No.  1037/2001 
and (EC) No. 1234/2007 (OJ L 347, 20 .12.2013, p.671), the so -called CMO Regulation.  
 
Article 176 of Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013 lists the agricultural sectors that may be subject 
to the presentation of a licence. A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted at 
the following ad dress: https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02013R1308 -20201229 . 
 
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2016/1237 of 18 May 2016 supple menting 
Regulation (EU) No. 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to 
the rules for applying the system of import and export licences and supplementing Regulation 
(EU) No.  1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council  with regard to the rules 
on the release and forfeit of securities lodged for such licences, amending Commission 
Regulations (EC) No. 2535/2001, (EC) No. 1342/2003, (EC) No . 2336/2003, (EC) 
No. 951/2006, (EC) No. 341/2007 and (EC) No. 382/2008 and repealin g Commission 
Regulations (EC) No . 2390/98, (EC) No . 1345/2005, (EC) No . 376/2008 and (EC) 
No. 507/2008 (OJ L 206, 30.7.2016, p.1 –14). A consolidated version of the Regulation can be 
found at the following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1593518863142&uri=CELEX:02016R1239 -20191020 . 
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1239 of 18 May 2016 laying down rules 
for the application of Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the 
Council with regard to the system of import and export licences (OJ L 206, 30.7.2016, p.44) . 
A consolidated version of the Reg ulation can be found at the following address:  https://eur -
lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02016R1239 -20191020  
 
The aim of Commission Implementing R egulation (EU) 2016/1239 is to simplify and adapt the 
provisions applicable to the system of import (and export) licences to the legal framework set 
by Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013:  
 
• Reduction of the number of products subject to an import (or export) lice nce; 
• Priority for electronic application and issuing procedures; paper copies as second option;  
• Using electronic customs procedures for proof of release for free circulation;  
• Absorbing existing specific rules on hemp and garlic;  
• The modernisation and streamlining enabled repealing four existing regulations.  
 
Subject to an import licence:   
 
 A.    Rice; 
 B. C. and D.    Hemp seeds for sowing, raw hemp, hemp seeds not for sowing;  
F.  Ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin.  
 
For detail s, please see Annex, Part I to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1237.  
 
Note:   While as from 6 November 2016 and 30 September 2017 the obligation for an import licence 
has expired for certain products, the system of import licences continues t o apply for certain products 
where a Tariff Rate Quota is applied for. The following Regulations govern tariff quotas managed 
with a system of licences:  
 
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No . 2020/760 of 17 December 2019 supplementing 
Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the 
rules for the administration of import and export tariff quotas subject to licences and 
supplementing Regulation  (EU) No . 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
as re gards the lodging of securities in the administration of tariff quotas (0.J. L 185, 
12.06.2021, p.1).  It can be consulted at the following address: https://eur -
lex.europ a.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32020R0760 . 
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 2020/761 of 17 December 2019 laying down 
rules for the application of Regulations (EU) No . 1306/2013, (EU) No . 1308/2013 and (EU) 
No. 510/2014 of the European  Parliament and of the Council as regards the management 
system of tariff quotas with licences (OJ L 185, 12.6.2020). A consolidated version of the G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
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  Regulation can be found at the following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02020R0761 -20210601 . 
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 2019/386 of 11 March 2019 laying down rules 
with regard to the apportionment of tariff rate quotas for certain agricultural products included 
in the WTO schedule of the Union following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the 
Union and with regard to import licences issued and import rights allocated under those tariff 
rate quotas. Official Journal of the European Union, L70, 12.3.2019, p.4. A consolidated 
version of the Regulation can be found at the following address: https://eur -
lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02019R0386 -20210101 . 
 
Procedures  
6. The EU does not apply restrictions on the imports of agricultural products. However, imports of 
agricultural products at a lower duty rate than the EU bound rate is possible under Tariff Rate Quotas 
(TRQs). Imports under tariff rate quotas may be subjec t to an import licence.  
 
I. Article 184 of Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013 (the CMO Regulation) lists the three  main 
management methods for tariff rate quotas:  
 
a. First come first served.  
b. Simultaneous examination method (licences).  
c. Traditional/newcom er method (licences).  
 
 The above -mentioned  Regulations, governing the import licences procedures in the agriculture 
sector,  as well as the sector -specific Regulations bear information on formalities and filing in 
applications for licences; they are all pu blished in the Official Journal. Information concerning 
allocation on the basis of licence applications is published in aggregated format on the official 
website CIRCABC and on "Europa " website ( https://ec.europa.eu/info/food -farming -
fisheries/key -policies/common -agricultural -policy/market -measures/trqs_en ) which is 
publicly accessible for any interested party. Amounts allocated t o each importer are not 
published or communicated to external parties, as this concerns commercial confidentiality. 
Exceptions or derogations from the licensing requirement are not systematic, and if required 
they could be arranged by Regulation through th e Committee procedure (Article 187 of 
Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013).  
 
II. The tariff quotas are opened on a yearly basis and their administration may differ, depending 
upon the product. For details, please refer to the specific products below. There are cases 
where the total quantity of the quota is divided in sub -periods. I mport licences are however 
issued on a monthly basis .   
 
III. Licences are allotted to any applicant irrespective of their place of establishment in the EU. 
To ensure that allocated li cences are actually used, a system of securities applies. If imports 
are not or partially not realised, the licence holder's security is forfeited or partially forfeited.  
IV. The minimum time for applying for an import licence for a certain quota is usual ly one week 
after publication of the opening of the quota. For import licences issued within the framework  
of TRQs see reply VIII.  
V. After the closing hour for application for an import licence for a quota, the licensing authorities 
issue an import licence usually within 24 days maximum (see reply VIII).  
 
VI. The time between granting an import licence and the date of opening of the period of 
importation is usually one week.  
 
VII. Licence applications fall under the responsibility of a single competent authority without 
passing via other authorities. However, some EU Member States have different competent 
licence authorities depending on their sectoral or regional organisation. The addresses and 
competences of the competent authorities issuing import licences are published in the Official 
Journal, C series.   
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
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  VIII. Within the tariff rate quotas managed by import licences, the allocation to applicants is 
normally made by simultaneous  examination. The Member States communicate a few days 
after the application closing date on aggregate basis to the Commission the total quantity 
under licence applications received. Operators lodge applications on a monthly basis. If the 
demand for licenc es cannot be fully satisfied, the Commission calculates to what extend the 
total quantity can be allocated and  fixes a uniform allocation coefficient valid for each import 
licence (Article 188 of Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013). For tariff rate quotas manag ed by 
traditional/newcomer method (Article 184(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013) the 
eligibility of applicants is fixed in advance for a percentage to newcomers and for a percentage 
to traditional importers (with distinct allocation coefficient).  
 
IX. When export permits are issued by exporting countries, the tariff rate quotas are primarily 
managed by the exporting country. In this case the competent EU authority needs proof of 
the products being subject to the issuing of export licence or document b y the exporting 
country authority. Therefore,  the importer when applying for the import licence must submit 
the respective export licence or document to the competent authority as a condition for issuing 
the EU import licence. The import licences are issue d automatically.  
 
X. There are no cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only.  
 
XI. There are no products for which licences are issued on condition that goods should be exported 
and not sold in the domestic market.  
 
7. N/A  
 
8. The legislation does not give arguments for refusal of an application for a licence other than failure 
to meet the ordinary criteria.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Import licences are issued without discrimination to any importer in the EU  wherever the place of 
his establishment may be in the EU, without prejudice to compliance with the other conditions 
required under current rules. Anybody is eligible to become importer.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
Replies to questions 10 to 13:  
 
In the agricultural field the application for an import licence has to be forwarded to or lodged with 
the competent authorities in the Member States conforming to the specimen set out in Annex I of 
the Commission Implementing  Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1239.  
 
In general, there is no deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of import 
authorisations. However, in the agricultural field the issuance of import licence is subject to a security 
in order to guarantee that commitment to import will be fulfilled during the period of validity of the 
licence, in case of tariff quotas also contributing to the enforcement of the quota fill in the interest 
of the exporting country. The amount of the security depends on the products and is laid down in 
the specific EU provisions applicable to the relevant product/sector. The security is released when 
the obligation to import is considered to have been fulfilled and the right to import under the licence 
is considered to have been exercised on the day the impo rt declaration is accepted and the product 
concerned is put into free circulation. Specific rules are set in Article 4(1) of Commission Delegated 
Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1237 and specific amounts for each product are set in Annex II of 
Commission Implemen ting Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1239.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. For agricultural products the period of validity of the import licences depends on the product 
subject to licensing. General periods of validity are set in Commission Implementing Regulation  (EU) 
No. 2016/1239, in its Annex II. The validity of a licence can only be extended in case of 
"force majeure ". 
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
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  15. There is no penalty for the non -utilisation of an import authorisation/surveillance document or 
a portion of it. However, for a licence in  the agricultural field, the security is forfeited in whole or in 
part if import is not carried out, or only partly carried out during the period of validity of the licence.  
 
16. Import authorisations are only once transferable between importers. Import li cences constitute 
a right and give rise to an obligation to import under the licence during its period of validity. As a 
general rule, rights deriving from licences are transferable once by the titular holder of the licence 
during the period of its validit y2, but obligations deriving from licences are not transferable. 
The transfer of a licence is laid down in Article 11 of Commission Implementing Regulation 
(EU) No. 2016/1239.  
 
17. No other conditions are attached to the issuance of an import authorisatio n for products subject 
to or not subject to quantitative restrictions.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative 
procedures are required prior to importation.  
 
19. The bank ing authorities automatically provide foreign exchange for goods to be imported as well 
as to cover import licences. A licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  
 
Legal basis, coverage and specific procedures product by product  
Remark on coverage: products listed hereafter are related to the specific sectorial Regulations 
mentioned for each product. For the overall list of products concerned by the EU licensing system, 
please refer to the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1237 mentioned in the section 
above "Purpose and coverage of licensing in Agriculture".  
 
2.1  Cereals  and rice  
Note : the overall obligation for an import licence for cereals expired as of 6 November 2016 
(Article  14 of Commission Del egated Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1237). However, for the 
management of certain tariff rate quotas, an import licence is required.  
 
Legal basis:  
 
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No . 2020/760 of 17 December 2019 supplementing 
Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the 
rules for the administration of import and export tariff quotas subject to licences and 
supplementing Regulation (EU) No . 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
as reg ards the lodging of securities in the administration of tariff quotas (0.J. L 185, 
12.06.2021, p.1).  It can be consulted at the following address: https://eur -
lex.europa .eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32020R0760 . 
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 2020/761 of 17 December 2019 laying down 
rules for the application of Regulations (EU) No . 1306/2013, (EU) No . 1308/2013 and (EU) 
No. 510/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the management 
system of tariff quotas with licences (OJ L 185, 12.6.2020). A consolidated version of the 
Regulation can be found at the following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02020R0761 -20210601 . 
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) No . 972/2006 of 26 June 2006 laying down special rules for 
imports of Basmati  rice an d a transitional control system for determining their origin (O.J. L 
176, 30.6.2006, p.53) and its subsequent amendments. A consolidated version of the 
Regulation can be consulted at the following address: https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1598952792640&uri=CELEX:02006R0972 -20140901 . 
 
2 For ease of reference, the following is an indicative summary  of the various durations: Cereals and rice: 
until the end of the second month following the month of the actual day of issue of the licence; beef and veal: 
until the end of the third month follo wing the month of the day of issue of the licence; milk and milk products: 
until the end of the third month following the month of the day of issue of the licence . G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
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  Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Spelt, common wheat and meslin other than seed, 
including products imported under tariff quotas  ex 1001 99 00  
Barley, imported under tariff quotas  1003 90 00  
Maize other than hybrid seed imported under tariff 
quotas  1005 90 00; 1005 10 90  
Grain sorghum, imported under tariff quotas  1007 90 00  
Husked (brown) rice  1006 20  
Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not 
polished or glazed  1006 30  
Broken rice  1006 40 00  
Certain varieties of basmati rice in husked form  Certain products falling under 1006 20 17; 
1006 20 98 
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above -mentioned  regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
2.2  Sugar  (cane or beet)  
Note:  the overall obligation for an import licence for sugar expired on 30 September 2017 (Annex  I 
to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1237). However, for the management of certain 
tariff rate quotas, an import licence is required.  
 
Legal basis:  
 
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No . 2020/760 of 17 December 2019 supplementing 
Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the 
rules for the administration of import and export tariff quotas subject to licence s and 
supplementing Regulation (EU) No . 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
as regards the lodging of securities in the administration of tariff quotas (0.J. L 185, 
12.06.2021, p.1).  It can be consulted at the following address: https://eur -
lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32020R0760 . 
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 2020/761 of 17 December 2019 laying down 
rules for the appl ication of Regulations (EU) No . 1306/2013, (EU) No . 1308/2013 and (EU) 
No. 510/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the management 
system of tariff quotas with licences (OJ L 185, 12.6.2020). A consolidated version of the 
Regulation can be found at the following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02020R0761 -20210601 . 
 
Coverage:  
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above -mentioned  regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
2.3  Milk and milk products  
Note:  the overall obligation for an import licence expired as of 6 November 2016 (Article 14 of 
Delegated Regulation (EU)  No. 2016/1237). However,  for the management of certain tariff rate 
quotas, an import licence is required.  
 
Legal basis:  
 
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No . 2020/760 of 17 December 2019 supplementing 
Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the Product  CN codes  
Raw cane sugar for refining  1701 13 10; 1701 14 10  
Cane or beet sugar  1701 G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
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  rules for the administration of import and export tariff quotas subject to licences and 
supplementing Regulation (EU) No . 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
as reg ards the lodging of securities in the administration of tariff quotas (0.J. L 185, 
12.06.2021, p.1).  It can be consulted at the following address: https://eur -
lex.europa .eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32020R0760 . 
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 2020/761 of 17 December 2019 laying down 
rules for the application of Regulations (EU) No . 1306/2013, (EU) No . 1308/2013 and (EU) 
No. 510/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the management 
system of tariff quotas with licences (OJ L 185, 12.6.2020). A consolidated version of the 
Regulation can be found at the following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02020R0761 -20210601 . 
 
Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Butter, at least six weeks old, of a fat content by weight of not less 
than 80% but less than 85%, manufactured directly from milk or 
cream without the use of stored materials, in a single, self -
contained and uninterrupted process  ex 0405 10 11;  
ex 0405 10 19  
 
Butter, at least six weeks old, of a fat content by weight of not less 
than 80 % but less than 85 %, manufactured directly from milk or 
cream without the use of stored materials, in a single, self -
contained and uninterrupted process which may involve the cream 
passing through a stage where the butterfat is concentrated a nd/or 
fractionated (the processes referred to as "Ammix" and 
"Spreadable")  ex 0405 10 30  
Cheese for processing  0406 90 01  
Whole Cheddar cheeses (of the conventional flat cylindrical shape of 
a net weight of not less than 33kg but not more than 44kg and 
cheeses in cubic blocks or in parallelepiped shape, of a net weight 
of 10kg or more) of a fat content of 50% or more by weight in the 
dry matter, matured for at least three months  ex 0406 90 21  
Skimmed -milk powder  0402 10 19  
Butter and other fats and oils derived from milk  
 
 
 
 
 
 0405 10 11   
0405 10 19   
0405 10 30   
0405 10 50   
0405 10 90   
0405 90 10   
0405 90 90  
Processed Emmentaler  ex 0406 30 10  
Emmentaler  0406 90 13  
Processed Gruyère  ex 0406 30 10  
Gruyère, Sbrinz  0406 90 15  
Cheddar  0406 90 21 
Pizza cheese, frozen, cut into pieces each weighing not more than 
1g, in containers of a net content of 5kg or more, of a water 
content, by weight, of 52% or more, and a fat content by weight in 
the dry matter of 38% or more  ex 0406 10 30  
ex 0406 10 50  
ex 0406 10 80  
 
Fresh (unriped or uncured) cheese including whey cheese, and 
curd, other than pizza cheese  
 
 
Grated or powdered cheese  
  
Other processed cheese, not grated or powdered  
 ex 0406 10 30   
ex 0406 10 50  
ex 0406 10 80  
 
0406 20 00  
 
0406 30 31   
0406 30 39   
0406 30 90  G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 10 - 
 
  Product  CN codes  
Blue-veined cheese and other cheese containing veins produced by 
Penicillium roqueforti  
 
 
Bergkäse and Appenzell  
Fromage fribourgeois, Vacherin Mont d'Or and Tête de Moine
  
Edam  
Tilsit 
Kashkaval  
Feta   
Kefalo -Tyri 0406 40 10   
0406 40 50   
0406 40 90  
 
0406 90 17  
0406 90 18  
 
0406 90 23  
0406 90 25  
0406 90 29  
0406 90 32  
0406 90 35  
Finlandia  
Jarlsberg   
Cheese of sheep's milk or buffalo milk in containers containing 
brine, or in sheepskin or goatskin bottles  0406 90 37  
0406 90 39  
0406 90 50  
Pecorino  
Other  
Provolone  
Maasdam  
Caciocavallo  
Danbo, Fontal, Fynbo,Havarti, Maribo, Samso  ex0406 90 63  
0406 90 69  
0406 90 73  
0406 90 74   
ex0406 90 75   
ex0406 90 76   
Gouda  
Esrom, Italico, Kernhem, Saint -Paulin   
Cheshire, Wensleydale, Lancashire, Double Gloucester, Blarney, 
Colby, Monterey  
Camembert  
Brie 
Other cheese of a fat content, by weight, not exceeding 40% and a 
water content, by weight, in the non -fatty matter, exceeding 47% 
but not exceeding 52%  
Other cheese of a f at content, by weight, not exceeding 40% and a 
water content, by weight, in the non -fatty matter, exceeding 52% 
but not exceeding 62%  
Other cheese of a fat content, by weight, not exceeding 40% and a 
water content, by weight, in the non -fatty matter, excee ding 62% 
but not exceeding 72%  
Other cheese of a fat content, by weight, not exceeding 40% and a 
water content, by weight, in the non -fatty matter, exceeding 72%  
Other cheese of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 40%  0406 90 78  
ex0406 90 79   
ex0406 90 81   
  
0406 90 82  
0406 90 84  
0406 90 86  
 
 
0406 90 89  
 
 
0406 90 92  
 
 
0406 90 93  
 
0406 90 99  
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above -mentioned  regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
2.4  Beef and veal  
Note:  the overall obligation for an import licence expired as of 6 November 2016 (Article 14 of 
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1237). However, for the management of certain tariff rate quotas, 
an import licence is required.  
 
Legal basis:  
 
• Council Regulation (EC ) No. 1149/2002 of 27 June 2002 opening an autonomous quota for 
imports of high -quality beef (OJ L 170, 29.6.2002, p.13):  http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406122170876&uri=CELEX:32002R1149 .  
 
• Council Regulation (EC) No 1532/2006 of 12 October 2006 on the conditions for certain import 
quotas of high-quality  beef (OJ L 283, 14.10.2006, p. 1):  http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406122268070&uri=CELEX:32006R1532 . 
 
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No . 2020/760 of 17 December 2019 supplementing 
Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the 
rules for the administration of import and export tariff quotas subject to licences  and 
supplementing Regulation (EU) No . 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 11 - 
 
  as regards the lodging of securities in the administration of tariff quotas (0.J. L 185, 
12.06.2021, p.1).  It can be consulted at the following address: https://eur -
lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32020R0760 . 
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 2020/761 of 17 December 2019 laying down 
rules for the application of Regulations (EU) No . 1306/20 13, (EU) No . 1308/2013 and (EU) 
No. 510/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the management 
system of tariff quotas with licences (OJ L 185, 12.6.2020). A consolidated version of the 
Regulation can be found at the following address : https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02020R0761 -20210601 . 
 
Coverage:  
I. (a) Meat of bovine animals, frozen  
- Boneless  
-- Buffalo meat 
 
II. (a) Meat of bovine animals, fresh or chilled  
Meat of bovine animals, frozen   
 
ex 0202 30 90  
 
ex 0201  
ex 0202  
Edible offal  
- Of bovine animals, fresh or chilled  
-- Thick skirt and thin skirt  
- Of bovine animals, frozen  
--Thick skirt and thin skirt 
 
II.(b) Boneless meat of bovine animals, fresh or chilled  
Edible offal of bovine animals: thick skirt and thin skirt, fresh or chilled   
 
ex 0206 10 95  
 
ex 0206 29 91  
 
ex 0201 30 00  
ex 0206 10 95  
II.(c) Boneless meat of bovine animals, fresh or chilled  
Boneless meat of bovine animals, frozen:  
- Other  
Edible offal of bovine animals:  
- Thick skirt and thin skirt, fresh or chilled  
- Thick skirt and thin skirt, frozen  
 
II.(d) Boneless meat of bovine animals, fresh or chilled  
Boneless meat of bovine a nimals, frozen:  
- Other  
Edible offal of bovine animals:  
- Thick skirt and thin skirt, fresh or chilled  
- Thick skirt and thin skirt, frozen  ex 0201 30 00  
  
ex 0202 30 90  
 
ex 0206 10 95  
ex 0206 29 91  
 
ex 0201 30 00  
 
 
ex 0202 30 90  
ex 0206 10 95  
 
ex 0206 29 91 
II.(e) Meat of bovine animals, fresh, chilled or frozen  
Meat of bovine animals, fresh or chilled:  
- Other cuts with bone in, other  
- Boneless  
Meat of bovines animals, frozen:  
- Other cuts with bone in, other  
- Boneless  
Thick and thin bovine skirt, fresh or chilled  
Thick and thin bovine skirt, frozen   
 
ex 0201 20 90  
ex 0201 30 00  
ex 0202 20 90  
ex 0202 30  
ex 0206 10 95  
ex 0206 29 91  
 
II.(f) Meat of bovine animals, fresh, chilled or frozen  
Meat of bovine animals, fresh or chilled:  
- Other cuts with bone in, other  
- Boneless  
Meat of bovine animals, frozen:  
- Other cuts with bone in, other  
- Boneless  
Thick and thin bovine skirt, fresh or  chilled  
Thick and thin bovine skirt, frozen   
 
ex 0201 20 90  
ex 0201 30 00  
 
ex 0202 20 90  
ex 0202 30  
ex 0206 10 95  
ex 0206 29 91  
Meat of bovine animals, frozen  
Edible offal:  
- Of bovine animals, frozen:  
-- Thick skirt and thin skirt  ex 0202  
 
 
ex 0206 29 91 G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 12 - 
 
  Meat of bovine animals, frozen  
-Unseparated or separated forequarters  
- Boneless  
Edible offal:  
- Of bovine animals, frozen:  
-- Thick skirt and thin skirt   
ex 0202 20 30  
ex 0202 30  
 
 
ex 0206 29 91  
Edible offal:  
- Of bovine animals, frozen:  
-- Thin skirt (whole)   
 
ex 0206 29 91  
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above -mentioned  regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
2.5  Pig meat  
Note:  The import of pig meat  is not generally subject to an import licence. However, for the 
management of certain Tariff Rate Quotas, an import licence is required.  
 
Legal basis:  
 
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No . 2020/760 of 17 December 2019 supplementing 
Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the 
rules for the administration of import and export tariff quotas subject to licences and 
supplementing Regulation (EU) No . 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
as re gards the lodging of securities in the administration of tariff quotas (0.J. L 185, 
12.06.2021, p.1).  It can be consulted at the following address: https://eur -
lex.europ a.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32020R0760 . 
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 2020/761 of 17 December 2019 laying down 
rules for the application of Regulations (EU) No . 1306/2013, (EU) No . 1308/2013 and (EU) 
No. 510/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the management 
system of tariff quotas with licences (OJ L 185, 12.6.2020). A consolidated version of the 
Regulation can be found at the following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02020R0761 -20210601 . 
 
Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Cuts of domestic swine, fresh, chilled or frozen, with or 
without bone, excluding tenderloin presented alone  
 
Loins and hams boneless, fresh, chilled or frozen  
 
Tenderloins, fresh, chilled or frozen   
ex 0203  
 
 
ex 0203 19 55; ex 0203 29 55  
ex 0203 19 55; ex 0203 29 55  
Meat of swine, fresh, chilled or frozen:  
- Fresh or chilled:  
--- Of domestic swine:  
---- loins and cuts thereof, bone -in 
- Frozen:  
---Of domestic swine:  
----Bellies (streaky) and cuts thereof   
 
0203 19 13  
 
 
0203 29 15  
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above -mentioned  regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
2.6  Poultry meat  
Note: The import of poultry meat is not generally subject to an import licence. However, for the 
management of certain Tariff Rate Quotas, an import licence is required.   
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 13 - 
 
  Legal basis:  
 
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No . 2020/760 of 17 December 2019 supplementing 
Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the 
rules for the administration of import and export tariff quotas subject to licences and 
supplementing Regulation (EU) No . 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
as reg ards the lodging of securities in the administration of tariff quotas (0.J. L 185, 
12.06.2021, p.1).  It can be consulted at the following address: https://eur -
lex.europa .eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32020R0760 . 
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 2020/761 of 17 December 2019 laying down 
rules for the application of Regulations (EU) No . 1306/2013, (EU) No . 1308/2013 and (EU) 
No. 510/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the management 
system of tariff quotas with licences (OJ L 185, 12.6.2020). A consolidated version of the 
Regulation can be found at the following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02020R0761 -20210601 . 
 
Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Chicken carcass, fresh, chilled or frozen  0207 11; 0207 12  
Chicken cuts, fresh, c hilled or frozen  ex 0207 13; ex 0207 14  
Turkey meat, fresh, chilled or frozen  0207 24; 0207 25; ex 0207 26; ex 0207 27  
Poultry meat, salted or in brine  ex 0210 99 39  
Preparations of chicken meat  1602 32 11; 1602 32 19; 1602 32 30; 1602 32 90  
Preparations of turkey  1602 31  
Preparation of poultry meat other than chicken and 
turkey  1602 39 21; 1602 39 29; ex 1602 39 85,  
1602 39 85  
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above -mentioned  regulations for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
2.7  Eggs and products in the egg sector and egg albumin  
Note:  eggs and products in the egg sector and egg albumin are not generally subject to an import 
licence. However, for the management of certain  Tariff Rate Quotas, an import licence is required.  
 
Legal basis:  
 
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No . 2020/760 of 17 December 2019 supplementing 
Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the 
rules for the administration of import and export tariff quotas subject to licences and 
supplementing Regulation (EU) No . 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
as reg ards the lodging of securities in the administration of tariff quotas (0.J. L 185, 
12.06.2021, p.1).  It can be consulted at the following address: https://eur -
lex.europa .eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32020R0760 . 
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 2020/761 of 17 December 2019 laying down 
rules for the application of Regulations (EU) No . 1306/2013, (EU) No . 1308/2013 and (EU) 
No. 510/2014 of the European Pa rliament and of the Council as regards the management 
system of tariff quotas with licences (OJ L 185, 12.6.2020). A consolidated version of the 
Regulation can be found at the following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02020R0761 -20210601 . 
 
Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Poultry eggs, for consumption, in shell   0407 21 00; 0407 29 10; 0407 90 10  
Eggs yolks  0408 11 80; 0408 19 81; 0408 19 89  
Bird eggs, not in shell  0408 91 80; 0408 99 80  
Egg albumin  3502 11 90; 3502 19 90  G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above -mentioned  regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
2.8  Garlic  
Note: the obligation for an import licence for garlic expired on 30 September 2017 (Annex I to 
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1237). However, for the management of Tariff 
Rate Quotas, an import licence is still required.  
 
Legal basis:  
 
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No . 2020/760 of 17 December 2019 supplementing 
Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the 
rules for the administration of import and export tariff quotas subject to licences and 
supplementing Regulation (EU) No . 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
as reg ards the lodging of securities in the administration of tariff quotas (0.J. L 185, 
12.06.2021, p.1).  It can be consulted at the following address: https://eur -
lex.europa .eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32020R0760 . 
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 2020/761 of 17 December 2019 laying down 
rules for the application of Regulations (EU) No . 1306/2013, (EU) No . 1308/2013 and (EU) 
No. 510/2014 of the European Pa rliament and of the Council as regards the management 
system of tariff quotas with licences (OJ L 185, 12.6.2020). A consolidated version of the 
Regulation can be found at the following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02020R0761 -20210601 . 
 
Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Fresh and chilled garlic  0703 20 00  
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above -mentioned  regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
2.9  Preserved mushrooms  
Note:  preserved mushrooms are not generally subject to an import licence. However, for the 
management of Tariff Rate Quotas, an import licence is required.  
 
Legal basis:  
 
• Comm ission Delegated Regulation (EU) No . 2020/760 of 17 December 2019 supplementing 
Regulation (EU) No . 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the 
rules for the administration of import and export tariff quotas subject to licences a nd 
supplementing Regulation (EU) No . 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 
as regards the lodging of securities in the administration of tariff quotas (0.J. L 185, 
12.06.2021, p.1).  It can be consulted at the following address: https://eur -
lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32020R0760 . 
 
• Commission Implementing  Regulation (EU) No . 2020/761 of 17 December 2019 laying down 
rules for the application of Regulations (EU) No . 1306/2013, (EU) No . 1308/2013 and (EU) 
No. 510/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the management 
system of tariff quotas with licences (OJ L 185, 12.6.2020). A consolidated version of the 
Regul ation can be found at the following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02020R0761 -20210601 . 
 
  G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Preserved mushrooms of the genus Agaricus  classifiable 
within CN codes  0711 51 00, 2003 10 20; 2003 10 30  
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above -mentioned  regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
2.10  Ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin  
Legal basis:  
 
As from 6 November 2016, with the entry into force of Commission Delegated and Implementing 
Regulation s Nos. 2016/1237 and 2016/1239, the coverag e is the following one:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol or 
higher obtained from the agricultural products listed in Annex I to the Treaty  ex 2207 10 00  
Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength, obtained from the 
agricultural products listed in Annex I to the Treaty  ex 2207 20 00  
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 
80% vol, obtained from the agricultural products listed in Annex I  to the 
Treaty, in containers holding less than 2 litres  ex 2208 90 91  
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 
80% vol, obtained from the agricultural products listed in Annex I to the 
Treaty, in containers holding more t han 2 litres  ex 2208 90 99  
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above -mentioned  regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
2.11  Hemp  
Legal basis:  
 
• Article 9 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1237 . 
 
Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Seed of the varieties of hemp, for sowing  ex 1207 99 20  
Hemp seeds other than for sowing  1207 99 91  
True hemp, raw or retted  5302 10 00  
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above -mentioned  regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
3  OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES – ODS – (CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES)  
Outline of the system  
1. The import of ozone -depleting substances (ODS) is subject to licensing. In the context of the 
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on the substances 
that deplete the ozone layer, the European Commission issues ODS licences based on applications 
submitted via the ODS Licensing System. Imports (as well as exports ) of controlled substances, 
referred to hereby as ozone depleting substances (ODS) and products and equipment containing or 
relying on ODS are prohibited. However, there are exemptions to this prohibition. Below, the 
responses to the questionnaire focus on  the procedures in place for the importation of controlled 
substances.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 16 - 
 
  Purpose and coverage of licensing  
Replies to questions 2 to 5:  
 
Legal basis:  
 
• Regulation (EC) No . 1005/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 
16 September 2009 on substa nces that deplete the ozone layer (OJ L 286, 31.10.2009, p.1). 
A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted at the following address:  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1566893918935&uri=CELEX:02009R1005 -20170419 . 
 
For information on types of imports of ODS, which are exempted from the general prohibition in the 
European Union, see Article 15 of the Regulation. Artic le 15(2) outlines which types of ODS imports 
are allowed. The types are listed based on the use of the ODS. Furthermore, Article 15(3) of the 
Regulation indicates that a licence is required for activities listed in Article 15(2). The exemption to 
the licen sing requirement is also outlined in Article 15(3). Four customs procedures are exempted 
from the licence requirement under the 45-day re-export rule.  
 
Annex I to the Regulation outlines the controlled substances. The import of these substances is 
subject  to licensing. Substances listed in Annex II to the Regulation ( i.e., new substances) are not 
controlled substances and are not covered under Article 15 of the Regulation; therefore,  are not 
subject to licensing.  
 
Although import for activities outlined in Article 15(2) are allowed under the condition of a licence, 
this ma y be overruled by Article 20(1) prohibiting the import of controlled substances and of products 
& equipment containing or relying on controlled substances from any State not party to the Montreal 
Protocol. Furthermore, Article 18(6) establishes that, in sp ecific cases, the European Commission 
may share the licence application data with competent authorities of the Parties concerned and may 
reject the import licence application, if the competent authorities from the exporting country reports 
that the exporte r is not authorised. The Commission applies this Article for instance with the 
countries that participate in the so -called informal Prior Informed Consent (iPIC) procedure.  
 
Licensing System:  
 
A licence is required in case of import of ODS. Licences are is sued by the European Commission with 
the use of a software called the ODS Licensing System. A licence is required for the import of the 
substance itself, a mixture containing ODS and a product or equipment containing or relying on ODS.  
 
Coverage:  
The foll owing goods are covered by the ODS licensing system:  
Substances (ODS)  CN/TARIC code3 
CFC-11 2903 77 60  
CFC-12 2903 77 60  
CFC-113 2903 77 60  
CFC-113a 2903 77 60 10  
CFC-114 2903 77 60  
CFC-115 2903 77 60  
CFC-13 2903 77 90 60  
CFC-111 2903 77 90 15  
CFC-112 2903 77 90 20  
CFC-211 2903 77 90 25  
CFC-212 2903 77 90 30  
CFC-213 2903 77 90 35  
CFC-214 2903 77 90 40  
 
3 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 2019/1776 of 9 October 2019 amending Annex I t o 
Council Regulation (EEC) No . 2658/87 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs 
Tariff. 
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 17 - 
 
  Substances (ODS)  CN/TARIC code3 
CFC-215 2903 77 90 45  
CFC-216 2903 77 90 50  
CFC-217 2903 77 90 55  
Halon -1211 2903 76 10  
Halon -1301 2903 76 20  
Halon -2402 2903 76 90  
Carbon tetrachloride  2903 14 00  
1,1,1 -trichloroethane  2903 19 00 10  
Methyl bromide  2903 39 11  
HBFC -21 B2  2903 79 30  
HBFC -22 B1  2903 79 30  
HBFC -31 B1  2903 79 30  
HBFC -121 B4  2903 79 30  
HBFC -122 B3  2903 79 30  
HBFC -123 B2  2903 79 30  
HBFC -124 B1  2903 79 30  
HBFC -131 B3  2903 79 30  
HBFC -132 B2  2903 79 30  
HBFC -133 B1  2903 79 30  
HBFC -133a B1  2903 79 30  
HBFC -141 B2  2903 79 30  
HBFC -142 B1  2903 79 30  
HBFC -151 B1  2903 79 30  
HBFC -221 B6  2903 79 30  
HBFC -222 B5  2903 79 30  
HBFC -223 B4  2903 79 30  
HBFC -224 B3  2903 79 30  
HBFC -225 B2  2903 79 30  
HBFC -226 B1  2903 79 30  
HBFC -231 B5  2903 79 30  
HBFC -232 B4  2903 79 30  
HBFC -233 B3  2903 79 30  
HBFC -234 B2  2903 79 30  
HBFC -235 B1  2903 79 30  
HBFC -241 B4  2903 79 30  
HBFC -242 B3  2903 79 30  
HBFC -243 B2  2903 79 30  
HBFC -244 B1  2903 79 30  
HBFC -251 B1  2903 79 30  
HBFC -252 B2  2903 79 30  
HBFC -253 B1 (CAS: 421 -46-5) 2903 79 30  
HBFC -253 B1 (CAS: 460 -32-2) 2903 79 30  
HBFC -261 B2  2903 79 30  
HBFC -262 B1  2903 79 30  
HBFC -271 B1  2903 79 30  
HCFC -21 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -22 2903 71 00  
HCFC -31 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -121 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -121a 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -122 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -123 2903 72 00  
HCFC -123a 2903 72 00  
HCFC -124 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -124a 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -131 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -132 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -133 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -133a 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -141 2903 73 00  
HCFC -141b 2903 73 00  
HCFC -142 2903 74 00  
HCFC -142b 2903 74 00  
HCFC -151 2903 79 30 90  G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 18 - 
 
  Substances (ODS)  CN/TARIC code3 
HCFC -221 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -222 2903 79 30 90 
HCFC -223 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -224 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -225 2903 75 00  
HCFC -225ca  2903 75 00  
HCFC -225cb  2903 75 00  
HCFC -226 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -231 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -232 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -233 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -234 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -235 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -241 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -242 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -243 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -244 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -251 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -252 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -253 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -261 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -262 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -271 2903 79 30 90  
Bromochloromethane  2903 79 30 20  
 
Mixtures of substances containing ODS  CN/TARIC code  
Deuterium and compounds thereof; ...; mixtures and solutions 
containing these products  2845 90 10  
Isotopes other than those of heading 2844;  ...other, other  2845 90 90 90  
Preparations and charges for fire -extinguishers … for use in certain 
types of aircraft  3813 00 00 10  
Preparations and charges for fire -extinguishers … other  3813 00 00 90  
Diagnostic or laboratory reagents ...; certified ref erence materials, 
SARS -CoV virus species diagnostic reagents  3822 00 00 10  
Diagnostic or laboratory reagents ...; certified reference materials, 
Other  3822 00 00 90  
Mixtures containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), whether or not 
containing (HCFCs), (PFCs) or (HFCs)  3824 71 00  
Mixtures containing bromochlorodifluoromethane, 
bromotrifluoromethane or dibromotetrafluoroethanes (Halons)  3824 72 00  
Mixtures containing hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs)  3824 73 00  
Mixtures containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), ..., but not 
containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)  3824 74 00  
Mixtures containing carbon tetrachloride  3824 75 00  
Mixtures containing bromomethane (methyl bromide) or 
bromochloromethane  3824 77 00  
 
 
Products & equipment containing or relying on ODS  CN code  
Mechanical appliances... - Fire extinguishers, whether or not charged - 
for use in civil aircraft  8424 10 00  
Mechanical appliances... - Fire extinguishers, whether or not charged – 
other  8424 10 00  
Mechanical appliances ... fire extinguishers... – Parts, others  8424 90 80  
Tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, motorised, whether or not 
fitted with weapons, and parts of such vehicles  8710 00 00  
Other aircraft... helicopters... of  an unladen weight not exceeding 
2,000kg  8802 11 00  
Other aircraft... helicopters... of an unladen weight exceeding 2 ,000kg  8802 12 00  
Other aircraft... aeroplanes... of an unladen weight not exceeding 
2,000kg  8802 20 00  
Other aircraft... aeroplanes... of an unladen weight exceeding 2 ,000kg 
but not exceeding 15 ,000kg  8802 30 00  
Other aircraft... aeroplanes of an unladen weight exceeding 15 ,000kg  8802 40 00  G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 19 - 
 
  Products & equipment containing or relying on ODS  CN code  
Cruise ships, excursion boats and similar vessels principally designed for 
the tr ansport of persons; ferryboats  of all kinds - seagoing  8901 10 10  
Refrigerated vessels other than those of 8901 20 – seagoing  8901 30 10  
Fishing vessels; factory ships and other vessels for ... fishery products - 
seagoing  8902 00 10  
Yachts and other vessels for pleasure or sports; rowing boats and 
canoes, other than inflatable  8903 91 00  
Motorboats , other than outboard motorboats  8903 92 00  
Tugs and pusher craft  8904 00 00  
Floating or submersible drilling or production platforms  8905 20 00  
Warships  8906 10 00  
Component parts of complete industrial plant in the framework of 
external trade (Commission Regulation EC No . 113/2010 of 
9 February  2010)  9880 00 00  
 
Customs procedure:  
 
The licensing requirement does not apply in rare cases when the ODS goods remain in the EU no 
longer than 45 days and are not subsequently presented for release for free circulation in the 
European Union, destroyed or processed. Four customs procedures are  exempted from the licensing 
requirement under the 45-day re-export rule.  
 
The customs procedures exempted under the 45-day re-export rule are:  
 
• Transit;  
• Temporary storage;  
• Customs warehousing;  
• Free zone procedure.  
 
Country restrictions:  
 
An ODS licence will not be issued in cases of export of certain substance groups to certain countries 
as a consequence of an exclusion defined in the Regulation. The Regulation under Article  20(1) 
prohibits the import of ODS and of products and equipment c ontaining or relying on ODS from any 
country not party to the Montreal Protocol.  
 
Restrictions in ODS trade are imposed by the Protocol and its amendments. The amendments to the 
Protocol provide specific limitations for different substance groups. A parti cular group of ODS can be 
imported from a country if this country has ratified the relevant amendment to the Montreal Protocol. 
It is possible that a country may be party to the Protocol for one substance group but not for another. 
This requirement is appl icable to all Montreal Protocol signatories. In short trade of ODS with 
countries which have not ratified a certain amendment of the Montreal Protocol is not allowed.  
 
Some territories of Member States of the EU are excluded from ratification of the Montre al Protocol 
or its amendments and therefore trade with these territories may be limited or prohibited.  
 
Procedures:  
6. An importer must hold quota for the import of the ODS in the case of some imports. Quota is 
allocated annually for the next calendar yea r.  
 
Imports for the following uses require quota:  
 
• Essential laboratory and analytical uses;  
• Halons for critical uses;  
• Feedstock uses;  
• Process agent uses.  
 
I. At the beginning of each year the Commission publishes a notice in the Official Journal of the 
European Union about the quota procedure for the following year. The notice informs about 
the relevant details of the quota application process for the following year including the G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 20 - 
 
  deadline for applying for quota. Importers and producers request quota for t he period from 
1 January to 31 December of the following year.  
 
II. Quota is determined on yearly basis.  
 
III. The unused quota is not added to next quota period. The Commission notifies importers of 
the quantity of the ODS and the use for which the impo rt is authorised for the following year. 
The competent authorities of Member States also receive this information.  
 
IV. Usually,  it is about one month where companies can apply for quota. The exact timeframe is 
defined annually and notified in the notice i n the Official Journal of the European Union.  
 
V. The Commission processes the applications in about five-10 working days.  
 
VI. It is usually approximately a three -month  period between the vote of the Member States on 
allocating quota and the beginning of the quota year.  
 
VII. The importer must approach only one institution which is the European Commission.  
 
VIII. The decision on how much quota an importer or producer rec eives is made in accordance with 
the quota allocation procedure set out in Regulation (EC) No . 1005/2009, Article 10 and 
Commission Regulation (EU) No . 537/2011.  
 
IX. Export licences are not issued automatically if import licence is required.  
 
X. Not appli cable.  
 
XI. Licences for imports of HCFC were issued until end of 2019 under the condition that the good 
was later re -exported. The imported good was to be re -packaged and re -exported. Such type 
of import is not anymore allowed. More detail is provided in Regulation (EC) No . 1005/2009, 
Article 15(2)(e).  
 
7. Applications for licences can be made all year long. The Commission must take a decision whether 
or not to issue a licence no later than 30 days after having received a correct application. Yet, in 
urgent cases the Commission endeavours processing the licences upon request.  
 
8. The reason for rejection is always provided in the licence application form and it is the failure to 
meet ordinary criteria.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any undertaking which is defined as natural or legal person can register in the ODS Licensing 
System and after verification apply for ODS licences. This service is free of charge.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The gen eral content of a licence form is the following:  
 
• Consignee;  
• Country of destination;  
• Consignor/Exporter;  
• Country of export;  
• Customs  of entry;  
• Customs  of import;  
• Customs  procedure;  
• Commercial  description;  
• Substance name;  
• Use; 
• CN code;  
• CAS-number;  
• GROSS  mass;  
• NET mass;  G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 21 - 
 
  • Number of units;  
• Nature of substance.  
 
Licences for import (and export) of fire extinguishers containing halon for use on aircrafts do not 
contain information on the gross mass and net mass.  
 
11 to 13: Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The licence cannot be extended or transferred. The undertaking must cancel an expired licence 
and apply for a new licence.  
 
Most import licences have a maximum validity of 28 days ( seven  days before and 21 days after the 
estimated  date of import). In cases where this validity period exceeds the licensing year (before 
1 January and after 31 December), the validity period is cut accordingly. The validity of the licence 
is also cut when the date of issue is less than seven days before  the estimated date of import or if 
the licence is issued after that date.  
 
Different rules apply to the validity period for the import (and export) licences for fire extinguishers 
containing halon for use on aircrafts. Such licence is valid from the day it is issued until the end of 
the calendar year for which it was issued. In cases where the application proceeds the licensing year 
(i.e., it is issued before 1 January), the validity period starts 1 January the following year. 
Such licences can be use d multiple times during their validity period, unlike all other licence types 
that can be used only once.  
 
15. Not applicable.  
 
16. Not applicable.  
 
17. Not applicable  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
4  FLUORINATED GAS ES INCLUDING HYDROFLUOROCARBONS (HFCS)  
Outline of system  
Companies must have a prior valid registration in the F -Gas Portal and HFC Licensing System (the 
registry) to import and export fluorinated gases (f -gases) into and from the European Union above 
the quantities set out under Article 19 of the F -gas Regulation. A valid registration equals to a licence 
to import and export these gases, as required under the Montreal Protocol. In addition, for import 
of bulk hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) it is a requirement t hat the quantity of HFCs placed on the market 
are covered by quota on an annual basis.  
 
Furthermore, importers placing on the market ( e.g., import released for free circulation) 
refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment charged with HFCs mus t also be registered 
and the quantities of HFCs must be accounted for within the quota system at the time of import. 
This must be documented,  and a declaration of conformity must be drawn up in this respect.  
 
Also, the placing on the market of certain pro ducts and equipment containing f -gases with a certain 
global warming potential are prohibited and the placing on the market of non -refillable containers of 
fluorinated gases for certain uses is forbidden. Equipment, products and containers with fluorinated  
gases must be labelled appropriately.  
 
The replies below focus on the procedures in place for import of bulk HFCs and HFCs imported 
refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment pre -charged with HFCs.  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Purpose and coverage of licensing  
Replies to questions 2 to 5:  
 
Legal basis:  
 
• Regulation (EU) No . 517/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16  April 2014 
on fluorinated greenhouse gases (OJ L 150, 20.5.2014, p.195)  ("the F -gas Regulation "): 
https://e ur-lex.europa.eu/legal -content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32014R0517 . 
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 1191/2014 of 30  October 2014 determining 
the format and means for submitting the report referred to in Article 19 of Regulation (EU) 
No. 517/2014 of  the European Parliament and of the Council on fluorinated greenhouse gases  
(OJ L 318, 5.11.2014, p.5) and its subsequent amendments. A consolidated version of the 
Regulation can be consulted at the following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1566894158913&uri=CELEX:02014R1191 -20190417 . 
HFCs are together with perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) a fluor inated 
greenhouse gas (F -gas). F -gases are powerful greenhouse gases, with a global warming effect up 
to 23 000 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2). HFC is the most relevant F -gases from a climate 
perspective. Reducing emissions from fluorinated greenh ouse gases is a part of EU's effort to 
implement the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change . 
 
Articles 17 and 19 of the F -gas Regulation together with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 
No. 1191/2014 establish an obligation for actors in the HFCs market to register in the F -gas Portal 
– an electronic registry for quotas for placing HFCs on the market and for reporting. Only companies 
with a prior valid registration can import and export HFCs into and from the Eu ropean Union.  
 
Article 15 of the F -gas Regulation establishes the quota requirements regarding bulk HFCs, 
applicable since 1 January 2015.  
 
The quota requirement does not apply to quantities of less than 100 tonnes of CO2 equivalent of 
HFC per year and als o not to the following categories of HFCs:  
 
a) imported into the Union for destruction;  
 
b) used by a producer as feedstock;  
 
c) supplied directly by a producer or an importer to undertakings, for export out of the Union, 
where those HFCs are not subsequently made available to any other party within the Union, 
prior to export;  
 
d) supplied directly by a producer or an importer for use in military equipment;  
 
e) supplied directly by a producer or an importer to an undertaking using it for the etching of 
semiconductor material or the cleaning of chemicals vapour deposition chambers within the 
semiconductor manufacturing sector;  
 
f) supplied directly by a producer or an importer to an undertaking producing metered dose 
inhalers for the delivery of pharmaceutica l ingredients (only as from 1 January 2018).  
However, registration requirements remain for companies importing for the exempted uses listed 
above (except for the amounts <100t CO2).  
 
The licence registration and the quota system implements the requirements  related to HFCs under 
the Montreal Protocol on the substances that deplete the ozone layer, and in particular its so -called 
Kigali Amendment that added HFCs to the list of controlled substances and agreed to a global phase -
down of production and consumpti on of HFCs and required the implementation of a licensing system 
for import and export of HFCs.  
 
Pursuant to Article 16 of the F -gas Regulation, the quotas of HFCs are allocated to the undertakings 
annually by the European Commission based on a system tha t takes into account amounts G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 23 - 
 
  historically placed on the market by certain companies and declarations made by any undertaking 
intending to place HFCs on the market. The phase -down steps are defined in accordance with 
Annex  V of the F -gas Regulation and the mechanism to calculate the size of the quotas is laid down 
in Annex VI.  
 
Undertakings can be EU and non -EU companies. Non -EU companies must nominate an only 
representative established in the EU for the purpose of compliance with the requirements of the 
F-gas Regulation.  
 
Article 14 of the F -gas Regulation establishes the requirements related to the placing on the market 
of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment charged with HFCs, inter alia the link to 
the quota system and the declaration of conformity to this end. These conditions apply to all placing 
on the market, including for imported equipment released for free circulation. The purpose of this 
provision is to safeguard the environmental integrity of the phase -down of bulk HFCs.  
 
Cover age: 
 
The following HFC's are listed in Annex I, Section 1, of the  F-gas Regulation :  
 
Substances (HFCs)  CN/TARIC code  
HFC-23 - trifluoromethane (fluoroform)  2903392300 80  
HFC-32 – difluoromethane  2903392100 80  
HFC-41 - fluoromethane  (methyl fluoride)  2903392990 80  
HFC-125 - pentafluoroethane  2903392410 80  
HFC-134 - 1,1,2,2 -tetrafluoroethane  2903392990 80  
HFC-134a - 1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroethane  2903392690  80 
HFC-143 - 1,1,2-trifluoroethane  2903392990 80  
HFC-143a - 1,1,1-trifluoroethane  2903392490 80  
HFC-152 - 1,2-difluoroethane  2903392990 80  
HFC-152a - 1,1-difluoroethane  2903392500 80  
HFC-161 - fluoroethane (ethyl fluoride)  2903392990 80  
HFC-227ea - 1,1,1,2,3,3,3 -heptafluoropropane  2903392790 80  
HFC-236cb - 1,1,1,2,2,3 -hexafluoropropane  2903392790 80  
HFC-236ea - 1,1,1,2,3,3 -hexafluoropropane  2903392790 80  
HFC-236fa - 1,1,1,3,3,3 -hexafluoropropane  2903392790 80  
HFC-245ca - 1,1,2,2,3 -pentafluorop ropane  2903392790 80  
HFC-245fa - 1,1,1,3,3 -pentafluoropropane  2903392710 80  
HFC-365 mfc - 1,1,1,3,3 -pentafluorobutane  2903392990 80  
HFC-43-10 mee -1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5 -decafluoropentane  2903392990 80  
 
Customs procedure:  
 
Normal customs procedures apply.  
 
Country restrictions:  
 
None 
 
Procedures:  
6. Guidance on procedures for quota allocation and licences can be found on the European 
Commission web page: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/f -gas/reporting_en . 
Companies intending to import in bulk or import refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump 
equipment charged with HFCs can reque st registration (licence) in the registry. The detailed 
requirements for registrations are laid down in C ommission Implementing Regulation (EU) 
No. 2019/661 of 25 April 2019 ensuring the smooth functioning of the electronic registry for quotas 
for placing hydrofluorocarbons on the market (OJ L 112, 26.4.2019, p.11) .  
At the beginning of each year the European Commission publishes a notice in the Official Journal of 
the European Union about the annual quota procedure for the following year. The notice is als o 
posted on the HFC Registry information -board and on the European Commission's website . G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 24 - 
 
  The notice informs about the relevant details of the quota application process including the 
deadlines.  
Companies report on quantities imported and exported by 31 March in the year following the activity. 
The reporting is done directly in a reporting tool. The reporting format is based on Commission 
Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 1191/2014.  
I.  Reference v alues for the quota allocation are published in a Commission Decision every 
three  years and the quota is updated annually. The names of the undertakings having a 
reference value are publicly available, whereas the values are commercially confidential.   
 
II. Quota is determined on a yearly basis. It is based on the account amounts historically placed 
on the market (tri -annual reference values) since 2015 and annual declarations made 
regarding the intention to place additional HFCs on the market. The quotas are calculated in 
accordance with the phase -down schedule in Annex V of the F -gas Regulation and by applying 
an allocation mechanism laid down in Annex VI to the F -gas Regulation.  
III. Unused quota is valid only for the year it is allocated and can only b e used for either import 
or production.  
IV. The validity of the licence is in principle time unlimited. The timeframe for the licence  registry 
can vary depending on information provided by the company but  is usually completed within 
a few working days if the provided information is accurate and complete. Companies must be 
registered (have a licence) before they can get a quota.  
V. Min and max length of licence  registry requests – one day to a few months – depending on 
completeness and accurateness of info rmation provided.  
VI. Import may only occur when a company is having sufficient quota after having been licenced 
to import. Hence, it the annual quota allocation cycle that is decisive. Usually,  the declaration 
deadline is in June/July in the year precedi ng the year where the quota is becoming valid.  
VII. Only the European Commission is involved in the processes. Member States are involved via 
an implementing Committee as regards the determination of the tri -annual reference values.  
VIII. Quota is allocate d based on historic amounts placed on the market (tri -annual reference value) 
since 2015 and annual declarations on the intention to place on the market. The latter quotas 
are allocated on a pro rata basis. See Article 16 and Annex VI of the F -gas Regulati on. 
 
IX. Not applicable  
 
X. Not applicable.  
 
XI. Not applicable.  
 
7. Registration in the F -gas Registry can happen all year long. Applications for quota can only be 
made during a declaration period to be determined annually by the Commission through a no tice 
published in the Official Journal of the Commission.  
 
8. Companies that meet the conditions set out in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 
No. 2019/661 ensuring the smooth functioning of the electronic registry for quotas for placing 
hydrofluoroc arbons on the market are being registered ( licence d). The Commission may refuse, 
suspend or cancel a registration if the conditions are not fulfilled.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. An undertaking that constitutes a natural or legal person can request registration in the registry 
and may after validation apply for HFC quota pursuant to Article 16(2) or 16(4) of Regulation (EU) 
No. 517/2014 for a given year . In order to be eligible for applying for quota, the deadlines for 
submitting and for completing an application to register in the registry are specified by the 
Commission in a notice published in the Official Journal.  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 25 - 
 
  Registration is compulsory for the following:  
 
(a) producers and importers to which a quota for the placing on the market of hydrofluorocarbons 
has been allocated in accordance with Article 16(5);  
 
(b) undertakings to which a quota is transferred in accordance with Article 18;  
 
(c) producers and importers declaring th eir intention to submit a declaration pursuant to 
Article  16(2);  
 
(d) producers and importers supplying, or undertakings in receipt of hydrofluorocarbons for the 
purposes listed in points (a) to (f) of the second subparagraph of Article 15(2);  
 
(e) importers of eq uipment placing pre -charged equipment on the market where the 
hydrofluorocarbons contained in the equipment have not been placed on the market prior to 
the charging of that equipment in accordance with Article 14;  
 
(f) any undertaking importing fluorinated gas es needs to be registered before undertaking such 
activities in accordance with Article 19 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 
No. 2014/1191.  
 
This service is free of charge. The list of companies having quota reference values is being published 
in tri-annual Commission Decisions.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The general information requirements for a registration licence is laid down in Article 3 of 
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 2019/661.  
 
For undertakings established in the Union:  
 
a) name and legal form of the undertaking;  
 
b) full address;  
 
c) telephone number;  
 
d) VAT number;  
 
e) Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number;  
 
f) the name and e -mail address of a contact person who is either a beneficial owner or an 
employee of the company, authorised to perform legally binding activities on behalf of the 
company;  
 
g) a description of the undertaking's business activities;  
 
h) written confirmation of the undertaking's intention to register in  the registry signed by a 
beneficial owner or employee of the undertaking;  
 
i) bank account details – and validated.  
 
For undertakings established outside the Union (and that have mandated an only representative as 
referred to in Article 16(5) of the F -gas Re gulation):  
 
(a) the information listed in points (a), (b) and (c) above, but with respect to both the undertaking 
and the only representative, and accompanied, in the case of the information listed in point 
(a), a relevant official document on which the name a nd legal form appears in each case, 
together with a certified translation of that document in English ; 
 
(b) the information  listed in points (d), (e) and (i) above, but with respect to the only 
representative rather than the undertaking;  G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 26 - 
 
  (c) the full name  of one contact person who is either a beneficial owner or an employee of the 
only representative of the company authorised to perform legally binding activities on behalf 
of the only representative and the company;  
 
(d) an electronic  address for the only repr esentative;  
 
(e) a description  of the undertaking's business activities;  
 
(f) the written confirmation listed in point (h) above but signed additionally by a beneficial owner 
or employee of the only representative.  
 
11. Upon importation of bulk HFCs no additional documents are required under the F -Gas Regulation. 
Upon importation of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment charged with HFCs a 
declaration of conformity must be available.  
 
12 to 13. There is no fee.  
 
Conditions of licensing and quota allocation  
14. Registration licence  is valid until cancelled or suspended by the Commission in line with Article  6 
of Commission Implementing Regulation No. 2019/661, or until cancelled upon a request submitted 
by the company. Bulk quotas are valid only fo r the year for which they are allocated.  
 
15. There is no penalty for unused licences or quota. Undertakings that have exceeded their quota 
are allocated a reduced quota allocation for the allocation period after the excess has been detected. 
The amount of  reduction is calculated as 200% of the amount by which the quota was exceeded . 
 
16. According to Article 18 of the F -gas Regulation bulk quota allocated can be transferred to other 
bulk importers or producers. Only importers and producers that have receiv ed a reference value can 
transfer their quota. This is to prevent declarations for quota with the sole purpose of selling the 
quota.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
5  IMPORT OF ROUGH DIAMONDS  
Outline of system  
1. The EU as a whole is a single Participant in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. 
The Kimberley Process establishes minimum requirements for an international scheme of 
certification for rough diamonds with a view to bre aking the link between armed conflict and the 
trade in rough diamonds.  
 
The system applies to rough diamonds originating in and coming from a participant. A participant is 
defined as a State, international organization of States or dependent territory of a State, or a 
customs territory.  
 
Rough diamonds may legally be imported to or exported from any of the Member States. 
Every  person who imports rough diamonds must ensure that the diamonds are in a tamper -resistant 
container that meets the requirements of the regulations and are accompanied by a valid Kimberley 
Process Certificate that was issued by a participant, has not been invalidated by the participant and 
that contains accurate information. In -transit rough diamonds are deemed not to be imported or 
exported. Since 30 March 2014, Greenland, one of the overseas countries and territories participates 
in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme through its cooperation with the EU.  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 27 - 
 
  Purpose and coverage of licensing  
Replies to questions 2 to 5:  
 
Legal b asis:  
 
• Council Regulation (EC) No . 2368/2002 of 20 December 2002 implementing the Kimberley 
Process certification scheme for the international trade in rough diamonds. (OJ L 358, 
31.12.2002, p.28) and its amendments. The latest consolidated version of the  Regulation can 
be consulted at the following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02002R2368 -20210101 . 
  
The Regulation provides for controls on the import, export or transit across the EU of rough diamonds 
in order to meet the EU's obligations under the Kimberley Process Certi fication Scheme.   
 
Article 3 of Council Regulation (EC) No . 2368/2002 provides that the import of rough diamonds into 
the EU shall be prohibited unless all of the following conditions are fulfilled:  
 
(a) The rough diamonds are accompanied by a certificat e validated by the competent authority of 
a participant ( i.e., of the Kimberley Process);  
 
(b) The rough diamonds are contained in tamper -resistant containers, and the seals applied at 
export by that participant are not broken;  
 
(c)  The certificate clearly identifies the consignment to which it refers.  
 
Importers or economic operators can freely c hoose a point of entry at an external border of the EU 
for the import of rough diamonds. However, every import of rough diamonds must first be verified 
by an EU authority, including those destined to Greenland. An EU authority is a competent authority 
designated by a Member State and agreed by the Commission to fulfil certain tasks in connection 
with the implementation of the KPCS, namely the verification of incoming shipments and KP 
certificates for conformity with KP rules.  
 
Acceptance of a customs declar ation for release for free circulation of rough diamonds pursuant to 
Regulation (EU) No . 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council can only happen after 
the containers and certificates had been verified by an EU authority.  
 
Article 4 of the Re gulation provides:  
 
1. Containers and the corresponding certificates shall be submitted for verification, together and at 
the earliest opportunity, to a Union authority either in the Member State where they are imported 
or in the Member State for which th ey are destined, as indicated in the accompanying documents.  
 
2. In cases where rough diamonds are imported into a Member State where there is no Union 
authority, they shall be submitted to the appropriate Union authority in the Member State for which 
they are destined. If a Union authority exists neither in the importing Member State nor in the 
Member State of destination, or with regard to rough diamonds coming from/destined to Greenland, 
they shall be submitted to an appropriate Union authority in anoth er Member State.  
 
3. The Member State where the rough diamonds are imported shall ensure their submission to the 
appropriate Union authority provide for in paragraphs 1 and 2. Customs transit may be granted to 
that effect. If such customs transit is grant ed, the verification provided for by this Article shall be 
suspended until arrival at the appropriate Union authority.  
 
There are currently Union Authorities in: Antwerp (Belgium); Idar -Oberstein (Germany); Prague 
(Czech Republic); Bucharest (Romania); Li sbon (Portugal); Dublin (Ireland); Torino (Italy).  
Contact  details are available in Annex III of Council Regulation (EC) No . 2368/2002.  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 28 - 
 
  Licensing System:  
 
An administrative procedure used for the operation of import of rough diamonds, i.e., the act of the  
verification of a KP certificate is required. Some EU member states with Union authorities also require 
that diamond traders be licenced.  
 
Coverage:  
 
A rough diamond is defined as a diamond that is unsorted, unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or 
bruted, and that falls under subheading 7102 10 00, 7102 21 00 or 7102 31 00 of the Combined 
Nomenclature (Council Regulation (EEC) No . 2658/87 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and 
on the Common Customs Tariff (OJ L 256, 7.9.1987, p.1) and its subsequent amendments. 
A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted at the following address:  https://eur -
lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?qid=1566901287584&uri=CELEX:01987R2658 -20190101 . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable. There are no quantity and value restrictions.  
 
7. The Kimberley Process C ertification Scheme is implemented through the national legislation of 
the respective participants. The European Commission represents the European Union and 
Greenland in the Kimberley Process certification scheme. All imports of rough diamonds entering th e 
European Union shall without delay be submitted for verification to a Union authority either in the 
Member State where they are imported or in the Member State for which they are destined, as 
indicated in accompanying documents. Containers destined for G reenland shall be submitted for 
verification to one of the Union authorities, either in the Member State where they are imported, or 
in one of the other Member States where a Union authority is established.  
 
8. If an application for an EU licence for impor ts does not meet the criteria for import, each EU 
Member State imposes its own sanctions. If a Union authority finds that the failure to fulfil the 
conditions is not made knowingly or intentionally or is the result of an action by another authority 
in the exercise of its proper duties, it may proceed with the confirmation and release the shipment, 
after the necessary remedial measures have been taken to ensure that the conditions are met.  
 
9. Import licences are issued by an EU authority by means of verific ation. Some Member States 
require that rough diamond traders be registered.   
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The Kimberley Process Certificate means a forgery resistant document with a particular format 
which identi fies a shipment of rough diamonds as being in compliance with the requirements of the 
Certification Scheme and  is issued by the competent authority of a participant of the Kimberley 
Process.  
 
11. The import of rough diamonds into the Union shall be prohib ited unless all of the following 
conditions are fulfilled: a) the rough diamonds are accompanied by a certificate validated by the 
competent authority of a participant ( i.e., of the Kimberley Process ); b) the rough diamonds are 
contained in tamper -resistan t containers and the seals applied at export by that participant are not 
broken; c) the certificate clearly identifies the consignment to which it refers. Every import must be 
verified by a Union authority, which fulfils the task of verifying incoming ship ments and Kimberley 
Process Certificates for conformity with the Kimberley Process requirements.  
 
12. Not applicable. However, it is to be noted that Union Kimberley Process authorities may charge 
fees for issuing export certificates.   
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Authentic KP certificate accompanying the Kimberley Process certificate, within the period of 
validity; this may vary depending on the issuing country. The certificate must be valid for the G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 29 - 
 
  shipment to be a ccepted in the EU. The Union authority shall keep the originals of certificates 
submitted for verification for at least three years.  
 
15. Not applicable.  
 
16. Not applicable.  
 
17. Tamper resistant container with unbroken seals.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
6  IMPORT OF WASTE SHIPMENT  
Outline of system  
1. This section provides a description of the EU waste shipment notification scheme as  established 
by the EU rules and procedures for the transboundary shipments of waste.  
 
The import of waste into the EU is for some waste controlled under a permit system4 administered 
by the national competent authorities. Its requirements are tied in wi th those of the Basel Convention 
on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. In accordance with the EU's obligations under the Basel convention and in the organization for 
Economi c Co-operation and Development (OECD), the regulation applies to hazardous wastes and 
other wastes as listed in the schedules of the Basel Convention.  
 
3. The system applies to hazardous wastes and other wastes as listed in the schedules of the Basel 
Conve ntion originating in and coming from all countries that are a party to the Basel Convention or 
OECD5.  
 
4. The notification system ensures that the EU's commitments as a party to the Basel Convention 
are upheld. To that effect, transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and other wastes is to 
be reduced to the minimum consistent with the environmentally sound  and efficient management of 
such wastes and to be conducted in such a manner which will protect human health and the 
environment against the adverse effects which may result from such movement. The EU procedures 
applicable for the shipment of hazardous wa stes are not intended to restrict the quantity or value of 
imports.  
 
5. The internal EU legal framework for this scheme is Regulation (EC) No . 1013/2006 of the European 
Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2006 on shipments of waste (OJ L 190, 12.07.20 06, p.1).  
A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted at the following address:  https://eur -
lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02006 R1013 -20210111 . 
 
Licensing is a statutory requirement for the import of any hazardous waste listed in schedules to the 
Basel Convention or OECD Council Decisions.  
 
Procedures  
6. The wastes concerned are not under restriction as to the quantity or value of  imports. Replies 
from I to XI below are therefore not pertinent.  
 
 
4 Procedure of 'prior written notification and consent' pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) 
No. 1013/2006 on shipments of waste.  
5 This system applies also for the import of all non -hazardous wastes which are destined for a disposal  
operation in the EU and some waste destined for a recovery operation in the EU . G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 30 - 
 
  7. 
a) Permit6 applications should be lodged in advance of the importation to allow for sufficient time 
for the competent authorities to produce a response. Deadlines to be respected are laid down 
in the EU legislation. Within these time constraints still, the processin g time for a notification 
varies from case to case, depending primarily on the time taken by the competent authorities 
of the exporting economies concerned to provide feedback for the application, and on whether 
the application form is duly completed and l odged with all the required supporting documents.  
 
b)  Permits are issued only after the consent by the competent authorities in each involved EU 
Member State with a requirement under the Regulation for determination of the justification 
for import and the  fitness of the processing organisation to treat the material in an 
environmentally sound manner.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which permit application may be 
made . 
 
d)  For notifiable shipments of waste, the submission  of a notification is made by the notifier to 
the competent authorities of the country of dispatch and a prior consent for the shipment 
needs to be obtained from the competent authorities of all countries concerned (dispatch, 
transit and destination). The competent authorities in the EU Member states are listed here: 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/shipments/links.htm . 
 
8. Apart from statutory requirements, there are requirement s under the Basel Convention for all 
States of Transit to control the trans -boundary movement of hazardous waste. Refusal to accept the 
movement by any such state shall cause the State of export to deny a permit. According to 
Regulation (EC) No . 1013/2006 on shipments of waste, the reasons for objection to shipments for 
disposal and for recovery are listed in Articles 11 and 12 of the Regulation, respectively.   
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. 
(a) Not applicable.  
(b)  Any natural or legal person, firm or institution may apply for a permit.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. In accordance with Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No . 1013/2006 on shipments of waste, the 
notification shall be effected by mea ns of the notification document set out in Annex IA and the 
movement document set out in Annex IB of the Regulation. Together with Annex IA and IB, the 
notifier shall also supply the information listed in Annex II, Part 1 and Part 2 of the Regulation, 
respectively. Competent authorities may require additional information and documentation as listed 
in Annex II, Part 3 of the Regulation.  
 
11. The import permit is required and a valid export permit from the country of origin may be 
required as a condition of this permit.  
 
12. In accordance with Article 29 of Regulation (EC) No . 1013/2006, appropriate and proportionate 
administrative costs of implementing the notification and supervision procedures and usual costs of 
appropriate analyses and inspections may be charged to the notifier.  
 
13. A financial guarantee, or equivalent ins urance, shall be established by the notifier or by another 
natural or legal person on its behalf and shall be effective at the time of the notification or, if the 
competent authority which approves the financial guarantee or equivalent insurance so allows,  at 
the latest when the shipment starts, and shall apply to the notified shipment at the latest when the 
shipment starts. This financial guarantee or equivalent insurance shall cover: (a) costs of transport; 
(b) costs of recovery or disposal, including any  necessary interim operation; and (c) costs of storage 
for 90 days pursuant to Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No . 1013/2006 on shipments of waste.  
 
 
6 As permit it should be understood the "procedure of prior written notificat ion and consent" . G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 31 - 
 
  Conditions of licensing  
14. Under the Regulation the import permit is valid for a period of up to 12 months, w ith the 
possibility of an extension up to 36 months and covers the amount and number of shipments of the 
hazardous waste as noted in the application.  
 
15. No penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16. Permits/ licence s are not transferable between importers.  
 
17. All applications must identify the maximum amount of the hazardous wastes that is intended to 
be covered by the permit. This limit cannot be exceeded. In addition, the applicant is provided with 
specific conditions that form part of the permit that usually r elate specifically to the transport, 
treatment and/or disposal of the hazardous waste.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. None (the EU Waste Shipment Regulation does not allow additional requirements at national 
level).  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
7  IMPORT OF HARVESTED TIMBER  
Outline of system  
1. This section provides a description of the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade licensing 
scheme (FLEGT licensing) scheme as established under the EU FLEGT Regulation.  
 
The FLEGT licensing scheme is a volunta ry scheme to ensure that only legally produced timber 
products are imported into the EU from countries with which the EU concludes bilateral FLEGT 
Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs). Under an operational FLEGT licensing scheme, a partner 
country issue s FLEGT licences for every shipment of timber products covered by the VPA, exported 
to the EU.  The release for free circulation in the EU of such shipments is conditional on the 
acceptance by EU FLEGT competent authorities of the FLEGT licence. EU FLEGT c ompetent 
authorities may verify the authenticity of the FLEGT licence and its conformity with the shipment 
that it covers.   
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Under the FLEGT licensing scheme the EU has concluded FLEGT VPAs with a number of countries.   
Timber products (defined in the Agreements by HS codes) exported from FLEGT VPA partner 
countries to the EU are covered by a FLEGT licence  issued by the licensing authority(ies) of that 
country. The FLEGT licence  demonstrates that the timber products hav e complied with relevant 
legislation as set out in the corresponding bilateral FLEGT VPAs. Once operational the implementation 
of the licensing scheme requires that imports of relevant timber products into the EU be made 
subject to a system of checks and c ontrols so that only FLEGT licence d timber will be imported to 
the EU.   
 
3. The FLEGT licensing scheme applies only to imports from partner countries with which the EU has 
concluded FLEGT VPAs. These agreements place a legally binding obligation on the EU  and on the 
partner country to implement the licensing scheme as set out in each VPA. To date, the EU has 
concluded FLEGT VPAs with: Cameroon;  the Central African Republic ; Ghana ; Liberia ; Indonesia ; 
the Democratic Republic of the Congo;  and Viet Nam. The EU has concluded negotiations and 
initialled a VPA with Honduras and Guyana. In order for a partner country to be able to issue FLEGT 
licences, it must put in place a timber legality assurance system and other measures outlined in the 
VPA. As of 15  November 2016, the FLEGT licensing scheme has become operational between the EU 
and Indonesia. The scheme is not yet operational for other VPA countries.  
 
4. The FLEGT licensing system has been put in place so that countries exporting to the E U can 
demonstrate that their exports of timber products to the EU are legally produced. The scheme does 
not impose any restrictions neither in terms of quantity nor in terms of volumes to the imported G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 32 - 
 
  goods. While the CITES Convention regulates trade in en dangered species, including certain timber 
species, it does not cover the bulk of the timber trade. In the light of public concerns about imports 
of illegally harvested timber and products derived from such timber and the negative impact on 
perceptions of the timber sector a bilateral approach to address the issue together with interested 
countries, accompanied by capacity building measures, was considered appropriate. The EU also 
adopted a horizontal approach to the issue of illegal logging and associated trade through adoption 
of Regulation (EU) No . 995/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 
laying down the obligations of operators who place timber and timber products on the market (OJ  L 
295, 12.11.2010, p.23), also known as the EU Timber Regulation or EUTR. The EUTR and the VPAs 
are key elements of the FLEGT Action Plan. Valid FLEGT licence s (and CITES permits) are considered 
to automatically comply with the requirements of the EUTR.  
 
5. The internal EU legal framework for the FLEGT licensing scheme is:  
 
• Council Regulation (EC) No . 2173/2005 of 20  December 2005 on the establishment of a FLEGT 
licensing scheme for imports of timber into the European Community (OJ L 347, 30.12.2005, 
p.1) and its subsequent amendment. A consolid ated version of the Regulation can be 
consulted at the following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02005R2173 -20200101 . 
 
• Commissi on Regulation (EC) No . 1024/2008 of 17 October 2008 laying down detailed 
measures for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 2173/2005 on the 
establishment of a FLEGT licensing scheme for imports of timber into the European Community 
(OJ L 277, 1 8.10.2008, p.23):  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1566906359238&uri=CELEX:32008R1024 . 
The licensing is statutorily required  for those  countries that enter into bilateral FLEGT VPAs, once 
the parties have decided to make the scheme operational and the legislation does not leave 
designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion. Furthermore, it is 
not possi ble for the government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative 
approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. The products concerned are not under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports. Replies 
from I to XI below are therefore not pertinent.  
 
7.  
a) Under the agreements a FLEGT licence  is issued when a shipment is exported from the partner 
country to the EU. An EU importer of such a shipment does not need to apply for an import 
licence  from an EU competent authority. An EU importer shall lodge the original FLEGT licence, 
as issued at the time of export of the shipment from the partner country, for acceptance and 
verification with the competent authority of the EU Member State in which the shipment 
covered by that licence is declared for release for free circulation. An EU importer of such a 
shipment does not need to apply for an import licence  from an EU competent authority but 
must present a copy of the FLEGT licence as issued at the time of export of the shipment from 
the partner co untry. If justified and subject to verification that the shipment meets the 
relevant conditions,  it is generally possible for a FLEGT licence to be re -issued by the partner 
country in case of unforeseen circumstances.   
 
b)  The procedures established by the partner country determine whether a licence can be granted 
immediately upon request or not.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation  may be made.  
 
d)  As indicated  above, licences are issued by the exporting country and not by the EU.   
 
8. The issuance of a licence is the responsibility of the partner country; the procedures in case of 
refusal are therefore subject to the partner countries' rules.   
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 33 - 
 
  Eligibility of  importers to apply for licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The information required to apply for a FLEGT licence is set out in the FLEGT  VPA and is subject 
to the rules of the partner country. The format of the FLEGT licence is set out in an Annex of each 
FLEGT VPA but follows the general format set out in the Annex to Commission Regulation (EC) 
No. 1024/2008. An EU importer needs to lodge  the original of the FLEGT licence to the competent 
authority and the relevant copy with the customs authority of the EU Member State in which the 
shipment covered by that licence is declared for release for free circulation .     
 
11. A FLEGT licence is cr oss referenced to the customs declaration for release for free circulation.  
 
12. EU Member States have discretion on whether to charge any administrative fee and the amount 
of the fee arising from official acts by competent authorities required for control  purposes.     
 
13. Not applicable as the EU does not issue the licences.   
  
Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity of FLEGT licences from a given partner country is set out in the 
corresponding bilateral FLEGT VPA. The validity can be extended by the issuing country upon request 
if adequately justified.   
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. The licences may be not transferable between importers, subject to each VPA requirements. 
The name of the importer on the FLEGT licence can however be amended by the issuing country 
upon request if adeq uately justified.   
 
17. Evidence of compliance with relevant legislation, as set out in the relevant FLEGT VPA.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative 
procedures, requi red prior to importation.  
19. Not applicable.  
 
8  IMPORT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES (CITES)  
Outline of system  
1. This section provides a description on the EU legislation regulating the imports of certain 
endangered species of animals and plants (or parts or deriv atives made thereof). Documents are 
required for the import (and (re -)export as well as intra -EU trade) of endangered species listed in 
Appendices I, II and III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 
Fauna and Flora (CITES),  whether alive, dead, parts or derivatives, as well as a number of non -CITES 
species covered by the relevant EU legislation.  
  
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. The EU Wildlife Trade Regulations are based on the Convention on International Trade in 
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and comprise a double -checking system 
involving export and import controls both at the country of origin and at EU level.  
 
The EU Wildlife Trade Regulations and CITES cover trade in, by default, all specimens , whether alive 
or dead, including parts and derivatives, from animal and plant species listed in the Annexes (EU 
Regulation)/Appendices (CITES). The term "trade " (in CITES "trade " refers to all cross -border G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 34 - 
 
  movements of CITES specimens) encompasses not only trade in a commercial sense but also, for 
example, imports and (re ‐)exports for personal use. The species covered by Council Regulation (EC) 
No 338/97 – the "Basic Regulation" which together with several I mplementing Regulations constitute 
the "Wildlife Trade Regulations" - are listed in four Annexes (A to D).  
 
The EU Regulation lays down different requirements and procedures for each of the groupings of 
species listed in its Annexes A, B, C  and D. 
 
Species listed in Annex A : Any transaction with commercial purposes involving specimens of the 
species listed in this Annex is prohibited.  Exemption from this prohibition can be granted on a case -
by-case basis, by issuance of a special certificate by the managemen t authority of the Member State 
in which the specimens are located, provided the specimens:  
 
a. are captive -born and bred (animals), or artificially propagated (plants); or  
b. are required, under exceptional circumstances, for the advancement of science or 
biome dical purposes; or  
c. are intended for breeding or propagation purposes; or  
d. are intended for research or education aimed at the preservation of the species.  
 
Species listed in Annex B, i.e. most species concerned by the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations: 
transact ion with commercial purposes involving specimens of these species listed in this Annex are 
possible under a number of strict conditi ons. Exemptions from this permit requirement can be 
granted on a case -by-case basis.  
 
Species listed in Annexes C and D need also to meet a number of documentary requirements.  
 
The EU may determine to prohibit the importation of certain specimens or speci es, either globally or 
originating from specific third countries. These suspensions are published periodically and affect 
imports into all EU Member States. The latest list of restrictions is laid down in Commission 
Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 2019/15 87 of 24 September 2019 prohibiting the introduction 
into the Union of specimens of certain species of wild fauna and flora.  
 
3. The import licensing requirement applies to traders as well as individuals importing these items 
from all countries and territo ries outside the EU.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. The approval system 
aims at protecting endangered species from over -exploitation through trade in accordance with 
CITES. Management authorities of the EU M ember States verify the following conditions for all 
imports of the covered species:  
 
A.  For all species:  
a. whether or not the trade will be harmful to the survival of the species in the wild,  
b. whether or not the specimen was legally acquired.  
B.  Additional requirements, for live specimens:  
c. whether or not the specimen is properly prepared for transportation,  
d. whether or not the importer has the suitable facilities to house and care for live specimens.  
C.  Besides, the authority must verify that s pecimens of species listed in Annex A  to Council 
Regulation (EC) No . 338/97 are not imported to be used for primarily commercial pur poses.  
 
5. The EU implements CITES through a set of Regulations collectively known as the "EU Wildlife 
Trade Regulations".  
 
Currently, these are:  
 
- Council Regulation (EC) No . 338/97 of 9 December 1997 on the protection of species of wild 
fauna and flor a by regulating trade therein (OJ L 61, 03.03.1997, p.1) and its subsequent 
amendments.  A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted at the following 
address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:01997R0338 -
20200101 . 
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 35 - 
 
  - Commission Regulation (EC) No . 865/2006 of 4 May 2006 laying down detailed rules 
concerning the implementation of Regulation (EC) No . 338/97 on the protection of species of 
wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein (OJ L 166, 19.06.2006, p.1) and its subsequent 
amendments. A con solidated version of the Regulation can be consulted at the following 
address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1566906766279 &uri=CELEX:02006R0865 -20190227 . 
 
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 792/2012 of 23 August 2012 laying down rules 
for the design of permits, certificates and other documents provided for in Council Regulation 
(EC) No . 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein 
and amending Commi ssion Regulation (EC) No . 865/2006 (OJ L 242, 07.09.2012, p.13) and 
its subsequent amendment. A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted at the 
following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1528213223932&uri=CELEX:02012R0792 -20150205 . 
 
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 2019/1587 of 24 September 2019 prohibiting 
the introduction into the  Union of specimens of certain species of wild fauna and flora (248 , 
27.9.2019, p.5 ): https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019R1587 . 
 
The legislation does not leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative 
discretion and it is not possible for the government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system 
without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not app licable.  
 
7. 
a)  Import permits shall be applied for in good time to allow for their issue prior to the introduction 
of specimens into the EU. The issue of a licence is not automatic,  and shipments should not 
be effected unless and until the licence has be en issued. EU Member States Management 
authorities shall decide on the issue of permits and certificates within one month of the date 
of submission of a complete application.  
 
b)  No, see above.  
 
c)  No. 
 
d)  Permits and certificates are issued exclusively  by Member States Management Authorities, 
upon advice of their national Scientific Authority and taking into account the opinion of 
Scientific Review Group (SRG), when such an opinion has been issued. CITES authorities of 
exporting countries or of other im porting Member States may need to be consulted in some 
cases. In a very limited number of cases the CITES Secretariat should be consulted.  
 
8. Licensing policy follows closely the provisions and spirit of CITES, and an application for a licence 
can only be  refused in case of failure to meet the conditions posed by the EU Wildlife Trade 
Regulations.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any person can lodge an application.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The standard model forms that must be used for permits, certificates, notifications and 
applications for these documents, as well as labels for scientific specimens, are contained in 
Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 792/2012 as regards the rules for th e design of permits, 
certificates and other documents provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No . 338/97 on the 
protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein and in Commission 
Regulation (EC) No . 865/2006 laying down detailed ru les concerning the implementation of Council 
Regulation (EC) No . 338/97.  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 36 - 
 
  11. Under the scheme, different types of documents are required for trade into (and from) the EU:  
• an import permit for the import of specimens of Annex A ‐ or B‐listed species;  
• an imp ort notification for the import of Annex C ‐ or D‐listed species, which is to be completed 
by the importer.  
 
12. Certain EU Member States apply licensing fees. The amount depends on each Member State.  
 
13. Neither a deposit nor an advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The maximum validity of an import permit is six or 12 months . However, in the case of caviar 
of sturgeon and paddlefish species (Acipenseriformes) that originated from shared stocks that are 
subject to export quotas, the permit ceases to be valid at the latest on the last day of the year to 
which the quota applies ( i.e., the quota year in which the caviar was harvested and processed).  
An import permit shall, however, not be valid in the absence of a valid corresponding  document from 
the country of export or re -export (the maximum validity of these documents is six months).  
 
15. No penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16. Not transferable.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No other administrative/procedura l requirements prior to importation.  
 
19. No foreign exchange control.  
 
9  IMPORT IN THE FIELD OF DRUG PRECURSORS  
Outline of system  
1. This section provides a description on the EU legislation regulating the imports of drug precursors. 
Drug precursors are chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy and 
amphetamines. However, these chemicals have primarily large and varied legitimate uses such as 
in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, perfume s, detergents and aromas. 
A control and monitoring system has been put in place therefore to avoid their 'diversion' to illegal 
channels. This system implements Article 12 of the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit 
Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance.  
  
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. The EU legislation provides for licensing and registration of operators and users, the obligation to 
notify suspicious orders and transactions by operators and import (and export) authorisation s.   
 
3. The import licensing requirement applies to any natural or legal person engaged in import of 
Category 1 substances from all third countries and territories.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. The approv al system 
aims at monitoring trade and authorization of imports of drug precursors.  
 
5. The legal basis is:  
 
-  Council Regulation (EC) No . 111/2005 of 22 December 2004 laying down rules for the 
monitoring of trade between the Community and third countries in drug precursors (OJ L 22, 
26.1.2005, p.1) and its subsequent amendment. A consolidated version of the Regulation can 
be consulted at th e following address:  https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1566907038515&uri=CELEX:02005R0111 -20180707 . 
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
- 37 - 
 
  -  Commission Delegated R egulation (EU) No . 2015/1011 of 24 April 2015 supplementing 
Regulation (EC) No . 273/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on drug 
precursors and Council Regulation (EC) No . 111/2005 laying down rules for the monitoring of 
trade between the Uni on and third countries in drug precursors, and repealing Commission 
Regulation (EC) No . 1277/2005 ( OJ L 162, 27.6.2015, p.12) and its subsequent amendment. 
A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted at the following address:  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1566907099640&uri=CELEX:02015R1011 -20150627 . 
 
-  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No . 2015/1013 of 25  June 2015 laying down rules 
in respect of Regulation (EC) No . 273/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on 
drug precursors and of Council Regulation (EC) No . 111/2005 laying down rules for the 
monitoring of trade between the Union and third c ountries in drug precursors (OJ L 162, 
27.6.2015, p.33):  http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1469794642923&uri=CELEX:32015R1013 . 
 
An import  authorization, as defined in Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No . 111/2005, is required.  
 
The legislation does not leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative 
discretion and it is not possible to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7. 
a)  Import authorizations shall be applied for in sufficient time. The issue of an authorisation is 
not automatic. EU Member States competent authorities shall decide on the granting of 
authorizations within 15 working days from the date of receipt of a comple te application.    
 
b)  No, see above.  
 
c)  No. 
 
d)  The issuance of import authorizations is exclusively done by Member States competent 
authorities.  
 
8.  Licensing policy follows closely the provisions and spirit of the 1988 United Nations Convention 
against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Failure to meet the criteria 
specified in the regulation will result in an application being refused. The relevant legislation does 
not explicitly describe the detailed procedures applicab le in case of refusal of an application, but 
they are in line with the overall administrative practices applicable in the EU. Thus, it is ensured that 
the reasons for a refusal will be given to the applicant and that the applicants have the right of 
appeal  in the event of refusal to issue a licence.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any person holding a valid licence or registration can lodge an application.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The standar d model forms that must be used for the authorisation are contained in Commission 
Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 2015/1013 of 25 June 2015 laying down rules in respect of 
Regulation (EC) No . 273/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on drug precursors 
and of Council Regulation (EC) No . 111/2005 laying down rules for the monitoring of trade between 
the Union and third countries in drug precursors.  
 
11. A n import authorisation as presented in Annex I of the Regulation (EU) No. 2015/1013.  
 
12. Certain EU Member States apply authorization fees. The amount depends on each Member State.  
 
13. Neither a deposit nor an advance payment is required.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/10  
 
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  Conditions of licensing  
14. The maximum time validity of an import permit is six months.  
 
15.  No penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16. Not transferable.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Importers also need a permanent "registration" (defined as a "licence" in the legislation) . 
 
19. No foreign exchange control.  
 
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