G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
3 October 2018  
(18-6084) Page: 1/37 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
 REPLIES TO QUESTIONN AIRE ON IMPORT LICEN SING PROCEDURES  
NOTIFICATION UNDER A RTICLE 7.3 OF THE AG REEMENT  
 ON IMPORT LICENSING  PROCEDURES - 2018 
EUROPEAN UNION 
The following communication, dated 26 Septem ber 201 8, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of the European Union.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Table of contents  
1   TEXTILES ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  2 
1.1   An autonomous regime governing imports from other countries  ................................ ........  2 
1.2   A specific "outward proc essing traffic (OPT)"  ................................ ................................ ... 3 
1.3   A surveillance regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 3 
2   AGRICULTURE  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  3 
2.1   Cereals  and rice  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  7 
2.2   Sugar (cane or beet)  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 9 
2.3   Milk and milk products  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 9 
2.4   Beef and veal  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 11 
2.5   Pigmeat ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 13 
2.6   Poultry meat  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 14 
2.7   Eggs and products in the egg sector and egg albumin  ................................ ..................... 15 
2.8   Garlic  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 15 
2.9   Preserved mushrooms  ................................ ................................ ................................ .16 
2.10   Ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin  ................................ ................................ ............... 16 
2.11   Hemp  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 17 
3   STEEL  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  17 
4   ALUMINIUM  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  19 
5   OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES – ODS- (CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES )....................  21 
6   IMPORT OF ROUGH DIAMONDS  ................................ ................................ .................  26 
7   IMPORT OF WASTE SHIPMENT  ................................ ................................ ..................  28 
8   IMPORT OF HARVES TED TIMBER  ................................ ................................ ...............  30 
9   IMPORT OF ENDANG ERED SPECIES (CITES)  ................................ ..............................  32 
10   IMPORT IN THE F IELD OF DRUG PRECURS ORS ................................ ........................  35 G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
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  Introduction  
The EU import licensing system is based on the general premise that no import licence s are required. 
However, some exceptions are applicable; in particular: i) for products that 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 licence s may also be required for the importation of certain goo ds in compliance 
with international commitments (e.g. CITES, FLEGT, Kimberly certificate scheme).  
Outline of system  
Import licence s are issued by the competent authorities in the EU Member States o r by the European 
Commission and are valid for a certain pe riod 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 differen t legislative instruments owing to the different pro ducts  involved.  
  
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
 
Please refer to each section below.  
 
1  TEXTILES  
Outline of the system  
1.  The following import regime scheme  are maintained:  
 
- An autonomous regime governing imports from one non-WTO Member, namely North Korea, 
with which no bilateral agreements, protocols, other arrangements or specific EU import rules 
exist.  
 
-  A specific outward processing traffic (OPT).  
  
-  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 
European  Union import rules. This is the recast version of former Counci l Regulation (EC) No 517/94 
(OJ L 67, 10.3.94, p.  1) and can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/? uri=OJ:L:2015:160:TOC . 
 
The system establishes quantitative restrictions on imports of certain textile products originating in 
certain third countries, namely North Korea, to be allocated on a first come, first served basis.  For 
2018, while the system is m aintained, no quotas have been fixed.   
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
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  1.2  A specific "outward processing traffic (OPT)"  
It establishes the economic outward processing arrangements applicable to certain textiles and 
clothing products reimported into the European Union after working or proc essing in certain third 
countries. Under this scheme, raw materials for the manufacturing of textile products may be 
exported from the EU to another country for further processing. Re -imports of textile products after 
processing in countries other than Nor th Korea are not subject to q uantitative limits. However, 
re-imports of products listed in Annex V of Regulation (EU) 2015/936 of the European Parliament 
and of the Council have to comply with the annual limits fixed in Annex V and updated in the annual 
implementing Regulation, as well as Council Regulation (EC) No 3036/94 (OJ L 322, 15.12.1994, 
p. 1). 
 
The latter Regulation is the legal basis establishing economic outward processing arrangements to 
products re -imported into the European Union after being processed in certain third countries 
(Corrigenda in OJ L 135, 6.6.96, p. 35), as lastly amended by Council Regulation (EC) No  806/2003 
of 14 April 2003  that can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406108706264&uri=CELEX:01994R3036 -
20030605 . 
 
Currently, the system is not applied.  
 
1.3  A surveillance regime   
A sur veillance 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 int roduce retrospective surveillance or make 
certain imports subject to prior EU surveillance.  
 
The legal basis is Regulation (EU) 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 bilateral agreements, protocols or 
other arrangements, or by other specific European  Union import rules, replacing former Council 
Regulation (EC) 517/ 94 (OJ L 67, 10.3.94, p.  1). It can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at 
the following address:  http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2015:160:TOC . 
 
Currently, no third country is under this surveillance mechanism.  
 
As the above -mentioned, the three import regime schemes are currently not applied.  
 
For details on the procedures applicable, the eligibility of importers to apply for a licence , the 
docume ntational 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 of system  
1. The import licensing scheme for agricultural products serves st atistical purposes and is an 
automatic licensing system. As a general rule, the competent authorities in the Member States issue 
import licence s to any applicant irrespective of their place of establishment in the EU. Import licence s 
are subject to lodging  a security and are valid in all the Member States of the EU. Import licence s 
have to be submitted  at the same time  with the import declaration.   
 
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 agricu ltural tariff quotas are managed by import licence s, the European Commission's 
Directorate -General responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development  shares its management with G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
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  Member States' licence authorities.   
 
These import licence s allow the EU authorities to monitor trade flows and administer import tariff 
rate quotas . To obtain a n import  licence , importers must apply to the competent authorities of an 
EU Member State 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 provisions 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 licence s procedures in the agriculture sector is:  
 
• Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 
17 December 2013 estab lishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural 
products 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) 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 
on the EUR -Lex web page at the following address:  
http://eur -
lex.europa.eu/search.html?instInvStatus=ALL&DTN=1308&DTA=2013&qid=14077450633
90&DTS_DOM=EU _LAW&type=advanced&lang=en&SUBDOM_INIT=LEGISLATION&DTS_S
UBDOM=LEGISLATION . 
 
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1237 of 18 May 2016 supplementing 
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 licence s 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 licence s, amending 
Commission R egulations (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 repealing Commission 
Regulations (EC) No 2390/98, (EC) No 1345/200 5, (EC) No 376/2008 and (EC) 
No 507/2008. The text of the Regu lation can be found at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1470212217295&uri=CELEX:32016R1237  
 
• Commission Implementi ng Regulation (EU) 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 licence s. The text of the Regulation 
can be found  at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1470212279787&uri=CELEX:32016R1239  
 
The aim of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2016/1239 is to simplify and adapt 
the provisions applicable to the system of import (and export) licence s to the legal 
framework set by Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013:  
 
• Reduction of the number of products subject to an import (or export) licence ; 
• 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 s treamlining enabled repealing 4 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 details please see Annex , Part I to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU)  2016/1237.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
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  Note:   While as from 6 November 2016 the obligation for an import licence  has expire d for certain 
products, the system of import licence s continues to apply for those products whe re a Tariff Rate 
Quota is  applied for. Notably:  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 1301/2006 of 31 August 2006 laying down common rules 
for the administration of import tariff quotas for agricultural products managed by a system 
of import licence s and its subsequent amendments. It has  been lastly amended by 
Commission Regulation (E U) No 519/2013  of 21 February 2013  (OJ. L 158, 10.06.2013 ). A 
consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the 
following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02006R1301 -
20130701&qid=1504519395296&from=EN   
 
Procedures  
6. The EU does not apply restrictions on the import s 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 m ay be subject to an import licence . 
 
I. Article 184 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (the CMO Regulation) lists the 3 main 
management methods for tariff quotas:  
 
a. First come first served . 
b. Simultaneous examination method ( licence s). 
c. Traditional/newcomer method ( licence s). 
 
 The above -mentioned Regulation s, governing the import licence s procedures in the agriculture 
sector , as well as the sector -specific Regulations bear information on formalities and filing in 
applications for licence s; they are all published in the Official Journal. Information concernin g 
allocation on the basis of licence  applications is published in aggregated format on the official 
website CIRCABC and on the website of the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural 
Development  (https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/tariff -rate-quotas -trqs_en ) which is publicly 
accessible for any interested party. Amounts allocated to each importer are not published or 
communicated to external parties, as this concerns commercial c onfidentiality. Exceptions or 
derogations from the licencing requirement are not systematic, and if required they could be 
arranged by Regulation through the Committee procedure (Ar ticle 187 of Regulation (EU) 
No 1308/2013).  
 
II. The tariff quotas are ope ned 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, and where import licence s 
would be issued for imports on a six -monthly or quarterly basis. In addition to quarterly basis 
there are licence s issued on a monthly or weekly basis.  
 
III. Licence s are allotted to any applicant irrespective of their place of establishment in the EU. To 
ensure that allocated licence s 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 c ertain quota is usually one week 
after publication of the opening of the quota.  
 
V. After the closing hour for application for an import licence  for a quota, the licensing authorities 
issue an import authorisation usually within two weeks (see reply VIII).  
 
VI. The time between granting a 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 licence s are published in the Official 
Journal, C series.   G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
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  VIII. Within the tariff rate quotas managed by import licence s, 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. If the demand for licence s 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 licence  (Article 188 of Regulation (EU) No  1308/2013). If 
applicants are new importers and the tariff rate quota is subject to the traditional/newcomer 
management method (Article 184(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) No  1308/2013) the eligibility for 
the tariff quotas is fixed in advance for a percentage to newcomers and for a perce ntage to 
traditional importers. Consequently, the newcomer and traditional part of the tariff rate quotas 
application is subject to its own allocation coefficient.  
 
IX. When export permits are issued by exporting countries, the tariff rate quotas are primarily 
managed by the exporting country. In th is case the competent EU authority needs proof of 
the products being subject to the issuing of export licence  or document by 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 licence s are issued automatically.  
 
X. There are no cases where imports are allowed on the basis of expor t permits only.  
 
XI. There are no products for which licence s 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 licence s are issued without discrimination to any importer in the EU wherever the place of 
his establishment may be in the EU, without prejudice to complia nce with the other conditions 
required under current rules. A nybody 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) 2016/1239 (O  J L 206,  30.7.2016, p. 44) . 
 
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 imp ort 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) 2016/ 1237 and specific amounts for each product are set in Annex II of Commission 
Implementin g Regulation (EU) 2016/ 1239.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. For agricultural products the period of validity of the import licence s depends on the product 
subject to licensing. General periods of validity are set in Commission Implementing Regulation (E U) 
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/7  
 
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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 agricu ltural 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 licence s cons titute 
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 licence s are transferable once by the titular holder of the licence  
during the period of its validity1, but obl igations deriving from licence s are not transferable.  The 
transfer of a licence  is laid down  in Art icle 11 of Commission Implementing Regulation 
(EU) 2016/ 1239.  
 
17. No other conditions are attached to the issu ance of an import authorisation for products s ubject 
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 banking authorities automatically provide foreign exchange for goods to be imported as well 
as to cover import licence s. 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) 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 expir ed as of 6 November 2016 
(Article  14 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1237).  However, for the management of 
certain  tariff rate quotas , an import licence  is required . 
 
Legal basis:  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC)  No 1342/2003 of 28 July 2003 laying down special  detailed 
rules for the application of the system of import and export licence s for cereals and rice and 
its subsequent amendments. A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted on 
the EUR -Lex web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02003R1342 -
20130701&qid=1406117801728&from=EN   
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 1067/2008 of 30 October 2008 opening and providing for 
the administration of Community tariff quotas for common wheat of a quality other than 
high quality from third countries (and derogating from Council Regulation (EC) 
No 1234/2007 ) and its subsequent amendments. A consolidated version of the Regulation 
can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1067 -
20120101&qid=1469713310705&f rom=EN  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 2305/2003 of 29 December 2003 opening and providing for 
the administration of a Community tariff quota for imports of barley from third countries and 
its subsequent amendments. A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted on 
the EUR -Lex web page at the following address:  
                                                
1 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 following the month of the day of issue of the licence ; milk and m ilk products: 
until the end of the third month following the month of the day of issue of the licence . G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
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  http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02003 R2305 -
20120101&qid=1469713462241&from=EN  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 969/2006 of 29 June 2006 opening and providing for the 
administration of a Community tariff quota for imports of maize from third countries and its 
subsequent amendments. A consolidate d version of the Regulation can be consulted on the 
EUR-Lex web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content /EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02006R0969 -
20120101&qid=1469713540333&from=EN  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 1296/2008 of 18 December 2008 laying down detailed rules 
for the application of tariff quotas for imports of maize and sorghum into Spain and imports 
of mai ze into Portugal and its subsequent amendments. A consolidated version of the 
Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1469713615872&uri=CELEX:02008R1296 -20151116  
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1273/2011 of 7 December 2011 opening and 
providing for the administration of certain tariff quotas for imp orts of rice and broken rice 
(codification) as amended by Commission Regulation (EU) No 519/2013 of 21  February  2013 
(OJ L 74 , 10.6.2013):  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406205020101&uri=CELEX:02011R1273 -20130701  
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 480/2012 of 7 June 2012 opening and 
providing for the management of a tariff quota for broken rice of CN code 10064000 for 
production of food preparations of CN code 19011000 (codification) as amended by 
Commissio n Regulation (EU) No 519/2013 of 21 February 2013 (OJ L 74 , 10.6.2013):  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406204878944&uri=CELE X:02012R0480 -20130701  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 972/2006 of 26 June 2006 laying down special rules for 
imports of Basmati rice and 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 on the EUR -Lex web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.e u/legal -content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02006R0972 -
20140901&qid=1501085003118&from=EN   
 
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 
 
  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
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  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 expir es per 30 September 2017 (Annex  I 
to Commission Delegate d Regulation (EU) 2016/ 1237).  However, for the management of certain 
tariff rate quotas , an import licence  is required . 
 
Legal basis:  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) N o 891/2009 of 25 September 2009 opening and providing for 
the administration of certain Commu nity tariff quota in the sugar sector (OJ L 254 
26.09.2009); and its subsequent amendments.  A consolidated version of the Regulation 
can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02009R0891 -
20130701&qid=1406216566750&from=EN   
  
 Last amendment on 19 January 2018:  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1528128552245&uri=CELEX:02009R0891 -20171001  
 
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  expire d 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 Regulation (EC) No 2535/2001 of 14 December 2001 laying down detailed rules 
for applying Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/99 a s regards the import arrangements for 
milk and milk products and opening tariff quotas as amended (this Council Regulation has 
been repealed and incorporated into Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 of 
22 October  2007). The regulation has been lastly amen ded by the Commission 
Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/339 of 7 March 2018 ( OJ L 62, 8.3.2018, p. 21 ). A 
consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the 
following address:  
 https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1528212396153&uri=CELEX:02001R2535 -20180401  
 
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  
 Product  CN codes  
Raw cane sugar for re fining  1701 13 10; 1701 14 10  
Cane or beet sugar:  1701 G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
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  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 which may involve the cream 
passing through a stage where the bu tterfat is 
concentrated and/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 33 kg 
but not more than 44 kg and cheeses in cubic blocks or 
in parallelepiped shape, of a net weight of 10 kg 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  
Cheddar made from  unpasteurised  milk, of a fat 
content of 50% or more, by weight, in the dry matter, 
matured for at least nine months, of a free -at-frontier 
value per 100 kg net, of not less than:  
- € 334,20 in whole cheeses  
- € 354,83 for cheeses of a net weight of not less than 
500 g  
- € 368,58 for cheeses net weight less than 500  g 
The expression whole cheeses means:  
- Cheeses of the conventional flat cylindrical shape of a 
net weight of not less than 33 kg but not more than 44 
kg 
- Cubic blocks or parallelepipeds of cheese of a        
net weight of 10 kg or more  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  
 
Cheese for processing  
 0406 90 01  
 
Pizza cheese, frozen, cut into pieces each weighing not 
more than 1 g, in containers of a net content of 5 kg 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  
 
 
Other grated or powdered cheese  
  
Other processed cheese  
 ex 0406 10 30   
ex 0406 10 50  
ex 0406 10 80  
 
0406 20 00  
 
0406 30 31   
0406 30 39   
0406 30 90 
Blue-veined cheese  
 
 
 0406 40 10   
0406 40 50   
0406 40 90  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 11 - 
 
  Product  CN codes  
Bergkäse and Appenzell  
Fromage fribourgeois, Vacherin Mont d'Or and Tête de 
Moine   
Edam  
Tilsit 
Kashkaval  
Feta   
Kefalo -Tyri 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  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 
Exceeding 47% but not exceeding 52%  
Exceeding 52% but not exceeding 62%  
Exceeding 62% but not exceedi ng 72%  
Exceeding 72%  
Other  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  expire d 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 Regulation (EC) No 382/2008 of 21 April 2008 on rules of application for import 
and export licence s in the beef and veal sector (Recast) (OJ L 115, 29 .4.2008, p.  10) and 
its subsequent amendments. It has been lastly amended by Commission Delegated 
Regulation (EU) 2016/1237 of 18 May 2016 (OJ L 206 , 30.7.2016 , p. 1). A consolida ted 
version of the Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the following 
address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02008R0382 -
20161106&qid=1501142449476&from=EN  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 412/2008 of 8 May 2008 opening and providing for the 
administration of an import tariff quota for frozen beef intended for processing (OJ L 125, 
9.05.2008, p. 7) and its subsequent amendments. It has been lastly amended by 
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1059/2012 of 12 November 2012 (OJ L 313, G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 12 - 
 
  13.11.2012 , p. 16 ). A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -
Lex web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406122821177&uri=CELEX:02008R0412 -20121201  
 
• Commission Regulation ( EC) No 431/2008 of 19 May 2008 opening and providing for the 
administration of an import tariff quota for frozen meat of bovine animals covered by CN 
code 0202 and products covered by CN code 0206  29 91. It has been lastly amended by 
Commission Implementin g Regulation (EU) 2016/2287 of 16 December 2016  (OJ L 344, 
17.12.2016 , p. 63)  A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -
Lex web page at the following address:  http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02008R043 1-20170101&qid=1501142603755&from=EN  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 748/2008 of 30 July 2008 on the opening and administration 
of an import tariff quota for frozen thin skirt of bovine animals falling within CN code 0206  
29 91 (Recast). It has been lastly amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 
2017/1478 of 16 August 2017 amending Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1439/95, Annex III 
to Regulation (EC) No 748/2008 and Annex III to Implementing Regulation (EU) 
No 593/201 3 as regards the authority empowered to issue documents and certificates in 
Argentina (OJ L 211, 17.8.2017, p. 8). A consolidated version of the Regulation can be 
consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the following address:  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1528212794200&uri=CELEX:02008R0748 -20170626  
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 593/2013 of 21 June 2013 opening and 
providing for the administration of tariff quotas for high -quality fresh, chilled and frozen beef 
and for frozen buffalo meat (OJ L 170, 22.6.2013, p. 32) . It has been lastly amended by 
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/ 1585 of 19 September  2017 (OJ L 241, 
20. 9. 2017, p. 1).  A consolidated version of the Regulat ion can be consulted on the EUR -Lex 
web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1527241517964&uri=CELEX:02013R0593 -20170921   
 
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 animals, frozen:  
- Other  
Edible offal of bovine animals:  
- Thick skirt and thin skirt, fres h 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  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 13 - 
 
  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  
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  Pigmeat  
Note:  The import of pigmeat  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 Regulation (EC) No 442/2009 of 27 May 2009 opening and providing for the 
administration of Community tariff quotas in the pigmeat sector (OJ L 129, 28.5.2009 , p. 13) 
and its subsequent amendments. It has been lastly amended by Commission Implementing 
Regulation (EU) 2017/1585  of 19 September 2017 opening and providing for the 
administration of Union tariff quotas for fresh and frozen beef and veal  and pigmeat 
originating in Canada and amending Regulation (EC) No 442/2009 and Implementing 
Regulations (EU) No 481/2012 and (EU) No 593/2013  (OJ L 241, 20.9.2017, p. 1 ). A 
consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at  the 
following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1527241604073&uri=CELEX:02009R0442 -20170921  
 
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  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Product  CN codes  
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.   
 
Legal basis:  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 533/2007 of 14 May 2007 opening and providing for the 
administration of tariff quotas in the poultry meat sector (OJ L 125, 15.5.2007, p. 9) and its 
subsequent amendments. It has been lastly amended by Commission Regulation (EU) 
No 519/2013 of 21 February 2013  (OJ L 158, 10.6.2013 , p. 74 ). A consolidated version of 
the Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the f ollowing address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406120004250&uri=CELEX:02007R0533 -20130701  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 536/2007 of 15 May 2007 opening and providing for the 
administration of a tariff quota for poultry meat allocated to the United States of America 
(OJ L 128, 16.5.2007, p. 6) and its subsequent amendments. It has been lastly amended by 
Commission Regulation (EU) No 519/2013 of 21 February 2013  (OJ L 158, 10.6.2013 , p.74 ). 
A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the  
following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406120081867&uri=CELEX:02007R0536 -20130701  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) N o 616/2007 of 4 June 2007 opening and providing for the 
administration of Community tariff quotas in the sector of poultry  meat originating in Brazil, 
Thailand and other third countries (OJ L 142, 5 .6.2007, p. 3) and its subsequent 
amendments. It has been lastly amended by Commission Regulation (EU) No 519/2013 of 
21 February 2013  (OJ L 158, 10.6.2013 , p. 74 ). A consolidated version of the Regulation 
can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406120155906&uri=CELEX:02007R0616 -20130701  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 1385/2007 of 26 November 2007 laying down detailed rules 
for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 774/94 as regards openi ng and providing 
for the administration of certain Community tariff quotas for poultry meat (OJ L 309, 
27.11.2007, p. 47) and its subsequent amendments. It has been lastly amended by the 
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1156 of 27 June 2017 ame nding 
Regulation (EC) No 1385/2007 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council 
Regulation (EC) No 774/94 as regards opening and providing for the administration of certain 
Community tariff quotas for poultry meat (OJ L 167, 30.6.2017, p. 16).  A consolidated 
version of the Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the following 
address:  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1528212926955&uri=CELEX:02007R1385 -20170630  
 
  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Chicken carcass, fresh, chilled or frozen  0207 11; 0207 12  
Chicken cuts, fresh, chilled 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 
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above mentioned regulation 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 Regulation (EC) No 539/2007 of 15 May 2007 opening and providing for the 
administration of tariff quotas in the egg sector and for egg albumin (OJ L 128, 16.5.2007 , 
p. 19 ) and its subsequent amendments. It has been lastly amended by Commission 
Regulation (EU) No 519/2013 of 21 February 2013  (OJ L 158, 10.6.2013 , p. 74 ). A 
consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the 
following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406120325307&uri=CELEX:02007R0539 -20130701  
 
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  
 
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 expire d on 30 September 2017 (Annex I to 
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1237 ). However, for the management of Tariff Rate 
Quotas, an import licence  is still  required.  
Legal basis:  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 341/2007 of 29 March 2007 opening and providing for the 
administration of tariff quotas and introducing a system of import licence s and certificates 
of origin for garlic and certain other agricultural products imported from third countries and 
its subsequent amendments. It has been lastly amended by Commission Implementing 
Regulation (EU) 2016/2243 of 13 December 2016  (OJ L 339, 14.12.2016 , page  1). A G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 16 - 
 
  consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the 
following address:  
https://eur -lex.eu ropa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1528212969033&uri=CELEX:02007R0341 -20170101  
 
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:  
 
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 1979/2006 of 22 December 2006 ope ning and providing for 
the administration of tariff quotas for preserved mushrooms imported from third countries 
and its subsequent amendments. It has been lastly amended by Commission Implementing 
Regulation (EU) 2016/2244  of 13 December 2016  (OJ L 339, 14.12.2016,  p. 4):   
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1504631370190&uri=CELEX:32016R2244  
 
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 o rigin  
Legal basis:  
 
As from 6 November 2016, with the entry into force of Commission Delegated and Implementing 
Regulations 2016/1237 and 2016/ 1239, the coverage 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 th an 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 than 2 litres  ex 2208 90 99  
 
  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 17 - 
 
  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) 2016/1237  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1470212217295&uri=CELEX:32016R1237  
 
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  STEEL  
Outline of system  
1. The EU has in place a prior surveillance system without quantitat ive restrictions since 
30 April 2016 (see notification s G/LIC/N/1/EU/8 and G/LIC/N/2/EU/8)  as further amended in 
June 2017 (see notifications G/LIC/N/1/EU/11 and G/LIC/N/2/EU/11).  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. The prior surveillance system applies to the importation of certain iron and steel products whose 
net weight exceeds a certain amount established for each individual TARIC code subject to prior 
surveillance (5  000 kg for products falling under HS heading 7318 and 2  500 kg for all other steel 
products listed in the Regulation) . 
 
3. The system applies to imports of any origin (except the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland 
and Liechtenstein) ). 
 
4. The purpose of this prior surveillance scheme is to collect information about the intentions to 
import from all non -EU member countries. Rapid and anticipated trade data is necessary to deal with 
the vulnerability of the EU steel market to sudden changes on world steel markets.  
 
5. The legal basis is : 
• Regulation (EU)  2015/478 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2015 on 
common rules for imports (OJ L 83, 27.3.2015, p.16). The Regulation can be consulted on the 
EUR-Lex web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?qid=1469716202116&uri=CELEX:32015R0478  
 
• Regulation (EU) 2015/755 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 on 
common rules for impo rts from certain third countries (OJ L 123, 19.5.2015, p.33). The 
Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?qid=1469716228586&uri=CELEX:32015R0755  
 
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/670 of 28 April 2016 introducing prior Union 
surveillance of imports of certain iron and steel products origination in certain third countries (OJ 
L 115, 29.4.2016 , p. 37 ) as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1092 
of 20 June 2017 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/670 introducing prior Union G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 18 - 
 
  surveillance of imports of certain iron and steel products origina ting in cert ain third countries. 
These Regulat ions can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the following address:  
 
 Regulation (EU) 2016/670:  
 http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?qid=1469800606145&uri=CELEX:32016R0670  
 
 Regulation (EU) 2017/1092:  
 http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content /EN/TXT/?qid=1501074912675&uri=CELEX:32017R1092  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7. 
(a) The surveillance document is issued automatically by the competent authorities of the EU 
Member States, without charge and for any quantities requested, within 5 working days of 
presentation of an application by any importer into the Union, wherever he may be established 
in the Union. This application shall be deemed to have been received by the competent 
national authority no later than 3 working days after submission, unless it is proven otherwise . 
 
(b)  See above.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which permit application s may be 
made . 
 
(d)  The competent authorities in the  EU Member States, responsible for issuing the surveillance 
document, are listed in Annex II of the Regulation (EU) 2016/670 as amended by Regulation 
(EU) 2017/1092.  
 
8. Granting of a licence  can only be refused if the ordinary criteria specified in Regulation 
(EU) 2016/ 670 as amended by Regulation (EU) 2017/1092  are not met. The Regulation does not 
explicitly describe the detailed procedures applicable 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, firm or institution may apply for a licence . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The importer's application for a surveillance document shall include the following elements:  
 
(a)  The full name and address of the applicant (including telephone and e -mail or fax numbers 
and any number identifying the applicant to the competent national authority), plus the 
applicant's VAT registration number if he is liable for VAT;  
(b)  Where approp riate, the full name and address of the declarant or of any representative 
appointed by the applicant (including telephone and e -mail or fax numbers);  
(c)  A description of the goods giving their: (1) trade name; (2) the TARIC code; (3) place of origin 
and place of consignment;  
(d)  The quantity declared, in kilograms, and, where appropriate, any other additional unit (pairs, 
items, etc.);  
(e)  The value of the goods, CIF at the Union frontier, in euro;  
(f) The following statement, dated and signed by th e applicant, with the applicant's name spelt 
out in capital letters: "I, the undersigned, certify that the information provided in this 
application is true and given in good faith, and that  I am established in the Union".  
 
The importer shall also submit co mmercial evidence of the intention to import, such as a copy of the 
contract of sale or purchase or of the pro forma invoice. If so requested, for example in cases where 
the goods are not directly purchased in the country of production, the importer shall present a 
certificate of production issued by the producing steel mill.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 19 - 
 
  11. A surveillance document should be presented  upon actual importation . 
 
12. N o licensing fees are applicable.  
 
13. N either a  deposit nor an advance payment is requested . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The surveillance document is valid for 4 months. Unused or partly used surveillance document 
may be renewed for an equal period.   
 
15. No.  
 
16. No . 
 
17. No.  
 
Other procedural Requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. N/A.  
 
4  ALUMINIUM  
Outline of system  
1. The EU has in place a prior surveillance system without quantit ative restrictions since 12 May  2018 
(see notifications G/LIC/N/1/EU/ 12 and G/LIC/N/2/EU/ 12). 
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. The prior surveillance system applies to the importation of c ertain aluminum products (HS: 7601 
7604 7605 7606 7607 7608 7609 7616.99 ) whose net weight exceed 2500 kilograms . 
 
3. The system applies to imports of any origin (except the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland 
and Liechtenstein).  
 
4. The purpose of thi s prior surveillance scheme is to collect information about the intentions to 
import from all non -EU member countries. Rapid and anticipated trade data is necessary to deal with 
the vulnerability of the EU aluminium market to sudden changes on world alumin ium markets.  
 
5. The legal basis is:  
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/640 of 25 April 2018 introducing prior Union 
surveillance of imports of certain aluminium products originating in certain third countries:  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?qid=1527863654373&uri=CELEX:32018R0640  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7. 
a) The surveillance document is issued automatically by the competent authorities of the EU 
Member States, without charge and for any quantities requested, within 5 working days of 
presentation of an application by any importer into the Union, wherever he may be established 
in the Union. This application shall be deemed to have been received by the competent 
national authority no later than 3 working days after submission, unless it is proven otherwise . 
 
b)  See above.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 20 - 
 
  c)  There are no limitations as to the pe riod of the year during which permit application s may be 
made . 
 
d)  The competent authorities in the EU Member States, responsible for issuing the surveillance 
document, are listed in Annex II of the Regulation (EU) 2018/640.  
 
8. Granting of a licence  can only be refused if the ordinary criteria specified in Regulation 
(EU) 2018/640  are not met. The Regulation does not explicitly describe the detailed procedures 
applicable in case of refusal of an application,  but they are in line with the overall administr ative 
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, firm or institution may apply for a licence . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The importer's application for a surveillance document shall include the following elements:  
 
(a)  The full name a nd address of the applicant (including telephone and e -mail or fax numbers 
and any number identifying the applicant to the competent national authority), plus the 
applicant's VAT registration number if he is liable for VAT;  
(b)  Where appropriate, the ful l name and address of the declarant or of any representative 
appointed by the applicant (including telephone and e -mail or fax numbers);  
(c)  A description of the goods giving their: (1) trade name; (2) the TARIC code; (3) place of origin 
and place of consignment;  
(d)  The quantity declared, in kilograms, and, where appropriate, any other additional unit (pairs, 
items, etc.);  
(e)  The value of the goods, CIF at the Union frontier, in euro;  
(f) The following statement, dated and signed by the applicant, with the applicant's name spelt 
out in capital letters: "I, the undersigned, certify that the information provided in this 
application is true a nd given in good faith, and that  I am established in the Union".  
 
The importer shall also submit commercial evidence of the intention to import, such as a copy of the 
contract of sale or purchase or of the pro forma invoice. If so requested, for example in  cases where 
the goods are not directly purchased in the country of production, the importer shall present a 
certificate of production issued by the producing steel mill.  
 
11. A surveillance document should be presented  upon actual importation . 
 
12. N o licensing fees are applicable.  
 
13. N either a  deposit nor an advance payment is requested . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The surveillance document is valid for 4 months. Unused or partly used surveillance document 
may be renewed for an equal period.   
 
15. No.  
 
16. No . 
 
17. No.  
 
Other procedural Requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. N/A.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
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  5  OZONE -DEPLETING SUBS TANCES – ODS- (CONTR OLLED 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 O DS licence s 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.  
 
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 substances that deplete the ozone layer (OJ L 286, 31.10.2009 , 
p. 1). A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page 
at the fo llowing address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1412590325348&uri=CELEX:32009R1005  
 
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. Article 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 
Regulatio n indicates that a licence  is required for activities listed in Article 15(2). The exemption to 
the licencing 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 may 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.  
 
Licensing System:  
 
A licence  is required in case of import of ODS. Licences  are issued 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 following goods are covered by the ODS licensing system:  
Substances (ODS)  CN /TARIC code  
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  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Substances (ODS)  CN /TARIC code  
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  
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  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 23 - 
 
  Substances (ODS)  CN /TARIC code  
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  
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  
Preparations and charges for fire -extinguishers … other  3813 00 00  
Diagnostic or laboratory reagents  ...; certified reference 
materials  3822 00 00  
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 1,1,1 -trichloroethane (methyl 
chloroform)  3824 76 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 8424 90 80  
Tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, motorised, 
whether or not fitted with weapons, and p arts of such 
vehicles  8710 00 00  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 24 - 
 
  Products & equipment containing or relying on 
ODS CN code  
Other aircraft... helicopters... of an unladen weight not 
exceeding 2 000 kg  8802 11 00  
Other aircraft... helicopters... of an unladen weight 
exceeding 2 000 kg  8802 12 00  
Other aircraft... aeroplanes... of an unladen  weight not 
exceeding 2 000 kg  8802 20 00  
Other aircraft... aeroplanes... of an unladen weight 
exceeding 2 000 kg but not exceeding 15 000 kg  8802 30 00  
Other aircraft... aeroplanes of an unladen weight 
exceeding 15 000 kg  8802 40 00  
Cruise ships, ex cursion boats and similar vessels 
principally designed for the transport of persons; ferry -
boats 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  
Motor boats, other than outboard motor boats  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 9.02.2010)  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 lic encing 
requirement under the 45 -day re -export rule.  
 
The customs p rocedures 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 containing 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 particular 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 applicable 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 all owed.  
 
Some territories of Member States of the EU are excluded from ratification of the Montreal Protocol 
or its amendments and therefore trade with these territories may be limited or prohibited.  
 
Procedures:  
6. An importer must hold quota for the impor t of the ODS in the case of some imports. Quota is 
allocated annually for the next calendar year.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 25 - 
 
  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 ye ar including the 
deadline for applying for quota. Importers and producers request q uota for the 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 import is authorised for the following year. 
The competent authorities of Member States also receive this information.  
 
IV. Usually it is about 1 month where companies  can apply for quota. The exact timeframe is 
defined annually and notified in the notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.  
 
V. The Commission processes the applications in about 5 -10 working days.  
 
VI. It is usually approximately a 3-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 organ which is the European Commission.  
 
VIII. The decision on how much quota an importer or producer receives 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 applicable.  
 
XI. Licences  for imports of HCFC are issued under the condition that the good is later exported. 
The imported good is to be re -packaged and re -exported. More detail is provided in Regulation 
(EC) No 1005/2009, Article 15 2 (e).  
 
7. Applications for licenc es 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 O DS 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 general content of a licence  form is the following:  
 
• Consignee;  
• Country of destin ation;  
• Consignor/ Exporter;  
• Country of export;  
• Customs  of entry;  
• Customs  of import;  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 26 - 
 
  • Customs  procedure;  
• Commercial  description;  
• Substance name;  
• Use; 
• CN code;  
• CAS-number;  
• GROSS  mass;  
• NET mass;  
• Number of units;  
• Nature of substance.  
 
11 to 13: N/ A. 
 
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 (7 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 licences  for fire extinguishers containing 
halon for use on aircrafts. Such licence  is valid from the day it is issued un til 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.  
 
15. N/ A. 
 
16. N/ A. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
Not applicable.  
 
6  IMPORT OF ROUGH DIAM ONDS  
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 certi fication for 
rough diamonds with a view to breaking 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 org anization of States or dependent territory of a State, or a 
customs territory.  
 
Rough diamonds may legally be exported to or imported from any of the 28 Member States. Every 
person who imports rough diamonds must ensure that the diamonds are in a 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.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
Replie s to questions 2 to 5:  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 27 - 
 
  Legal basis:  
 
• 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. A consolidated version of the Regulation can be 
consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/ EN/TXT/?qid=1474358578165&uri=CELEX:02002R2368 -20160430  
 
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 Certification 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 certificate validated by the co mpetent 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 con signment to which it refers.  
 
Importers or economic operators can freely choose 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 declaration 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 a nd certificates had been verified by an EU authority.  
 
Article 4 of the Regulation 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 they are destined, as i ndicated 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 another 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 granted, the verification provide d for by this Article shall be 
suspended until arrival at the appropriate Union authority.  
 
There are currently Union Authorities in: Antwerp (Belgium); London (United Kingdom); 
Idar--Oberstein (Germany); Prague (Czech Republic); Bucharest (Romania ); Lisbon (Portugal). 
Contact details are provided in Section 10 of the "Guidelines on Trading with the EU" – see below - 
and are also available in Annex III of Council Regulation (EC) No 2368/2002.  
 
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 licence d. 
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 28 - 
 
  Coverage:  
 
A rou gh 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 statis tical nomenclature and 
on the Common Customs Tariff as last amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 
2017/1925 of 12 October 2017 (OJ L 282, 31 October 2017, p. 1) . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable. Quantity and value restrictions, beyond the minimum requirements. For 
Certificates in Annex I of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme Document, do not apply to 
imports of rough diamonds.  
 
7. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is implemented through the national legislation of 
the respe ctive participants. The European Commission represents the European Union and 
Greenland in the Kimberley Process certification scheme.  
 
8. If an application for a n EU licence  for imports does not meet the criteria, each EU Member State 
imposes its own sanc tions.  
 
9. Import licences  are issued by an EU authority.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
Replies to questions 10 to 13:   for more information, please refer to the information available at the 
following web -page:  http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/fpi/what -we-do/kimberley_process_en.htm .  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Authentic accompanying KP certificate, within the period of validity; this may vary de pending on 
the issuing country.  
 
15. N/A. 
 
16. N/A. 
 
17. Tamper resistant container.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
Not applicable.  
 
7  IMPORT OF WASTE SHIP MENT  
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 in to the EU is for some waste controlled under a permit system2 administered 
by the national competent authorities. Its requirements are tied in with 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 t he EU's obligations under the Basel convention and in the organization for 
Economic Co -operation and Development (OECD), the regulation applies to hazardous wastes and 
other wastes as listed in the schedules of the Basel Convention.  
                                                
2 Procedure of 'prior written notification and consent' pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) 
No 1013/2006 on shipments of waste.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 29 - 
 
  3. The system applies t o hazardous wastes and other wastes as listed in the schedules of the Basel 
Convention originating in and coming from all countries that are a party to the Basel Convention or 
OECD3.  
 
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, 12.07.200 6, p. 1 ): 
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/?qid=1528893800857&uri=CELEX:32006R1013  
 
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.  
 
7. 
a) Permit4 applications should be lodged in advance of the importation  to allow for sufficient time 
for the competent authorities to produce a  response. The processing 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 lodged 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 ma nner.  
 
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 di spatch 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 requirements 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 de ny 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 person, firm or institution may apply for a permit.  
 
                                                
3 This system applie s 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 . 
4 As permit it should be understood the "procedure of prior written notification and consent ". G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
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  Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. In accordance with Art icle 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 on shipments of waste, the 
notification shall be effected by means 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 noti fier. 
 
13. A financial guarantee, or equivalent insurance, 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 fin ancial 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 transpor t; 
(b) costs of recovery or disposal, including any necessary interim operation; and (c) costs of storage 
for 90 days pursuant to Art icle 6 of Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 on shipments of waste.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Under the Regulation the import permit is valid for a period of up to 12 months, with 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/ licenc es 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 cond itions that form part of the permit that usually relate 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 nat ional 
level).  
 
19. N/ A. 
 
8  IMPORT OF HARVESTED TIMBER  
Outline of system  
1. This section provides a description of the EU FLEGT licensing scheme as established under the EU 
FLEGT Action Plan.  
 
The EU FLEGT licensing scheme is a voluntary scheme to ensure that only legally harvested timber 
is imported into the EU from countries with which the EU concludes bilateral FLEGT Voluntary 
Partnership Agreements. Under the scheme a partner country issues FLEGT licences  for every 
shipment of timber products covered by the agreement exported to the EU.  The release for free 
circulation in the EU of such shipments is conditional on the acceptance by EU competent authorities 
of the FLEGT licence .  EU competent  authorities may verify the authenticity of the FLEGT licence  and 
its conformity with the shipment that it covers.   
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
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  Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. Under the FLEGT licensing scheme the EU has concluded FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreements 
(VPAs) with a number of countries.  Timber products (defined in the Agreements by HS codes) 
exported from FLEGT partner countries to the EU are covered by a FLEGT licence  issued by the 
licensing authority of that country. The FLEGT licence  demonstrates that the timber products have 
complied with relevant legislation as set out in the corresponding bilateral FLEGT VPAs. Once 
operational the implementation of the lice nsing scheme requires that imports of relevant timber 
products into the EU be made subject to a system of checks and controls so that only FLEGT licence d 
timber will be imported to the EU.   
 
3. The FLEGT licensing scheme applies only to imports from partn er 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. The EU has concluded 
FLEGT VPAs with: Cameroon, Cent ral African Republic, Ghana, Liberia, Indonesia and Republic of 
Congo. 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 . The agreements 
provide  for a period after conclusion in which the necessary procedures and measures can be put in 
place.   
 
4. The licensing system has been put in place so that countries exporting to the EU can demonstrate 
that their exports of timber products to the EU are fr om legal sources. The scheme does not impose 
any restrictions neither in terms of quantity nor in terms of volumes to the imported goods. While 
the CITES Convention regulates trade in endangered 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 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. An alternative approach could have been to rely on voluntary 
certification schemes, however this would not provide the economies of scale or impact of a national 
approach and may not have adequatel y taken into account the role of government in verifying and 
ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. The EU also adopted a horizontal approach to the 
issue of illegal logging 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 pr oducts on the market (OJ  L 295, 12.11.2010 , p. 23 ). This Regulation is consistent with 
the FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreements in that it recog nises FLEGT licences  (and CITES 
permits) as a means to demonstrate compliance with the Regulation.   
 
5. The internal EU legal framework for this scheme is Council Regulation (EC) No 2173/2005 of 
20 December 2005 on the establishment of a FLEGT licensing s cheme for imports of timber into the 
European Community (OJ L 347, 30.12.2005 , p. 1 ) and Commission 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, 18.10.2008 , p. 23 ). 
 
The licensing is statutorily required  for those countries that enter into bilateral FLEGT VPAs, once 
the parties have decided to mak e the scheme operational and the legislation does not leave 
designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion. Furthermore, it is 
not possible for the government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legisl ative 
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 export ed from the partner 
country. 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 country . 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.   G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 32 - 
 
  b)  The procedures established by the part ner 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.   
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licence s. 
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. The information required to apply for a FLEGT licence  is set ou t 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 t o Commission Regulation (EC) 
No 1024/2008 of 17 October 2008. An EU importer needs to provide a copy of the FLEGT licence , 
obtained from the exporter.   
 
11. A FLEGT licence  cross referenced to the Single Administrative Document for release for free 
circulation.  
 
12. EU Member States hav e discretion on whether to charge an y administrative fee and the amount 
of the fee.     
 
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 o ut 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  are not tra nsferable between importers. The name of the importer on the FLEGT 
licence  can however be amended by the issuing country upon request if adequately 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, required prior to importation.  
 
19. N/A. 
 
9  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 derivatives 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 derivati ves, as well as a number of non -CITES 
species  covered by the relev ant EU legislation.  
  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 33 - 
 
  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 Ann exes (EU 
Regulation) /Appendices  (CITES) . The term “trade” (in CITES “trade” refers to all cross -border 
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 Implementing Regulations constitute 
the "Wildlife Trade Regulations" - are listed in four Annexes (A to D).  
 
The EU Regu lation 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.  Exempti on from this prohi bition can be granted on a 
case-by-case basis, by issuance of a special certificate by the management authority of the Member 
State in which the specimens are located, provided the specimens:  
 
a. are captive -born and bred  (animals) , or artif icially propagated  (plants) ; or 
b. are required, under exceptional circumstances, for the advancement of science or  
biomedical 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: 
transaction with commercial purposes involving specimens of the se species listed in this Annex are 
possible under a number of strict conditions.  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 species, 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 re strictions is laid down in Commission 
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1915 of 19 October 2017 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 territories  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 Member States verify the following conditions for all 
imports of the covered species:  
 
A.  For all species:  
a. whether or not the tr ade will be harmful to the survival of the species in the wild,  
b. whether or not the specimen was legally acquired.  
B.  Additional requirements, f or live specimens:  
c. whether or not the specimen is properly prepared for transportation,  
d. whether or not the imp orter has the suitable facilities to house and care for live 
specimens.  
C.  Besides, the authority must verify that specimens of species listed in Annex A  to Council 
Regulation (EC) No 338/97 are not imported to be used for primarily commercial 
purposes.  
 
5. The EU implements CITES through a set of Regulations collectively known as the "EU Wildlife 
Trade Regulations ".  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 34 - 
 
  Currently , these are:  
 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1997 on the protection of species of wild 
fauna and flora by regulating trade th erein (OJ L 61, 03.03.1997), as amended:  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1528297938735&uri=CELEX:01997R0338 -20170204 ; 
 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 of 4 Ma y 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) , as amended:  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1528213161852&uri=CELEX:01997R0338 -20170204 ;  
 
- 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 Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 (OJ L  242, 07.09.2012) , as 
amended:  
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1528213223932&uri=CELEX:02012R0792 -20150205 ;  
 
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 201 7/1915 of 19 October 2017  prohibiting the 
introduction into the  Union of specimens of certain species of wild fauna and flora : 
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1528213270295&uri=CELEX:32017R1915 . 
 
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 th e executive branch) to abolish the system 
without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
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 been 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. Moreover, the CITES Secretariat or CITES 
authority of exporting countries may have to be consulted in a very limited number of cases.  
 
8. Licensing pol icy 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 spe cimens, are contained in 
Implementing Regulation (EU) No 792/2012 as regards the rules for the design of permits, G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 35 - 
 
  certificates and other documents provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection 
of species of wild fauna and flora by reg ulating trade therein and i n Commission Regulation (EC) 
No 865/2006 laying down detailed rules concerning the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) 
No 338/97.  
 
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 import 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 12 months. However, in the case of caviar of 
sturgeon and paddlefish species (Acipenser iformes) 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 6 months).  
 
15. No penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16. Not transferable.  
 
17. N/A. 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No other administrative/procedural requirements prior to importation.  
 
19. No foreign exchange control.  
 
10  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, perfumes, 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 Conventi on 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) authorisations.   
 
3. The import licensing requirement applies to any natural or legal person engaged in imp ort 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 approval system 
aims at monitoring trade and authorization of imports of drug precursors.  
 
5. The leg al 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 :  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 36 - 
 
  https:// eur-lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1528893577936&uri=CELEX:32005R0111  
 
-  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 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 Union and third countries in drug precursors, and r epealing Commission Regulation (EC) 
No 1277/2005 : 
https://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1528893628303&uri=CELEX:32015R1011  
 
-  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 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 
monitor ing of trade between the Union and thi rd countries in drug precursors:   
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1469794642923&uri=CELEX:32015R 1013 
 
An import authori zation, 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 sys tem without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7. 
a)  Import authori zations shall be applied for in sufficient time. The issue of a licence  is not 
automatic. EU Member States competent authorities shall de cide on the granting of 
authoriz ations within 15 working days from the date of receipt of a complete application.    
 
b)  No, see above.  
 
c)  No. 
 
d)  The issuance of import authoriz ations 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 b eing refused. The relevant legislation does 
not explicitly describe the detailed procedures applicable 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 can lodge an application . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The standard model forms that must be used for the authorisation are contained in Commission 
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1013 of 25 June 2015 laying down rules in respect of Regul ation 
(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 author isation as presented i n Annex I of the Regulation (EU) 2015/1013 . 
 
12. Certain  EU Member States apply authoriz ation fees. The amount depends on each Member State.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/7  
 
- 37 - 
 
  13. Neither a deposit nor an advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The ma ximum time validity of an import permit is 6 months.  
 
15.  No penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16. Not transferable.  
 
17. N/A. 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. Importers also need a permanent "registration" (defined as a "licence" in the legislation) . 
 
19. No foreign exchange control.  
 
 
__________