WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
25 September 2012 
 (12-5160) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original:   English 
  
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
1 
 
Notification under Arti cle 7.3 of the Agreement on Import  Licensing Procedures for 2012 
 
EUROPEAN UNION 
 
  The following communication, dated 22 September 2012, is being circulated at the request of 
the delegation of the European Union.  
_______________ 
 
 
Outline of system 
 1. The EU import licensing system is based on the premise that no import licences are required 
except where specific products are subject to quan titative restrictions, safeguard measures or import 
monitoring or surveillance. The EU applies no qua ntitative restrictions to WTO Members in the 
industrial sector. There are however a number of pr oducts subject to EU surveillance with the purpose 
of improving transparency of import trends of the products concerned, but  with no intention of 
limiting market access. The coverage of products subject to EU licensing systems appears in the 
annexes and regulations referred to in replies to questions 2 and 3. The relevant legislation is 
mentioned in reply to question 5. 
 The import licensing scheme for agricultural pr oducts serves statistical purposes and is an 
automatic licensing system. The competent authoriti es in the Member States issue import licences to 
every applicant. Import licences are subject to l odging a security and are valid in all the Member 
States of the EU. Import licences have to be  submitted with the import declaration. 
 
 Furthermore, a licence is required in respect of a number of tariff quotas in the agricultural 
sector.  
Purpose and coverage of licensing 
 
2. See reply 1. 
                                                      
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire. G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
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  3. See the following table: 
Licensing system Product coverage Country coverage 
Quantitative quotas (other than 
textiles) Certain steel products  None for WTO Members, only 
for Kazakhstan 
EU surveillance (other than textiles) a. Certain steel products 
Commission Regulation (EU) No 
1241/2009 (OJ L 332, 
17.12.2009, p. 54) continuing 
and updating the scope of prior surveillance of imports of certain 
iron and steel products 
originating in certain third countries, following Regulation 
(EC) No 76/2002 (OJ L 16, 
18.01.2002) which was also amended by 1337/2002 (OJ L 
195, 24.7.2002) 2385/2002 (OJ L 
358, 31.12.2002, p.125) and 
469/2005 (OJ L78, 24.3.2005, 
p.12) and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1915/2006 
(OJ L365, 21.12.2006, p.76) .
 All countries 
 
 b.  Certain agricultural 
 products. See Annex I. All countries 
Textiles: Quantitative levels or surveillance Council Regulation (EEC) No. 
3030/93  (OJ L 275, 8.11.93, p.1) 
- on common rules for imports of 
certain textile products from 
third countries,  as last amended 
by Commission Implementing 
Regulation (EU) No 1321/2011. Russian Federation2, Serbia 
 
 
A. TEXTILES  
 The EU maintains bilateral measures relating to  trade in textile products with the following 
countries: Russian Federation3 and Serbia.  
  In addition, the EU maintains autonomous  quantitative restrictions on imports from two 
non-WTO Member, namely Belarus and North Korea, with which no bilateral agreements exist. 
 B. 
AGRICULTURE  
 For agricultural tariff quotas subject to import licensing, see reply to question 7. 
 4. The EU applies no quantitative quotas to WT O Members in the industrial sector.  
 
 The purpose of import licensing procedure for pr oducts under surveillance is for statistical 
reasons and to strengthen control on imports orig inating from the country concerned and, more 
                                                      
2 Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3030/93 is curren tly being amended to take into account Russia's 
accession to the WTO.  
3 Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3030/93 is curren tly being amended to take into account Russia's 
accession to the WTO.   G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
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  specifically, to improve control on the origin of th e products concerned.  It is intended to monitor 
import trends and not to restrict the quantity of  imports. The systems are based on an automatic 
licensing.   In some cases a double-checking system is app lied (textiles and steel products) with an export 
document issued by third country authorities and an import license issued by the EU.  The aim of the 
double-checking system is to improve transparency and to avoid possible diversion of trade and custom fraud by rapid provision of info rmation on the trend of trade flows. 
  See also reply to question 1. 
 
Legislative basis 
 5. Licensing is statutorily required for the products  listed in the relevant legislative texts. 
Product coverage is defined in the legislation and is not subject to administrative discretion.  The 
system cannot be abolished without legislative approval (regulations generally contain provisions 
relating to the duration and expiry of the licensing regime).  5.1. General 
  Council Regulation (EC) No 625/2009 of 7 July  2009 (OJ L 185, 17.07.2009, p.1) established 
common rules for imports from certain third countries. 
 5.2. Textile products 
 5.2.1. Trade with WTO Member countries and countries with bilateral agreements: 
 
5.2.1.1.  Trade in products not subject to normal GATT rules ("products not integrated" in WTO):   5.2.1.1.1. Basic Regulation:  - Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 (OJ L 275, 8.11.93, p. 1) - on common rules for 
imports of certain textile products from third countries. 
 
[As amended by: - Council Regulation (EC) No 3289/94 (OJ L 349, 31.12.94, p. 85) – amends 
Regulation 3030/93; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1410/96 (OJ L 18 1, 20.7.96, p. 15) - concerning the partial 
withdrawal of Regulation 3053/95; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2231/96 (OJ  L 30 7, 28.11.96, p. 1) - amends Annexes I, II, 
III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX and XI to Regulation 3030/93; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 2315/96 (OJ L 314, 4.12 .96, p.1) - list products to be integrated 
into GATT 1994 on 1.1.98 - amends Annex X to Regulation 3030/93 and Annex II to 
Regulation 3285/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No. 447/97 (OJ L 68, 8.3.97, p. 16) - quantitative limits - OPT – 
China; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 824/97 (OJ L 119, 8.5.97, p. 1) - amends Regulation 3030/93; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 339/98 (OJ L 45, 16. 2.98, p. 1) - amends Annexes I, II, III, 
V, VI, VII, VIII and IX to Regulation 3030/93; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 856/98 (OJ L 122, 24.4.98, p. 11) - amends Annexes I, II, 
III, V, VII, VIII and IX to Regulation 3030/93; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1053/98 (OJ L 151,  21.5.98, p. 10) - amends Annexes II, III 
and IX to Regulation 3030/93; G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
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  - Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2798/98 (OJ L 353, 29.12.98, p. 1) - amends Annex I to 
Regulation 3030/93; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1072/99 (OJ L 134,  28.5.99, p. 1) - amends Annexes I, II, 
III, V, VII, VIII and IX to Regulation 3030/93; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1591/2000 (OJ L 186,  25.7.2000, p. 1) - amends Annexes II, 
III, V, VII, VIII and IX to Regulation 3030/93; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 391/2001 (OJ L 58, 28.2.2001, P.3) – amends 
Regulation 3030/93; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 1809/2001 (OJ L 252, 20.8.2001) – amends Regulation 3030/93; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 27/2002 (OJ L9, 11.1.2002) - amends Annexes I, III, V, VII 
and IX to Regulation 3030/93; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 797/2002 (OJ L128, 15.5.2002) - amends Annexes III and 
VIII to Regulation 3030/93; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2344/2002 (OJ L 357, 31.12.2002) - amends Annexes I, III, 
V and VII to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 138/2003 (OJ L 23, 28.1.2003) - amends Regulation 3030/93; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 260/2004 (OJ L 51, 20.2.2004, p.1) – amends Annexes I, II, 
III, V, VII to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 487/2004 (OJ L 79,  17.3.2004, p.1) – amends Regulation (EEC) 
No 3030/93 on common rules for imports of cert ain textile products from third countries; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 1627/2004 (OJ L 295,  18.9.2004, p. 1) – amending Regulation 
(EEC) No 3030/93 on common rules for imports  of certain textiles products from third 
countries; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 2200/2004 (OJ L 374, 22.12.2004, p. 1) – amending Council 
Regulations (EEC) No 3030/93 and (EC) No 3285/94 as regards the common rules for imports of certain textile pr oducts from third countries; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 930/2005 (OJ L 162, 23.6.2005, p. 1) – amending Annexes I, 
II, III, V, VII and VIII to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 on common rules for imports of certain textile products from third countries; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1084/2005 (OJ L 177, 9.7.2005, p. 19) – amending 
Annexes II, III and V to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 on common rules for imports of certain textile products from third countries; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1478/2005 (OJ L 236, 13.9.2005, p. 3) – amending 
Annexes V, VII, and VIII to Council Regula tion (EEC) No 3030/93 on common rules for 
imports of certain textile pr oducts from third countries; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 35/2006 (OJ L 7,  12.1.2006, p. 8) – amending Annexes I, V 
and VII to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 on common rules for imports of certain 
textile products from third countries]. 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 54/2007 (L 18, 25 .01.2007, p. 1 ) - amending Regulation (EEC) 
No 3030/93 on common rules for imports of cert ain textile products from third countries; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1217/2007 (OJ 275, 19.10.2007, P.16) - amending Annex III 
to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 on co mmon rules for imports of certain textile 
products from third countries; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 139/2008 (OJ L 42, 16.2.2008, p. 11) – amending Annexes I, 
II, III, V and VII to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 on common rules for imports of certain textile products from third countries]; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 502/2008 (OJ L 147, 6.6.2008, p. 35) – amending Annexes I, 
II and IX to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/ 93 on common rules for imports of certain 
textile products from third countries]; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1328/2008 (OJ L 345, 23.12.2008, p. 28) – amending 
Annexes I, II , III, V, VII and VIII to Council Regulation (EEC) No 303 0/93 on common rules 
for imports of certain textile pr oducts from third countries];  G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
 Page 5 
 
 
  - Commission Regulation (EU) No 1259/2009 of 18 December 2009 (OJ L 338, 19.12.2009, 
p. 32) - amending Annexes I, II , III, V and VII to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 on common rules for imports of certain tex tile products from third countries]; 
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 379/2010 of 4 May 2010 (OJ L 112, 5.5.2010, p.1) – 
amending Annexes I, II and III to Council Regul ation (EEC) No 3030/93 on common rules for 
imports of certain textile produc ts from third countries]; 
-  Commission Regulation (EU) No 1160/2010 of  9 December 2010 (OJ No L 326, 10.12.2010, 
p. 33) – amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 on common rules for imports of certain textile pr oducts from third countries. 
-  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1321/2011 of 16 December 2011 (OJ L 335, 
17.12.2011, p. 17) – amending Annex I to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 on common 
rules for imports of certain tex tile products from third countries.  
 
5.2.1.1.2. Derogation from Basic Regulation: 
 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 1087/97 (OJ L 158,  17.6.97, p1) – authorizing imports into 
Canary Islands and certain quota products originating in China without quantitative 
restrictions. 
 5.2.1.2.  Trade in products subject to normal GATT rules "products integrated" in WTO:  
- Council Regulation (EC) No 3285/94 (OJ L 349, 31.12.94, p. 53) – repeals 
Regulation 518/94. 
 
[As amended by: - Council Regulation (EC) No 139/96 (OJ L 21, 27.1.96, p. 7) – amends Regulation 3285/94 
and Regulation 519/94 with respect to the uniform EU surveillance document; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No. 2315/96 (OJ L 314, 4.12.96, p.1) –- list of products to be 
integrated into GATT 1994 on 1.1.98 and amends Annex X to Regulation 3030/93 and 
Annex II to Regulation 3285/94; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 2474/2000 (OJ L 286, 11.11.2000, p.1) –- list of products to be 
integrated into GATT 1994 on  1.1.2002 and amends Annex X to Regulation 3030/93 and 
Annex II to Regulation 3285/94; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2003 (OJ L. 65, 8.03..2003, p.12) – establishes the 
allocation method  for the quota increase set fo rth in Council Regulation (EC) No 427/2003 
for certain products originating in China (including footwear); 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1985/2003 (OJ L.295, 13.11.2003, p.3) – establishes the 
allocation method  for the first tranche of th e quota increase set forth in Council Regulation 
(EC) No 427/2003 for certain products orig inating in China (including footwear); 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2044/2003 (OJ L. 303, 21.11.2003, p.3) – establishes the 
allocation method  for the second tranche of the quota increase set forth in Council Regulation (EC) No 427/2003 for certain products originating in China (including footwear); 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 1985//2003 (OJ L.  295, 13.11.2003, p.43) – amends Council 
Regulation (EC) No 427/2003 in view of EU enlargement]. 
 
5.2.2. Imports from other count ries ("autonomous regime"): 
 5.2.2.1. Basic Regulation:  
  
- Council Regulation (EC) No 517/94 (OJ L 67, 10.3.94, 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 EU import rules. 
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
Page 6  
 
  [As amended by: 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1470/94 (OJ L 159, 28.6.94, p. 14) - opens quantitative 
import quotas for products (cat. 160) from China and amends Annexes IV and V to 
Regulation 517/94;  
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1756/94 (OJ L 183, 19.7.94, p. 9) - opens quantitative 
import quotas (cat. 122, 123, 1 24, 125 B, 140 and 146 C) fr om China and amends Annexes IV 
and V of Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2612/94 (OJ L 279, 28.10.94, p. 7) - opens quantitative 
import quotas (cat. 127 B and 145) from Ch ina and amends Annexes IV and V to 
Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2980/94 (OJ L 315, 8.12.94, p. 2) - opens quantitative 
import quotas (cat. 146A and 146B) from Ch ina and amends Annexes IV and V to 
Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 3168/94 (OJ L 335, 23.12.94, p. 23) - establishes in the field 
of application of Regulation 517/94 a Community import licence and amending certain 
provisions of the Regulation; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 1325/95 (OJ L 128, 13.6.95, p. 1) - amends Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1627/95: (OJ L 155, 6.7.95, p. 8) - amends 
Regulation 3168/94, establishes in the field of 517/94 a Community import licence and amends certain provisions  of the Regulation; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 538/96 (OJ L 79, 29.3.96, p.1) - amends Regulation 517/94 
concerning imports of products - Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1476/96 (OJ L 188, 27.7.96, p. 4 - opens quotas for imports 
of products falling within cat.  87 and 109 originating in North Korea and amends Annexes IV 
and V to Regulation 517/94.(Corrigendum in OJ  L 225, 6.9.96, p. 11); 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1937/96 (OJ L 25 5, 9.10.96, p. 4) - amends Annexes III B 
and VI to Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1457/97 (OJ L 1 99, 26.7.97, p. 6) – amends annexes IIIB, IV 
and VI to Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2542/99 (OJ L 307, 2.12.99, p. 14) – amends Annex I to 
Regulation 517/94; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No. 7/2000 (OJ L 2, 5.1.2000, p. 51) - amends Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2878/2000 (OJ L 333, 29.12.2000, p. 60) – amends 
Annex IV to Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2245/2001 (OJ L 303, 20.11.2001, p. 17) – amends 
Annexes IIIB and VI to Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 888/2002 (OJ L 146, 4.6.2002, p. 1) – amends Annexes I 
and II to Regulation 517/94; 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 1309/2002 (OJ No L 192, 20.7.2002, p. 1) – amends 
Regulation 517/94; 
 - Commission Regulation (EC) No 1437/2003 (OJ L 204,  13.8.2003, p. 3) – amends Annexes I, 
II, IIIB and VI to Council Regulation (EC) No 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1484/2003 (OJ L 212, 22.8.2003, p 46) – amends 
Annexes IIIB and VI of Regulation (EC) No 517/94 as regards quotas for Serbia and 
Montenegro; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2309/2003 (OJ L 342, 30.12.2003, p. 21) – amends 
annexes IIIB, IV and VI of Regulation (EC) No 517/94 as regards textile quotas for 2004; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1877/2004 (OJ L 326, 29.10.2004, p. 25) – amends 
Annex IIIB of Regulation (EC No 517/94 as regards quotas for Serbia and Montenegro; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 931/2005 (OJ 162,  23.6.2005, p.371) – amends Annexes I, 
II, IIIB and VI to Council Regulation (EC) No 517/94 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 Community import rules.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
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  - Commission Regulation (EC) No 1786/2006 (OJ 33 7, 5.12.2006, p.12) - amends Annexes III 
B, IV, and VI to Council Regulation (EC) No  517/94 as regards textile quotas for 2007; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1398/2007 (OJ 311, 29.11.2007, p. 5) – amends Annexes II, 
IIIB and VI to Council Regulation (EC) No 517/ 94 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 Community import rules; 
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1260/2009 of 18 December 2009 (OJ L 338, 19.12.2009, 
p.58) – amends Annexes I, II, IV and VI to  Council Regulation (EC)  No 517/94 on common 
rules for imports of textile products from cert ain third countries not covered by bilateral 
agreements, protocols or other arrangements or  by other specific Community import rules. 
-  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1322/2011 of 16 December 2011 (OJ L 335, 
17.12.2011, p. 42) amending Annex I to C ouncil Regulation (EC) No 517/94 on common rules 
for imports of textile products from certai n third countries not covered by bilateral 
agreements, protocols or other arrangements or by other specific Community import rules.  
 5.2.2.2. Regulations concerning the import licence: 
 - Commission Regulation (EC) No 3168/94 (OJ L 335, 23.12.94, p. 23) – establishes in the 
field of application of Regulation 517/94 a Community import licence and amending certain 
provisions of the Regulation. 
 
[As amended by: 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1627/95 (OJ L 155, 6.7.95, p. 8) – amends 
Regulation 3168/94, establishes in the field of  application of Regulation 517/94 a Community 
import licence and amends certain provisions of the Regulation]. 
 
5.2.2.3. Regulations concerning the distribution of quotas: 
 - Commission Regulation (EC) No 2458/97 (OJ L 340, 11.12.97, p. 31) – (end 31.12.98) – 
distribution of quotas for 1998 pursuant to Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2650/98 (OJ L 335, 10.12.98, p. 43) – distribution of quotas 
for 1999 pursuant to Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2629/99 (OJ L 321, 14.12.99, p. 8) – distribution of quotas 
for 2000 pursuant to Regulation 517/94. 
  [As amended by: - Commission Regulation (EC) No. 394/2000 (OJ L 49, 22.2.2000, p. 33) – amends 
Regulation 2629/99; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2833/2000 (OJ L 328, 23.12.2000, p. 20) – distribution of 
quotas for 2001 pursuant to Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2538/2001 (OJ L 341, 22.12.2001, p.73) – distribution of 
quotas for 2002 pursuant to Regulation 517/9; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2357/2002 (OJ L 351, 28.12.2002, p. 45) – distribution of 
quotas for 2003 pursuant to Regulation 517/9; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2308(2003 (OJ L 342, 30.12.2003, p. 13) – distribution of 
quotas for 2004 pursuant to Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2171/2004 (OJ L 371, 18.12.2004, p. 20) – distribution of 
quotas for 2005 pursuant to Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2038/2005 (OJ L 328, 15.12.2005, p. 27) – distribution of 
quotas for 2005 pursuant to Regulation 517. 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1785/2006 (OJ L 337, 05.12.2006, p. 5) - distribution of 
quotas for 2008 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 517/94; G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
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  - Commission Regulation (EC) No 1402/2007 (OJ L 311, 29.11.2007, p. 27) – distribution of 
quotas for 2008 pursuant to Regulation 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1164/2008 (OJ L 314, 25.11.2008, p. 24) - laying down 
rules for the management and distribution of textile quotas established for the year 2009 under Council Regulation (EC) No 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1258/2009 (OJ L 338, 19.12.2009, p. 24) - laying down 
rules for the management and distribution of textile quotas established for the year 2010 under Council Regulation (EC) No 517/94; 
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1159/2010 of 9 December 2010 (OJ L 326, 10.12.2010, 
p.25) laying down rules for the management and di stribution of textile quotas established for 
the year 2011 under Council Regulation (EC) No 517/94. 
-  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1323/2011 of 16 December 2011 (OJ L 335, 
17.12.2011, p. 57) laying down rules for th e management and distribution of textile quotas 
established for the year 2012 under Council Regulation (EC) No 517/94. 
 5.2.3. Outward processing traffic (OPT): 
 5.2.3.1. Basic Regulation:  - Council Regulation (EC) No 3036/94 (OJ L 322,  15.12.94, p. 1) - establishes economic 
outward processing arrangements to products re-imported into the Community after working 
in certain third countries (Corrigenda in OJ L 135, 6.6.96, p. 35).  
 
5.2.3.2. Implementing Regulation: 
 - Commission Regulation (EC) No 3017/95 (OJ L 314, 28.12.95, p. 40) – repeals Commission 
Regulation (EC) No 1816/95 (OJ L 175, 27.7.95, p.21). 
 
5.2.4. Other communications and information:  
 
- OJ C 52, 19.2.98, p.3: List of national competent authorities; - OJ C 71, 7.3.98, p.2: List of Members of the World Trade Organization; 
- OJ C 321, 20.10.98, p. 27: Notice on SIGL We bsite (information on quota levels for textile 
products – http://trade.ec.europa.eu/sigl); 
- OJ C 46, 19.2.2000, p. 20: Notification on provisional application of certain textile 
Agreements; 
- OJ C 88, 25.3.2000, p. 18: Preparation of  decision on third stage of ATC integration – 
Request for comments; 
- OJ C 308, 1.11.2001, p.16: electronic licensing, List of countries; - OJ C 356, 14.12.2001, p. 4: China’s accession to the WTO; - OJ C 364, 20.12.2001, p.11: Chin ese Taipei’s accession to the WTO; 
- OJ C 367, 21.12.2001, p. 27: Pakistan quota increases 2001; - OJ C 374, 29.12.2001, p.58: electronic licensing, List of countries; 
- OJ C 29, 1.2.2002, p. 5: electronic licensing, List of countries; 
- OJ C 66, 15.3.2002, p. 11: List of members of the World Trade Organization; 
- OJ C 77, 28.3.2002, p. 38: electronic licensing, List of countries; - OJ C 99, 24.4.2002, p. 14: List of the National competent authorities. 
 5.3. Steel products 
 
 Prior EU surveillance without quantitative limits:   G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
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  - Commission Regulation (EU) No 1241/2009 (OJ L 332, 17.12.2009, p. 54) amending 
Regulation (EC) No 76/2002 (OJ L 16, 18.01 .2002) which was also amended by 1337/2002 
(OJ L 195, 24.7.2002), 2385/2002 (OJ L 358, 31.12.2002, p.125), 469/2005 (OJ L 78, 24.3.2005, p.12) and 1915/2006 (OJ L 365, 21.12.2006, p. 76).  
  In addition, the EU maintains quantitative r estrictions on steel imports from Kazakhstan. 
Certain restrictions on imports of certain steel pr oducts from the Russian Fe deration were abolished 
on 22 August 2012 (on the date when the Russian Federation acceded to the WTO).   5.4. Agricultural products 
  In the agricultural sector, the following legisl ation includes provisions related to import 
licensing:  5.4.1. General: 
 
- Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 of 22 October 2007 establishing a common  
organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural 
products (Single CMO Regulation) as amended; 
 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 376/2008 of 23 April 2008 laying down common detailed 
rules for the application of the system of import and export licences and advance fixing 
certificates for agricultural products, as amended recently by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1349/2011 of 20 December 2011 (abolishing the licence requirement for imported bananas) and by Commission Impl ementing Regulation (EU) No 418/2012 of 
16 May 2012 (among other things abolishing the import licence obligation for seeds of durum 
wheat, including products importe d under tariff quotas as referred to in Article 1(2)(a)(iii) of 
Regulation (EC) No 376/2008, for barley and of grain sorghum other than hybrids for sowing, 
the requirement of import licences for manioc, arrowroot, salep, Jerusalem artichokes, sweet potatoes and similar roots and tubers with high starch or inulin content, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not sliced or in the form  of pellets, for sago pith and for sweet potatoes 
for human consumption). 
 
5.4.2. Cereals and rice:  - 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 licences for cereals and rice as 
amended. 
 5.4.3. Beef and veal:  - Commission Regulation (EC) No 382/2008 of 21 April 2008 on rules of application for 
import and export licences in the beef and veal sector as amended. 
 
5.4.4. Sheepmeat and goatmeat:  - Commission Regulation (EC) No 1439/95 of 26 June 1995 laying down detailed rules for the 
application of Council Regulation (EEC) No  3013/89 as regards the import and export of 
products in the sheepmeat and goatmeat sector as amended. 
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
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  5.4.5. Milk and milk products: 
 - Commission Regulation (EC) No 2535/2001 of 14 December 2001 laying down detailed rules 
for applying Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/ 99 as 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). 
 
5.4.6. Sugar:  
 
- Commission Regulation (EC) 951/2006 of 30 June 2006 laying down implementation of 
Council Regulation (EC) No 318/2006 as regards trad e with third countries in the sugar sector 
(this Council Regulation has been repealed a nd incorporated into Council Regulation (EC) 
No 1234/2007 of 22 October 2007).  
 
5.4.7. Fruit and vegetables, processed: 
 
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down 
detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 in respect of the 
fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors. 
 
5.4.8. Olive oil and table olives: 
 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 1345/2005 of 16 August 2005 laying down detailed rules 
for the application of the system of import licences for olive oil as amended.   
 
5.4.9. Ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin: 
 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 2336/2003 of 30 December 2003 introducing certain 
detailed rules for applying Council Regulation (EC) No 670/2003 laying down specific measures concerning the market in ethyl al cohol of agricultural origin (this Council 
Regulation has been repealed and incorporat ed into Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 
of 22 October 2007).  
 
Obligation to submit import licences for the release of bananas into free circulation of all 
origin was abolished as from 1 January 2012, pursu ant to the Commission Implementing Regulation 
(EU) No  1349/2011 of 20 December 2011 ame nding Regulation (EC) No 376/2008 laying down 
common detailed rules for the application of the system of import and export licences and advance 
fixing certificates for agricultural products and pursuant to the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1287/2011 of 9 December 2011, repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 2014/2005 of 9 December 2005 on licences under the arrangements fo r importing bananas into the Community in 
respect of bananas released into free circulation at the common customs tariff rate of duty.  
 
Import licence obligation was also abolished with  the entry into force of Regulation (EU) No 
418/2012 of 16 May 2012 for seeds of durum whea t, including products im ported under tariff quotas 
as referred to in Article 1(2)(a)(iii) of Regulation (EC) No 376/2008, for barley and of grain sorghum 
other than hybrids for sowing, for manioc, arrowr oot, salep, Jerusalem artichokes, sweet potatoes and 
similar roots and tubers with high starch or inulin content, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or 
not sliced or in the form of pellets, for sago pi th and for sweet potatoes for human consumption. 
 
  G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
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  Procedures 
 
6. The answers provided to question 6, I-X I, relate exclusively to textiles: 
 I.  Information related to the allocation of the quotas, the formalities for licence applications and 
the amount of goods allocated to each country is  published in the Official Journal of the 
European Union (see reply 5). There is no  derogation from the licensing requirement. 
 II. The size of textile quotas is determined on a yearly basis. There are no cases where the size of 
the quota is determined on a yearly basis and wh ere import authorisations would be issued for 
imports on a six-monthly or quarterly basis. 
 III. The issuing of import authorisations is not  limited to domestic produ cers of like goods. The 
competent licensing authorities notify the Commission immediately after having been informed of any quantity that is not used during the duration of validity of the import 
authorisation. Such unused quantities are au tomatically transferred into the remaining 
quantities of the total of the EU quantitative li mit for each category products and each third 
country concerned. Names of importers to whom  import authorisations have been allocated 
are not made known to governments and expor ting countries for privacy protection reasons. 
 IV. The authorised imports are charged against th e quantitative limits laid down for the year in 
which the products are shipped in the supplier c ountry concerned. An import authorisation is 
issued upon presentation of an export licen ce issued by the exporting country. This 
presentation must be effected not later than 31 March of the year following that in which the 
goods covered by the licence have been shippe d. In exceptional circ umstances, a Member 
State may put the deadline for presentation of the export licence back to 30 June on a duly 
motivated request. 
 V. The licensing authorities have to issue an import authorisation within a maximum of five 
working days of the presentation by the importe r of the original of the corresponding export 
licence. 
 
VI. Import authorisations are valid for a period of six months from the date of their issue. 
 VII. Each Member State has only one national competent authority for the issuing of import 
authorisations. 
 
VIII. Import authorisations are issued on a "first -come, first-served" basis. There are no special 
provisions for new importers. Applications are examined on receipt. 
 IX. Concerning trade with WTO Members and w ith countries with bilateral agreements, the 
so-called double-checking system applies. The co mpetent authorities of the supplier countries 
issue an export licence in respect of all c onsignments of textile products subject to 
quantitative limits, up to the level of those lim its. The importer shall present the original of 
the export licences for the purposes of the issu e of the import authorisation. An import 
authorisation is not issued automatically but only after the Commission has confirmed that the 
amount requested is available within the quantitative limit in question. 
 
X. There are no cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only. 
 XI. There are no products for which licences ar e issued on condition that goods should be 
exported and not sold in the domestic market. 
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
Page 12  
 
  7. Agricultural tariff quotas subject to import licensi ng:  Some of the EU's agricultural tariff 
quotas are subject to import licensing.  Licences may be issued on a pro-rata or an  historical basis, or 
related to quotas administrated by exporting countries.  Details are being notified in parallel to this 
general notification
4. 
 
7.1. For products subject to EU surveillance (other than textiles): 
 (a)-(b) It is up to the applicant to decide when to  apply for a licence, knowing that the document will 
be issued within a maximum of five working days  of receipt of the application.  Normally an 
import licence is presented at the moment of th e import declaration and agricultural licences 
are issued immediately (except in certain cases due to the management of certain 
mechanisms, e.g. management of tariff quotas). 
 (c) There are no limitations as to the time of year during which applications may be made. 
 
(d) Several administrative bodies can deliver import licences. The list of the competent 
authorities in the Member States delivering impor t licences is published in the "C" series of 
the Official Journal.  The application must not  be passed on to other organs for approval and 
the importer has to approach only one administrative organ. 
 7.2. For textile products subject to EU surveillance the following applies: 
 
(a) The licensing authorities have to issue a su rveillance document within a maximum of five 
working days: 
  - of the presentation by the importer of the original of the corresponding export licence 
(in the case of a double-checking system); 
  - of a request being submitted by the importer (in the case of a single-checking 
system). 
 (b) Surveillance documents are issued on th e basis of "first-come, first-served". 
 
(c) There are limitations as to the time of ye ar during which applications may be made. 
 (d) A single administrative body effects consider ation of licence applications.  The Commission 
services collect statis tical information on products subj ect to simple or double-checking 
surveillance (SIGL electronic system). 
 7.3. For agricultural products the rules are as follows:  (a)-(b) Import licences must be presented to the cust oms authorities at the moment of acceptance of 
the import declaration.  Import licences are issued  immediately, except in certain cases due to 
the management of certain mechanis ms (management of tariff quotas). 
 (c) No.  
                                                      
4 The notification relating to agricultural tariff rate quotas is contained in the Addendum to this 
document.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
 Page 13 
 
 
  (d) Several administrative bodies can deliver import licences. The list of the competent 
authorities in the Member States delivering impor t licences is published in the "C" series of 
the Official Journal.  The application must not be passed on to other bodies for approval and 
the importer has to approach only one administrative organ. 
 
8. Failure to meet the ordinary criteria is the on ly circumstance in which licence applications 
may be refused.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. Import licences are issued without discriminati on to any importer in the EU wherever the 
place of his establishment may be in the EU, without prejudice to compliance with the other conditions required under current  rules. All persons are eligible to become importers. 
 
Documentational and other requireme nts for application for licence 
 
10. For textile products subject to quantitative limit s: For information required in application see 
Annex II. Sample form is cont ained in Council Regulation (EEC ) No 3030/93 (OJ L 275, 8.11.93, 
p.1) on common rules for imports of certain tex tile products from third count ries, as last amended by 
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1321/2011 of 16 December 2011 (OJ L 335, 17.12.2011, p. 17). 
 
 For textile products subject to EU surveillan ce: For information required in application see 
Annex III. Sample form is cont ained in Council Regulation (EEC ) No 3030/93 (OJ L 275, 8.11.93, 
p.1) - on common rules for imports of certain textile  products from third countries, as last amended by 
Commission Regulation (EU) No 1321/2011 of 16 December 2011 (OJ L 335, 17.12.2011, p. 17). 
 
 Concerning the application for the import authorisation in the case of a double-checking system for textiles, the applicant is required to s upply an export license.  Concerning the application 
for the import authorisation in the case of a single- checking system the applicant is required to supply 
a certified copy of the bill of lading, letter of credit, contract, or any other commercial document 
indicating a firm intention to carry out the importation. 
 
 Applications for surveillance document (other th an textile) shall be sent to or lodged with the 
competent administrative authorities in the Member States.  Regarding the information required in 
applications, see Council Regulation (EC) No 625/ 2009 of 7 July 2009 (OJ L 185, 17.07.2009, p.1).  
A surveillance document sample form is c ontained in Council Regulation No 625/2009.  
 
 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 
Commission Regulation (EC) No 376/2008 (OJ L 114, 26 April 2008, p. 3).  11. The licence/surveillance documen t itself or an extract is required upon importation.  For 
textile products subject to quantitativ e limits/surveillance there is also , if needed, a requirement for a 
certificate of origin upon actual importation.   For certain steel products the EU applies prio r surveillance.  The imports are subject to a 
surveillance document (import licence) that is released automatically upon request. 
 
12. There is no licensing fee or administrative charge. 
 13. In general, there is no deposit or advance pa yment required associated with the issue of 
import authorisations. However, in the agricultural field the issuance of import licence is subject to a G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
Page 14  
 
  security in order to guarantee that the undertakin g to import will be fulfilled during the period of 
validity of the licence.  The amount of the security depending on the products  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 namely on the day the import declaration is accepted and the 
product concerned put into free circulation. 
 
Conditions of licensing 
 
14. For textile products subject to qua ntitative limits/double checking, import 
authorisations/surveillance documents are valid for a period of six months from the date of their issue. 
Upon a duly motivated request by an importer, the competent authorities of a Member State may extend the duration of validity for a two further peri ods of three months.  Such extensions shall be 
notified to the Commission.  In exceptional circumstances, an importer may request a third period of extension.  These exceptional requests may only be granted by a decision of the Textile Committee, 
composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the Commission.  
  For agricultural products the period of validit y of the import licences depends on the product 
subject to licensing. General periods of validity ar e set in Commission Regulation (EC) No 376/2008.  
Information concerning periods of validity of import licences allocated in the context of tariff rate 
quotas is included in replies to question 14 in the Addendum.  The validity of a licence can only be 
extended in case of " force majeure ". 
  For steel products subject to prior EU surve illance without quantitative limits, the period of 
validity of a surveillance document is four months  and unused or partly used documents may be 
renewed for four months. 
 
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 agricultu ral 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 not transferable be tween importers.  Import licences constitute an 
authorisation and give rise to an obligation to import under the licence during its period of validity. 
Obligations deriving from licences are not transferable  but the rights deriving are transferable by the 
titular holder of the licence during its period of validity
5. 
 17. No other conditions are attached to the issue of an import authorisation for products subject to 
or not subject to quantitative restrictions. 
 
Other procedural requirements 
 
18. No other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative 
procedures are required prior to importation. 
 
                                                      
5 For ease of reference, the following is an indicativ e résumé 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 milk products:  
until the end of the third month following the month of the day of issue of the licence;  olive oil:  60 days from 
the actual date of issue. 
 
  G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
 Page 15 
 
 
  19. The banking authorities automatically provide fo reign exchange for goods to be imported as 
well as to cover import licences. A licence is not  required as a condition to obtaining foreign 
exchange.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
Page 16  
 
  ANNEX I 
 
Agricultural products subject to import licensing 
  
CEREALS:   Grain:  common wheat, durum wheat, barley, maize, all these other than seed, 
other grain. 
  PROCESSED  
PRODUCTS : Flour, wheat groats and meal, malt , starches, glucose, cereal products, brans, 
wheat gluten, malto-dextrine, caramel, manioc roots, cereal based animal 
compounds. 
 RICE:   Husked rice, semi-milled or wholly milled rice, broken rice. 
 
SUGAR:  All products imported under preferential conditions and w ithin tariff quotas. 
 OLIVE OIL AND  TABLE OLIVES:   Commission Re gulation (EC) No 1345/2005 laying down detailed rules for the 
application of the system of import licences for olive oil. 
 
MILK PRODUCTS: All products import ed under prefer ential conditions an d within tariff quotas. 
 BEEF AND VEAL:  All products impo rted under pref erential conditions an d within tariff quotas. 
 
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES 
and PROCESSED  FRUIT AND  VEGETABLES : Garlic + mixture of ve getables containing garlic.   
 
ETHYL ALCOHOL OF AGRICULTURAL ORIGIN  G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
 Page 17 
 
 
  ANNEX II 
 
Textiles 
 
Information required in application for import authorisation 
under double-checking system for administering quantitative limits 
 
 
 The declaration or request made by the impor ter to the competent authorities in order to 
obtain the import authorisation needs to contain: 
 
(a)  The name of the importer and full address (i ncluding if any, telephone and fax number, and 
identification number registered with the competent national authorities), and VAT registration number, if it is a VAT payer; 
 
(b) Name and full address of declarant; 
 (c) Name and full address of exporter;  (d) The country of origin of the products and the country of consignment;  
(e) A description of the products including: 
  - their commercial designation;  - description of the products and Combined Nomenclature (CN) code; 
 
(f) The appropriate category and the quantity in the appropriate unit as indicated in Regulation 
concerned for the products in question; 
 (g) The value of the products, as indicated in box 12 of the export licence;  (h)  Where appropriate, dates of payment and deliv ery and a copy of the bill of lading and of the 
purchase contract; 
 (i) Date and number of export licence;  (j) Any internal code used for admi nistrative purposes, such as Taric code; 
 
(k) Date and signature of importer.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/1 
Page 18  
 
  ANNEX III  
 
Textiles 
 
Information required in application for import authorisation 
under double-checking system for products subject to surveillance 
 
 
 The declaration or request made by the impor ter to the competent authorities in order to 
obtain the import authorisation needs to contain: 
 
(a)  The name of the importer and full address (i ncluding if any, telephone and fax number, and 
identification number registered with the competent national authorities), and VAT registration number, if it is a VAT payer; 
 
(b) Name and full address of declarant; 
 (c) Name and full address of exporter;  (d) The country of origin of the products and the country of consignment;  
(e) A description of the products including: 
  - their commercial designation;  - description of the products and Combined Nomenclature (CN) code; 
 
(f) The appropriate category and the quantity in the appropriate unit as indicated in Regulation 
concerned for the products in question; 
 (g) The value of the products, as indicated in box 12 of the export licence;  (h)  Where appropriate, dates of payment and deliv ery and a copy of the bill of lading and of the 
purchase contract; 
 (i) Date and number of export licence;  (j) Any internal code used for admi nistrative purposes, such as Taric code; 
 
(k) Date and signature of importer.   
__________