G/LI C/N/3/EU/5  
 
21 October  2016 
(16-5724) Page: 1/41 
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 - 2016 
EUROPEAN UNION 
The following communication, dated 4 October 201 6, 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 specif ic "outward processing traffic (OPT)"  ................................ ................................ ... 3 
1.3   A surveillance regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 3 
2   AGRICULTURE  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  7 
2.1   Cereals  and rice  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 12 
2.2   Sugar (cane or b eet) ................................ ................................ ................................ ...14 
2.3   Olive oil and table olives  ................................ ................................ .............................. 14 
2.4   Milk and milk products  ................................ ................................ ................................ 15 
2.5   Beef and veal  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 17 
2.6   Pigmeat ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 19 
2.7   Poultry meat  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 20 
2.8   Eggs and products in the egg sector and egg albumin  ................................ ..................... 21 
2.9   Garlic  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 21 
2.10   Preserved mushrooms  ................................ ................................ ............................... 22 
2.11   Ethanol of agricultural obtained from agricultural products  ................................ ............. 22 
2.12   Hemp  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 23 
3   STEEL  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  23 
4   OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  – ODS- (CONTROLLED SUBSTANC ES)....................  25 
5   IMPORT OF ROUGH DIAM ONDS  ................................ ................................ .................  31 
6   IMPORT OF WASTE SHIP MENT  ................................ ................................ ..................  33 
7   IMPORT OF HARVESTED TIMBER  ................................ ................................ ...............  35 
8   IMPORT OF ENDANGERED  SPECIES (CITE S) ................................ ..............................  37 
9   IMPORT IN THE FIELD OF DRUG PRECURSORS  ................................ ..........................  40 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 2 - 
 
  Introduction  
The EU import licensing system is based on the general premise that no import licences are 
required. However, some exceptions are  applicable; in particular: i) for products 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 licences may also be required for the importation of certain goods in 
compliance with international commitme nts (e.g. CITES, FLEGT, Kimberly certificate scheme).  
Outline of system  
Import licences are issued by the competent authorities in the EU Member States of by the 
European Commission and are valid for a certain period which varies depending upon the differe nt 
products.   
Licensing is statutorily required for the products listed in the relevant legislative texts. The product 
coverage is defined in the legislation and is not subject to administrative discretion. Relevant 
regulations generally contain provision s relating to the duration and expiry of the licensing regime 
and a licensing system can only be abolished by legislative act.  
 
Further detailed information as well as replies to the remaining questions have been organized by 
the different legislative inst ruments owing to the different procedures involved.  
 
Legislative basis  
 Regulation (EU) No 478/2015 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2015 
(OJ L 83, 27.03.2015, p.16) on common rules for imports. 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) No 755 /2015 of 29 April 2015 (OJ L 123, 19.05.2015, p.33) on common rules 
for imports from certain third countries. 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  
 
1  TEXTILES  
Outline of the system  
1.  The following import regime systems are maintained:  
 
-  An autonomous regime governing imports f rom two non -WTO Members, namely Belarus and 
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) of the European  Parliament and of the Council  936/2015 
(OJ L 160, 15.6.2015, p. 1) on common rules for imports of t extile products from certain third 
countries not covered by bilateral agreements, protocols or other arrangements, or by other G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 3 - 
 
  specific EU import rules. This is the recast version of former Council Regulation (EC) No 517/94 
(OJ L 67, 10.3.94, p.  1) and, ca n 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 Belarus and North Korea, to be allocated on a first come, first 
served basis.   
 
1.2  A specific "outward processing traffic (OPT)"  
It establishes the economic ou tward processing arrangements applicable to certain textiles and 
clothing products reimported into the European Union after working or processing 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 Belarus and North Korea are not subject to quantitative 
limits. However, re -imports of products listed in Annex VI of Re gulation (EU) of the European  
Parliament and of the Council  No 936/2015 have to comply with the annual limits fixed in Annex VI 
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 . 
 
1.3  A surveillance regime   
A surveillance mechanism is in place in case  textile imports from third countries threaten to cause 
damage to the EU production of like or directly competitive products. The Commission, at the 
request of a Member State or on its own initiative may decide to introduce retrospective 
surveillance or ma ke certain imports subject to prior EU surveillance.  
 
The legal basis is Regulation (EU) No 936/2015 (OJ L 160, 25.06.2015, p. 1) on common rules for 
imports of textile products from certain third countries not covered by bilateral agreements, 
protocols o r other arrangements, or by other specific EU import rules, replacing former Council 
Regulation (EC) No 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 . 
 
Procedures  
6.I. The system establishes quantitative restrictions on imports of certain textile products 
originating in certain third countries to be allocated on a first come, first served basis, 
without any derogation from the licensing requirement.  
 
 The distribution of quotas is set on a yearly basis. For 2016, the legal basis is Commission 
Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2106/2015 of 20 November 20 15 laying down rules for 
the management and the distribution of textile quotas established for the year 2016 under 
Council Regulation (EC) No 936/2015 that can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the 
following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1469802520475&uri=CELEX:32015R2106  
 
The European Commission manages at EU level the issuance of import authorizations for 
textile  produ cts which are subject to quantitative restrictions (quotas) or to surveillance 
measures applicable for textile products with the help of an integrated electronic network 
known as "SIGL" (" Système Intégré de Gestion de Licenses " - Integrated system for the 
management of licences). SIGL is a computer system linking the European Commission with 
the licensing offices issuing import authorizations in the Member States. Licensing offices G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 4 - 
 
  have exclusive access to SIGL. For more information on SIGL:   
http://trade.ec.europa.eu/sigl/info_textile.htm . 
 
 The information provided on the website is based on the use of the quantitative restrictions 
(quotas) and on quantities of products imported under specifi c regime measures per textile 
category and is updated twice a day. The extent to which a textiles quota is used is based 
on the quantity of the goods of a certain category of textile products for which the licensing 
authorities in the Member States have is sued import authorisations and which have been set 
off against the quantitative limit in question.  SIGL is following the relevant legislation.  
 
II. There are no cases where the size of the quota is determined on a yearly basis and where 
import authorisatio ns would be issued for imports on a six -monthly or quarterly basis.  
 
III. Import authorisations are issued for imports of textiles from third countries. The competent 
licensing offices notify the European 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 automatically transferred into the remaining quantities of the total of 
the EU quantitative limit for each category products and each t hird country concerned. 
According to Article 23 of Regulation (EU) 936/2015 the validity of wholly or partly unused 
import authorisations may be extended. Names of importers to whom import authorisations 
have been allocated are not made known to government s and exporting countries for 
privacy protection reasons.  
 
IV. The authorised imports are charged against the quantitative limits laid down for the year in 
which the products are shipped in the supplier country concerned. An import authorisation is 
issued,  if the importer proves the existence of a contract related to the provision of the 
goods and certifies in writing that he has not already been allocated an authorisation or has 
already used up at least 50 per cent of an already allocated authorisation.  
 
V. The licensing offices have to issue an import authorisation within five working days of 
notification of the European Commission decision or within the time limit set by the 
European Commission.  
 
VI. Import authorisations are valid for a period of nine m onths 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. For the autonomous 
regime the Eur opean Commission may divide the quantitative limits into tranches or fix 
maximum amounts per allocation. In accordance with the examination procedure referred to 
in Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 the European Commission may reserve a 
proportion o f a specific quantitative limit for requests supported by evidence of past import 
performance. As regards OPT, 90% of the 2015 quota level was reserved for traditional 
operators, whilst 10% was kept for newcomers. The percentage depends on the legislation 
in force. Applications are examined on receipt.  
 
IX. As regards the autonomous regime and OPT subject to quantitative limits import 
authorisations are not issued automatically but only after the European Commission has 
confirmed that the amount requested i s 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 are issued on condition that goods should be 
exported and not sold i n the domestic market.  
 
For textile products subject to EU surveillance the following applies:  
 
(a) The licensing authorities have to issue a surveillance document within a maximum of five 
working days following the request submitted by the importer.    
 
(b) Surveillance documents are issued on the basis of "first -come, first -served".  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 5 - 
 
  (c) The Commission services collect statistical information on products (SIGL electronic system).  
 
(d) The list of the competent authorities in the Member States delivering im port 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.  
 
7. N/A. 
 
8. None. Yes, the SIGL team is in regular co ntact with the applicants. SIGL has not encountered 
any appeal so far. In the end, the Textile Committee (Article 25 Regulation  517/94 and Article 30 
of Regulation 2015/936) is the responsible entity "for any matter relating to the application of this 
Regulation" (Article 5 Regulation 517/94 and Article  5 Regulation 2015/936).  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Import licences are issued without discrimination to any importer in the EU wherever the place 
of his establishment may be in the EU,  without prejudice to compliance with the other conditions 
required under current rules. All persons are eligible to become importers.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
Replies to questions 10 to 13:  
 
For textile products subject to quantitative limits : The sample form is contained in 
Commission Regulation (EC) 3168/94 (OJ L 335, 23.12.1994, p. 23) establishing in the field of 
application of Council Regulation (EC) No 517/94 on common rules for imports of textile products 
from third countries not covered by bilateral agreements, protocols or other arrangements or by 
other specific EU import rules as last amended by Commission Regulation (EU) No 519/2013 of 
21 February 2013. This Regulation has been published on the EU Offici al Journal L 158 of 
10.06.2013. The following information is required in applicat ions for import authorisations.  
 
The declaration or request made by the importer to the competent authorities in order to obtain 
the import authorisation needs to contain:  
 
(a)  The name of the applicant and full address (including 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 decla rant; 
 
(c) Issue number, quota period and responsible authority;  
 
(d) The country of origin of the products and the country of consignment as well as the last day 
of validity;  
 
(e) A description of the products including:  
 
-  their commercial designation;  
-  description of the products and Combined Nomenclature (CN) code;  
-  quantity expressed in quota unit;  
-  security/g uarantee (if applicable).  
 
(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 products;  
 
(h) Any internal code used for administrative purposes, such as the taric code;  
 
(i) Date and signature of the applicant.  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 6 - 
 
  For textile products subject to outward processing traffic:  an application fo r the issue of a 
prior authorization shall be submitted to the competent authorities of the Member States using 
Annex I of Commission Regulation (EC) No 3017/95 of 20 December 1995. This Regulation has 
been published in the EU Official Journal L 314/40 of 28.12.1995 and can be consulted on EUR -Lex 
web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:31995R3017&rid=1 . 
 
The application shall contain the following information:  
 
(a) Identity of the applicant;  
 
(b)  Requested customs supervising office;  
 
(c)  Last day of authorized exportation;  
 
(d) Period for re -importation;  
 
(e) Rate of yield/method of calculation;  
 
(f)  Origin of compensating products;  
 
(g) Country of processing;  
 
(h) Description of reimport compensating products indicating Category no, CN code, quantity 
and value;  
 
(i) Description of temporary export goods the origin of the goods, CN code, quantity and value ; 
 
(j) Nature  of processing operations.  
 
An application shall be accompanied by all documents or evidence, in particular the underlying 
contract.  
 
For textile products subject to EU surveillance:  The sample form is contained in Regulation 
(EU) No 936/2015 (OJ L 160, 25.06.2015, 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 EU import rules as last amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 
No 1235/2014 of 18 November 2014.  
 
The declaration or request made by the importer to the licensing offices in order to obtain the 
import authorisation needs to contain:  
 
(a)  Consignee (name, full address, country VAT number);  
 
(b) Issue No; 
 
(c) Proposed place and date of import;  
 
(d) Authority responsible for the issue (name, address and telephone number);  
 
(e) Declarant/representative as applicable (name and full address);  
 
(f) Country of origin/country code;  
 
(g) Country of consignment /country code;  
 
(h)  Last day of validity;  
 
(i) Description of goods;  
 
(j) CN code and textile category;  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 7 - 
 
  (k) Quantity of kilograms (net mass) or in additional units;  
 
(l) Customs value in EUR, cif at Union frontier;  
 
(m) Competent authority's endorsement.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Surveillance documents may not be used beyond the expiry of the period which will be laid 
down at the same time and by means of the same procedure as the imposition of surveillance or 
safeguard measures and which will take acc ount of the nature of the products and other special 
features of the transactions.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. No, see Article 22 of Regulation 517/94 and Regulation 2015/936.  
  
17. No. 
 
18. No. 
 
19. The banking authorities automatically provide foreign exchange for goo ds to be imported as 
well as to cover import licences. A licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign 
exchange.  
 
2  AGRICULTURE  
Outline of system  
1. The import licensing scheme for agricultural products serves statistical purposes and is an 
automatic licensing system. As a general rule, the competent authorities in the Member States 
issue import licences to any applicant irrespective of their place of establishment in the EU. Import 
licences are subject to lodging a security and are valid in all  the Member States of the EU. Import 
licences have to be submitted with the import declaration.  
 
A general import licence obligation is applicable for a couple of products as laid down in 
Article  1(2)(a)(i) of Regulation (EC) No 376/2008 together with Anne x II, Part I of the same 
Regulation. In addition, a licence is required in respect of a number of tariff rate quotas in the 
agricultural sector administered with agricultural licences.  
 
The system of import and export licenses in the agricultural s ector w ill be amended as from 
6 November 2016, once two new Regulations will enter into force; notably:  
 
- 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 licences and supplementing 
Regulation (EU) No  1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to 
the rules on the release and forfeit of securities lodged for such licence s, amending 
Commission Regulations (EC) No 2535/2001, (EC) No 1342/2003, (EC) No 2336/ 2003, (EC) 
No 951/2006, (EC) No  341/2007 and (EC) No 382/2008 and repealing Commission 
Regulations (EC) No 2390/98, (EC) No 1345/200 5, (EC) No 376/2008 and (EC) 
No 507/20 08. 
 
- Commission implementing 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 licences.  
 
Purpose an d coverage of licensing  
Replies to questions 2 to 5:  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 8 - 
 
  The system applies in the EU to the agricultural products described below originating in third 
countries for the administration of the relevant WTO tariff rate quotas. The EU considers the 
method adopt ed to be the most appropriate to administer these tariff rate quotas.  
 
When agricultural tariff quotas are managed by import licenses, the European Commission's 
Directorate -General responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development  shares its management 
with Member States' licence authorities.   
 
These licences allow the EU authorities to monitor trade flows and administer tariff rate quotas to 
obtain a 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 provis ions for the management of 
these tariff quotas; some of them are general and other ones are specific to certain products.  
 
The legal basis governing the import licences procedures in the agriculture sector is:  
 
  Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the Europea n Parliament and of the Council of 
17 December 2013 establishing 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 –854), the so -called 
CMO Regulation.  
 
Article 176 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 lists the agricultural sectors that may be 
subject to the presentation of a licence. A consolidated version of the Regulation can be 
consulted on the EUR -Lex web page  at the following address:  
http://eur -
lex.europa.eu/search.html?i nstInvStatus=ALL&DTN=1308&DTA=2013&qid=14077450633
90&DTS_DOM=EU_LAW&type=advanced&lang=en&SUBDOM_INIT=LEGISLATION&DTS_S
UBDOM=LEGISLATION . 
 
  Commission Regulation (EC) No 376/2008 of 23 April 2008 laying down common detailed 
rules for the application of th e system of import and export licences and advance fixing 
certificates for agricultural products and its subsequent amendments. It has been lastly 
amended by the Commission Regulation (EU) No 519/2013 of 21 February 2013  (O.J. 
L 158, 10.06.2013). Coverage: Annex II Part I of Regulation No 376/2008 lists the 
products concerned. This Regulation will be repealed as from 6 November 2016.  
 
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=140611811 9153&uri=CELEX:02008R0376 -20130701 . 
 
Coverage (specific products as laid down in Annex II, Part I):  
 
A.    Cereals  
B.    Rice 
C.    Sugar  
D., F. and K.  Hemp  
E.    Olive oil and table olives  
G. and H.   Fresh and processed garlic  
I.    Beef and veal  
J.    Milk and milk products  
L.    Ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin  
 
For detailed CN codes concerned, please refer to the Annex II, Part I of Commission Regulation 
(EC) No 376/2008.  
 
As from 6 November 2016 , new rules will apply as set in the following two Regulations:  
 
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 9 - 
 
    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 licences and suppl ementing 
Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard 
to the rules on the release and forfeit of securities lodged for such licences, amending 
Commission Regulations (EC) No 2535/2001, (EC) No 1342/2003, (EC) No 23 36/2003, 
(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 Regulation can be found at the following address:  
 
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1470212217295&uri=CELEX:32016R1237  
 
  Commission implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1239 of 18 May 2016 laying down r ules 
for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the 
Council with regard to the system of import and export licences . 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 Regulation (EU) 2016/1239 is to simplify and adapt the provisions applicable to 
the system of import (and export) licenses 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 sec ond 
option;  
 Using electronic customs procedures for proof of release for free circulation;  
 Absorbing existing specific rules on hemp and garlic;  
 The modernisation and streamlining enabled repealing 4 existing regulations.  
 
Coverage (specific products as la id down in Annex II, Part I of Reg. 1308/2013):  
 
Subject to an import licence:   
 
 A.    Rice; 
 B.    Sugar until 30.09.2017;   
 C. D. and G.    Hemp seeds for sowing, raw hemp, hemp seeds not for sowing;  
 E. and F.    Garlic until 30.9.2016;  
 H.    Ethyl alc ohol of agricultural origin.  
 
For details please see Annex I to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1237.  
 
Changes, compared with the legal basis currently in force (Regulation (EC) No 376/2008, 
Annex I), concern the abolition of an import licence for Wheat; S pelt; Barley; Maize; 
Sorghum; Wheat or Spelt Flour; Residues of processing starch, brewing or distilling, citrus, 
and feed preparations; Olive oil and table olives; Beef and Veal; Milk and Milk products. 
For details please see Annex I to Commission Regulat ion (EC) No 376/2008.  
 
  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 licences and its subsequent amendments. It has  been lastly amended by 
Commission Regulation (EC) No 289/2007 of 16 March 2007 (O.J. L 78, 17.03.2007). 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=1406217871062&uri=CELEX:02006R1301 -20070101  
 
Note:   While as from 6 November 2016 the obligation for an import license expires for certa in 
products, the system of import continues to apply for those products when a Tariff Rate Quota is 
applied for.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 10 - 
 
   
Procedures  
6. The EU does not apply restrictions on the imports of agricultural products. However, imports of 
agricultural products at a low er duty rate than the EU bound rate is possible under Tariff Rate 
Quotas (TRQs). Imports under tariff rate quotas might be subject to an import license.  
 
I. Article 184 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (the CMO Regulation) lists the 3 main 
management metho ds for tariff quotas:  
 
a. First come first served . 
b. Simultaneous examination method (licences) . 
c. Traditional/newcomer method (licences) . 
 
 The above mentioned Regulations, governing the import licences procedures in the 
agriculture sector  as well as th e sector -specific Regulations, bear information on formalities 
and filing applications for licences; they are all published in the Official Journal. Information 
concerning allocation on the basis of licence applications is published in aggregated format 
on the official website CIRCABC1 and on the website of the Directorate General for 
Agriculture and Rural Development, under the Market sectors section pages, 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 confidentiality. 
Exceptions or derogations from the licencing requirement are not systematic, and if required 
they could be arranged by Regulation through the Committee procedure (Art icle 187 of 
Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013).  
 
II. The tariff quotas are opened on a yearly basis and their administration may differ, 
depending upon the product. For details, please refer to the specific products below. There 
are cases where the total quant ity of the quota is divided in sub -periods, and where import 
licenses would be issued for imports on a six -monthly or quarterly basis. In addition to 
quarterly basis there are licences issued on a monthly or weekly basis.  
 
III. Licences are allotted to an y applicant irrespective of their place of establishment in the EU. 
To ensure that allocated licences 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 f orfeited.  
 
IV. The minimum time for applying for an import licence for a certain 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 
authorit ies 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 are effected by a single competent au thority without passing via other 
organs. However, some Member States have different competent licence authorities 
depending on their sectoral or regional organisation. The addresses and competences of the 
competent authorities issuing import licences are notified by the Member States and then 
published in the Official Journal, C series.   
 
VIII. Within the tariff rate quotas with agricultural licences, the allocation to applicants is normally 
made by simultaneous examination. The Member States communicate a few days after the 
application closing date on aggregate basis to the Commission the total quantity under 
licence applications received. If the demand for licences 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 
                                                
1 https://circabc.europa.eu/faces/jsp/extension/wai/navigation/con tainer.jsp .  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 11 - 
 
  newcomers and for a percentage to traditional importers. Consequently, the newcomer and 
traditional part of the tariff rate quotas applica tion is subject to its own allocation coefficient.  
 
IX. When export permits are issued by exporting countries, the tariff rate quotas is primarily 
managed by the exporting country. In the concrete case the competent EU authority needs 
proof of the product s 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 license or document to the competent authority as a 
condition for  issuing the EU import licence. The import licences are issued automatically.  
 
X. There are no cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only.  
 
XI. There are no products for which licences are issued on condition that goods should be 
exported and not sold in the domestic market.  
 
7.  N/A. 
 
8. The legislation does not give arguments for refusal of an application for a licence other than 
failure to meet the ordinary criteria.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Import licen ces are issued without discrimination to any importer in the EU wherever the place 
of his establishment may be in the EU, without prejudice to compliance with the other conditions 
required under current rules. All persons are eligible to become importers.  
 
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 conform ing to the specimen set out in Annex I of 
Commission Regulation (EC) No 376/2008 (OJ L 114, 26 April 2008, p. 3). There is no licensing fee 
or administrative charge. As from 6 November 2016, the specimen to be used will be the one set 
out in Annex I of the  Commission implementing Regulation (EU) No 1239/2016.  
 
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 
securi ty in order to guarantee that the undertaking 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 l icence is considered to have been exercised namely on the day the import declaration is 
accepted and the product concerned put into free circulation. As from 6 November 2016, specific 
rules will apply as set in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1237/2016 and specific amounts for 
each product are set in Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 1239/2016.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. For agricultural products the period of validity of the import licences depends on the product 
subject to licensing. General periods of  validity are set in Commission Regulation (EC) 
No 376/2008.  The validity of a licence can only be extended in case of " force majeure ". As from 
6 November 2016, with the entry into force of Regulation (EU) No 1239/2016, the periods of 
validity are specifi ed in Annex II of that regulation for each product.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilisation of an import authorisation/surveillance document or 
a portion of it.  However, for a licence in the agricultural field, the security is forfeited in whole or 
in part if import is not carried out, or only partly carried out during the period of validity of the 
licence.  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 12 - 
 
  16. Import authorisations are only once transferable between importers. Import licences constitute 
a right and give rise to an obligation to import under the licence during its period of validity. As a 
general rule, rights deriving from licences are transferable once by the titular holder of the licence 
during the period of its validity2, but obligations deriving from licences are not transfera ble but the 
rights deriving are transferable by the titular holder of the licence during its period of validity.  As 
from 6 November 2016, with the entry into force of Regulation (EU) No 1239/2016, the transfer of 
a licence is ruled out in Art icle 11 of tha t regulation.  
 
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 licens ing 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 licences. A licence is not required as a condition to obtai ning 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 Regulation (EC) No 376/2008 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 es per 6 November 2016 
(Article  14 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1237).  
 
Legal basis:  
 
 European 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 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   
 
Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Durum wheat, other than seed  1001 19 00  
Spelt, common wheat and meslin other than seed, 
including products imported under tariff quotas  ex 1001 99 00  
Barley, other than seed  1003 90 00  
Other and Maize other than hybrid seed  1005 90 00; 1005 10 90  
Grain sorghum, other than seed  1007 90 00  
Flour of common wheat and spelt  1101 00 15  
Husked (brown) rice  1006 20  
                                                
2 For ease of reference, the following is an indicative summary  of the various durations: Cereals and 
rice: until the end of the second month following the month of the actual day of issue of the licence; beef and 
veal: until the end of the third month 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; olive oil:  
60 days from the actual date of issue.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 13 - 
 
  Product  CN codes  
Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not 
polished or glazed  1006 30  
Broken rice  1006 40 00  
Certain varietie s of basmati rice in husked form  Certain products falling under 1006 20 17; 1006 17 98  
 
 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&from=EN  
 
 Commission Regulation (EC) No 2305/2003 of 2 9 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 foll owing address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02003R2305 -
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 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:02006R0969 -
20120101&qid=146971 3540333&from=EN  
 
 Commission Regulation (EC) n° 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 maize into Portugal and its subsequent amendments. A co nsolidated 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 imports of rice and broken 
rice (codification) as ame nded by Commission regulation (EU) No 519/2013 of 
21 February  2013 (O.J. L 74 of 10.06.2013):  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1 406205020101&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 1 9011000 (codification) as amended by 
Commission regulation (EU) No 519/2013 of 21 February 2013 (O.J. L 74 of 10.06.2013):  
http://eur -lex.europa.e u/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406204878944&uri=CELEX: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, 30.06.2006, 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.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406117917715&uri=CELEX:02006R0972 -20130701  
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above mentioned regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 14 - 
 
  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 Delegated Regulation (EU) 1237/2016).  
 
Legal basis:  
 
 (until 30 September 2017): Commission Regulation (EC) No 951/2006 of 30 June 2006 
laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 318/2006 
as regards trade with third countries in the sugar sector. 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/?u ri=CELEX:02006R0951 -
20130701&qid=1471357988504&from=EN  
 
 Commission Regulation (EC) N° 891/2009 of 25 September 2009 opening and providing 
for the administration of certain Community tariff quota in the sugar sector (OJ L 254 
26.09.2009); and its subsequen t 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  
 
 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/1538 of 23 June 2015 supplementing 
Regulation (EU No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with r egard 
to import licence applications, release for free circulation and proof of refining of sugar 
products of CN code 1701 under preferential agreements, for the marketing years 2015/16 
and 2016/17 and amending Commission Regulatio ns (EC) No 376/2008 and ( EC) 
No 891/2009. 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:320 15R1538&rid=1   
 
 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1550 of 17 September 2015 laying down  
rules for the application of Regulation (EU No 1308/2013 of the Europe an Parliament and 
of the Council as regards the import and refining of sugar products of CN code 1701 under 
preferential agreements, for the marketing years 2015/16 and 2016/17. The Regulation 
can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the following addre ss: 
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32015R1550&rid=1  
 
 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 635/2014 of 13 June 2014 opening a tariff 
quota for the import of industrial sugar until the end of 2016/2017 marketing year. 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:32014R0635&qid=1435046617514&from=EN   
 
Coverage:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above mentioned regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
2.3  Olive oil and table olives  
Note : the obligation for an import licence for ol ive oil and tabl e olives expires per 
6 November  2016 (Article 14 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1237).  
 Product  CN codes  
Raw cane sug ar for refining  1701 13 10; 1701 14 10  
Cane or beet sugar:  1701 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Legal basis:  
 
 Commission Regulation (EC) No 1345/2005 of 16 August 2005 laying down detailed rules 
for the application of the system of import licen ces for olive oil and its subsequent 
amendments. It has been lastly amended by the Commission Implementing Regulation 
(EU) No 1333/2013 of 13 December 2013 , O.J. L 335 of 14.12.2013). A consolidated 
version of the Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex web page at the following 
address:  
http://e ur-lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406118930854&uri=CELEX:02005R1345 -20140401  
 
Coverage:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above mentioned regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
2.4  Milk and milk products  
Note:  the overall obligation for an import licence expires per 6 November 2016 (Article 14 of 
Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1237/2016 ). 
 
Legal basis:  
 
 Commission Regulation (EC) No 2535/2001 of 14 December 2001 laying down detail ed 
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 1234/200 7 of 
22 October  2007). The regulation has been lastly amended by the Commission 
Implementing Regulation (EU) No 415/2014 of 23 April 2014 (O.J. L 49, 24.04.2014). 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=1406119091669&uri=CELEX:02001R2535 -20140425  
 
Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Butter, at least six weeks old, of a fat content by 
weight of not less than 80% but less than 85%, 
manufactured directly from milk or cream without the 
use of stored materials, in a single, self -contained and 
uninterrupted process  ex 0405 10 11;  
ex 0405 10 19  
 
Butter, at least six weeks old, of a fat content by 
weight of not less than 80 % but less than 85 %, 
manufactured directly from milk or cream without the 
use of stored materials, in a single, self -contained and 
uninterrupted process which may involve th e cream 
passing through a stage where the butterfat is 
concentrated and/or fractionated (the processes 
referred to as "Ammix" and "Spreadable")  ex 0405 10 30  Product  CN codes  
Olives, fresh, for the use for production of oil  Ex 0709 92 90  
Olives provisionally preserved (for example, by 
sulphur dioxide gas, in br ine, in sulphur water or in 
other preservative solutions), but unsuitable in that 
state for immediate consumption, for the production 
of oil 0711 20 90  
Oilcake and other residues resulting from the 
extraction of olive oil, containing more than 3 % by 
weight of olive oil  2306 90 19  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 16 - 
 
  Product  CN codes  
Cheese for processing  
 
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  0406 90 01  
 
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:  ex 0406 90 21  
- Cheeses of the conventional flat cylindrical shape of 
a net wei ght 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   
Skimmed -milk powder  
 
Butter and other fats and oils derived from milk  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Processed Emmentaler  
Emmentaler  0402 10 19  
 
0405 10 11   
0405 10 19   
0405 10 30   
0405 10 50   
0405 10 90   
0405 90 10   
0405 90 90  
ex 0406 30 10  
0406 90 13  
Processed Gruyère  
Gruyère, Sbrinz  
 Cheddar  
 Cheese for processing  
 
Pizza cheese, frozen, cut into pieces each weighing not 
more than 1 g, in cont ainers 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 30 10  
0406 90 15  
0406 90 21  
0406 90 01  
 
ex 0406 10 30  
ex 0406 10 50  
ex 0406 10 80  
 
 
 
Fresh (unrip ed 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  
 
 
 
Bergkäse and Appenzell  
Fromage fribourgeois, Vacherin Mont d'Or and Tête de 
Moine   
Edam  
Tilsit 
Kashkaval  
Feta   
Kefalo -Tyri 0406 40 10   
0406 40 50   
0406 40 90  
 
0406 90 17  
0406 90 18  
 
0406 90 23  
0406 90 25  
0406 90 29  
0406 90 32  
0406 90 35  
Finlandia  
Jarlsberg   
Cheese of sheep’s milk or buffalo milk  0406 90 37  
0406 90 39  
0406 90 50  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 17 - 
 
  Product  CN codes  
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, I talico, 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 exceeding 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.  
 
2.5  Beef and veal  
Note:  the overall obligation for an import licence expires per 6 November 2016 (Article 14 of 
Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1237/2016) . 
 
Legal basis:  
 
 Council Regulation (EC) No 1149/2002 of 27 June 2002 opening an autonomous quota for 
imports of high -quality beef (O.J. L 17 0, 29/06/2002, 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 (O.J. 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 licences in the beef and veal sector (Recast) (O.J. L 115, 29/04/2008, 
p. 10) and its subsequent amendments. It  has been lastly amended by Commission 
Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1212/2012 of 17 December 2012 (O.J.L 348, 
18.12.2012). 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=1406122419547&uri=CELEX:02008R0382 -20130101  
 
 Commission Regulation (EC) No 412/2008 of 8 May 2008 opening and provi ding for the 
administration of an import tariff quota for frozen beef intended for processing (O.J. 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 201 2 (O.J. L 16 
of 13.11.2012). A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex 
web page at the following address:  
http://eu r-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 b y CN 
code 0202 and products covered by CN code 02062991:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406204463494&uri=CELEX:32008R0431  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 18 - 
 
   Commissio n 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 02062991 (Recast). It has been lastly amended by Commission Implementing 
Regulation (EU ) No 1212/2012 of 17 December 2012 (O.J. L 7 of 18.12.2012). 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:02008R0748 -
20130101&from=EN  
 
 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 593/2013 of 21 June 2013 opening and 
providing for the administration of tariff quotas for high -quality f resh, chilled and frozen 
beef and for frozen buffalo meat (OJ L 170, 22.6.2013, p. 32 –42 ) (Codification of 
Commission Regulation (EC) No 810/2008):  
http:/ /eur-lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406123023362&uri=CELEX:32013R0593  
 
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 thi n 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, fresh or chilled  
- Thick skirt and thin skirt, frozen  ex 0201 30 00  
  
 
ex 0202 30 90  
 
ex 0206 10 95  
ex 0206 29 91  
 
ex 0201 30 00  
  
 
ex 0202 30 90  
 
ex 0206 10 95  
ex 0206 29 91  
II.(e) Meat of bovine animals, fresh,  chilled or frozen  
Meat of bovine animals, fresh or chilled :  
- Other cuts with bone in, other  
- boneless  
Meat of bovines animals, frozen:  
- Other cuts with bone in, other  
- boneless  
Thick  and thin bovine skirt, fresh or chilled  
Thick and thin bovine skirt, frozen  
  
 
ex 0201 20 90  
ex 0201 30 00  
ex 0202 20 90  
ex 0202 30  
ex 0206 10 95  
ex 0206 29 91  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 19 - 
 
  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 t hin 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.  
 
2.6  Pigmeat  
Note:  The importation of pigmeat was and is not generally subject to an import licen ce. 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 secto r (OJ L 129, 28.5.2009) and 
its subsequent amendments. It has been lastly amended by the European Commission 
Regulation (EU) No 519/2013 of 21 February 2013  (O.J. 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://eu r-lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406119927524&uri=CELEX:02009R0442 -20130701  
 
Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Cuts of domestic  swine, fresh, chilled or 
frozen, with or without bone, excluding 
tenderloin presented alone  
 
Loins and hams boneless, fr esh, chilled or 
frozen  
 
Tenderloins, fresh, chilled or frozen   
 
ex 0203  
 
 
ex 0203 19 55; ex 0203 29 55  
 
ex 0203 19 55; ex 0203 29 55  
Meat of swine, fresh, chilled or frozen:  
- Fresh or chilled:  
--- of domestic swine  
---- loins and cuts thereof, bone -in 
- Frozen:  
---of domestic swine  
----bellies, streaky and cuts thereof   
 
0203 19 13  
 
 
0203 29 15  
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above mentioned regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 20 - 
 
  2.7  Poultry meat  
Note: The importation of poultry meat was and 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 the European Commission  
Regulation (EU) No 519/2013 of 21 February 2013  (O.J. 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/?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 –12) and its subsequent amendments. It has been lastly 
amended by the European Commission Regulation (EU) No 519/2013 of 21 February 2013  
(O.J. 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/?qid=1406120081867&uri=CELEX:02007R0536 -20130701  
 
 Commission Regulation (EC) No 616/2007 of 4 June 2007 opening and providing for the 
administration of Com munity tariff quotas in the sector of poultry meat originating in 
Brazil, Thailand and other third countries (O.J. L 142, 05/06/2007, p. 3) and its 
subsequent amendments. It has been lastly amended by the European Commission 
Regulation (EU) No 519/2013 of 21 February 2013  (O.J. 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/?qid=1406120155906&uri=CELEX:02007R0616 -20130701  
 
 Commission Regulation (EC) No 1385/2007 of 26 Novemb er 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 (I.J. L 
309, 27.11.2007) and its subsequent amendments. It has been lastly amended by the 
European Commission Regulation (EU) No 519/2013 of 21 February 2013  (O.J. L 158, 
10.06.2013). A consolidated version of t he Regulation can be consulted on the EUR -Lex 
web page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1406120270764 &uri=CELEX:02007R1385 -20130701  
 
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; e x 
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 160 2 39 
85 
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above mentioned regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 21 - 
 
  2.8  Eggs and products in the egg sector and egg albumin  
Note:  eggs and products in the egg sector and egg albumin were and are not generally sub ject 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) 
and its subsequent amendments. It has been lastly amended by the European Commission 
Regulation (EU) No  519/2013 of 21 February 2013  (O.J. 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/?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 8 1; 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.  
 
2.9  Garlic  
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 licences and certificates 
of origin for garlic and certain other agricultural products imported from third countries 
and its subse quent amendments. It has been lastly amended by Commission 
Implementing Regulation (EU) No 628/2014 of 12June 2014 (O.J. L 174, 13.06.2014, 
page 31). 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:02007R0341 -
20140701&qid=1409910673925&from=EN  
 
 
Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Fresh and chilled garlic:  0703 20 00  
 
 
Note: the obligation for an import licence for garlic expires per 30 September 2017 (Annex I to 
Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1237/2016 ). 
 
As from 6 November 2016, with the entry into force of Article 10 of  Regulat ion (EU) 
No 1237/2016, the coverage will be the following one:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Fresh and chilled garlic:  0703 20 00  
Garlic and Allium ampeloprasum, frozen  ex 0710 80 95  
Mixture of vegetables containing garlic, frozen  ex 0710 90 00  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Product  CN codes  
Garlic and allium ampeloprasum provisionally preserved  ex 0711 90 80  
Mixture of vegetables containing garlic  ex 0711 90 90  
Dried garlic and allium ampeloprasum and mixture of 
dried vegetables containing garlic  Ex 0712 90 90  
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above mentioned regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
2.10  Preserved mushrooms  
Note:  Preserved mushrooms were and are not generally subject to an import licence. Note: The 
importation of pigmeat was and is not generally subject to an import licenc e. However, for the 
management of certain Tariff Rate Quotas, an import licence is required.  
 
Legal basis:  
 
 Commission Regulation (EC) No 1979/2006 of 22 December 2006 opening 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) No 637/2014 of 13 June 2014 (O.J. L 175, 14.6.2014, 
page 20). A consolidated version of the Regulation can be consulted on th e EUR -Lex web 
page at the following address:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02006R1979 -
20140701&qid=1 409909691681&from=EN  
 
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.  
 
2.11  Ethanol of agricultural obtained from agricultural products  
As from 6 November 2016, with the entry into force of Regulations No 1237/2016 and 
No 1239/2016, the coverage will be the following one:  
 
Legal basis:  
 
 Commission Regulation (EC) No 2 336/2003 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 alcohol of agricultural origin:  
http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32003R2336&rid=4    
 
 Commission Regulation 376/2008 of 23 April 2008 laying down common detailed rules for 
the application of the system of import and e xport licences and advance fixing certificates 
for agricultural products and its subsequent amendments. It has been lastly amended by 
the Commission Regulat ion (EU) No 519/2013 of 21 February 2013  (O.J. 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/?qid=1406118119153&uri=CELEX:02008R0376 -20130701  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 23 - 
 
  Commission Regulation (EC) No 2336/2003 has been amended by Regulation No 1237/2016 
and Commission regulation No 376/2008 will  be repealed as from 6 November 2016. 
However the coverage will not change.  
 
Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by 
volume of 80 % vol or higher  2207 10  00  
Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any str ength  2207 20 00  
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by 
volume of less than 80 % vol, in containers holding less 
than 2 litres  2208 90 91  
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by 
volume of less than 80 % vol, in containers ho lding more 
than 2 litres  2208 90 99  
 
Procedures:  
 
Please refer to the above mentioned regulation for details on the procedures to be followed.  
 
2.12  Hemp  
Legal basis:  
 
 Until 5 November 2016: Commission Regulation (EC) No 507/2008 of 6 June 2008 laying 
down de tailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1673/2000 on the 
common organisation of the markets in flax and hemp grow fibre:  
http://eur -lex.euro pa.eu/legal -content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32008R0507&rid=1  
 
 As from 6 November 2016: Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1237 will be applicable.  
 
Coverage:  
 
Product  CN codes  
Seed of the varieties of hemp, for sowing  ex 1207 99 20  
Hemp seeds other than f or 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 wit hout quantitat ive restrictions since 
30 April 2016 (see notification G/LIC/N/1/EU/8 and G/LIC/N/2/EU/8).  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. The prior surveillance system applies to the importation of certain iron and steel products whose 
net weight exce eds 2 500 Kg.  
 
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.  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 24 - 
 
  5. The legal basis is Commission implementing regulation (EU) No 670/2016 of 28 April 2016 
introducing prior Union surveillance of import of certain iron and steel products origination in 
certain third countries (O.J. L 115 of 29.04.2016).  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=1469800606145&uri=CELEX:32016R0670  
 
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 it may be 
established in the Union. This application shall be d eemed 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 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 No 670/2016 . 
 
8. Granting of a licence can only be refused if the ordinary criteria specified in Regul ation (E U) 
No 670/2016 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 ensure d 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 appropriate, the full name and address of the declarant or of any representativ e 
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, wh ere 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 and 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 contr act 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.  
 
12. N o licensing fees are applicable.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 25 - 
 
  13. No deposit or advance payment are requested . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The surveillance document is valid for 4 months. Unused or partly used surveillance docume nt 
may be renewed for an equal period.   
 
15. No . 
 
16. No . 
 
17. No . 
 
Other procedural Requirements  
18. No . 
 
19. N/A. 
 
4  OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  – ODS- (CONTROLLED SUBSTANC ES) 
Outline of the system  
1. The import of ozone -depleting substances (ODS) is subje ct to licensing. In the context of the 
Vienna convention for the protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on the 
substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the European Commission issues ODS licences based on 
applications submitted via the ODS  Licensing System. Imports (as well as exports) of controlled 
substances, referred to hereby as ozone depleting substances (ODS) and products and equipment 
containing or relying on ODS are prohibited. However, there are exemptions to this prohibition. 
Below, the responses to the questionnaire focus on the procedures in place for the importation of 
controlled substances.  
 
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). 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=1412590325348&uri=CELEX:32009R1005  
 
For information on types of imports of ODS, which are exempted from the general prohibition in 
the European Un ion, 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 Regulation 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 substance s. 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 s ubstances from any State not party to 
the Montreal Protocol.  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 26 - 
 
  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 requir ed 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  
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  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 27 - 
 
  Substances (ODS)  CN /TARIC code  
HBFC -252 B2  2903 79 30  
HBFC -253 B1 (CAS: 421 -46-5) 2903 79 30  
HBFC-253 B1 (CAS: 460 -32-2) 2903 79 30  
HBFC -261 B2  2903 79 30  
HBFC -262 B1  2903 79 30  
HBFC -271 B1  2903 79 30  
HCFC -21 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -22 2903 71 00  
HCFC -31 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -121 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -121a 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -122 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -123 2903 72 00  
HCFC -123a 2903 72 00  
HCFC -124 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -124a 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -131 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -132 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -133 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -133a 2903 79 30 90  
HCFC -141 2903 73 00  
HCFC -141b 2903 73 00  
HCFC -142 2903 74 00  
HCFC-142b 2903 74 00  
HCFC -151 2903 79 30 90  
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 produc ts 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  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 28 - 
 
  Mixtures of substances containing ODS  CN /TARIC code  
Mixtures containing bromochlorodifluoromethane, 
bromotrifl uoromethane 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 c ontaining 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  
Deuterium and compounds thereof; ...; mixtures and 
solutions containing these products  2845 90 10  
 
Products & equipment containing or relying on 
ODS CN code  
Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 3002, 3005 or 
3006) ... put up in measured doses... Containing 
corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or  structural 
analogues  3004 32 00  
Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 3002, 3005 or 
3006) ... put up in measured doses... Other  3004 90 00  
Air-conditioning machines... split system  8415 10 90  
Refrigeratiors … houshold … compressor type … other  8418 29 00  
Refrigerator -freezers … exceeding 340 L … other  8418 10 20  
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 00  
Tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, motorised, 
whether or not fitted with weapons, and parts of such 
vehicles  8710 00 00  
Other aircraft... helicopters... of an unladen weight not 
exceeding 2 000 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, excursion boats and similar vessels 
principally designed for the transport o f 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  
Floating or submersible  drilling or production platforms  8905 20 00  
Warships  8906 10 00  
Instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical 
analysis… Spectrometers  9027 20 00  
Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 3002, 3005 or 
3006) ... put up in measured doses... Contain ing 
corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural 
analogues  3004 32 00  
 
Customs procedure:  
 
Any physical or virtual movement into the customs territory of the Community is considered an 
import. This includes transit, customs warehousing and ot her temporary imports.  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 29 - 
 
  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. Fo ur customs procedures are exempted from the 
licencing requirement under the 45 day re -export rule.  
 
The customs procedures exempted under the 45 day re -export rule are:  
 Transit;  
 Temporary storage;  
 Customs warehousing;  
 Free zone procedure.  
 
Country restr ictions:  
 
An ODS licence will not be issued in cases of import 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 grou ps. 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 requirem ent 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 allowed.  
 
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 import of the ODS in the case of some imports. Quota is 
allocated annually for the next c alendar year.  
 
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 Journa l of the 
European Union about the quota procedure for the following year. The notice informs about 
the relevant details of the quota application process for the following year including the 
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 whic h 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 n otice 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.  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 30 - 
 
  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 licences can be made all year long. The Commission must take a decision 
whether or not to iss ue 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 t he failure to 
meet ordinary criteria.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any undertaking which is defined as natural or legal person can register in the ODS Licensing 
System and after verification apply for ODS licences. This service is free  of charge.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The general content of a licence form is the following:  
 Consignee;  
 Country of destination;  
 Consignor/ Exporter;  
 Country of export;  
 Customs  of entry;  
 Customs  of import;  
 Customs  procedure;  
 Commercial  description;  
 Substance name;  
 Use; 
 CN code;  
 CAS-number;  
 GROSS  mass;  
 NET mass;  
 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 Januar y 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 until the end of the 
calendar year for which it was issued. In cases where the application proceed s the licensing year 
(i.e. it is issued before 1 January), the validity period starts 1 January the following year.  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 31 - 
 
  15. N/ A. 
 
16. N/ A. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
Not applicable.  
 
5  IMPORT OF ROUGH DIAM ONDS  
Outline of system  
1. The EU as a whole is a sin gle Participant in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. The 
Kimberley Process establishes minimum requirements for an international scheme of certification 
for rough diamonds with a view to breaking the link between armed conflict and the trade in r ough 
diamonds.  
 
The system applies to rough diamonds originating in and coming from a participant. A participant 
is defined as a State, international organization of States or dependent territory of a State, or a 
customs territory.  
 
Rough diamonds may leg ally 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 Certi ficate 
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  
Replies to questions 2 to 5:  
 
Legal basis:  
 
 Council Regulation (EC) No 2368/2002 of 20 December 2002 imple menting the Kimberley 
Process certification scheme for the international trade in rough diamonds. (O.J. 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 imp ort, 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 No 2368/2002 provides that the import of rough diamonds into the 
EU shall be p rohibited unless all of the following conditions are fulfilled:  
 
(a) The rough diamonds are accompanied by a certificate validated by the competent authority 
of a participant (i.e. of the Kimberley Process);  
 
(b) The rough diamonds are contained in tampe r-resistant containers, and the seals applied at 
export by that participant are not broken;  
 
(c)  The certificate clearly identifies the consignment to which it refers.  
 
Importers or economic operators can freely choose a point of entry at an external bor der 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 t he 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.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 32 - 
 
  Acceptance of a customs declaration for release for free circulation of  rough diamonds pursuant to 
Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 can only happen after the containers and 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 indicated in the accompanying documents.  
 
2. In cases wher e 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 Sta te 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 sh all 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 for by this Article shall be 
suspended until arriv al 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 Sect ion 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 licensed.  
 
Coverage:  
 
A rough diamond is defined as a diamond that is unsorted, unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or 
bruted , and that falls under subheading 7102.10, 7102.21 or 7102.31 in the List of Tariff 
Provisions set out in the schedule to the Customs Tariff, but does not include diamonds that are of 
a class prescribed by regulation.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable. Quantit y 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 respective participants. The European Commission represents the European Union and 
Greenland in the Kimberley Process certification scheme.  
 
8. If an application for a EU license for imports does not meet the criteria, each EU Member State 
imposes its own sanctions.  
 
9. Import licenses 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 availa ble at 
the following web -page:  
 
http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/fpi/what -we-do/kimberley_process_en.htm .  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 33 - 
 
  Conditions of licensing  
14. Authentic accompanying KP certificate, within the  period of validity; this may vary depending 
on the issuing country.  
 
15. N/A. 
 
16. N/A. 
 
17. Tamper resistant container.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
Not applicable.  
 
6  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 (i.e. transport) of waste.  
 
The import of waste in the EU is controlled under a permit system3 administered by the national 
competent a uthorities. 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 the EU's obligations under the Basel con vention 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.  
 
3. The system applies to 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 
OECD4. 
 
4. The notification system ensures that the EU's commitments as a party to the Basel Convention 
are upheld. To  that effect, trans -boundary 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 heal th and the 
environment against the adverse effects which may result from such movement. The EU 
procedures applicable for the shipment of hazardous wastes 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 (O.J. L 190, 
12.07.2006). 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 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) Permit applications should be lodged in adv ance of the importation. The processing time for 
an application varies from case to case, depending primarily on the time taken by the 
                                                
3 Procedure of 'prior written notification and consent' pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) 
No 1013/2006 on shipments of waste.  
4 This system applies also for the import of all non -hazardous wastes which are destined for a disposal  
operation in the EU.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 34 - 
 
  competent authorities of the exporting economies concerned to provide feedback for the 
application, and on whether the ap plication form is duly completed and lodged with all the 
required supporting documents. To allow for sufficient time for the competent authorities to 
produce a  response.  
 
b)  Permits are issued only after the authorisation by the competent authorities desi gned in 
each EU Member State with a requirement under the Regulation for determination of the 
justification for import and the fitness of the processing organisation to treat the material in 
an environmentally sound manner.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as  to the period of the year during which permit application may be 
made . 
 
d)  For notifiable shipments of waste, the submission of a notification is made by the notifier to 
the competent authorities of the country of dispatch and a prior consent for the shi pment 
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 accep t 
the movement by any such state shall cause the State of export to deny a permit. According to 
Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 on shipments of waste, the reasons for objection to shipments for 
disposal and for recovery are listed in Articles 11 and 12 of the  Regulation, respectively.   
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9.(a) Not applicable.  
 
(b)  Any person, firm or institution may apply for a permit.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. In accordance with Art. 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 i s 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 notifi cation and supervision procedures and usual costs of 
appropriate analyses and inspections may be charged to the notifier.  
 
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 financial guarantee or equivalent insurance so 
allows, at the latest when the shipment starts, and shall apply to the notified shipment at the 
latest when the shipment starts. This financial guarantee or equivalent insurance shall cover: (a) 
costs of transport; (b) costs of recovery or disposal, including any necessary interim operation; 
and (c) costs of storage for 90 days pursuant to Art. 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 shipm ents of 
the hazardous waste as noted in the application.  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 35 - 
 
  15.  No penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16. Permits/licenses are not transferable between importers.  
 
17. All applications must identify the maximum amount of the hazardous wastes that is intended 
to be covered by the permit. This limit cannot be exceeded. In addition, the applicant is provided 
with specific conditions that form part of the permit that usually relate specifically to the transport, 
treatment and/or disposal of the hazardous waste.  
 
Othe r Procedural Requirements  
18. In some cases the approval/certification of other agencies is required prior to the issue of a 
permit. The permit applicant is responsible to obtain all relevant approvals and licenses.  
 
19. N/ A. 
 
7  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 fre e 
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.   
 
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 count ries to the EU are covered by a FLEGT licence issued 
by the licensing authority of that country. The FLEGT license demonstrates that the timber 
products have complied with relevant legislation as set out in the corresponding bilateral FLEGT 
VPAs. Once oper ational the implementation of the licensing scheme requires that imports of 
relevant timber products into the EU be made subject to a system of checks and controls so that 
only FLEGT licensed timber will be imported to the EU.   
 
3. The FLEGT licensing sch eme applies only to imports from partner countries with which the EU 
has concluded FLEGT VPAs. These agreements place a legally binding obligation on the EU and on 
the partner country to implement the licensing scheme as set out in each VPA. The EU has 
concluded FLEGT VPAs with: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ghana, Liberia, Indonesia, and 
Republic of Congo. As of September 2016 the scheme was not yet operational - the agreements 
provide for a period after conclusion in which the necessary procedures a nd 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 from legal sources.  The scheme 
does not impose any restrictions nei ther 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 ab out 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 al ternative 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 adequately taken into 
account the role of government in verifying and ens uring compliance with relevant legislation.  The 
EU also adopted a horizontal approach to the issue of illegal logging through adoption of G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 36 - 
 
  Regulation 995/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 laying 
down the obligations of o perators who place timber and timber pr oducts on the market 
(O.J. L OJ L 295, 12.11.2010).  This Regulation is consistent with the FLEGT Voluntary Partnership 
Agreements in that it recognises 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 No 2173/2005 of 
20 December 2005 on the establishment of a FLEGT licensing scheme for imports of timber into 
the European Community (O.J. L 347, 30.12. 2005)  and th e 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 (O.J. L 277, 18.10.2008).  
 
The licensing is statutorily required  for those countries that enter into bilateral FLEGT VPAs, once 
the parties have decided to make the scheme operational and the legislation does not leave 
designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion. Furthermore, it is 
not possible for the government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative 
approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. The products concerned are not under restriction as to t he quantity or value of imports. Replies 
from I to XI below are therefore not pertinent.  
 
7.  
a) Under the agreements a FLEGT licence is issued when a shipment is exported from the 
partner country. An EU importer of such a shipment does not need to apply f or an 
importation 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 c onditions it is generally 
possible for a FLEGT licence to be re -issued by the partner country in case of unforeseen 
circumstances.   
 
b)  The procedures established by the partner country determine whether a licence can be 
granted immediately upon request or not.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation  may be made.  
 
d)  As indicated above, licences are issued by the exporting country and not by the EU.   
 
8. The issuance of a licence  is the responsibility of the partner country; the procedures in case of 
refusal are therefore subject to the partner countries' rules.   
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licenc es. 
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. The information required to apply for a FLEGT licence is set out in the FLEGT VPA and is 
subject to the rules of the partner country.  The format of the FLEGT licence is set out in  an Annex 
of each FLEGT VPA but follows the general format set out in the Annex to Commission Regulation 
(EC) No 1024/2008 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 have discretion on whether to charge an administrative fee and the amount 
of the feed.     
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 37 - 
 
  13. N/ A. as the EU does not issue the licences.   
  
Conditions of Licensing  
14. The period of validity of FLEGT licences from a given partner country is set out in the 
corresponding bilateral FLEGT VPA. The validity can be extended by the issuing country upon 
request if adequately justified.   
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. The licences are not transferable between importers.  The name of the importer on the FLEGT 
licence can however be amended by the issuing country upon request if adequately ju stified.   
 
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. 
 
8  IMPORT OF ENDANGERED  SPECIES (CITES)  
Outline of system  
1. This section provides a description on the EU legislation regulating the imports of certain 
endangered species of animals and plants (or parts or derivatives made thereof ). Documents are 
required for the import and export of endangered species listed in Appendices I, II and III of the 
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), 
whether alive, dead, parts or derivatives, as well as a number of non -CITES species.  
  
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 
involv ing 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 lis ted in the 
Annexes/Appendices. The term “trade” encompasses not only trade in a commercial sense but 
also, for example, imports and (re) ‐exports for personal use. The species covered by Regulation 
(EC) No 338/97 are listed in four Annexes (A to D).  
 
The EU  Regulation lays down different requirements and procedures for each of the groupings of 
species listed in its Annexes A, B, C  and Annex D . 
 
Species listed in Annex A : Any transaction with commercial purposes involving specimens of the 
species listed in this Annex is prohibite d. Exemption from this prohibition can be granted on a 
case-by-case basis, by issuance of a special certificate by a management authority of the Member 
State in which the specimens are located, provided the specimens:  
 
a. are captive -born and bred, or artifi cially propagated; 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 sp ecies.  
 
Species listed in Annex B, i.e. most species concerned by the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations: 
transaction with commercial purposes involving specimens of the 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.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 38 - 
 
  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 St ates. The latest list of restrictions is laid down in Commission 
Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2015/736 of 7 May 2015 prohibiting the introduction into the 
Union of specimens of certain species of wild fauna and flora.  
 
3. The import licensing requiremen t applies to traders as well as individuals importing these items 
from all territories.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. The approval system 
shall function to perform the duty of the CITES and aims therefore a t protecting endangered 
species and to prevent them from over -exploitation in accordance with CITES. Management 
authorities of the Member States verify the following conditions for all imports of the covered 
species:  
 
A.  For all species:  
a. whether or not t he trade will be harmful to the survival of the species in the wild,  
b. whether or not the specimen was legally acquired.  
 
B.  For live specimens:  
c. whether or not the specimen is properly prepared for transportation,  
d. whether or not the importer has the suita ble 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 known as the EU Wildlife Trade 
Regulations.  
 
Currently these are:  
- Council Regulation (EC)  No 338/97 of 9 December 1997 on the protection of species of wild 
fauna and flora by regulating trade th erein (O.J. L 61, 03.03.1997);  
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1320/2014 of 1 December 2014 amending Council 
Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protectio n of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating 
trade therein ; 
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 of 4 May 2006 laying down detailed rules 
concerning the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of 
wild fauna and fl ora by regulating trade therein (OJ L -166 19/06/2006) ;  
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 757/2012 of 20 August 2012 suspending the 
introduction into the Union of specimens of certain species of wild fauna and flora (OJ L -223 
21/08/2012) ;  
- 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 regul ating 
trade therein and amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 (OJ L -242 
07/09/2012) ;  
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/56 of 15 January 2015 amending, as regards the trade in 
species of wild fauna and flora, Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 laying do wn detailed rules 
concerning the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 ; 
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/57 of 15 January 2015 amending 
Implementing Regulation (EU) No 792/2012 as regards the 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 in Commission 
Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 laying down detailed rules concerning the impleme ntation of 
Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97;  
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2015/736 of 7 May 2015 prohibiting the 
introduction into the  Union of specimens of certain species of wild fauna and flora.  
 
An import permit, as defined in Art. 4 o f Council Regulation No 338/97, is required.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 39 - 
 
  The legislation does not leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to 
administrative discretion and it is not possible for the government (or the executive branch) to 
abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7. 
a)  Import permits shall be applied for in sufficient time to allow their issue prior to the 
introduction of specimens into the EU. The issue of a licence is not automatic and shipments 
should not b e 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)  The issuance of permits and certificates is exclusively done 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 policy follows closely the provisions and spirit of CITES, and an application for a 
license 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 thes e documents, as well as labels for scientific specimens, are contained in 
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/57 of 15 January 2015 amending Implementing 
Regulation (EU) No 792/2012 as regards the 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 in Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 laying 
down detailed rules concerning the implementation of Cou ncil 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 maxim um time validity of an import permit is 12 months. However, in the case of caviar of 
sturgeon and paddlefish species (Acipenseriformes) that originated from shared stocks that are 
subject to export quotas, there is an additional stipulation that 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).  
 
15. No penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16. Not transferable.  G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 40 - 
 
  17. N/A. 
 
Other Procedural Requireme nts 
18. No other administrative/procedural requirements prior to importation.  
 
19. No foreign exchange control.  
 
9  IMPORT IN THE FIELD OF DRUG PRECURSORS  
Outline of system  
1. This section provides a description on the EU legislation regulating the imports of  drug 
precursors. Drug precursors are chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of drugs such as cocaine, 
ecstasy and amphetamines. However, these chemicals have primarily large and varied legitimate 
uses such as in the production of plastics, pharmaceutic als, cosmetics, perfumes, detergents and 
aromas.  
  
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 import from 
all third countries and territories.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. The approv al system 
aims at monitoring trade and authorization of imports of drug precursors.  
 
5. The legal basis is Council Regulation (EC) No 111/2005 of 22 December 2004 laying down rules 
for the monitoring of trade between the Union and third countries in drug p recursors, 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 monitori ng of trade between the Union and 
third countries in drug precursors, and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 1277/2005 and  
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2015/1013 of 25 June 2015 laying down rules in 
respect of Regulation (EC) No 273/200 4 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. These Regulations can be 
consulted on the EUR-Lex web page at the following address:  
 
-  http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1471873576604&uri=CELEX:02005R0111 -20131230  
 
-  http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1471873576604&uri=CELEX:02005R0111 -20131230  
 
-  http://eur -lex.europa.eu/legal -
content/EN/TXT/?qid=1469794642923&uri=CELEX:32015R1013  
 
An import authorisation, as defined in Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 111/2005, is required.  
 
The legislation does not leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to 
administrative discretion and it is not possible to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 G/LIC/N/3/EU/5  
 
- 41 - 
 
  7. 
a)  Import authorisations shall be applied for in sufficient time. The issue of a licence is not 
automatic. EU Member States competent authorities shall decide on the granting of 
authorisations within 15 working days from the date of receipt of a complete application.    
 
b)  No, see above.  
 
c)  No. 
 
d)  The issuance of import authorisations is exclusively done by Member States competent 
authorities.  
 
8.  Licensing policy follows closely the provisions and spirit of the United Nations Convention 
against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic  Substances. Failure to meet the criteria 
specified in the regulation will result in an application being refused. The relevant legislation does 
not explicitly describe the detailed procedures applicable in case of refusal of an application, but 
they are i n 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.  
 
Eligibil ity 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 Regulation (EC) No 273/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on drug 
precursors and of Council Regulation (EC) No 111/2005 laying down rules for the monitoring of 
trade  between the Union and third countries in drug precursors.  
 
11. A n import authorisation as presented it Annex I of the Regulation 2015/1013;  
 
12. Certain EU Member States apply authorisation fees. The amount depends on each Member 
State.  
 
13. Neither a de posit nor an advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The maximum 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. No other administra tive/procedural requirements prior to importation.  
 
19. No foreign exchange control.  
 
 
__________