# Official Journal C 72/2009

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 72 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5226 March 2009 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 72

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5226 March 2009

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | II   Information |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2009/C 072/01 | Communication from the Commission on the treatment of impaired assets in the Community banking sector | 1 |
| 2009/C 072/02 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5364 — Iberia/Vueling/Clickair) (
  1
  ) | 23 |

Notice No

Contents

page

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2009/C 072/01

Communication from the Commission on the treatment of impaired assets in the Community banking sector

1

2009/C 072/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.5364 — Iberia/Vueling/Clickair) (
  1
  )

1

23

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Commission |
| 2009/C 072/03 | Euro exchange rates | 24 |
| | NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES |
| 2009/C 072/04 | List of bodies or Public Authorities in charge of inspection provided for in Article 15 of Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 | 25 |
| | NOTICES CONCERNING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA |
| | EFTA Surveillance Authority |
| 2009/C 072/05 | Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice on State aid with regard to taxation of captive insurance companies in Liechtenstein | 50 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

2009/C 072/03

Euro exchange rates

24

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

2009/C 072/04

List of bodies or Public Authorities in charge of inspection provided for in Article 15 of Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91

25

NOTICES CONCERNING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA

EFTA Surveillance Authority

2009/C 072/05

Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice on State aid with regard to taxation of captive insurance companies in Liechtenstein

50

| | V   Announcements |
| --- | --- |
| | PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY |
| | Commission |
| 2009/C 072/06 | Decision No 842 of 23 December 2008 on the opening of a procedure for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration of oil and gas — underground natural resources in accordance with Article 2(1)(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act, at Block 1-5 Devetaki, located in the provinces of Loven, Pleven and Gabrovo and notification concerning the envisaged competition for granting of authorisation | 52 |
| 2009/C 072/07 | Decision No 843 of 23 December 2008 on the opening of a procedure for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration of oil and gas — underground natural resources in accordance with Article 2(1)(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act, at Block 1-9 Miziya, located in the province of Vratsa, and notification concerning the envisaged competition for granting of authorisation | 54 |
| 2009/C 072/08 | Decision No 844 of 23 December 2008 on the opening of a procedure for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration of oil and gas — underground natural resources in accordance with Article 2(1)(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act, at Block 1-10 Botevo, located in the provinces of Vratsa and Montana, and notification concerning the envisaged competition for granting of authorisation | 56 |
| | OTHER ACTS |
| | Commission |
| 2009/C 072/09 | Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 58 |
| 2009/C 072/10 | Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 62 |
| 2009/C 072/11 | Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs | 67 |

V   Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

2009/C 072/06

Decision No 842 of 23 December 2008 on the opening of a procedure for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration of oil and gas — underground natural resources in accordance with Article 2(1)(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act, at Block 1-5 Devetaki, located in the provinces of Loven, Pleven and Gabrovo and notification concerning the envisaged competition for granting of authorisation

52

2009/C 072/07

Decision No 843 of 23 December 2008 on the opening of a procedure for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration of oil and gas — underground natural resources in accordance with Article 2(1)(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act, at Block 1-9 Miziya, located in the province of Vratsa, and notification concerning the envisaged competition for granting of authorisation

54

2009/C 072/08

Decision No 844 of 23 December 2008 on the opening of a procedure for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration of oil and gas — underground natural resources in accordance with Article 2(1)(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act, at Block 1-10 Botevo, located in the provinces of Vratsa and Montana, and notification concerning the envisaged competition for granting of authorisation

56

OTHER ACTS

Commission

2009/C 072/09

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

58

2009/C 072/10

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

62

2009/C 072/11

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

67

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| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

| EN | |
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EN

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II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 26.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 72/1 |
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26.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 72/1

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Communication from the Commission on the treatment of impaired assets in the Community banking sector

(2009/C 72/01)

1.   INTRODUCTION

| 1. | Since mid-2007, the functioning of wholesale credit markets has been severely disrupted. The result has been a drying up of liquidity in the banking sector and a reluctance of banks to lend to each other and to the broader economy. As the disruption of credit markets has intensified over the past eighteen months, the financial crisis has intensified and the global economy has entered a severe recession. |
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1.

Since mid-2007, the functioning of wholesale credit markets has been severely disrupted. The result has been a drying up of liquidity in the banking sector and a reluctance of banks to lend to each other and to the broader economy. As the disruption of credit markets has intensified over the past eighteen months, the financial crisis has intensified and the global economy has entered a severe recession.

| 2. | It is difficult to envisage a resolution of the financial crisis and a recovery in the global economy without assured stability in the banking sector and the broader financial system. Only then will investor confidence return and banks resume their normal lending behaviour. Accordingly, Member States have put measures in place to support the stability of their banking sectors and underpin lending, notably the injection of new capital using public funds and the provision of government guarantees for bank borrowing. These measures were announced in October 2008 and have been gradually implemented over the past months. |
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2.

It is difficult to envisage a resolution of the financial crisis and a recovery in the global economy without assured stability in the banking sector and the broader financial system. Only then will investor confidence return and banks resume their normal lending behaviour. Accordingly, Member States have put measures in place to support the stability of their banking sectors and underpin lending, notably the injection of new capital using public funds and the provision of government guarantees for bank borrowing. These measures were announced in October 2008 and have been gradually implemented over the past months.

| 3. | Recently, several Member States have announced their intention to complement their existing support measures by providing some form of relief for impaired bank assets. Those announcements, in parallel with a similar initiative in the United States, have triggered a wider debate within the Community on the merits of asset relief as a government support measure for banks. In the context of that debate, this Communication has been prepared by the Commission, in consultation with the European Central Bank (ECB), and builds on the recommendations issued on 5 February 2009 by the Eurosystem (see Annex I). |
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3.

Recently, several Member States have announced their intention to complement their existing support measures by providing some form of relief for impaired bank assets. Those announcements, in parallel with a similar initiative in the United States, have triggered a wider debate within the Community on the merits of asset relief as a government support measure for banks. In the context of that debate, this Communication has been prepared by the Commission, in consultation with the European Central Bank (ECB), and builds on the recommendations issued on 5 February 2009 by the Eurosystem (see Annex I).

| 4. | This Communication focuses on issues to be addressed by Member States in considering, designing and implementing asset relief measures. At a general level, those issues include the rationale for asset relief as a measure to safeguard financial stability and underpin bank lending, the longer-term considerations of banking-sector viability and budgetary sustainability to be taken into account when considering asset relief measures and the need for a common and co-ordinated Community approach to asset relief, notably to ensure a level playing field. In the context of such a Community approach, this Communication also offers more specific guidance on the application of State-aid rules to asset relief, focusing on issues such as (i) transparency and disclosure requirements; (ii) burden sharing between the State, shareholders and creditors; (iii) aligning incentives for beneficiaries with public policy objectives; (iv) principles for designing asset relief measures in terms of eligibility, valuation and management of impaired assets; and (v) the relationship between asset relief, other government support measures and the restructuring of banks. |
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4.

This Communication focuses on issues to be addressed by Member States in considering, designing and implementing asset relief measures. At a general level, those issues include the rationale for asset relief as a measure to safeguard financial stability and underpin bank lending, the longer-term considerations of banking-sector viability and budgetary sustainability to be taken into account when considering asset relief measures and the need for a common and co-ordinated Community approach to asset relief, notably to ensure a level playing field. In the context of such a Community approach, this Communication also offers more specific guidance on the application of State-aid rules to asset relief, focusing on issues such as (i) transparency and disclosure requirements; (ii) burden sharing between the State, shareholders and creditors; (iii) aligning incentives for beneficiaries with public policy objectives; (iv) principles for designing asset relief measures in terms of eligibility, valuation and management of impaired assets; and (v) the relationship between asset relief, other government support measures and the restructuring of banks.

2.   ASSET RELIEF AS A MEASURE TO SAFEGUARD FINANCIAL STABILITY AND UNDERPIN BANK LENDING

| 5. | The immediate objectives of the Member State rescue packages announced in October 2008 are to safeguard financial stability and underpin the supply of credit to the real economy. It is too early to draw definitive conclusions on the effectiveness of the packages, but it is clear that they have averted the risk of financial meltdown and have supported the functioning of important inter-bank markets. On the other hand, the evolution in lending to the real economy since the announcement of the packages has been unfavourable, with recent statistics suggesting a sharp deceleration in credit growth (1). In many Member States, reports of businesses being denied access to bank credit are now widespread and it would seem that the squeeze on credit goes beyond that justified by cyclical considerations. |
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5.

The immediate objectives of the Member State rescue packages announced in October 2008 are to safeguard financial stability and underpin the supply of credit to the real economy. It is too early to draw definitive conclusions on the effectiveness of the packages, but it is clear that they have averted the risk of financial meltdown and have supported the functioning of important inter-bank markets. On the other hand, the evolution in lending to the real economy since the announcement of the packages has been unfavourable, with recent statistics suggesting a sharp deceleration in credit growth (1). In many Member States, reports of businesses being denied access to bank credit are now widespread and it would seem that the squeeze on credit goes beyond that justified by cyclical considerations.

| 6. | A key reason identified for the insufficient flow of credit is uncertainty about the valuation and location of impaired assets, a source of problems in the banking sector since the beginning of the crisis. Uncertainty regarding asset valuations has not only continued to undermine confidence in the banking sector, but has weakened the effect of the government support measures agreed in October 2008. For example, bank recapitalisation has provided a cushion against asset impairment but much of the capital buffer provided has been absorbed by banks in provisioning against future asset impairments. Banks have already taken steps to address the problem of impaired assets. They have recorded substantial write-downs in asset values (2), taken steps to limit remaining losses by reclassification of assets within their balance sheets and gradually put additional capital aside to strengthen their solvency positions. However, the problem has not been resolved to a sufficient degree and the unexpected depth of the economic slowdown now suggests a further and more extensive deterioration in credit quality of bank assets. |
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6.

A key reason identified for the insufficient flow of credit is uncertainty about the valuation and location of impaired assets, a source of problems in the banking sector since the beginning of the crisis. Uncertainty regarding asset valuations has not only continued to undermine confidence in the banking sector, but has weakened the effect of the government support measures agreed in October 2008. For example, bank recapitalisation has provided a cushion against asset impairment but much of the capital buffer provided has been absorbed by banks in provisioning against future asset impairments. Banks have already taken steps to address the problem of impaired assets. They have recorded substantial write-downs in asset values (2), taken steps to limit remaining losses by reclassification of assets within their balance sheets and gradually put additional capital aside to strengthen their solvency positions. However, the problem has not been resolved to a sufficient degree and the unexpected depth of the economic slowdown now suggests a further and more extensive deterioration in credit quality of bank assets.

| 7. | Asset relief would directly address the issue of uncertainty regarding the quality of bank balance sheets and therefore help to revive confidence in the sector. It could also help to avoid the risk of repeated rounds of recapitalisation of banks as the extent of asset impairment increases amid a deteriorating situation in the real economy. On this basis, several Member States are actively considering relief for impaired bank assets as a complement to other measures in implementing the strategy agreed by Heads of State and Government in October 2008. |
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7.

Asset relief would directly address the issue of uncertainty regarding the quality of bank balance sheets and therefore help to revive confidence in the sector. It could also help to avoid the risk of repeated rounds of recapitalisation of banks as the extent of asset impairment increases amid a deteriorating situation in the real economy. On this basis, several Member States are actively considering relief for impaired bank assets as a complement to other measures in implementing the strategy agreed by Heads of State and Government in October 2008.

3.   LONGER-TERM CONSIDERATIONS: A RETURN TO VIABILITY IN THE BANKING SECTOR AND SUSTAINABILITY OF PUBLIC FINANCES

| 8. | Asset relief measures must be designed and implemented in the manner that most effectively achieves the immediate objectives of safeguarding financial stability and underpinning bank lending. An important issue to be addressed in this context is ensuring an adequate participation in the asset relief measures by setting appropriate pricing and conditions and through mandatory participation if deemed necessary. However, the focus in designing and implementing asset relief measures should not be limited to these immediate objectives. It is essential that longer-term considerations are also taken into account. |
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8.

Asset relief measures must be designed and implemented in the manner that most effectively achieves the immediate objectives of safeguarding financial stability and underpinning bank lending. An important issue to be addressed in this context is ensuring an adequate participation in the asset relief measures by setting appropriate pricing and conditions and through mandatory participation if deemed necessary. However, the focus in designing and implementing asset relief measures should not be limited to these immediate objectives. It is essential that longer-term considerations are also taken into account.

| 9. | If asset relief measures are not carried out in such a way as to ring-fence the danger of serious distortions of competition among banks (both within Member States and on a cross-border basis) in compliance with the State aid rules of the Treaty establishing the European Community, including where necessary the restructuring of beneficiaries, the outcome will be a structurally weaker Community banking sector with negative implications for productive potential in the broader economy. Furthermore, it could lead to a recurrent need for government intervention in the sector, implying a progressively heavier burden on public finances. Such risks are serious given the likely scale of State exposure. In order to limit the risk of such longer-term damage, government intervention in the banking sector should be appropriately targeted and accompanied by behavioural safeguards that align the incentives of banks with the objectives of public policy. Asset-relief measures should form part of an overall effort to restore the viability of the banking sector, based on necessary restructuring. The need for restructuring in the banking sector as a counterpart of government support is discussed in more detail in the context of State aid rules in Sections 5 and 6. |
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9.

If asset relief measures are not carried out in such a way as to ring-fence the danger of serious distortions of competition among banks (both within Member States and on a cross-border basis) in compliance with the State aid rules of the Treaty establishing the European Community, including where necessary the restructuring of beneficiaries, the outcome will be a structurally weaker Community banking sector with negative implications for productive potential in the broader economy. Furthermore, it could lead to a recurrent need for government intervention in the sector, implying a progressively heavier burden on public finances. Such risks are serious given the likely scale of State exposure. In order to limit the risk of such longer-term damage, government intervention in the banking sector should be appropriately targeted and accompanied by behavioural safeguards that align the incentives of banks with the objectives of public policy. Asset-relief measures should form part of an overall effort to restore the viability of the banking sector, based on necessary restructuring. The need for restructuring in the banking sector as a counterpart of government support is discussed in more detail in the context of State aid rules in Sections 5 and 6.

| 10. | In considering the design and implementation of asset relief measures, it is also essential that Member States take account of the budgetary context. Estimates of total expected asset write-downs suggest that the budgetary costs — actual, contingent or both — of asset relief could be substantial — both in absolute terms and relative to gross domestic product (GDP) in Member States. Government support through asset relief (and other measures) should not be on such a scale that it raises concern about the sustainability of public finances such as over-indebtedness or financing problems. Such considerations are particularly important in the current context of widening budget deficits, rising public debt levels and challenges facing sovereign bond issuance. |
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10.

In considering the design and implementation of asset relief measures, it is also essential that Member States take account of the budgetary context. Estimates of total expected asset write-downs suggest that the budgetary costs — actual, contingent or both — of asset relief could be substantial — both in absolute terms and relative to gross domestic product (GDP) in Member States. Government support through asset relief (and other measures) should not be on such a scale that it raises concern about the sustainability of public finances such as over-indebtedness or financing problems. Such considerations are particularly important in the current context of widening budget deficits, rising public debt levels and challenges facing sovereign bond issuance.

| 11. | More specifically, the budgetary situation of Member States will be an important consideration in the choice of management arrangement for assets subject to relief, namely asset purchase, asset insurance, asset swap or a hybrid of such arrangements (3). The implications for budgetary credibility may not differ significantly between the various approaches to asset relief, as financial markets are likely to discount potential losses on a similar basis (4). However, an approach requiring the outright purchase of impaired assets would have a more immediate impact on budgetary ratios and government financing. While the choice of management arrangement for impaired assets is the responsibility of each Member State, hybrid approaches whereby bad assets are segregated from the balance sheet of banks in a separate entity (either within or outside the banks) which benefits in some way from a government guarantee could be considered. Such an approach is attractive as it provides many of the benefits of the asset purchase approach from the perspective of restoring confidence in the banking system, while limiting the immediate budgetary impact. |
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11.

More specifically, the budgetary situation of Member States will be an important consideration in the choice of management arrangement for assets subject to relief, namely asset purchase, asset insurance, asset swap or a hybrid of such arrangements (3). The implications for budgetary credibility may not differ significantly between the various approaches to asset relief, as financial markets are likely to discount potential losses on a similar basis (4). However, an approach requiring the outright purchase of impaired assets would have a more immediate impact on budgetary ratios and government financing. While the choice of management arrangement for impaired assets is the responsibility of each Member State, hybrid approaches whereby bad assets are segregated from the balance sheet of banks in a separate entity (either within or outside the banks) which benefits in some way from a government guarantee could be considered. Such an approach is attractive as it provides many of the benefits of the asset purchase approach from the perspective of restoring confidence in the banking system, while limiting the immediate budgetary impact.

| 12. | In a context of scarce budgetary resources, it may be appropriate to focus asset relief measures on a limited number of banks of systemic importance. For some Member States, asset relief for banks may be severely constrained, due to their existing budgetary constraints and/or the size of their banks' balance sheet relative to GDP. |
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12.

In a context of scarce budgetary resources, it may be appropriate to focus asset relief measures on a limited number of banks of systemic importance. For some Member States, asset relief for banks may be severely constrained, due to their existing budgetary constraints and/or the size of their banks' balance sheet relative to GDP.

4.   NEED FOR A COMMON AND CO-ORDINATED COMMUNITY APPROACH

| 13. | In considering some form of asset relief measures, there is a need to reconcile the immediate objectives of financial stability and bank lending with the need to avoid longer-term damage to the banking sector within the Community, to the single market and to the broader economy. This can be achieved most effectively by a common and co-ordinated Community approach, with the following broad objectives:






  (a) | boosting market confidence by demonstrating a capacity for an effective Community-level response to the financial crisis and creating the scope for positive spillovers among Member States and on the wider financial markets; |
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13.

In considering some form of asset relief measures, there is a need to reconcile the immediate objectives of financial stability and bank lending with the need to avoid longer-term damage to the banking sector within the Community, to the single market and to the broader economy. This can be achieved most effectively by a common and co-ordinated Community approach, with the following broad objectives:

(a)

boosting market confidence by demonstrating a capacity for an effective Community-level response to the financial crisis and creating the scope for positive spillovers among Member States and on the wider financial markets;

| (b) | limiting negative spillovers among Member States, where the introduction of asset relief measures by a first-mover Member State results in pressure on other Member States to follow suit and risks launching a subsidy race between Member States; |
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(b)

limiting negative spillovers among Member States, where the introduction of asset relief measures by a first-mover Member State results in pressure on other Member States to follow suit and risks launching a subsidy race between Member States;

| (c) | protecting the single market in financial services by ensuring consistency in asset relief measures introduced by the Member States and resisting financial protectionism; |
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(c)

protecting the single market in financial services by ensuring consistency in asset relief measures introduced by the Member States and resisting financial protectionism;

| (d) | ensuring compliance with State-aid control requirements and any other legal requirements by further ensuring consistency among asset relief measures, and by minimising competitive distortions and moral hazard. |
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(d)

ensuring compliance with State-aid control requirements and any other legal requirements by further ensuring consistency among asset relief measures, and by minimising competitive distortions and moral hazard.

| 14. | Co-ordination among Member States would only be necessary at a general level and could be achieved while retaining sufficient flexibility to tailor measures to the specific situations of individual banks. In the absence of sufficient coordination ex ante, many of those objectives will only be met by additional State aid control requirements ex post. Common guidance on the basic features of relief measures would, therefore, help to minimise the need for corrections and adjustments as a result of assessment under the State aid rules. Such guidance is provided in the following Sections. |
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14.

Co-ordination among Member States would only be necessary at a general level and could be achieved while retaining sufficient flexibility to tailor measures to the specific situations of individual banks. In the absence of sufficient coordination ex ante, many of those objectives will only be met by additional State aid control requirements ex post. Common guidance on the basic features of relief measures would, therefore, help to minimise the need for corrections and adjustments as a result of assessment under the State aid rules. Such guidance is provided in the following Sections.

5.   GUIDELINES ON THE APPLICATION OF STATE AID RULES TO ASSET RELIEF MEASURES

| 15. | It is the normal duty of banks to assess the risk of the assets they acquire and to make sure they can cover any associated losses (5). Asset relief may, however, be considered to support financial stability. Public asset relief measures are State aid inasmuch as they free the beneficiary bank from (or compensate for) the need to register either a loss or a reserve for a possible loss on its impaired assets and/or free regulatory capital for other uses. This would notably be the case where impaired assets are purchased or insured at a value above the market price, or where the price of the guarantee does not compensate the State for its possible maximum liability under the guarantee (6). |
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15.

It is the normal duty of banks to assess the risk of the assets they acquire and to make sure they can cover any associated losses (5). Asset relief may, however, be considered to support financial stability. Public asset relief measures are State aid inasmuch as they free the beneficiary bank from (or compensate for) the need to register either a loss or a reserve for a possible loss on its impaired assets and/or free regulatory capital for other uses. This would notably be the case where impaired assets are purchased or insured at a value above the market price, or where the price of the guarantee does not compensate the State for its possible maximum liability under the guarantee (6).

| 16. | Any aid for asset relief measures should, however, comply with the general principles of necessity, proportionality and minimisation of the competition distortions. Such assistance implies serious distortions of competition between beneficiaries and non-beneficiary banks and among beneficiary banks with different degrees of need. Non-beneficiary banks that are fundamentally sound may feel obliged to consider seeking government intervention to preserve their competitive position in the market. Similar distortions in competition may arise among Member States, with the risk of a subsidy race between Member States (trying to save their banks without regard to the effects on banks in other Member States) and a drift towards financial protectionism and fragmentation of the internal market. Participation in the asset relief scheme should therefore be conditioned upon clearly defined and objective criteria, in order to avoid that individual banks take unwarranted advantage. |
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16.

Any aid for asset relief measures should, however, comply with the general principles of necessity, proportionality and minimisation of the competition distortions. Such assistance implies serious distortions of competition between beneficiaries and non-beneficiary banks and among beneficiary banks with different degrees of need. Non-beneficiary banks that are fundamentally sound may feel obliged to consider seeking government intervention to preserve their competitive position in the market. Similar distortions in competition may arise among Member States, with the risk of a subsidy race between Member States (trying to save their banks without regard to the effects on banks in other Member States) and a drift towards financial protectionism and fragmentation of the internal market. Participation in the asset relief scheme should therefore be conditioned upon clearly defined and objective criteria, in order to avoid that individual banks take unwarranted advantage.

| 17. | The principles governing the application of the State aid rules and, in particular, Article 87(3)(b) of the Treaty to any support measure for banks in the context of the global financial crisis in were established in the Communication from the Commission — The application of State aid rules to measures taken in relation to financial institutions in the context of the current global financial crisis
   (7). More detailed guidance on the practical implementation of these principles to recapitalisation was subsequently provided in the Communication from the Commission — The recapitalisation of financial institutions in the current financial crisis: limitation of aid to the minimum necessary and safeguards against undue distortions of competition
   (8). In the same vein, the guidelines set out in this Communication, based on the same principles, identify the key features of asset relief measures or schemes, which determine their effectiveness as well as their impact on competition. These guidelines apply to all banks that are granted asset relief, irrespective of their individual situation, but the practical implications of their application may vary depending on the risk profile and viability of a beneficiary. The principles of these guidelines apply mutatis mutandis where two or more Member States coordinate measures to provide asset relief to cross-border banks. |
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17.

The principles governing the application of the State aid rules and, in particular, Article 87(3)(b) of the Treaty to any support measure for banks in the context of the global financial crisis in were established in the Communication from the Commission — The application of State aid rules to measures taken in relation to financial institutions in the context of the current global financial crisis
   (7). More detailed guidance on the practical implementation of these principles to recapitalisation was subsequently provided in the Communication from the Commission — The recapitalisation of financial institutions in the current financial crisis: limitation of aid to the minimum necessary and safeguards against undue distortions of competition
   (8). In the same vein, the guidelines set out in this Communication, based on the same principles, identify the key features of asset relief measures or schemes, which determine their effectiveness as well as their impact on competition. These guidelines apply to all banks that are granted asset relief, irrespective of their individual situation, but the practical implications of their application may vary depending on the risk profile and viability of a beneficiary. The principles of these guidelines apply mutatis mutandis where two or more Member States coordinate measures to provide asset relief to cross-border banks.

| 18. | This Communication aims to establish coordinated principles and conditions to ensure the effectiveness of asset relief measures in the single market as far as possible, taking account of the long-term objective of a return to normal market conditions, while remaining flexible enough so as to cater for specific features or provide additional measures or procedures at individual or national levels for reasons of financial stability. Effective asset relief measures should have as a consequence the maintenance of lending to the real economy. |
| --- | --- |

18.

This Communication aims to establish coordinated principles and conditions to ensure the effectiveness of asset relief measures in the single market as far as possible, taking account of the long-term objective of a return to normal market conditions, while remaining flexible enough so as to cater for specific features or provide additional measures or procedures at individual or national levels for reasons of financial stability. Effective asset relief measures should have as a consequence the maintenance of lending to the real economy.

5.1.   Appropriate identification of the problem and options for solution: full ex ante transparency and disclosure of impairments and an upfront assessment of eligible banks

| 19. | Any asset relief measure must be based on a clear identification of the magnitude of the bank's asset-related problems, its intrinsic solvency prior to the support and its prospects for return to viability, taking into due consideration all possible alternatives, in order to facilitate the necessary restructuring process, prevent distortion in the incentives of all players and avoid waste of State resources without contributing to resumption in the normal flow of credit to the real economy. |
| --- | --- |

19.

Any asset relief measure must be based on a clear identification of the magnitude of the bank's asset-related problems, its intrinsic solvency prior to the support and its prospects for return to viability, taking into due consideration all possible alternatives, in order to facilitate the necessary restructuring process, prevent distortion in the incentives of all players and avoid waste of State resources without contributing to resumption in the normal flow of credit to the real economy.

| 20. | Therefore, in order to minimise the risk of a recurrent need for State interventions in favour of the same beneficiaries, the following criteria should be satisfied as a prerequisite for benefitting from asset relief:






  (a) | applications for aid should be subject to full ex ante transparency and disclosure of impairments by eligible banks on the assets which will be covered by the relief measures, based on adequate valuation, certified by recognised independent experts and validated by the relevant supervisory authority, in line with the principles of valuation developed in Section 5.5 (9); such disclosure of impairments should take place prior to government intervention; this should lead to the identification of the aid amount and of the incurred losses for the bank from the asset transfer (10); |
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20.

Therefore, in order to minimise the risk of a recurrent need for State interventions in favour of the same beneficiaries, the following criteria should be satisfied as a prerequisite for benefitting from asset relief:

(a)

applications for aid should be subject to full ex ante transparency and disclosure of impairments by eligible banks on the assets which will be covered by the relief measures, based on adequate valuation, certified by recognised independent experts and validated by the relevant supervisory authority, in line with the principles of valuation developed in Section 5.5 (9); such disclosure of impairments should take place prior to government intervention; this should lead to the identification of the aid amount and of the incurred losses for the bank from the asset transfer (10);

| (b) | an application for aid by an individual bank should be followed by a full review of that bank's activities and balance sheet, with a view to assessing the bank's capital adequacy and its prospects for future viability (viability review); that review must occur in parallel with the certification of the impaired assets covered by the asset relief programme but, given its scale, could be finalised after the bank enters into the asset relief programme; the results of the viability review must be notified to the Commission and will be taken into account in the assessment of necessary follow-up measures (see Section 6). |
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(b)

an application for aid by an individual bank should be followed by a full review of that bank's activities and balance sheet, with a view to assessing the bank's capital adequacy and its prospects for future viability (viability review); that review must occur in parallel with the certification of the impaired assets covered by the asset relief programme but, given its scale, could be finalised after the bank enters into the asset relief programme; the results of the viability review must be notified to the Commission and will be taken into account in the assessment of necessary follow-up measures (see Section 6).

5.2.   Burden-sharing of the costs related to impaired assets between the State, shareholders and creditors

| 21. | As a general principle, banks ought to bear the losses associated with impaired assets to the maximum extent. This requires, firstly, full ex ante transparency and disclosure, followed by the correct valuation of assets prior to government intervention and a correct remuneration of the State for the asset relief measure, whatever its form, so as to ensure equivalent shareholder responsibility and burden-sharing irrespective of the exact model chosen. The combination of those elements should lead to overall coherence concerning burden-sharing across various forms of State support, having regard to the specific distinctive features of different types of assistance (11). |
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21.

As a general principle, banks ought to bear the losses associated with impaired assets to the maximum extent. This requires, firstly, full ex ante transparency and disclosure, followed by the correct valuation of assets prior to government intervention and a correct remuneration of the State for the asset relief measure, whatever its form, so as to ensure equivalent shareholder responsibility and burden-sharing irrespective of the exact model chosen. The combination of those elements should lead to overall coherence concerning burden-sharing across various forms of State support, having regard to the specific distinctive features of different types of assistance (11).

| 22. | Once assets have been properly evaluated and losses are correctly identified (12), and if this would lead to a situation of technical insolvency without State intervention, the bank should either be put into administration or be wound up, according to Community and national law. In such a situation, with a view to preserving financial stability and confidence, protection or guarantees to bondholders (13) may be appropriate. |
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22.

Once assets have been properly evaluated and losses are correctly identified (12), and if this would lead to a situation of technical insolvency without State intervention, the bank should either be put into administration or be wound up, according to Community and national law. In such a situation, with a view to preserving financial stability and confidence, protection or guarantees to bondholders (13) may be appropriate.

| 23. | Where putting a bank into administration or its orderly winding up appears unadvisable for reasons of financial stability (14), aid in the form of guarantee or asset purchase, limited to the strict minimum, could be awarded to banks so that they can continue to operate for the period necessary to allow to devise a plan for either restructuring or orderly winding-up. In such cases, shareholders should also be expected to bear losses at least until the regulatory limits of capital adequacy are reached. Nationalisation options may also be considered. |
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23.

Where putting a bank into administration or its orderly winding up appears unadvisable for reasons of financial stability (14), aid in the form of guarantee or asset purchase, limited to the strict minimum, could be awarded to banks so that they can continue to operate for the period necessary to allow to devise a plan for either restructuring or orderly winding-up. In such cases, shareholders should also be expected to bear losses at least until the regulatory limits of capital adequacy are reached. Nationalisation options may also be considered.

| 24. | Where it is not possible to achieve full burden-sharing ex ante, the bank should be requested to contribute to the loss or risk coverage at a later stage, for example in the form of claw-back clauses or, in the case of an insurance scheme, by a clause of ‘first loss’, to be borne by the bank (typically with a minimum of 10 %) and a clause of ‘residual loss sharing’, through which the bank participates to a percentage (typically with a minimum of 10 %) of any additional losses (15). |
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24.

Where it is not possible to achieve full burden-sharing ex ante, the bank should be requested to contribute to the loss or risk coverage at a later stage, for example in the form of claw-back clauses or, in the case of an insurance scheme, by a clause of ‘first loss’, to be borne by the bank (typically with a minimum of 10 %) and a clause of ‘residual loss sharing’, through which the bank participates to a percentage (typically with a minimum of 10 %) of any additional losses (15).

| 25. | As a general rule, the lower the contribution upfront, the higher the need for a shareholder contribution at a later stage, either in the form of a conversion of State losses into bank shares and/or in the form of additional compensatory measures to limit the distortion of competition when assessing necessary restructuring. |
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25.

As a general rule, the lower the contribution upfront, the higher the need for a shareholder contribution at a later stage, either in the form of a conversion of State losses into bank shares and/or in the form of additional compensatory measures to limit the distortion of competition when assessing necessary restructuring.

5.3.   Aligning incentives for banks to participate in asset relief with public policy objectives

| 26. | As a general feature, impaired asset relief programmes should have an enrolment window limited to six months from the launch of the scheme by the government. This will limit incentives for banks to delay necessary disclosures in the hope of higher levels of relief at a later date, and facilitate a rapid resolution of the banking problems before the economic downturn further aggravates the situation. During the six-month window, the banks would be able to present eligible assets baskets to be covered by the asset relief measures, with the possibility of rollover (16). |
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26.

As a general feature, impaired asset relief programmes should have an enrolment window limited to six months from the launch of the scheme by the government. This will limit incentives for banks to delay necessary disclosures in the hope of higher levels of relief at a later date, and facilitate a rapid resolution of the banking problems before the economic downturn further aggravates the situation. During the six-month window, the banks would be able to present eligible assets baskets to be covered by the asset relief measures, with the possibility of rollover (16).

| 27. | Appropriate mechanisms may need to be devised so as to ensure that the banks most in need of asset relief participate in the government measure. Such mechanisms could include mandatory participation in the programme, and should include at least mandatory disclosure to the supervisory authorities. The obligation for all banks to reveal the magnitude of their asset-related problems will contribute to the clear identification of the need and necessary scope for an asset relief scheme at the Member State level. |
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27.

Appropriate mechanisms may need to be devised so as to ensure that the banks most in need of asset relief participate in the government measure. Such mechanisms could include mandatory participation in the programme, and should include at least mandatory disclosure to the supervisory authorities. The obligation for all banks to reveal the magnitude of their asset-related problems will contribute to the clear identification of the need and necessary scope for an asset relief scheme at the Member State level.

| 28. | Where participation is not mandatory, the scheme could include appropriate incentives (such as the provision of warrants or rights to existing shareholders so that they may participate in future private capital-raising at preferential terms) to facilitate take-up by the banks without derogating from the principles of transparency and disclosure, fair valuation and burden sharing. |
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28.

Where participation is not mandatory, the scheme could include appropriate incentives (such as the provision of warrants or rights to existing shareholders so that they may participate in future private capital-raising at preferential terms) to facilitate take-up by the banks without derogating from the principles of transparency and disclosure, fair valuation and burden sharing.

| 29. | Participation after the expiration of the six month enrolment window should be possible only in exceptional and unforeseeable circumstances for which the bank is not responsible (17), and subject to stricter conditions, such as higher remuneration to the State and/or higher compensatory measures. |
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29.

Participation after the expiration of the six month enrolment window should be possible only in exceptional and unforeseeable circumstances for which the bank is not responsible (17), and subject to stricter conditions, such as higher remuneration to the State and/or higher compensatory measures.

| 30. | Access to asset relief should always be conditional on a number of appropriate behavioural constraints. In particular, beneficiary banks should be subject to safeguards which ensure that the capital effects of relief are used for providing credit to appropriately meet demand according to commercial criteria and without discrimination and not for financing a growth strategy (in particular acquisitions of sound banks) to the detriment of competitors. |
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30.

Access to asset relief should always be conditional on a number of appropriate behavioural constraints. In particular, beneficiary banks should be subject to safeguards which ensure that the capital effects of relief are used for providing credit to appropriately meet demand according to commercial criteria and without discrimination and not for financing a growth strategy (in particular acquisitions of sound banks) to the detriment of competitors.

| 31. | Restrictions on dividend policy and caps on executive remuneration should also be considered. The specific design of behavioural constraints should be determined on the basis of a proportionality assessment taking account of the various factors that may imply the necessity of restructuring (see Section 6). |
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31.

Restrictions on dividend policy and caps on executive remuneration should also be considered. The specific design of behavioural constraints should be determined on the basis of a proportionality assessment taking account of the various factors that may imply the necessity of restructuring (see Section 6).

5.4.   Eligibility of assets

| 32. | When determining the range of eligible assets for relief, a balance needs to be found between meeting the objective of immediate financial stability and the need to ensure the return to normal market functioning over the medium turn. Assets commonly referred to as ‘toxic assets’ (for example, US mortgage backed securities and associated hedges and derivatives), which have triggered the financial crisis and have largely become illiquid or subject to severe downward value adjustments, appear to account for the bulk of uncertainty and scepticism concerning the viability of banks. Restricting the range of eligible assets to such assets would limit the State's exposure to possible losses and contribute to the prevention of competition distortions (18). However, an overly narrow relief measure would risk falling short of restoring confidence in the banking sector, given the differences between the specific problems encountered in different Member States and banks and the extent to which the problem of impairment has now spread to other assets. This would plead in favour of a pragmatic approach including elements of flexibility, which would ensure that other assets also benefit from relief measures to an appropriate extent and where duly justified. |
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32.

When determining the range of eligible assets for relief, a balance needs to be found between meeting the objective of immediate financial stability and the need to ensure the return to normal market functioning over the medium turn. Assets commonly referred to as ‘toxic assets’ (for example, US mortgage backed securities and associated hedges and derivatives), which have triggered the financial crisis and have largely become illiquid or subject to severe downward value adjustments, appear to account for the bulk of uncertainty and scepticism concerning the viability of banks. Restricting the range of eligible assets to such assets would limit the State's exposure to possible losses and contribute to the prevention of competition distortions (18). However, an overly narrow relief measure would risk falling short of restoring confidence in the banking sector, given the differences between the specific problems encountered in different Member States and banks and the extent to which the problem of impairment has now spread to other assets. This would plead in favour of a pragmatic approach including elements of flexibility, which would ensure that other assets also benefit from relief measures to an appropriate extent and where duly justified.

| 33. | A common and coordinated Community approach to the identification of the assets eligible for relief measures is necessary to both prevent competitive distortions among Member States and within the Community banking sector, and limit incentives for cross-border banks to engage in arbitrage among different national relief measures. To ensure consistency in the identification of eligible assets across Member States, categories of assets ('baskets') reflecting the extent of existing impairment should be developed. More detailed guidance on the definition of those categories is provided in Annex III. The use of such categories of assets would facilitate the comparison of banks and their risk profiles across the Community. Member States would then need to decide which category of assets could be covered and to what extent, subject to the Commission's review of the degree of impairment of the assets chosen. |
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33.

A common and coordinated Community approach to the identification of the assets eligible for relief measures is necessary to both prevent competitive distortions among Member States and within the Community banking sector, and limit incentives for cross-border banks to engage in arbitrage among different national relief measures. To ensure consistency in the identification of eligible assets across Member States, categories of assets ('baskets') reflecting the extent of existing impairment should be developed. More detailed guidance on the definition of those categories is provided in Annex III. The use of such categories of assets would facilitate the comparison of banks and their risk profiles across the Community. Member States would then need to decide which category of assets could be covered and to what extent, subject to the Commission's review of the degree of impairment of the assets chosen.

| 34. | A proportionate approach would need to be developed to allow a Member State whose banking sector is additionally affected by other factors of such magnitude as to jeopardise financial stability (such as the burst of a bubble in their own real estate market) to extend eligibility to well-defined categories of assets corresponding to the systemic threat upon due justification, without quantitative restrictions. |
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34.

A proportionate approach would need to be developed to allow a Member State whose banking sector is additionally affected by other factors of such magnitude as to jeopardise financial stability (such as the burst of a bubble in their own real estate market) to extend eligibility to well-defined categories of assets corresponding to the systemic threat upon due justification, without quantitative restrictions.

| 35. | Additional flexibility could further be envisaged by allowing for the possibility for banks to be relieved of impaired assets outside the scope of eligibility set out in paragraphs 32, 33 and 34 without the necessity of a specific justification for a maximum of 10-20 % of the overall assets of a given bank covered by a relief mechanism in view of the diversity of circumstances of different Member States and banks. However, assets that cannot presently be considered impaired should not be covered by a relief programme. Asset relief should not provide an open-ended insurance against future consequences of recession. |
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35.

Additional flexibility could further be envisaged by allowing for the possibility for banks to be relieved of impaired assets outside the scope of eligibility set out in paragraphs 32, 33 and 34 without the necessity of a specific justification for a maximum of 10-20 % of the overall assets of a given bank covered by a relief mechanism in view of the diversity of circumstances of different Member States and banks. However, assets that cannot presently be considered impaired should not be covered by a relief programme. Asset relief should not provide an open-ended insurance against future consequences of recession.

| 36. | As a general principle, the wider the eligibility criteria, and the greater the proportion which the assets concerned represent in the portfolio of the bank, the more thorough the restructuring and the remedies to avoid undue distortions of competition will have to be. In any case, the Commission will not consider assets eligible for relief measures where they have entered the balance sheet of the beneficiary bank after a specified cut-off date prior to the announcement of the relief programme (19). To do otherwise could result in asset arbitrage and would give rise to inadmissible moral hazard by providing incentives for banks to abstain from properly assessing risks in future lending and other investments and thus repeat the very mistakes that have brought about the current crisis (20). |
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36.

As a general principle, the wider the eligibility criteria, and the greater the proportion which the assets concerned represent in the portfolio of the bank, the more thorough the restructuring and the remedies to avoid undue distortions of competition will have to be. In any case, the Commission will not consider assets eligible for relief measures where they have entered the balance sheet of the beneficiary bank after a specified cut-off date prior to the announcement of the relief programme (19). To do otherwise could result in asset arbitrage and would give rise to inadmissible moral hazard by providing incentives for banks to abstain from properly assessing risks in future lending and other investments and thus repeat the very mistakes that have brought about the current crisis (20).

5.5.   Valuation of assets eligible for relief and pricing

| 37. | A correct and consistent approach to the valuation of assets, including assets that are more complex and less liquid, is of key importance to prevent undue distortions of competition and to avoid subsidy races between Member States. Valuation should follow a general methodology established at the Community level and should be closely co-ordinated ex ante by the Commission across the Member States in order to ensure maximum effectiveness of the asset relief measure and reduce the risk of distortions and damaging arbitrage, notably for cross-border banks. Alternative methodologies may need to be employed to take account of specific circumstances relating to, for example, timely availability of relevant data, provided they attain equivalent transparency. In any case, eligible banks should value their portfolios on a daily basis and make regular and frequent disclosures to the national authorities and to their supervisory authorities. |
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37.

A correct and consistent approach to the valuation of assets, including assets that are more complex and less liquid, is of key importance to prevent undue distortions of competition and to avoid subsidy races between Member States. Valuation should follow a general methodology established at the Community level and should be closely co-ordinated ex ante by the Commission across the Member States in order to ensure maximum effectiveness of the asset relief measure and reduce the risk of distortions and damaging arbitrage, notably for cross-border banks. Alternative methodologies may need to be employed to take account of specific circumstances relating to, for example, timely availability of relevant data, provided they attain equivalent transparency. In any case, eligible banks should value their portfolios on a daily basis and make regular and frequent disclosures to the national authorities and to their supervisory authorities.

| 38. | Where the valuation of assets appears particularly complex, alternative approaches could be considered such as the creation of a ‘good bank’ whereby the State would purchase the good rather than the impaired assets. Public ownership of a bank (including nationalisation) could be an alternative option, with a view to carrying out the valuation over time in a restructuring or orderly winding-up context, thus eliminating any uncertainty about the proper value of the assets concerned (21). |
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38.

Where the valuation of assets appears particularly complex, alternative approaches could be considered such as the creation of a ‘good bank’ whereby the State would purchase the good rather than the impaired assets. Public ownership of a bank (including nationalisation) could be an alternative option, with a view to carrying out the valuation over time in a restructuring or orderly winding-up context, thus eliminating any uncertainty about the proper value of the assets concerned (21).

| 39. | As a first stage, assets should be valued on the basis of their current market value, whenever possible. In general, any transfer of assets covered by a scheme at a valuation in excess of the market price will constitute State aid. The current market value may, however, be quite distant from the book value of those assets in the current circumstances, or non-existent in the absence of a market (for some assets the value may effectively be as low as zero). |
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39.

As a first stage, assets should be valued on the basis of their current market value, whenever possible. In general, any transfer of assets covered by a scheme at a valuation in excess of the market price will constitute State aid. The current market value may, however, be quite distant from the book value of those assets in the current circumstances, or non-existent in the absence of a market (for some assets the value may effectively be as low as zero).

| 40. | As a second stage, the value attributed to impaired assets in the context of an asset relief program (the ‘transfer value’) will inevitably be above current market prices in order to achieve the relief effect. To ensure consistency in the assessment of the compatibility of aid, the Commission would consider a transfer value reflecting the underlying long-term economic value (the ‘real economic value’) of the assets, on the basis of underlying cash flows and broader time horizons, an acceptable benchmark indicating the compatibility of the aid amount as the minimum necessary. Uniform hair-cuts applicable to certain asset categories will have to be considered to approximate the real economic value of assets that are so complex that a reliable forecast of developments in the foreseeable future would appear impracticable. |
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40.

As a second stage, the value attributed to impaired assets in the context of an asset relief program (the ‘transfer value’) will inevitably be above current market prices in order to achieve the relief effect. To ensure consistency in the assessment of the compatibility of aid, the Commission would consider a transfer value reflecting the underlying long-term economic value (the ‘real economic value’) of the assets, on the basis of underlying cash flows and broader time horizons, an acceptable benchmark indicating the compatibility of the aid amount as the minimum necessary. Uniform hair-cuts applicable to certain asset categories will have to be considered to approximate the real economic value of assets that are so complex that a reliable forecast of developments in the foreseeable future would appear impracticable.

| 41. | Consequently, the transfer value for asset purchase or asset insurance (22) measures should be based on their real economic value. Moreover, adequate remuneration for the State must be secured. Where Member States deem it necessary — notably to avoid technical insolvency — to use a transfer value of the assets that exceeds their real economic value, the aid element contained in the measure is correspondingly larger. It can only be accepted if it is accompanied by far-reaching restructuring and the introduction of conditions allowing the recovery of this additional aid at a later stage, for example through claw-back mechanisms. |
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41.

Consequently, the transfer value for asset purchase or asset insurance (22) measures should be based on their real economic value. Moreover, adequate remuneration for the State must be secured. Where Member States deem it necessary — notably to avoid technical insolvency — to use a transfer value of the assets that exceeds their real economic value, the aid element contained in the measure is correspondingly larger. It can only be accepted if it is accompanied by far-reaching restructuring and the introduction of conditions allowing the recovery of this additional aid at a later stage, for example through claw-back mechanisms.

| 42. | The valuation process both with regard to the market value and the real economic value, as well as the remuneration of the State, should follow the same guiding principles and processes listed in Annex IV. |
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42.

The valuation process both with regard to the market value and the real economic value, as well as the remuneration of the State, should follow the same guiding principles and processes listed in Annex IV.

| 43. | When assessing the valuation methods put forward by Member States for asset relief measures, and their implementation in individual cases, the Commission will consult panels of valuation experts (23). The Commission will also build on the expertise of existing bodies organised at Community level in order to ensure the consistency of valuation methodologies. |
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43.

When assessing the valuation methods put forward by Member States for asset relief measures, and their implementation in individual cases, the Commission will consult panels of valuation experts (23). The Commission will also build on the expertise of existing bodies organised at Community level in order to ensure the consistency of valuation methodologies.

5.6.   Management of assets subject to relief measures

| 44. | It is for Member States to choose the most appropriate model for relieving banks from assets, from the range of options set out in Section 3 and Annex II, in the light of the extent of the problem of impaired assets, the situation of the individual banks concerned and budgetary considerations. The objective of State aid control is to ensure that the features of the selected model are designed so as to ensure equal treatment and prevent undue distortions of competition. |
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44.

It is for Member States to choose the most appropriate model for relieving banks from assets, from the range of options set out in Section 3 and Annex II, in the light of the extent of the problem of impaired assets, the situation of the individual banks concerned and budgetary considerations. The objective of State aid control is to ensure that the features of the selected model are designed so as to ensure equal treatment and prevent undue distortions of competition.

| 45. | While the specific pricing arrangements for an aid measure may vary, their distinctive features should not have an appreciable impact on the adequate burden-sharing between the State and the beneficiary banks. On the basis of proper valuation, the overall financing mechanism of an asset management company, an insurance or a hybrid solution should ensure that the bank will have to assume the same proportion of losses. Claw-back clauses can be considered in this context. In general, all schemes must ensure that the beneficiary banks bear the losses incurred in the transfer of assets (see further paragraph 50 and footnote 10). |
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45.

While the specific pricing arrangements for an aid measure may vary, their distinctive features should not have an appreciable impact on the adequate burden-sharing between the State and the beneficiary banks. On the basis of proper valuation, the overall financing mechanism of an asset management company, an insurance or a hybrid solution should ensure that the bank will have to assume the same proportion of losses. Claw-back clauses can be considered in this context. In general, all schemes must ensure that the beneficiary banks bear the losses incurred in the transfer of assets (see further paragraph 50 and footnote 10).

| 46. | Whatever the model, in order to facilitate the bank's focus on the restoration of viability and to prevent possible conflicts of interest, it is necessary to ensure clear functional and organisational separation between the beneficiary bank and its impaired assets, notably as to their management, staff and clientele. |
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46.

Whatever the model, in order to facilitate the bank's focus on the restoration of viability and to prevent possible conflicts of interest, it is necessary to ensure clear functional and organisational separation between the beneficiary bank and its impaired assets, notably as to their management, staff and clientele.

5.7.   Procedural aspects

| 47. | Detailed guidance on the implications of these guidelines on State aid procedure with regard to both the initial notification of aid and the assessment of restructuring plans, where necessary, is provided in Annex V. |
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47.

Detailed guidance on the implications of these guidelines on State aid procedure with regard to both the initial notification of aid and the assessment of restructuring plans, where necessary, is provided in Annex V.

6.   FOLLOW-UP MEASURES — RESTRUCTURING AND RETURN TO VIABILITY

| 48. | The principles and conditions in Section 5 set the framework for designing asset relief measures in compliance with State aid rules. State aid rules aim, in the present context, at ensuring the minimum and least distortive support for a removal of risks related to a separate category of assets from the beneficiary banks in order to prepare a solid ground for return to long-term viability without State support. While the treatment of impaired assets along the above principles is a necessary step for a return to viability for the banks, it is not in itself sufficient to achieve that goal. Depending on their particular situation and characteristics, banks will have to take appropriate measures in their own interest in order to avoid a recurrence of similar problems and to ensure sustainable profitability. |
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48.

The principles and conditions in Section 5 set the framework for designing asset relief measures in compliance with State aid rules. State aid rules aim, in the present context, at ensuring the minimum and least distortive support for a removal of risks related to a separate category of assets from the beneficiary banks in order to prepare a solid ground for return to long-term viability without State support. While the treatment of impaired assets along the above principles is a necessary step for a return to viability for the banks, it is not in itself sufficient to achieve that goal. Depending on their particular situation and characteristics, banks will have to take appropriate measures in their own interest in order to avoid a recurrence of similar problems and to ensure sustainable profitability.

| 49. | Under State aid rules and notably those for rescue and restructuring aid, asset relief amounts to a structural operation and requires a careful assessment of three conditions: (i) adequate contribution of the beneficiary to the costs of the impaired assets programme; (ii) appropriate action to guarantee the return to viability; and (iii) necessary measures to remedy competition distortions. |
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49.

Under State aid rules and notably those for rescue and restructuring aid, asset relief amounts to a structural operation and requires a careful assessment of three conditions: (i) adequate contribution of the beneficiary to the costs of the impaired assets programme; (ii) appropriate action to guarantee the return to viability; and (iii) necessary measures to remedy competition distortions.

| 50. | The first condition should normally be achieved by fulfilling the requirements set out in the Section 5, notably disclosure, valuation, pricing and burden-sharing. This should ensure a contribution by the beneficiary of at least the entirety of the losses incurred in the transfer of assets to the State. Where this is materially not possible, aid may still be authorised, by way of exception, subject to stricter requirements as to the other two conditions. |
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50.

The first condition should normally be achieved by fulfilling the requirements set out in the Section 5, notably disclosure, valuation, pricing and burden-sharing. This should ensure a contribution by the beneficiary of at least the entirety of the losses incurred in the transfer of assets to the State. Where this is materially not possible, aid may still be authorised, by way of exception, subject to stricter requirements as to the other two conditions.

| 51. | Requirements to return to viability and the need for remedies for competition distortion will be determined on a case-by-case basis. As regards the second condition, the need to return to long-term viability, it should be noted that asset relief may contribute to that objective. The viability review should certify the actual and prospective capital adequacy of the bank after a complete assessment and consideration of the possible factors of risk (24). |
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51.

Requirements to return to viability and the need for remedies for competition distortion will be determined on a case-by-case basis. As regards the second condition, the need to return to long-term viability, it should be noted that asset relief may contribute to that objective. The viability review should certify the actual and prospective capital adequacy of the bank after a complete assessment and consideration of the possible factors of risk (24).

| 52. | The Commission's assessment of the extent of necessary restructuring, following the initial authorisation of the asset relief measures, will be determined on the basis of the following criteria: criteria outlined in the Communication on the recapitalisation of financial institutions in the current financial crisis: limitation of aid to the minimum necessary and safeguards against undue distortions of competition, the proportion of the bank's assets subject to relief, the transfer price of such assets compared to the market price, the specific features of the impaired asset relief granted, the total size of State exposure relative to a bank's risk-weighted assets, the nature and origin of the problems of the beneficiary bank, and the soundness of the bank's business model and investment strategy. It will also take into account any additional granting of State guarantee or State recapitalisation, in order to draw a complete picture of the situation of the beneficiary bank (25). |
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52.

The Commission's assessment of the extent of necessary restructuring, following the initial authorisation of the asset relief measures, will be determined on the basis of the following criteria: criteria outlined in the Communication on the recapitalisation of financial institutions in the current financial crisis: limitation of aid to the minimum necessary and safeguards against undue distortions of competition, the proportion of the bank's assets subject to relief, the transfer price of such assets compared to the market price, the specific features of the impaired asset relief granted, the total size of State exposure relative to a bank's risk-weighted assets, the nature and origin of the problems of the beneficiary bank, and the soundness of the bank's business model and investment strategy. It will also take into account any additional granting of State guarantee or State recapitalisation, in order to draw a complete picture of the situation of the beneficiary bank (25).

| 53. | Long-term viability requires that the bank is able to survive without any State support, which implies clear plans for redeeming any State capital received and renouncing State guarantees. Depending on the outcome of that assessment, restructuring will have to comprise an in-depth review of the bank's strategy and activity, including, for example, focussing on core business, reorientation of business models, closure or divestment of business divisions/subsidiaries, changes in the asset-liability management and other changes. |
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53.

Long-term viability requires that the bank is able to survive without any State support, which implies clear plans for redeeming any State capital received and renouncing State guarantees. Depending on the outcome of that assessment, restructuring will have to comprise an in-depth review of the bank's strategy and activity, including, for example, focussing on core business, reorientation of business models, closure or divestment of business divisions/subsidiaries, changes in the asset-liability management and other changes.

| 54. | The need for in-depth restructuring will be presumed where an appropriate valuation of impaired assets according to the principles set out in Section 5.5 and Annex IV would lead to negative equity/technical insolvency without State intervention. Repeated requests for aid and departure from the general principles set out in Section 5, will normally point to the need for such in-depth restructuring. |
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54.

The need for in-depth restructuring will be presumed where an appropriate valuation of impaired assets according to the principles set out in Section 5.5 and Annex IV would lead to negative equity/technical insolvency without State intervention. Repeated requests for aid and departure from the general principles set out in Section 5, will normally point to the need for such in-depth restructuring.

| 55. | In-depth restructuring would also be required where the bank has already received State aid in whatever form that either contributes to coverage or avoidance of losses, or altogether exceeds 2 % of the total bank's risk weighted assets, while taking the specific features of the situation of each beneficiary in due consideration (26). |
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55.

In-depth restructuring would also be required where the bank has already received State aid in whatever form that either contributes to coverage or avoidance of losses, or altogether exceeds 2 % of the total bank's risk weighted assets, while taking the specific features of the situation of each beneficiary in due consideration (26).

| 56. | The timing of any required measures to restore viability will take account of the specific situation of the bank concerned, as well as the overall situation in the banking sector, without unduly delaying the necessary adjustments. |
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56.

The timing of any required measures to restore viability will take account of the specific situation of the bank concerned, as well as the overall situation in the banking sector, without unduly delaying the necessary adjustments.

| 57. | Thirdly, the extent of necessary compensatory measures should be examined, on the basis of distortions of competition resulting from the aid. This may involve downsizing or divestment of profitable business units or subsidiaries, or behavioural commitments to limit commercial expansion. |
| --- | --- |

57.

Thirdly, the extent of necessary compensatory measures should be examined, on the basis of distortions of competition resulting from the aid. This may involve downsizing or divestment of profitable business units or subsidiaries, or behavioural commitments to limit commercial expansion.

| 58. | The need for compensatory measures will be presumed if the beneficiary bank does not fulfil the conditions set out in Section 5 and notably those of disclosure, valuation, pricing and burden sharing. |
| --- | --- |

58.

The need for compensatory measures will be presumed if the beneficiary bank does not fulfil the conditions set out in Section 5 and notably those of disclosure, valuation, pricing and burden sharing.

| 59. | The Commission will assess the scope of the compensatory measures required, depending on its assessment of competition distortions resulting from the aid, and notably on the basis of the following factors: total amount of aid, including from guarantee and recapitalisation measures, volume of impaired assets benefiting from the measure, proportion of losses resulting from the asset, general soundness of the bank, risk profile of the relieved assets, quality of risk management of the bank, level of solvency ratios in the absence of aid, market position of the beneficiary bank and distortions of competition from the bank's continued market activities, and impact of the aid on the structure of the banking sector. |
| --- | --- |

59.

The Commission will assess the scope of the compensatory measures required, depending on its assessment of competition distortions resulting from the aid, and notably on the basis of the following factors: total amount of aid, including from guarantee and recapitalisation measures, volume of impaired assets benefiting from the measure, proportion of losses resulting from the asset, general soundness of the bank, risk profile of the relieved assets, quality of risk management of the bank, level of solvency ratios in the absence of aid, market position of the beneficiary bank and distortions of competition from the bank's continued market activities, and impact of the aid on the structure of the banking sector.

7.   FINAL PROVISION

| 60. | The Commission applies this Communication from 25 February 2009, the date on which it agreed in principle its content, having regard to the financial and economic context which required immediate action. |
| --- | --- |

60.

The Commission applies this Communication from 25 February 2009, the date on which it agreed in principle its content, having regard to the financial and economic context which required immediate action.

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(1)  While official data for the euro area suggest that bank lending to businesses is still resilient, the underlying trend is weakening, with month-on-month growth rates in lending slowing markedly toward the end of 2008. In December 2008, bank loans to the private economy (loans to non-MFI excl. governments) fell by 0,4 % relative to November.

(2)  From mid-2007 to date, there has been a total of USD 1 063 billion in asset write-downs, of which USD 737,6 billion has been reported by US-based banks and USD 293,7 has been reported by European-based banks. Of the latter, USD 68 billion has been reported in Switzerland. Despite the scale of asset write-downs already reported, the IMF currently estimates that the total of bank losses related to asset impairment is likely to reach USD 2 200 billion. This estimate is based on global holdings of U.S.-originated and securitized mortgage, consumer, and corporate debt and has been steadily rising since the beginning of the crisis. Some market commentators suggest that total losses may be substantially higher. For example, Nouriel Roubini who has consistently argued that official estimates are too low now suggests that total losses could be USD 3 600 billion for the United States alone.

(3)  These arrangements are discussed in more detail in Annex II.

(4)  Asset purchases by government need not imply heavy budgetary costs in the longer term if a sufficient portion of the acquired assets can be subsequently sold at a profit (see US and Swedish examples in Annex II). However, they imply an upfront budgetary outlay which would increase gross public debt and the government's gross financing requirements. An approach based on swapping government debt for impaired assets could be used to ease the operational problems relating to issuance, but would not avoid the impact on the budgetary ratios nor an increase in the supply of government debt in the market.

(5)  Banks typically hold a variety of assets, including: cash, financial assets (treasury bills, debt securities, equity securities, traded loans, and commodities), derivatives (swaps, options), loans, financial investments, intangible assets, property, plant and equipment. Losses may be incurred when assets are sold below their book value, when their value is decreased and reserves are created on possible loss or ex post when the revenue streams at maturity are lower than the book value.

(6)  A guarantee is presumed to constitute State aid when the beneficiary bank cannot find any independent private operator on the market willing to provide a similar guarantee. The amount of State aid is set at the maximum net liability for the State.

(7)  OJ C 270, 25.10.2008, p. 8.

(8)  OJ C 10, 15.1.2009, p. 2.

(9)  Without prejudice to the necessity of making public the impact on the balance sheet of an asset relief measure implying appropriate burden-sharing, the terms ‘transparency’ and ‘full disclosure’ should be understood as meaning transparency vis-à-vis the national authorities, the independent experts involved and the Commission.

(10)  The aid amount corresponds to the difference between the transfer value of the assets (normally based on their real economic value) and the market price. In this paper, the incurred losses correspond to the difference between the transfer value and the book value of the assets. Actual losses will normally only be known ex post.

(11)  Asset relief measures are somewhat comparable to capital injections insofar as they provide a loss absorption mechanism and have a regulatory capital effect. However, with the former the State generally incurs a larger risk, related to a specific portfolio of impaired assets, with no direct contribution of other bank's income generating activities and funds, and beyond its possible stake into the bank. In view of the larger down-side and more limited up-side remuneration for asset relief should normally be higher than for capital injections.

(12)  Comparing the book value of the assets with their transfer value (i.e. their real economic value).

(13)  Shareholder protection should, however, normally be excluded. See Decisions NN 39/08 (Denmark, Aid for liquidation of Roskilde Bank) and NN 41/08 (United Kingdom, Rescue aid to Bradford & Bingley).

(14)  That may be the case where the bank's size or type of activity would be unmanageable in an administrative or judiciary procedure or via an orderly winding-up without having dangerous systemic implications on other financial institutions or on lending to the real economy. A justification by the monetary and/or supervisory authority would be necessary in this respect.

(15)  Other factors, for example higher remuneration, may influence the appropriate level. Moreover, it has to be noted that ex post compensations may only occur several years after the measure has been introduced and may therefore unsatisfactorily prolong the uncertainty linked to the valuation of the impaired assets. Claw-back clauses based on ex ante valuation would not have this problem.

(16)  Case of enrolled assets that may mature afterwards.

(17)  An ‘unforeseeable circumstance’ is a circumstance that could in no way be anticipated by the company's management when making its decision not to join the asset relief programme during the enrolment window and that is not a result of negligence or error on the part of the company's management or decisions of the group to which it belongs. An ‘exceptional circumstance’ is to be understood as exceptional beyond the current crisis. Member States wishing to invoke such circumstances shall notify all necessary information to the Commission.

(18)  This would seem the approach chosen in the US for Citigroup and Bank of America.

(19)  Generally, the Commission considers that a uniform and objective cut-off date, such as the end of 2008, will ensure a level playing field among banks and Member States.

(20)  Where necessary, State support in relation to the risks of future assets can be tackled on the basis of the guarantee notice and the temporary framework.

(21)  This would be the case, for example, if the State swapped assets for government bonds in the amount of their nominal value but received contingent warrants on bank capital, the value of which depends on the eventual sales price of the impaired assets.

(22)  In the case of an insurance measure, the transfer value is understood as insured amount.

(23)  The Commission will use the opinion of such panels of valuation experts in a manner similar to other State aid proceedings, where it may have recourse to external expertise.

(24)  Compliance with the criteria set in paragraph 40 of the Communication on the recapitalisation of financial institutions in the current financial crisis: limitation of aid to the minimum necessary and safeguards against undue distortions of competition would also need to be ensured as far as applicable.

(25)  For those banks already subject to the obligation of a restructuring plan, following the granting of previous State aid, such a plan would need to duly take into consideration the new aid and envisage all options from restructuring to orderly winding-up.

(26)  Participation in an authorised credit guarantee scheme, without the guarantee having had to be invoked to cover losses, are not to be taken into consideration for the purposes of this paragraph.

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ANNEX I

Eurosystem guidance on asset support measures for banks

The Eurosystem has identified seven guiding principles for bank asset support measures:

| 1. | eligibility of institutions, which should be voluntary, with possible priority for institutions with large concentrations of impaired assets in case of constraints; |
| --- | --- |

1.

eligibility of institutions, which should be voluntary, with possible priority for institutions with large concentrations of impaired assets in case of constraints;

| 2. | relatively broad definition of assets eligible for support; |
| --- | --- |

2.

relatively broad definition of assets eligible for support;

| 3. | valuation of eligible assets which is transparent, preferably based on a range of approaches and common criteria to be adopted across Member States, based on independent third-party expert opinions, use of models which use micro-level inputs to estimate the economic value of, and probabilities attached to, the expected losses, and of asset-specific haircuts on book values of assets when the assessment of market value is particularly challenging, or when the situation requires swift action; |
| --- | --- |

3.

valuation of eligible assets which is transparent, preferably based on a range of approaches and common criteria to be adopted across Member States, based on independent third-party expert opinions, use of models which use micro-level inputs to estimate the economic value of, and probabilities attached to, the expected losses, and of asset-specific haircuts on book values of assets when the assessment of market value is particularly challenging, or when the situation requires swift action;

| 4. | an adequate degree of risk sharing as a necessary element of any scheme in order to limit the cost to the government, provide the right incentives to the participating institutions and maintain a level playing field across these institutions; |
| --- | --- |

4.

an adequate degree of risk sharing as a necessary element of any scheme in order to limit the cost to the government, provide the right incentives to the participating institutions and maintain a level playing field across these institutions;

| 5. | sufficiently long duration of the asset-support schemes, possibly matching the maturity structure of the eligible assets; |
| --- | --- |

5.

sufficiently long duration of the asset-support schemes, possibly matching the maturity structure of the eligible assets;

| 6. | governance of institutions which should continue to be run according to business principles, and favouring of schemes that envisage well defined exit strategies; and |
| --- | --- |

6.

governance of institutions which should continue to be run according to business principles, and favouring of schemes that envisage well defined exit strategies; and

| 7. | conditionality of public support schemes to some measurable yardsticks, such as commitments to continue providing credit to appropriately meet demand according to commercial criteria. |
| --- | --- |

7.

conditionality of public support schemes to some measurable yardsticks, such as commitments to continue providing credit to appropriately meet demand according to commercial criteria.

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ANNEX II

The different approaches to asset relief and experience with the use of bad-bank solutions in the United States, Sweden, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and the Czech Republic

I.   Possible approaches

In principle, two broad approaches to managing assets subject to relief measures can be considered:

| 1. | the segregation of impaired assets from good assets within a bank or in the banking sector as a whole. Several variants of this approach can be considered. An asset management company (bad bank or risk shield) could be created for each bank, whereby the impaired assets would be transferred to a separate legal entity, with the assets still managed by the ailing bank or a separate entity and possible losses shared between the good bank and the State. Alternatively, the State could establish a self-standing institution (often called an ‘aggregator bank’) to purchase the impaired assets of either an individual banks or of the banking sector as a whole, thereby allowing banks to return to normal lending behaviour unencumbered by the risk of asset write-downs. This approach could also involve prior nationalisation, whereby the State takes control of some or all banks in the sector before segregating their good and bad assets; |
| --- | --- |

1.

the segregation of impaired assets from good assets within a bank or in the banking sector as a whole. Several variants of this approach can be considered. An asset management company (bad bank or risk shield) could be created for each bank, whereby the impaired assets would be transferred to a separate legal entity, with the assets still managed by the ailing bank or a separate entity and possible losses shared between the good bank and the State. Alternatively, the State could establish a self-standing institution (often called an ‘aggregator bank’) to purchase the impaired assets of either an individual banks or of the banking sector as a whole, thereby allowing banks to return to normal lending behaviour unencumbered by the risk of asset write-downs. This approach could also involve prior nationalisation, whereby the State takes control of some or all banks in the sector before segregating their good and bad assets;

| 2. | an asset insurance scheme whereby banks retain impaired assets on their balance sheets but are indemnified against losses by the State. In the case of asset insurance, the impaired assets remain on the balance sheet of banks, which are indemnified against some or all losses by the State. A specific issue concerning asset insurance is setting the appropriate premium for heterogeneous and complex assets, which should in principle reflect some combination of valuation and risk characteristics of the insured assets. Another issue is that insurance schemes are technically difficult to operate in a situation where the insured assets are spread across a large number of banks rather than concentrated in a few larger banks. Finally, the fact that the insured assets remain on the balance sheets of banks will allow for the possibility of conflicts of interest and remove the important psychological effect of clearly separating the good bank from the bad assets. |
| --- | --- |

2.

an asset insurance scheme whereby banks retain impaired assets on their balance sheets but are indemnified against losses by the State. In the case of asset insurance, the impaired assets remain on the balance sheet of banks, which are indemnified against some or all losses by the State. A specific issue concerning asset insurance is setting the appropriate premium for heterogeneous and complex assets, which should in principle reflect some combination of valuation and risk characteristics of the insured assets. Another issue is that insurance schemes are technically difficult to operate in a situation where the insured assets are spread across a large number of banks rather than concentrated in a few larger banks. Finally, the fact that the insured assets remain on the balance sheets of banks will allow for the possibility of conflicts of interest and remove the important psychological effect of clearly separating the good bank from the bad assets.

II.   Experience with bad banks

In the United States, the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) was created as a government-owned asset-management company in 1989. The RTC was charged with liquidating assets (primarily real estate-related assets, including mortgage loans) that had been assets of savings and loan associations (‘S&Ls’) declared insolvent by the Office of Thrift Supervision, as a consequence of the Savings and Loan crisis (1989-1992). The RTC also took over the insurance functions of the former Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Between 1989 and mid-1995, the Resolution Trust Corporation closed or otherwise resolved 747 thrifts with total assets of USD 394 billion. In 1995, its duties were transferred to the Savings Association Insurance Fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Overall, the cost to the taxpayers was estimated at USD 124 billion in 1995 dollars.

The RTC operated via so-called ‘equity partnership programs’. All equity partnerships involved a private sector partner acquiring a partial interest in a pool of assets. By retaining an interest in asset portfolios, the RTC was able to participate in the extremely strong returns being realized by portfolio investors. Additionally, the equity partnerships enabled the RTC to benefit from the management and liquidation efforts of their private sector partners, and the structure helped assure an alignment of incentives superior to that which typically exists in a principal/contractor relationship. The various forms of equity partnerships are the following: Multiple Investment Fund (limited and selected partnership, unidentified portfolio of assets), N-series and S-series Mortgage Trusts (competitive bid for identified portfolio of assets), Land fund (to take profit from longer-term recovery and development of land), and JDC Partnership (selection of general partner on a ‘beauty-contest’ basis for claims unsecured or of questionable value).

In Sweden, two bank asset management corporations (AMCs), Securum and Retriva, were set up to manage the non-performing loans of financial institutions as part of the resolution policy for the financial crisis in 1992/1993. The assets of an ailing bank were split into ‘good’ and ‘bad’ assets, with the bad assets then transferred to one of the asset management corporations, mainly to Securum. An important feature of the Swedish programme was to force banks to disclose expected loan losses in full and assign realistic values to real estate and other assets. For this, the Financial Supervisory Authority tightened its rules for the definition of probable loan losses as well as for the valuation of real estate. In order to obtain uniform valuation of the real estate holdings of banks applying for support, the Authority set up a Valuation Board with real estate experts. The low market values assigned to the assets in the due diligence process, effectively helped setting a floor for asset values. As market participants did not expect prices to fall below that level, trading was maintained (1). In the long run, the two bank asset management corporations turned out to be successful in the sense that the budgetary cost of supporting the financial system was roughly balanced by the revenues received by the bank asset management corporations from the liquidation of their asset holdings.

In France, a public body enjoying an institutional unlimited State guarantee was created in the 1990s to take over and liquidate over time the bad assets of Credit Lyonnais. The bad bank financed the acquisition of the assets by means of a loan from Credit Lyonnais. The latter, therefore, could avoid recording losses on the assets and free capital for an equivalent amount of risk-weighted assets, as the loan to the bad bank could enjoy a 0 % risk weight in view of the State guarantee. The Commission approved the bad bank as restructuring aid. A feature of the model was the neat separation between the good and the bad bank in order to prevent conflicts of interest and the ‘better fortunes clause’ on the good bank's profit to the benefit of the State. After a few years, the bank was successfully privatised. However, transfer of the assets to the bad bank at book value sheltered the shareholders from responsibility for the losses and implied high cost for the State over time.

A few years later in Italy, Banco di Napoli was split into a bad bank and a good bank after the absorption of the losses by existing shareholders and a Treasury recapitalisation to the extent necessary to keep the bank afloat. Banco Napoli financed the bad bank's acquisition of the discounted but still impaired assets via a subsidised loan of the Central Bank counter-guaranteed by the Treasury. The cleaned bank was privatised one year later. In neither the case of Credit Lyonnais nor that of Banco di Napoli was there an immediate budgetary outlay for the Treasury for the acquisition of the bad assets, over and above the provision of capital to the banks.

A soft form of bad bank has been recently used by Germany in dealing with the bad assets of their Landesbanken. In the SachsenLB case, the beneficiary was sold as a going concern after the bad assets of around EUR 17,5 billion were channelled into a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with the purpose to hold the assets until maturity. The former owners, the Land of Saxony, gave a loss guarantee for around 17 % of the nominal value, which was considered as the absolute maximum of possible losses in a stress test (the base case was estimated only at 2 %). The new owner took over most of the refinancing and covered the remaining risk. The aid amount was at least considered to go up to the worst case estimate of around 4 %. In the WestLB case, a portfolio of assets of EUR 23 billion was channelled into an SPV and equipped with a government guarantee of EUR 5 billion so as to cover eventual losses and protect the balance sheet of adjusting the value of the assets according to IFRS. This allowed WestLB to remove the market volatility of the assets from its balance sheet. A guarantee fee of 0,5 % was paid to the State. The risk shield is still in place and is considered to be State aid.

In Switzerland, the government has created a new fund to which UBS has transferred a portfolio of toxic assets that was valued by a third party prior to the transfer. To ensure financing of this fund, Switzerland first injected capital into UBS (in the form of notes convertible into UBS shares), which UBS immediately wrote off and transferred to the Fund. The remainder of the financing of the Fund was ensured by a loan from the Swiss National Bank.

In the late 1990s, the Czech banks' lending conditions to corporations were very loose. The Czech banks were severely damaged by that and they had to be bailed out in the late 1990s by the government. Major rounds of cleaning up banks' balance sheets were undertaken in order to establish a healthy banking industry.

In February 1991, the Czech government created a consolidation bank (Konsolidační banka, KOB), established in order to take on bad loans from the banking sector accumulated before 1991 — such as debts inherited from the centrally planned economy, especially those related to trading within the Soviet bloc. In September 2001, the special bank turned into an agency that also had to absorb bad loans connected to ‘new innovative’ loans (especially so-called privatization loans, nonperforming loans and fraudulent loans).

Starting in 1991, larger banks were freed from bad loans and as of 1994 emphasis shifted to smaller banks. In particular, the failure of Kreditní banka in August 1996, and a subsequent partial run on Agrobanka, caused some strain on the Czech banking system. The programmes concerned led only to a temporary increase of State ownership in banking in 1995, and again in 1998, due to the revocation of the license of Agrobanka. Overall, the government share in banking rose to 32 % at the end of 1995 from 29 % in 1994.

Moreover, to support the small banks, another programme — the Stabilisation Programme — was approved in 1997. This essentially consisted of replacing poor-quality assets with liquidity of up to 110 % of each participating bank's capital through the purchase of poor-quality assets from the bank by a special company called Česká finanční, with subsequent repurchase of the residual amount of these assets within 5 to 7-year horizon. Six banks joined the programme, but five of these were excluded after failing to comply with its criteria and subsequently went out of business. Thus, the Stabilisation Programme was not successful and was halted.

By the end of 1998, 63 banking licences had been granted (60 of these before the end of 1994). As of end-September 2000, 41 banks and branches of foreign banks remained in business, 16 were under extraordinary regimes (8 in liquidation, 8 involved in bankruptcy proceedings), 4 had merged with other banks, and the licence of one foreign bank had been revoked because it had failed to start its operations. Out of the 41 remaining institutions (including CKA) 15 were domestically controlled banks and 27 foreign-controlled banks, including foreign subsidiaries and foreign branches.

In May 2000, the amended Act on Bankruptcy and Settlement and the Act on Public Auctions became effective, which aimed at accelerating bankruptcy proceedings and balancing creditors' and debtors' rights by allowing specialised firms or legal persons to act as trustees in bankruptcy proceedings and by offering the possibility to negotiate out-of-court settlements.

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(1)  This is in sharp contrast to the Japanese policy setting too high values for ‘bad’ assets, thus freezing the real estate market for about a decade.

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ANNEX III

The definition of categories (‘baskets’) of eligible assets and full disclosure concerning the impaired assets as well as the entire business activities of a bank

I.   The definition of categories (‘baskets’) of eligible assets

The definition of baskets of impaired financial assets of banks should be a common denominator based on categories that are already used for:

| 1. | prudential reporting and valuation (Basel pillar 3 = CRD Annex XII; FINREP and COREP); |
| --- | --- |

1.

prudential reporting and valuation (Basel pillar 3 = CRD Annex XII; FINREP and COREP);

| 2. | financial reporting and valuation (IAS 39 and IFRS 7 in particular); |
| --- | --- |

2.

financial reporting and valuation (IAS 39 and IFRS 7 in particular);

| 3. | Specialised ad hoc reporting on the credit crisis: IMF, FSF, Roubini and CEBS work on transparency. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Specialised ad hoc reporting on the credit crisis: IMF, FSF, Roubini and CEBS work on transparency.

Using a common denominator of existing reporting and valuation categories for defining asset baskets will:

| 1. | prevent any additional reporting burden for banks; |
| --- | --- |

1.

prevent any additional reporting burden for banks;

| 2. | make it possible to assess the basket of impaired assets of individual banks to Community and global estimates (which can be relevant for determining the ‘economic value’ at a point in time); and |
| --- | --- |

2.

make it possible to assess the basket of impaired assets of individual banks to Community and global estimates (which can be relevant for determining the ‘economic value’ at a point in time); and

| 3. | provide objective (certified) starting points for the valuation of impaired assets. |
| --- | --- |

3.

provide objective (certified) starting points for the valuation of impaired assets.

Taking into account the above the Commission suggests the following baskets of financial assets as an entry point for determining the ‘economic value’ and the asset impairment relief:

Table 1

| I.   Structured finance/securitised products |
| --- |
| | Type of product | Accounting category | Valuation basis for the scheme | Comments |
| Market value | Economic Value | Transfer Value |
| 1 | RMBS | FVPL/AFS (1) | | | | Further refined into: geographic area, seniority of tranches, ratings, sub-prime or Alt-A related, or other underlying assets, maturity/vintage, allowances and write-offs |
| 2 | CMBS | FVPL/AFS | | | |
| 3 | CDO | FVPL/AFS | | | |
| 4 | ABS | FVPL/AFS | | | |
| 5 | Corporate debt | FVPL/AFS | | | |
| 6 | Other loans | FVPL/AFS | | | |
| Total | | | |
| II.   Non securitised loans |
| | Type of product | Accounting category | Valuation basis for the scheme | Comments |
| Cost (2) | Economic Value | Transfer Value |
| 7 | Corporate | HTM/L&R (1) | Cost (2) | | | Further refinement on: geographic area, counterparty risk (PD) credit risk mitigation (collateral) and maturity structures; allowances and write-offs. |
| 8 | Housing | HTM/L&R | Cost | | |
| 9 | Other personal | HTM/L&R | Cost | | |
| Total | | | |

Structured finance/securitised products

Type of product

Accounting category

Valuation basis for the scheme

Comments

Market value

Economic Value

Transfer Value

1

RMBS

FVPL/AFS (1)

Further refined into: geographic area, seniority of tranches, ratings, sub-prime or Alt-A related, or other underlying assets, maturity/vintage, allowances and write-offs

2

CMBS

FVPL/AFS

3

CDO

FVPL/AFS

4

ABS

FVPL/AFS

5

Corporate debt

FVPL/AFS

6

Other loans

FVPL/AFS

Total

Non securitised loans

Type of product

Accounting category

Valuation basis for the scheme

Comments

Cost (2)

Economic Value

Transfer Value

7

Corporate

HTM/L&R (1)

Cost (2)

Further refinement on: geographic area, counterparty risk (PD) credit risk mitigation (collateral) and maturity structures; allowances and write-offs.

8

Housing

HTM/L&R

Cost

9

Other personal

HTM/L&R

Cost

Total

II.   Full disclosure concerning impaired assets and the related business activities

On the basis of the asset baskets shown in Table 1, the information provided on the impaired assets of a bank which should be covered by an asset relief measure should be presented with a further degree of granularity as suggested in the comment column of Table 1.

On the basis of good practices observed by the Committee of European Banking Supervisors (3) (CEBS) for disclosures on activities affected by the market turmoil, information on the bank's activities related to the impaired assets that would feed into the viability review referred to in Section 5.1 could be structured as follows:

Table 2

| CEBS observed good practices | Senior Supervisors Group (SSG):
  Leading Practice Disclosures |
| --- | --- |
| Business model | |
| — | Description of the business model (i.e. of the reasons for engaging in activities and of the contribution to value creation process) and, if applicable of any changes made (e.g. as a result of crisis). |

CEBS observed good practices

Senior Supervisors Group (SSG):

Leading Practice Disclosures

Business model

—

Description of the business model (i.e. of the reasons for engaging in activities and of the contribution to value creation process) and, if applicable of any changes made (e.g. as a result of crisis).

| — | Description of strategies and objectives. |
| --- | --- |

—

Description of strategies and objectives.

| — | Description of importance of activities and contribution to business (including a discussion in quantitative terms). |
| --- | --- |

—

Description of importance of activities and contribution to business (including a discussion in quantitative terms).

| — | Description on the type of activities including a description of the instruments as well as of their functioning and qualifying criteria that products/investments have to meet. |
| --- | --- |

—

Description on the type of activities including a description of the instruments as well as of their functioning and qualifying criteria that products/investments have to meet.

| — | Description of the role and the extent of involvement of the institution, i.e. commitments and obligations. |
| --- | --- |

—

Description of the role and the extent of involvement of the institution, i.e. commitments and obligations.

| — | Activities (SPE) (4). |
| --- | --- |

—

Activities (SPE) (4).

| — | Nature of exposure (sponsor, liquidity and/or credit enhancement provider) (SPE). |
| --- | --- |

—

Nature of exposure (sponsor, liquidity and/or credit enhancement provider) (SPE).

| — | Qualitative discussion of policy (LF). |
| --- | --- |

—

Qualitative discussion of policy (LF).

Risks and risk management

| — | Description of the nature and extent of risks incurred in relation to the activities and instruments. |
| --- | --- |

—

Description of the nature and extent of risks incurred in relation to the activities and instruments.

| — | Description of risk management practices of relevance to the activities, of any identified weaknesses of any corrective measures that have been taken to address these. |
| --- | --- |

—

Description of risk management practices of relevance to the activities, of any identified weaknesses of any corrective measures that have been taken to address these.

| — | In the current crisis, particular attention should be given to liquidity risk. |
| --- | --- |

—

In the current crisis, particular attention should be given to liquidity risk.

Impact of the crisis on results

| — | Qualitative and quantitative description of results, with a focus on losses (where applicable) and write-downs impacting the results. |
| --- | --- |

—

Qualitative and quantitative description of results, with a focus on losses (where applicable) and write-downs impacting the results.

| — | Breakdown of the write-downs/losses by types of products and instruments affected by the crisis (CMBS, RMBS, CDO, ABS and LBO further broken down by different criteria). |
| --- | --- |

—

Breakdown of the write-downs/losses by types of products and instruments affected by the crisis (CMBS, RMBS, CDO, ABS and LBO further broken down by different criteria).

| — | Description of the reasons and factors responsible for the impact incurred. |
| --- | --- |

—

Description of the reasons and factors responsible for the impact incurred.

| — | Comparison of (i) impacts between (relevant) periods; and of (ii) income statement balances before and after the impact of the crisis. |
| --- | --- |

—

Comparison of (i) impacts between (relevant) periods; and of (ii) income statement balances before and after the impact of the crisis.

| — | Distinction of write-downs between realised and unrealised amounts. |
| --- | --- |

—

Distinction of write-downs between realised and unrealised amounts.

| — | Description of the influence the crisis had on the firm's share price. |
| --- | --- |

—

Description of the influence the crisis had on the firm's share price.

| — | Disclosure of maximum loss risk and description how the institution's situation could be affected by a further downturn or by a market recovery. |
| --- | --- |

—

Disclosure of maximum loss risk and description how the institution's situation could be affected by a further downturn or by a market recovery.

| — | Disclosure of impact of credit spread movements for own liabilities on results and on the methods used to determine this impact. |
| --- | --- |

—

Disclosure of impact of credit spread movements for own liabilities on results and on the methods used to determine this impact.

| — | Change in exposure from the prior period, including sales and write-downs (CMB/LF) |
| --- | --- |

—

Change in exposure from the prior period, including sales and write-downs (CMB/LF)

Exposure levels and types

| — | Nominal amount (or amortised cost) and fair values of outstanding exposures. |
| --- | --- |

—

Nominal amount (or amortised cost) and fair values of outstanding exposures.

| — | Information on credit protection (e.g. through credit default swaps) and its effect on exposures. |
| --- | --- |

—

Information on credit protection (e.g. through credit default swaps) and its effect on exposures.

| — | Information on the number of products |
| --- | --- |

—

Information on the number of products

| — | Granular disclosures of exposures with breakdowns provided by;






  — | level of seniority of tranches, |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Granular disclosures of exposures with breakdowns provided by;

—

level of seniority of tranches,

| — | level of credit quality (e.g. ratings, investment grade, vintages), |
| --- | --- |

—

level of credit quality (e.g. ratings, investment grade, vintages),

| — | geographic origin, |
| --- | --- |

—

geographic origin,

| — | whether exposures have been originated, retained, warehoused or purchased, |
| --- | --- |

—

whether exposures have been originated, retained, warehoused or purchased,

| — | product characteristics: e.g. ratings, share of sub-prime mortgages, discount rates, attachment points, spreads, funding, |
| --- | --- |

—

product characteristics: e.g. ratings, share of sub-prime mortgages, discount rates, attachment points, spreads, funding,

| — | characteristics of the underlying assets: e.g. vintages, loan-to-value ratios, information on liens, weighted average life of the underlying, prepayment speed assumptions, expected credit losses. |
| --- | --- |

—

characteristics of the underlying assets: e.g. vintages, loan-to-value ratios, information on liens, weighted average life of the underlying, prepayment speed assumptions, expected credit losses.

| — | Movement schedules of exposures between relevant reporting periods and the underlying reasons (sales, disposals, purchases etc.). |
| --- | --- |

—

Movement schedules of exposures between relevant reporting periods and the underlying reasons (sales, disposals, purchases etc.).

| — | Discussion of exposures that have not been consolidated (or that have been recognised in the course of the crisis) and the related reasons. |
| --- | --- |

—

Discussion of exposures that have not been consolidated (or that have been recognised in the course of the crisis) and the related reasons.

| — | Exposure to monoline insurers and quality of insured assets:






  — | nominal amounts (or amortized cost) of insured exposures as well as of the amount of credit protection bought, |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Exposure to monoline insurers and quality of insured assets:

—

nominal amounts (or amortized cost) of insured exposures as well as of the amount of credit protection bought,

| — | fair values of the outstanding exposures as well as of the related credit protection, |
| --- | --- |

—

fair values of the outstanding exposures as well as of the related credit protection,

| — | amount of write-downs and losses, differentiated into realised and unrealised amounts, |
| --- | --- |

—

amount of write-downs and losses, differentiated into realised and unrealised amounts,

| — | breakdowns of exposures by ratings or counterparty. |
| --- | --- |

—

breakdowns of exposures by ratings or counterparty.

| — | Size of vehicle versus firm's total exposure (SPE/CDO). |
| --- | --- |

—

Size of vehicle versus firm's total exposure (SPE/CDO).

| — | Collateral: type, tranches, credit rating, industry, geographic distribution, average maturity, vintage (SPE/CDO/CMB/LF). |
| --- | --- |

—

Collateral: type, tranches, credit rating, industry, geographic distribution, average maturity, vintage (SPE/CDO/CMB/LF).

| — | Hedges, including exposures to monolines, other counterparties (CDO). Creditworthiness of hedge counterparties (CDO). |
| --- | --- |

—

Hedges, including exposures to monolines, other counterparties (CDO). Creditworthiness of hedge counterparties (CDO).

| — | Whole loans, RMBS, derivatives, other (O). |
| --- | --- |

—

Whole loans, RMBS, derivatives, other (O).

| — | Detail on credit quality (such as credit rating, loan-to-value ratios, performance measures) (O). |
| --- | --- |

—

Detail on credit quality (such as credit rating, loan-to-value ratios, performance measures) (O).

| — | Change in exposure from the prior period, including sales and write-downs (CMB/LF). |
| --- | --- |

—

Change in exposure from the prior period, including sales and write-downs (CMB/LF).

| — | Distinction between consolidated and non consolidated vehicles. Reason for consolidation (if applicable) (SPE). |
| --- | --- |

—

Distinction between consolidated and non consolidated vehicles. Reason for consolidation (if applicable) (SPE).

| — | Funded exposure and unfunded commitments (LF). |
| --- | --- |

—

Funded exposure and unfunded commitments (LF).

Accounting policies and valuation issues

| — | Classification of the transactions and structured products for accounting purposes and the related accounting treatment. |
| --- | --- |

—

Classification of the transactions and structured products for accounting purposes and the related accounting treatment.

| — | Consolidation of SPEs and other vehicles (such as VIEs) and a reconciliation of these to the structured products affected by the sub-prime crisis. |
| --- | --- |

—

Consolidation of SPEs and other vehicles (such as VIEs) and a reconciliation of these to the structured products affected by the sub-prime crisis.

| — | Detailed disclosures on fair values of financial instruments:






  — | financial instruments to which fair values are applied, |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Detailed disclosures on fair values of financial instruments:

—

financial instruments to which fair values are applied,

| — | fair value hierarchy (a breakdown of all exposures measured at fair value by different levels of the fair value hierarchy and a breakdown between cash and derivative instruments as well as disclosures on migrations between the different levels), |
| --- | --- |

—

fair value hierarchy (a breakdown of all exposures measured at fair value by different levels of the fair value hierarchy and a breakdown between cash and derivative instruments as well as disclosures on migrations between the different levels),

| — | treatment of day 1 profits (including quantitative information), |
| --- | --- |

—

treatment of day 1 profits (including quantitative information),

| — | use of the fair value option (including its conditions for use) and related amounts (with appropriate breakdowns). |
| --- | --- |

—

use of the fair value option (including its conditions for use) and related amounts (with appropriate breakdowns).

| — | Disclosures on the modelling techniques used for the valuation of financial instruments, including discussions of the following:






  — | description of modelling techniques and of the instruments to which they are applied, |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Disclosures on the modelling techniques used for the valuation of financial instruments, including discussions of the following:

—

description of modelling techniques and of the instruments to which they are applied,

| — | description of valuation processes (including in particular discussions of assumptions and input factors the models rely on), |
| --- | --- |

—

description of valuation processes (including in particular discussions of assumptions and input factors the models rely on),

| — | type of adjustments applied to reflect model risk and other valuation uncertainties, |
| --- | --- |

—

type of adjustments applied to reflect model risk and other valuation uncertainties,

| — | sensitivity of fair values, and |
| --- | --- |

—

sensitivity of fair values, and

| — | stress scenarios. |
| --- | --- |

—

stress scenarios.

| — | Valuation methodologies and primary drivers (CDO). |
| --- | --- |

—

Valuation methodologies and primary drivers (CDO).

| — | Credit valuation adjustments for specific counterparties (CDO). |
| --- | --- |

—

Credit valuation adjustments for specific counterparties (CDO).

| — | Sensitivity of valuation to changes in key assumptions and inputs (CDO). |
| --- | --- |

—

Sensitivity of valuation to changes in key assumptions and inputs (CDO).

Other disclosure aspects

| — | Description of disclosure policies and of the principles that are used for disclosures and financial reporting. |
| --- | --- |

—

Description of disclosure policies and of the principles that are used for disclosures and financial reporting.

Presentation issues

| — | Relevant disclosures for the understanding of an institution's involvement in a certain activity should as far as possible be provided in one place. |
| --- | --- |

—

Relevant disclosures for the understanding of an institution's involvement in a certain activity should as far as possible be provided in one place.

| — | Where information is spread between different parts or sources clear cross-references should be provided to allow the interested reader to navigate between the parts. |
| --- | --- |

—

Where information is spread between different parts or sources clear cross-references should be provided to allow the interested reader to navigate between the parts.

| — | Narrative disclosures should to the largest extent possible be supplemented with illustrative tables and overviews to improve the clarity. |
| --- | --- |

—

Narrative disclosures should to the largest extent possible be supplemented with illustrative tables and overviews to improve the clarity.

| — | Institutions should ensure that the terminology used to describe complex financial instruments and transactions is accompanied by clear and adequate explanations. |
| --- | --- |

—

Institutions should ensure that the terminology used to describe complex financial instruments and transactions is accompanied by clear and adequate explanations.

---

(1)  FVPL = Fair value through profit and loss = trading portfolio + fair value option); AFS = available for sale, HTM = Held to Maturity, L&R = loans and receivables.

(2)  Cost means the carrying amount of the loans minus impairment.

(3)  Source: CEBS (Committee of European Banking Supervisors) report on banks' transparency on activities and products affected by the recent market turmoil, 18 June 2008.

(4)  In the SSG Report, each feature refers to an specific type of SPE, or to all of them as a whole, being SPE (Special Purpose Entities in general), LF (Leveraged Finance), CMB (Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities), O (Other sub-prime and Alt-A Exposures), CDO (Collateralised Debt Obligations)

---

ANNEX IV

Valuation and pricing principles and processes

I.   Valuation methodology and procedure

For the purposes of asset relief measures, assets should be classified along the lines of the illustrative tables 1 and 2 in Annex III.

The determination of the real economic value for the purposes of this Communication (see Section 5.5) should be based on observable market inputs and realistic and prudent assumptions about future cash flows.

The valuation method to be applied to eligible assets should be agreed at the Community level and could vary with the individual assets or baskets of assets concerned. Whenever possible, such valuation should be re-assessed in reference to the market at regular intervals over the life of the asset.

In the past, several valuation options have been applied more or less successfully. Simple reverse auction procedures proved useful in the case of categories of assets where market values are reasonably certain. However, this approach failed in valuing more complex assets in the United States. More sophisticated auction procedures are more adapted where there is less certainty about market values and a more exact method of price discovery of each asset would be needed. Unfortunately, their design is not straightforward. The alternative of model-based calculations for complex assets presents the drawback of being sensitive to the underlying assumptions (1).

The option of applying uniform valuation haircuts to all complex assets simplifies the process of valuation overall, although it results in less accurate pricing of individual assets. Central banks have substantial experience regarding possible criteria and parameters for collateral pledged for refinancing, which could serve as a useful reference.

Whatever the model chosen, the valuation process and particularly the assessment of the likelihood of future losses should be based on rigorous stress-testing against a scenario of protracted global recession.

The valuation must be based on internationally recognised standards and benchmarks. A common valuation methodology agreed at the Community level and consistently implemented by Member States could greatly contribute to mitigating concerns regarding threats to a level playing field resulting from potentially significant implications of discrepant valuation systems. When assessing the valuation methods put forward by Member States for asset relief measures, the Commission will, in principle, consult panels of valuation experts (2).

II.   The pricing of State support on the basis of valuation

The valuation of assets must be distinguished from the pricing of a support measure. A purchase or insurance on the basis of the established current market value or the ‘real economic value’, factoring in future cash flow projections on a hold-to-maturity basis, will in practice often exceed the present capacities of beneficiary banks for burden-sharing (3). The objective of the pricing must be based on a transfer value as close to the identified real economic value as possible. While implying an advantage as compared to the current market value and thus State aid, pricing on the basis of the ‘real economic value’ can be perceived as counterbalancing current market exaggerations fuelled by current crisis conditions which have led to the deterioration or even collapse of certain markets. The greater any deviation of the transfer value from the ‘real economic value’, and thus the amount of aid, the greater the need for remedial measures to ensure accurate pricing over time (for example, through better fortune clauses) and for more in-depth restructuring. The admissible deviation from the result of valuation should be more restricted for assets the value of which can be established on the basis of reliable market input than for those for which markets are illiquid. Non-compliance with these principles would represent a strong indicator for the necessity of far-reaching restructuring and compensatory measures or even an orderly winding-up.

In any event, any pricing of asset relief must include remuneration for the State that adequately takes account of the risks of future losses exceeding those that are projected in the determination of the ‘real economic value’ and any additional risk stemming from a transfer value above the real economic value.

Such remuneration may be provided by setting the transfer price of assets at below the ‘real economic value’ to a sufficient extent so as to provide for adequate compensation for the risk in the form of a commensurate upside, or by adapting the guarantee fee accordingly.

Identifying the necessary target return could be ‘inspired’ by the remuneration that would have been required for recapitalisation measures to the extent of the capital effect of the proposed asset relief. This should be in line with the Commission Communication on the recapitalisation of financial institutions in the current financial crisis: limitation of aid to the minimum necessary and safeguards against undue distortions of competition, while taking into account the specific features of asset relief measures and particularly the fact that they may involve higher exposure than capital injections (4).

The pricing system could also include warrants for shares in the banks equal in value to the assets (implying that a higher price paid will result in a higher potential equity stake). One model for such a pricing system could be an asset purchase scenario, in which such warrants will be returned to the bank once the assets are sold by the bad bank and if they have earned the necessary target return. If the assets do not yield such a return, the bank should pay the difference in cash to reach the target return. If the bank does not pay the cash, the Member State will sell the warrants to achieve the target return.

In an asset guarantee scenario, the guarantee fee could be paid in the form of shares with a fixed cumulative interest representing the target return. Where the guarantee needs to be drawn upon, the Member State could use the warrants to acquire shares corresponding to the amounts that had to be covered by the guarantee.

Any pricing system would have to ensure that the overall contribution of beneficiary banks reduces the extent of net State intervention to the minimum necessary.

---

(1)  In any case, an auction would only be possible for homogeneous classes of assets and where there exist a sufficiently large number of potential sellers. In addition a reserve price would need to be introduced to ensure the protection of the interest of the State and claw back mechanism in case the final losses would exceed the reserve price, so as to ensure a sufficient contribution by the beneficiary bank. In order to assess such mechanisms, comparative scenarios with alternatives guarantee/purchase schemes will have to be submitted, including stress tests, in order to guarantee their global financial equivalence.

(2)  The Commission will use the opinion of such panels of valuation experts in a manner similar to other State aid proceedings, where it may have recourse to external expertise.

(3)  See Section 5.2.

(4)  In an asset guarantee scenario, it would also have to be taken into consideration that in contrast to recapitalisation measures, no liquidity is provided.

---

ANNEX V

State aid procedure

Member States notifying asset relief measures must provide the Commission with comprehensive and detailed information on all the elements of relevance for the assessment of the public support measures under the State aid rules as set out in this Communication (1). This includes notably the detailed description of the valuation methodology and its intended implementation involving independent third-party expertise (2). Commission approval will be granted for a period of 6 months, and conditional on the commitment to present either a restructuring plan or a viability review for each beneficiary institution within 3 months from its accession to the asset relief programme.

Where a bank is granted aid either as an individual measure or under an approved asset relief scheme, the Member State must provide the Commission, at the latest in the individual notification concerning the restructuring plan or viability review, with detailed information regarding the assets covered and its valuation at the time such individual aid is granted, as well as the certified and validated results of the disclosure of impairments concerning the assets covered by the relief measure (3). The full review of the bank's activities and balance sheet should be provided as soon as possible to initiate discussions on the appropriate nature and extent of restructuring well in advance of the formal presentation of a restructuring plan with a view to accelerating this process and providing clarity and legal certainty as quickly as possible.

For banks that have already benefited from other forms of State aid, whether under approved guarantee, asset swaps or recapitalisation schemes or individual measures, any assistance granted under the asset relief scheme must be reported first under existing reporting obligations so that the Commission has a complete picture of multiple State aid measures benefiting an individual aid recipient and can better appreciate the effectiveness of the previous measures and the contribution that the Member State proposes to introduce in a global assessment.

The Commission will reassess the aid granted under temporary approval in the light of the adequacy of the proposed restructuring and the remedial measures (4), and will take a view on its compatibility for longer than 6 months through a new decision.

Member States must also provide a report to the Commission every six months on the functioning of the asset relief programmes and on the development of the banks' restructuring plans. Where the Member State is already subject to a reporting requirement for other forms of aid to its banks, such a report must be complemented with the necessary information concerning the asset relief measures and the banks' restructuring plans.

---

(1)  Pre-notification contact is encouraged.

(2)  See Section 5.5 and Annex IV.

(3)  A letter from the head of the supervisory authority certifying the detailed results must be provided.

(4)  In order to facilitate the work of the Member States and the Commission, the Commission will be prepared to examine grouped notifications of similar restructuring/winding-up cases. The Commission may consider that there is no need to submit a plan for the pure winding up of an institution, or where the size of the institution is negligible.

---

| 26.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 72/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 72/23

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.5364 — Iberia/Vueling/Clickair)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2009/C 72/02)

On 9 January 2009, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the common market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) in conjunction with Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in Spanish and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

| — | from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes, |
| --- | --- |

—

from the Europa competition website (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

| — | in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32009M5364. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu). |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32009M5364. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law (http://eur-lex.europa.eu).

---

IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Commission

| 26.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 72/24 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 72/24

---

Euro exchange rates (1)

25 March 2009

(2009/C 72/03)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,3494 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 132,24 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4486 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,92425 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 10,9565 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,5230 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,7275 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 27,290 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 300,22 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,7095 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,5600 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 4,2811 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 2,2433 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,9310 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,6598 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,4580 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 2,3847 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,0376 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 837,68 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 12,8317 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 9,2176 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,4750 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 15 754,25 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,8956 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 64,880 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 45,4110 |
| THB | Thai baht | 47,890 |
| BRL | Brazilian real | 3,0442 |
| MXN | Mexican peso | 19,3909 |
| INR | Indian rupee | 68,3740 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,3494

JPY

Japanese yen

132,24

DKK

Danish krone

7,4486

GBP

Pound sterling

0,92425

SEK

Swedish krona

10,9565

CHF

Swiss franc

1,5230

ISK

Iceland króna

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,7275

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

27,290

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

300,22

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,7095

PLN

Polish zloty

4,5600

RON

Romanian leu

4,2811

TRY

Turkish lira

2,2433

AUD

Australian dollar

1,9310

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,6598

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,4580

NZD

New Zealand dollar

2,3847

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,0376

KRW

South Korean won

1 837,68

ZAR

South African rand

12,8317

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

9,2176

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,4750

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

15 754,25

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,8956

PHP

Philippine peso

64,880

RUB

Russian rouble

45,4110

THB

Thai baht

47,890

BRL

Brazilian real

3,0442

MXN

Mexican peso

19,3909

INR

Indian rupee

68,3740

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES

| 26.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 72/25 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 72/25

---

LIST OF BODIES OR PUBLIC AUTHORITIES IN CHARGE OF INSPECTION PROVIDED FOR IN ARTICLE 15 OF REGULATION (EEC) No 2092/91

(2009/C 72/04)

Article 9 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 of 24 June 1991 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs, requires that the Member States set up an inspection system operated by one or more designated inspection authorities and/or approved private inspection bodies.

According to the provision of the last subparagraph of Article 15 of the Regulation, the current communication lists, on the basis of the information from the Member States updated in 2008, the system made operational in each Member State and the bodies and/or authorities approved for inspection.

Under the column ‘comments’ the systems made operational in each of the Member States are indicated as follows:

| A | : | System of approved private inspection bodies |
| --- | --- | --- |
| B | : | System of (a) designated public inspection authority(ies) |
| C | : | System of a designated public inspection authority and approved private inspection bodies |

A

:

System of approved private inspection bodies

B

:

System of (a) designated public inspection authority(ies)

C

:

System of a designated public inspection authority and approved private inspection bodies

From January 1998 approved inspection bodies in the European Union must satisfy the requirements laid down in the conditions of standard EN 45011 (Article 9(10) of Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91).

The list also contains the bodies and/or authorities approved for inspection by non-EEC countries adhered to the EEA.

AUSTRIA AND SPAIN

In Austria and Spain, the bodies have their activity limited to certain specified Länder/Autonomous Communities.

The following codes have been used for the different Länder/Autonomous Communities, in the column ‘comments’.

Austria

| Carinthia | K |
| --- | --- |
| Lower Austria | N |
| Upper Austria | O |
| Salzburg | S |
| Styria | ST |
| Tyrol | T |
| Vienna | W |
| Burgenland | B |
| Vorarlberg | V |

Carinthia

K

Lower Austria

N

Upper Austria

O

Salzburg

S

Styria

ST

Tyrol

T

Vienna

W

Burgenland

B

Vorarlberg

V

Spain

| Andalusia | AN |
| --- | --- |
| Aragon | AR |
| Asturias | AS |
| Balearic Islands | BA |
| Canary Islands | CA |
| Cantabria | CN |
| Castile-La Mancha | CM |
| Castile-y-Léon | CL |
| Catalonia | CT |
| Extremadura | EX |
| Galicia | GA |
| Rioja | RI |
| Madrid | MA |
| Murcia | MU |
| Navarre | NA |
| Basque Country | VAS |
| Valencia | VA |

Andalusia

AN

Aragon

AR

Asturias

AS

Balearic Islands

BA

Canary Islands

CA

Cantabria

CN

Castile-La Mancha

CM

Castile-y-Léon

CL

Catalonia

CT

Extremadura

EX

Galicia

GA

Rioja

RI

Madrid

MA

Murcia

MU

Navarre

NA

Basque Country

VAS

Valencia

VA

| Member states and codes | Inspection authority(ies) or body(ies) | Comments |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AUSTRIA | | System A |
| AT-N-01-BIO | Austria Bio Garantie |
| Königsbrunnerstrasse 8 |
| A-2202 Enzersfeld |
| Tel: +43 2262 67 22 12 |
| Fax: +43 22 62 67 41 43 |
| E-mail: nw@abg.at |
| Website: www.abg.at |

Member states and codes

Inspection authority(ies) or body(ies)

Comments

AUSTRIA

System A

AT-N-01-BIO

Austria Bio Garantie

Königsbrunnerstrasse 8

A-2202 Enzersfeld

Tel: +43 2262 67 22 12

Fax: +43 22 62 67 41 43

E-mail: nw@abg.at

Website: www.abg.at

N, B, K, O, S, ST, T, V, W

AT-0-01-BIO

| BIOS — Biokontrollservice Österreich |
| --- |
| Feyregg 39 |
| A-4552 Wartberg |
| Tel: +43 7587 7178 |
| Fax:+43 7587 71 78-11 |
| E-mail: office@bios-kontrolle.at |
| Website: www.bios-kontrolle.at |

BIOS — Biokontrollservice Österreich

Feyregg 39

A-4552 Wartberg

Tel: +43 7587 7178

Fax:+43 7587 71 78-11

E-mail: office@bios-kontrolle.at

Website: www.bios-kontrolle.at

O, B, K, N, S, ST, T, V, W

AT-O-02-BIO

| LACON GmbH |
| --- |
| Linzerstrasse 2 |
| A-4150 Rohrbach |
| Tel: +43 7289 40977 |
| Fax: +43 7289 40977-4 |
| E-mail: office@lacon-institut.at |
| Website: www.lacon-institut.at |

LACON GmbH

Linzerstrasse 2

A-4150 Rohrbach

Tel: +43 7289 40977

Fax: +43 7289 40977-4

E-mail: office@lacon-institut.at

Website: www.lacon-institut.at

O, B, K, N, S, ST, T, V, W

AT-O-04-BIO

| GfRS Gesellschaft für Ressourcenschutz mbH |
| --- |
| Prinzenstraße 4 |
| D-37073 Göttingen |
| Tel: +49 551 58657 |
| Fax: +49 551 58774 |
| E-mail: postmaster@gfrs.de |
| Website: www.gfrs.de |

GfRS Gesellschaft für Ressourcenschutz mbH

Prinzenstraße 4

D-37073 Göttingen

Tel: +49 551 58657

Fax: +49 551 58774

E-mail: postmaster@gfrs.de

Website: www.gfrs.de

O, B, K, S, ST, T

AT-S-01-BIO

| SLK GesmbH |
| --- |
| Maria-Cebotari-Strasse 3 |
| A-5020 Salzburg |
| Tel: +43 (0)662 649483 14 or +43 (0)662 649483 11 |
| Fax: +43 662 649 483 19 |
| E-mail: office@slk.at |
| Website: www.slk.at |

SLK GesmbH

Maria-Cebotari-Strasse 3

A-5020 Salzburg

Tel: +43 (0)662 649483 14 or +43 (0)662 649483 11

Fax: +43 662 649 483 19

E-mail: office@slk.at

Website: www.slk.at

S, B, K, N, O,ST, T, V, W

AT-T-01-BIO

| Kontrollservice BIKO Tirol |
| --- |
| Wilhelm — Greil — Straße 9 |
| A-6020 Innsbruck |
| Tel: +43 (0)59292-3100 or +43 (0)59292 3101 |
| Fax: +43 059292-3199 |
| E-mail: office@biko.at |
| Website: www.biko.at |

Kontrollservice BIKO Tirol

Wilhelm — Greil — Straße 9

A-6020 Innsbruck

Tel: +43 (0)59292-3100 or +43 (0)59292 3101

Fax: +43 059292-3199

E-mail: office@biko.at

Website: www.biko.at

T, K, N, O, S, V, W

AT-W-01-BIO

| LVA |
| --- |
| Blaasstrasse 29 |
| A-1190 Wien |
| Tel: +43 (0)1 3688555 541 or +43 (0)1 3688555 12 |
| Fax: +43 1 368 85 55-20 |
| E-mail: cs@lva.co.at or bio@lva.at |
| Website: www.lva.co.at |

LVA

Blaasstrasse 29

A-1190 Wien

Tel: +43 (0)1 3688555 541 or +43 (0)1 3688555 12

Fax: +43 1 368 85 55-20

E-mail: cs@lva.co.at or bio@lva.at

Website: www.lva.co.at

W, B, K, N, O, S, ST, T, V

AT-W-02-BIO

| SGS Austria Controll — Co. GesmbH |
| --- |
| Diefenbachgasse 35 |
| A-1150 Wien |
| Tel: +43 (0)1 5122567 154 or +43 (0)1 5122567 0 |
| Fax: +43 (0)1 5122567 9 |
| E-mail: sgs.austria@sgs.com |
| Website: www.at.sgs.com |

SGS Austria Controll — Co. GesmbH

Diefenbachgasse 35

A-1150 Wien

Tel: +43 (0)1 5122567 154 or +43 (0)1 5122567 0

Fax: +43 (0)1 5122567 9

E-mail: sgs.austria@sgs.com

Website: www.at.sgs.com

W, B, K, N, O, S, ST, T, V

BELGIUM

System A

BE-BIO-01

| CERTISYS |
| --- |
| Av. de l'Escrime 85 Schermlaan |
| B-1150 Bruxelles — Brussel |
| Bureaux: |
| Chemin de la Haute Baudecet 1 |
| B-1457 Walhain |
| Tel: +32 (0) 81 60 03 77 |
| Fax: +32 (0) 81 60 03 13 |
| E-mail: info@certisys.eu |
| Website: www.certisys.eu |

CERTISYS

Av. de l'Escrime 85 Schermlaan

B-1150 Bruxelles — Brussel

Bureaux:

Chemin de la Haute Baudecet 1

B-1457 Walhain

Tel: +32 (0) 81 60 03 77

Fax: +32 (0) 81 60 03 13

E-mail: info@certisys.eu

Website: www.certisys.eu

BE-BIO-02

| INTEGRA bvba, afdeling BLIK |
| --- |
| Statiestraat 164 |
| B-2600 Berchem |
| Tel: +32 (0)3 287 37 60 |
| Fax: +32 (0)3 287 37 61 |
| E-mail: info@integra-bvba.be |
| Website: www.integra-bvba.be |

INTEGRA bvba, afdeling BLIK

Statiestraat 164

B-2600 Berchem

Tel: +32 (0)3 287 37 60

Fax: +32 (0)3 287 37 61

E-mail: info@integra-bvba.be

Website: www.integra-bvba.be

BULGARIA

System A

BG-02

| BALKAN BIOCERT Ltd |
| --- |
| 13, Christo G. Danov Str. |
| BG-4000 Plovdiv |
| Tel: +359 32 625 888 |
| Fax: +359 32 625 818 |
| E-mail: gm@balkanbiocert.com |
| Website: www.balkanbiocert.com |

BALKAN BIOCERT Ltd

13, Christo G. Danov Str.

BG-4000 Plovdiv

Tel: +359 32 625 888

Fax: +359 32 625 818

E-mail: gm@balkanbiocert.com

Website: www.balkanbiocert.com

BG-03

| QC I INTERNATIONAL SERVICES S.P.A. |
| --- |
| 23, Vasil Aprilov Blvd., floor 3 |
| BG-4000 Plovdiv |
| Tel/Fax: +359 32 649 228 |
| E-mail: office@qci.bg |
| Website: qci.bg |

QC I INTERNATIONAL SERVICES S.P.A.

23, Vasil Aprilov Blvd., floor 3

BG-4000 Plovdiv

Tel/Fax: +359 32 649 228

E-mail: office@qci.bg

Website: qci.bg

BG-04

| CERES — Certification of Environmental Standards Ltd. |
| --- |
| 15, Ivan Gechov Blvd. |
| BG-1431 Sofia |
| Tel/Fax: +359 29530264 |
| E-mail: bioxm_bg@yahoo.com |
| Website: www.ceres-cert.com |

CERES — Certification of Environmental Standards Ltd.

15, Ivan Gechov Blvd.

BG-1431 Sofia

Tel/Fax: +359 29530264

E-mail: bioxm_bg@yahoo.com

Website: www.ceres-cert.com

BG-05

| LАCON Ltd |
| --- |
| 17, Prolet Str. |
| BG-5140 Lyaskovetz |
| Tel/Fax: +359 619/231 87 |
| E-mail: laconbg@gmail.com |
| E-mail: b_cert@yahoo.co.uk |
| Website: www.b-cert.com |

LАCON Ltd

17, Prolet Str.

BG-5140 Lyaskovetz

Tel/Fax: +359 619/231 87

E-mail: laconbg@gmail.com

E-mail: b_cert@yahoo.co.uk

Website: www.b-cert.com

BG-06

| BCS Öko-Garantie Ltd |
| --- |
| 15, Ivailo Str. |
| BG-1606 Sofia |
| Tel: + 359 29880276 |
| Fax: +359 29880259 |
| E-mail: bulgaria@bcs-oeko.com |
| Website: www.bcs-oeko.com |

BCS Öko-Garantie Ltd

15, Ivailo Str.

BG-1606 Sofia

Tel: + 359 29880276

Fax: +359 29880259

E-mail: bulgaria@bcs-oeko.com

Website: www.bcs-oeko.com

BG-07

| Control Union Certifications Ltd |
| --- |
| 40, Graf Ignatiev Str. |
| BG-9000 Varna |
| Tel: + 359 52/66 55 903 |
| Fax: + 359 52/600 453 |
| E-mail: sales@fidelitas.bg |
| Website: www.controlunion.com |

Control Union Certifications Ltd

40, Graf Ignatiev Str.

BG-9000 Varna

Tel: + 359 52/66 55 903

Fax: + 359 52/600 453

E-mail: sales@fidelitas.bg

Website: www.controlunion.com

CYPRUS

System A

CY-BIO-001

| LACON LTD |
| --- |
| Archbishop Kyprianos 53 |
| 2059 Strovolos |
| Cyprus |
| Tel: +35 722499640 |
| Fax: +35 722499643 |
| E-mail: laconcy@cytanet.com.cy |

LACON LTD

Archbishop Kyprianos 53

2059 Strovolos

Cyprus

Tel: +35 722499640

Fax: +35 722499643

E-mail: laconcy@cytanet.com.cy

CY-BIO-002

| BIOCERT (CYPRUS) LTD |
| --- |
| Olympias 12 |
| 1070 Lefkosia |
| Cyprus |
| Tel: +35 722766446 |
| Fax: +35 722375069 |

BIOCERT (CYPRUS) LTD

Olympias 12

1070 Lefkosia

Cyprus

Tel: +35 722766446

Fax: +35 722375069

CZECH REPUBLIC

System A

CZ-BIO-KEZ-01

| KEZ o.p.s. |
| --- |
| Poděbradova 909 |
| CZ-53701 Chrudim |
| Tel: +420 469 622 249 |
| Fax: +420 469 625 027 |
| E-mail: kez@kez.cz |
| Website: www.kez.cz |

KEZ o.p.s.

Poděbradova 909

CZ-53701 Chrudim

Tel: +420 469 622 249

Fax: +420 469 625 027

E-mail: kez@kez.cz

Website: www.kez.cz

CZ-BIO-ABCERT-02

| ABCERT AG, organizační složka |
| --- |
| Lidická 40 |
| CZ-602 00 Brno |
| Tel: +420 545 215 899 |
| Fax: +420 545 217 876 |
| E-mail: info@abcert.cz |
| Website: www.abcert.cz |

ABCERT AG, organizační složka

Lidická 40

CZ-602 00 Brno

Tel: +420 545 215 899

Fax: +420 545 217 876

E-mail: info@abcert.cz

Website: www.abcert.cz

CZ-BIOKONT-03

| BIOKONT CZ, s r.o. |
| --- |
| Měříčkova 34 |
| CZ-62100 Brno |
| Tel: +420 545 225 565 |
| Fax: +420 547 225 565 |
| E-mail: slavik@biokont.cz |
| Website: www.biokont.cz |

BIOKONT CZ, s r.o.

Měříčkova 34

CZ-62100 Brno

Tel: +420 545 225 565

Fax: +420 547 225 565

E-mail: slavik@biokont.cz

Website: www.biokont.cz

DENMARK

System B

DK-Ø-50

| Plantedirektoratet |
| --- |
| Skovbrynet 20 |
| DK-2800 Lyngby |
| Tel: +45 45 26 36 00 |
| Fax: +45 45 26 36 19 |
| E-mail: pdir@pdir.dk |

Plantedirektoratet

Skovbrynet 20

DK-2800 Lyngby

Tel: +45 45 26 36 00

Fax: +45 45 26 36 19

E-mail: pdir@pdir.dk

DK-Ø-1

| Fødevareregion Nord |
| --- |
| Kontrolafdeling Aalborg |
| Sofiendalsvej 90 |
| DK-9200 Aalborg SV. |
| Tel: +45 7227 5000 |
| Fax: +45 7227 5003 |
| E-mail: kontr.aalborg.nord@fvst.dk |

Fødevareregion Nord

Kontrolafdeling Aalborg

Sofiendalsvej 90

DK-9200 Aalborg SV.

Tel: +45 7227 5000

Fax: +45 7227 5003

E-mail: kontr.aalborg.nord@fvst.dk

DK-Ø-2

| Fødevareregion Nord |
| --- |
| Kontrolafdeling Viborg |
| Klostermarken 16 |
| DK-8800 Viborg |
| Tel: +45 7227 5000 |
| Fax: +45 7227 5007 |
| E-mail: kontr.viborg.nord@fvst.dk |

Fødevareregion Nord

Kontrolafdeling Viborg

Klostermarken 16

DK-8800 Viborg

Tel: +45 7227 5000

Fax: +45 7227 5007

E-mail: kontr.viborg.nord@fvst.dk

DK-Ø-3

| Fødevareregion Nord |
| --- |
| Kontrolafdeling Herning |
| Rosenholmsvej 15, Tjørring |
| DK-7400 Herning |
| Tel: +45 7227 5000 |
| Fax: +45 7227 5005 |
| E-mail: kontr.herning.nord@fvst.dk |

Fødevareregion Nord

Kontrolafdeling Herning

Rosenholmsvej 15, Tjørring

DK-7400 Herning

Tel: +45 7227 5000

Fax: +45 7227 5005

E-mail: kontr.herning.nord@fvst.dk

DK-Ø-4

| Fødevareregion Nord |
| --- |
| Kontrolafdeling Århus |
| Sønderskovvej 5 |
| DK-8520 Lystrup |
| Tel: +45 7227 5000 |
| Fax: +45 7227 5001 |
| E-mail: kontr.aarhus.nord@fvst.dk |

Fødevareregion Nord

Kontrolafdeling Århus

Sønderskovvej 5

DK-8520 Lystrup

Tel: +45 7227 5000

Fax: +45 7227 5001

E-mail: kontr.aarhus.nord@fvst.dk

DK-Ø-5

| Fødevareregion Syd |
| --- |
| Kontrolafdeling Vejle |
| Tysklandsvej 7 |
| DK-7100 Vejle |
| Tel: +45 7227 5500 |
| Fax: +45 7227 5501 |
| E-mail: kontr.vejle.syd@fvst.dk |

Fødevareregion Syd

Kontrolafdeling Vejle

Tysklandsvej 7

DK-7100 Vejle

Tel: +45 7227 5500

Fax: +45 7227 5501

E-mail: kontr.vejle.syd@fvst.dk

DK-Ø-6

| Fødevareregion Syd |
| --- |
| Kontrolafdeling Esbjerg |
| Høgevej 25 |
| DK-6705 Esbjerg Ø. |
| Tel: +45 7227 5500 |
| Fax: +45 7227 5601 |
| E-mail: kontr.esbjerg.syd@fvst.dk |

Fødevareregion Syd

Kontrolafdeling Esbjerg

Høgevej 25

DK-6705 Esbjerg Ø.

Tel: +45 7227 5500

Fax: +45 7227 5601

E-mail: kontr.esbjerg.syd@fvst.dk

DK-Ø-7

| Fødevareregion Syd |
| --- |
| Kontrolafdeling Haderslev |
| Ole Rømersvej 30 |
| DK-6100 Haderslev |
| Tel: +45 7227 5500 |
| Fax: +45 7227 5701 |
| E-mail: kontr.haderslev.syd@fvst.dk |

Fødevareregion Syd

Kontrolafdeling Haderslev

Ole Rømersvej 30

DK-6100 Haderslev

Tel: +45 7227 5500

Fax: +45 7227 5701

E-mail: kontr.haderslev.syd@fvst.dk

DK-Ø-8

| Fødevareregion Syd |
| --- |
| Kontrolafdeling Odense |
| Lille Tornbjerg Vej 30 |
| DK-5220 Odense SØ. |
| Tel: +45 7227 5500 |
| Fax: +45 7227 5801 |
| E-mail: kontr.odense.syd@fvst.dk |

Fødevareregion Syd

Kontrolafdeling Odense

Lille Tornbjerg Vej 30

DK-5220 Odense SØ.

Tel: +45 7227 5500

Fax: +45 7227 5801

E-mail: kontr.odense.syd@fvst.dk

DK-Ø-9

| Fødevareregion Øst |
| --- |
| Kontrolafdeling Ringsted |
| Søndervang 4 |
| DK-4100 Ringsted |
| Tel: +45 7227 6000 |
| Fax: +45 7227 6101 |
| E-mail: kontr.ringsted.oest@fvst.dk |

Fødevareregion Øst

Kontrolafdeling Ringsted

Søndervang 4

DK-4100 Ringsted

Tel: +45 7227 6000

Fax: +45 7227 6101

E-mail: kontr.ringsted.oest@fvst.dk

DK-Ø-10

| Fødevareregion Øst |
| --- |
| Kontrolafdeling Rødovre |
| Fjeldhammervej 15 |
| DK-2610 Rødovre |
| Tel: +45 7227 6000 |
| Fax: +45 7227 6399 |
| E-mail: kontr.roedovre.oest@fvst.dk |

Fødevareregion Øst

Kontrolafdeling Rødovre

Fjeldhammervej 15

DK-2610 Rødovre

Tel: +45 7227 6000

Fax: +45 7227 6399

E-mail: kontr.roedovre.oest@fvst.dk

ESTONIA

System B

EE-VTA

| Veterinary and Food Board |
| --- |
| Väike-Paala 3 |
| EE-11415 Tallinn |
| Tel: +372 605 1710 |
| Fax: +372 621 1441 |
| E-mail: vet@vet.agri.ee |
| Website: www.vet.agri.ee |

Veterinary and Food Board

Väike-Paala 3

EE-11415 Tallinn

Tel: +372 605 1710

Fax: +372 621 1441

E-mail: vet@vet.agri.ee

Website: www.vet.agri.ee

VFB is inspection authority responsible for import authorization and processing

EE-TTI

| Plant Production Inspectorate |
| --- |
| Teaduse 2, Saku 75501 |
| Harjumaa |
| Tel: +372 6712 602 |
| Fax: +372 6712 604 |
| E-mail: plant@plant.agri.ee |
| Website: www.plant.agri.ee |

Plant Production Inspectorate

Teaduse 2, Saku 75501

Harjumaa

Tel: +372 6712 602

Fax: +372 6712 604

E-mail: plant@plant.agri.ee

Website: www.plant.agri.ee

PPI is inspection authority responsible for production

FINLAND

System B

FI-A-001

| Uudenman työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus |
| --- |
| Elintarviketurvallisuusvirasto Evira |
| (The Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira) |
| Mustialankatu 3 |
| FIN-00790 Helsinki |
| Tel: +358 20 772 003 |
| Fax: +358 20 772 4350 |
| E-mail: kirjaamo@evira.fi |
| Website: www.evira.fi |

Uudenman työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

Elintarviketurvallisuusvirasto Evira

(The Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira)

Mustialankatu 3

FIN-00790 Helsinki

Tel: +358 20 772 003

Fax: +358 20 772 4350

E-mail: kirjaamo@evira.fi

Website: www.evira.fi

FI-A-002

Varsinais-Suomen työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

As above

FI-A-003

Satakunnan työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

As above

FI-A-004

Hämeen työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

As above

FI-A-005

Pirkanmaan työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

As above

FI-A-006

Kaakkois-Suomen työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

As above

FI-A-007

Etelä-Savon työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

As above

FI-A-008

Pohjois-Savon työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

As above

FI-A-009

Pohjois-Karjalan työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

As above

FI-A-010

Keski-Suomen työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

As above

FI-A-011

Etelä-Pohjanmaan työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

As above

FI-A-012

Pohjanmaan työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

As above

FI-A-013

Pohjois-Pohjanmaan työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

As above

FI-A-014

Kainuun työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

As above

FI-A-015

Lapin työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus

As above

FI-B

Elintarviketurvallisuusvirasto Evira

As above

FI-C

| Sosiaali- ja terveysalan lupa- ja valvontavirasto |
| --- |
| P.O. Box 210 |
| FIN-00531 Helsinki |
| Tel: +358-9-772 920 |
| Fax: +358-9-7729 2498 |
| E-mail: kirjaamo@valvira.fi |
| Website: www.valvira.fi |

Sosiaali- ja terveysalan lupa- ja valvontavirasto

P.O. Box 210

FIN-00531 Helsinki

Tel: +358-9-772 920

Fax: +358-9-7729 2498

E-mail: kirjaamo@valvira.fi

Website: www.valvira.fi

FI-D

| Ålands landskapsregering |
| --- |
| PB 1060 |
| FIN-22111 Mariehamn, Åland |
| Tel: +358 18 250 00 |
| Fax: +358-18-192 40 |
| E-mail: registrator@regeringen.ax |
| Website: www.regeringen.ax |

Ålands landskapsregering

PB 1060

FIN-22111 Mariehamn, Åland

Tel: +358 18 250 00

Fax: +358-18-192 40

E-mail: registrator@regeringen.ax

Website: www.regeringen.ax

FRANCE

System A

FR-BIO 01

| ECOCERT S.A.S. |
| --- |
| B.P. 47 |
| F-32600 L'Isle Jourdain |
| Tel: +33 (0)5 62 07 34 24 |
| Fax: +33 (0)5 62 07 11 67 |
| E-mail: info@ecocert.com |
| Website: www.ecocert.fr |

ECOCERT S.A.S.

B.P. 47

F-32600 L'Isle Jourdain

Tel: +33 (0)5 62 07 34 24

Fax: +33 (0)5 62 07 11 67

E-mail: info@ecocert.com

Website: www.ecocert.fr

FR-AB 06

| ULASE SAS |
| --- |
| B.P. 68 |
| F-26270 Loriol sur Drôme |
| Tel: +33 (0)4 75 61 13 05 |
| Fax: +33 (0)4 75 85 62 12 |
| E-mail: info@ulase.fr |
| Website: www.ulase.fr |

ULASE SAS

B.P. 68

F-26270 Loriol sur Drôme

Tel: +33 (0)4 75 61 13 05

Fax: +33 (0)4 75 85 62 12

E-mail: info@ulase.fr

Website: www.ulase.fr

FR-BIO 07

| AGROCERT |
| --- |
| 4, rue Albert Gary |
| F-47200 Marmande |
| Tel: +33 (0)5 53 20 93 04 |
| Fax: +33 (0)5 53 20 92 41 |
| E-mail: agrocert@agrocert.fr |

AGROCERT

4, rue Albert Gary

F-47200 Marmande

Tel: +33 (0)5 53 20 93 04

Fax: +33 (0)5 53 20 92 41

E-mail: agrocert@agrocert.fr

FR-BIO 09

| ACLAVE |
| --- |
| 56, rue Roger Salengro |
| F-85013 LA-ROCHE-SUR-YON CEDEX |
| Tel: +33(0)2 51 05 14 92 |
| Fax: +33 (0)2 51 36 84 63 |
| E-mail: accueil@aclave.asso.fr |
| Website: www.aclave.asso.fr |

ACLAVE

56, rue Roger Salengro

F-85013 LA-ROCHE-SUR-YON CEDEX

Tel: +33(0)2 51 05 14 92

Fax: +33 (0)2 51 36 84 63

E-mail: accueil@aclave.asso.fr

Website: www.aclave.asso.fr

FR-BIO 10

| QUALITÉ FRANCE S.A.S. |
| --- |
| * Immeuble le Guillaumet |
| 60, av. du Gal de Gaulle |
| F-92046 PARIS la DÉFENSE CEDEX |
| Tel: +33 (0)1 41 97 00 74 |
| Fax: +33 (0)1 41 97 08 32 |
| E-mail: bio@fr.bureauveritas.com |
| Website: www.qualite-france.com |

QUALITÉ FRANCE S.A.S.

- Immeuble le Guillaumet

60, av. du Gal de Gaulle

F-92046 PARIS la DÉFENSE CEDEX

Tel: +33 (0)1 41 97 00 74

Fax: +33 (0)1 41 97 08 32

E-mail: bio@fr.bureauveritas.com

Website: www.qualite-france.com

| * ZAC ATALANTE CHAMPEAUX |
| --- |
| 1, rue Maillard de la Gournerie |
| CS 63901 |
| F-35039 RENNES CEDEX |

- ZAC ATALANTE CHAMPEAUX

1, rue Maillard de la Gournerie

CS 63901

F-35039 RENNES CEDEX

| * ZA CHAMPGRAND |
| --- |
| B.P. 68 |
| F-26270 LORIOL-SUR-DRÔME |

- ZA CHAMPGRAND

B.P. 68

F-26270 LORIOL-SUR-DRÔME

FR-BIO 11

| SGS ICS S.A.S. |
| --- |
| 191, avenue Aristide Briand |
| F-94237 CACHAN CEDEX |
| Tel: +33(0)1 41 24 83 04 |
| Fax: +33 (0)1 41 24 89 96 |
| E-mail: fr.certification@sgs.com |
| Website: www.fr.sgs.com |

SGS ICS S.A.S.

191, avenue Aristide Briand

F-94237 CACHAN CEDEX

Tel: +33(0)1 41 24 83 04

Fax: +33 (0)1 41 24 89 96

E-mail: fr.certification@sgs.com

Website: www.fr.sgs.com

GERMANY

System A

DE-001-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| BCS Öko-Garantie GmbH |
| --- |
| Control System Peter Grosch |
| Cimbernstraße 21 |
| D-90402 Nürnberg |
| Tel: +49 (0)911 424390 |
| Fax: +49 (0)911 492239 |
| E-mail: info@bcs-oeko.de |
| Website: www.bcs-oeko.de |

BCS Öko-Garantie GmbH

Control System Peter Grosch

Cimbernstraße 21

D-90402 Nürnberg

Tel: +49 (0)911 424390

Fax: +49 (0)911 492239

E-mail: info@bcs-oeko.de

Website: www.bcs-oeko.de

DE-003-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| Lacon GmbH |
| --- |
| Privatinstitut für Qualitätssicherung und |
| Zertifizierung ökologisch erzeugter Lebensmittel |
| Brünnlesweg 19 |
| D-77654 Offenburg |
| Tel: +49 (0)781 91937 30 |
| Fax: +49 (0)781 91937 50 |
| E-mail: lacon@lacon-institut.com |
| Website: www.lacon-institut.com |

Lacon GmbH

Privatinstitut für Qualitätssicherung und

Zertifizierung ökologisch erzeugter Lebensmittel

Brünnlesweg 19

D-77654 Offenburg

Tel: +49 (0)781 91937 30

Fax: +49 (0)781 91937 50

E-mail: lacon@lacon-institut.com

Website: www.lacon-institut.com

DE-005-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| IMO GmbH |
| --- |
| Institut für Marktökologie GmbH |
| Obere Laube 51-53 |
| D-78462 Konstanz |
| Tel: +49 (0)7531/81301-0 |
| Fax: +49 (0)7531/81301-29 |
| E-mail: imod@imo.ch |
| Website: www.imo.ch |

IMO GmbH

Institut für Marktökologie GmbH

Obere Laube 51-53

D-78462 Konstanz

Tel: +49 (0)7531/81301-0

Fax: +49 (0)7531/81301-29

E-mail: imod@imo.ch

Website: www.imo.ch

DE-006-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| ABCERT GmbH |
| --- |
| Kontrollstelle für ökologisch erzeugte Lebensmittel |
| Martinstraße 42-44 |
| D-73728 Esslingen |
| Tel: +49 (0)711 351792-0 |
| Fax: +49 (0)711 351792-200 |
| E-mail: info@abcert.de |
| Website: www.abcert.de |

ABCERT GmbH

Kontrollstelle für ökologisch erzeugte Lebensmittel

Martinstraße 42-44

D-73728 Esslingen

Tel: +49 (0)711 351792-0

Fax: +49 (0)711 351792-200

E-mail: info@abcert.de

Website: www.abcert.de

DE-007-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| Prüfverein Verarbeitung Ökologische Landbauprodukte e.V. |
| --- |
| Vorholzstraße 36 |
| D-76137 Karlsruhe |
| Tel: +49(0)721 35239-20 |
| Fax: +49(0)721 35239-09 |
| E-mail: kontakt@pruefverein.de |
| Website: www.pruefverein.de |

Prüfverein Verarbeitung Ökologische Landbauprodukte e.V.

Vorholzstraße 36

D-76137 Karlsruhe

Tel: +49(0)721 35239-20

Fax: +49(0)721 35239-09

E-mail: kontakt@pruefverein.de

Website: www.pruefverein.de

DE-009-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| LC Landwirtschafts-Consulting GmbH |
| --- |
| Am Kamp 15-17 |
| D-24768 Rendsburg |
| Tel: +49 (0)4331 33630 0 |
| Fax: +49 (0)4331 33630 12 |
| Website: www.lc-kiel.de |

LC Landwirtschafts-Consulting GmbH

Am Kamp 15-17

D-24768 Rendsburg

Tel: +49 (0)4331 33630 0

Fax: +49 (0)4331 33630 12

Website: www.lc-kiel.de

DE-012-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| AGRECO R.F. Göderz GmbH |
| --- |
| Mündener Straße 19 |
| D-37218 Witzenhausen |
| Tel: +49 (0)5542 4044 |
| Fax: +49 (0)5542 6540 |
| E-mail: info@agrecogmbh.de |
| Website: www.agrecogmbh.de |

AGRECO R.F. Göderz GmbH

Mündener Straße 19

D-37218 Witzenhausen

Tel: +49 (0)5542 4044

Fax: +49 (0)5542 6540

E-mail: info@agrecogmbh.de

Website: www.agrecogmbh.de

DE-013-Öko-Kontrollstelle

QC & I Gesellschaft für Kontrolle und Zertifizierung von Qualitätssicherungssystemen GmbH

Geschäftsstelle:

| Tiergartenstraße 32 |
| --- |
| D-54595 Prüm/ Eifel |
| Tel: +49 (0)6551 147641 |
| Fax: +49 (0)6551 147645 |

Tiergartenstraße 32

D-54595 Prüm/ Eifel

Tel: +49 (0)6551 147641

Fax: +49 (0)6551 147645

Sitz der Gesellschaft:

| Gleuelerstraße 286 |
| --- |
| D-50935 Köln |
| E-mail: qci.koeln@qci.de |
| Website: www.qci.de |

Gleuelerstraße 286

D-50935 Köln

E-mail: qci.koeln@qci.de

Website: www.qci.de

DE-021-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| Grünstempel Ökoprüfstelle e.V. |
| --- |
| EU Kontrollstelle für ökologische Erzeugung und Verarbeitung landwirtschaftlicher Produkte |
| Windmühlenbreite 25d |
| D-39164 Wanzleben |
| Tel: +49 (0)39209 46696 |
| Fax: +49 (0)39209 60596 |
| E-mail: info@gruenstempel.de |
| Website: www.gruenstempel.de |

Grünstempel Ökoprüfstelle e.V.

EU Kontrollstelle für ökologische Erzeugung und Verarbeitung landwirtschaftlicher Produkte

Windmühlenbreite 25d

D-39164 Wanzleben

Tel: +49 (0)39209 46696

Fax: +49 (0)39209 60596

E-mail: info@gruenstempel.de

Website: www.gruenstempel.de

DE-022-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| Kontrollverein ökologischer Landbau e.V. |
| --- |
| Vorholzstraße 36 |
| D-76137 Karlsruhe |
| Tel: +49 (0)721 35239-10 |
| Fax: +49 (0)721 35239-09 |
| E-mail: kontakt@kontrollverein.de |
| Website: www.kontrollverein.de |

Kontrollverein ökologischer Landbau e.V.

Vorholzstraße 36

D-76137 Karlsruhe

Tel: +49 (0)721 35239-10

Fax: +49 (0)721 35239-09

E-mail: kontakt@kontrollverein.de

Website: www.kontrollverein.de

DE-024-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| Ecocert Deutschland GmbH |
| --- |
| Güterbahnhofstr.10 |
| D-37154 Northeim |
| Tel: +49 (0)5551 908430 |
| Fax: +49 (0)5551 9084380 |
| E-mail: info-deutschland@ecocert.com |

Ecocert Deutschland GmbH

Güterbahnhofstr.10

D-37154 Northeim

Tel: +49 (0)5551 908430

Fax: +49 (0)5551 9084380

E-mail: info-deutschland@ecocert.com

DE-026-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| Certification Services International CSI GmbH |
| --- |
| Flughafendamm 9a |
| D-28199 Bremen |
| Tel: +49 (0)421 5977322 or (0)421 594770 |
| Fax: +49 (0)421 594771 |
| E-mail: info@csicert.com |
| Website: www.csicert.com |

Certification Services International CSI GmbH

Flughafendamm 9a

D-28199 Bremen

Tel: +49 (0)421 5977322 or (0)421 594770

Fax: +49 (0)421 594771

E-mail: info@csicert.com

Website: www.csicert.com

DE-032-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| Kontrollstelle für ökologischen Landbau GmbH |
| --- |
| Dorfstraße 11 |
| D-07646 Tissa |
| Tel: +49 (0)36428 60934 (Office Stadtroda) |
| Fax: +49 (0)36428 13852 |
| Tel/Fax: +49 (0)36428 62743 (Office Tissa) |
| E-mail: kontrollstelle@t-online.de |

Kontrollstelle für ökologischen Landbau GmbH

Dorfstraße 11

D-07646 Tissa

Tel: +49 (0)36428 60934 (Office Stadtroda)

Fax: +49 (0)36428 13852

Tel/Fax: +49 (0)36428 62743 (Office Tissa)

E-mail: kontrollstelle@t-online.de

DE-034-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| Fachverein für Öko-Kontrolle e.V. |
| --- |
| Plauerhäger Straße16 |
| D-19395 Karow |
| Tel: +49 (0)38738 70755 |
| Fax: +49 (0)38738 70756 |
| E-mail: info@fachverein.de |
| Website: www.fachverein.de |

Fachverein für Öko-Kontrolle e.V.

Plauerhäger Straße16

D-19395 Karow

Tel: +49 (0)38738 70755

Fax: +49 (0)38738 70756

E-mail: info@fachverein.de

Website: www.fachverein.de

DE-037-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| ÖKOP Zertifizierungs GmbH |
| --- |
| Schlesische Straße 17 d |
| D-94315 Straubing |
| Tel: +49 (0)9421 703075 |
| Fax: +49 (0)09421 703074 |
| E-mail: biokontrollstelle@oekop.de |
| Website: www.oekop.de |

ÖKOP Zertifizierungs GmbH

Schlesische Straße 17 d

D-94315 Straubing

Tel: +49 (0)9421 703075

Fax: +49 (0)09421 703074

E-mail: biokontrollstelle@oekop.de

Website: www.oekop.de

DE-039-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| GfRS Gesellschaft für Ressourcenschutz GmbH |
| --- |
| Prinzenstraße 4 |
| D-37073 Göttingen |
| Tel: +49 (0)551 5865 |
| Fax: +49 (0)551 58774 |
| E-mail: postmaster@gfrs.de |
| Website: www.gfrs.de |

GfRS Gesellschaft für Ressourcenschutz GmbH

Prinzenstraße 4

D-37073 Göttingen

Tel: +49 (0)551 5865

Fax: +49 (0)551 58774

E-mail: postmaster@gfrs.de

Website: www.gfrs.de

DE-043-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| Agro-Öko-Consult Berlin GmbH |
| --- |
| Dorotheastraße 30 |
| D-10318 Berlin |
| Tel: +49 (0)30 54782352 |
| Fax: +49 (0)30 54782309 |
| E-mail: aoec@aoec.de |
| Website: www.aoec.de |

Agro-Öko-Consult Berlin GmbH

Dorotheastraße 30

D-10318 Berlin

Tel: +49 (0)30 54782352

Fax: +49 (0)30 54782309

E-mail: aoec@aoec.de

Website: www.aoec.de

DE-044-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| Ars Probata GmbH |
| --- |
| Möllendorffstraße 49 |
| D-10367 Berlin |
| Tel: +49 (0)30/47004632 |
| Fax: +49 (0)30/47004633 |
| E-mail: ars-probata@ars-probata.de |
| Website: www.ars-probata.de |

Ars Probata GmbH

Möllendorffstraße 49

D-10367 Berlin

Tel: +49 (0)30/47004632

Fax: +49 (0)30/47004633

E-mail: ars-probata@ars-probata.de

Website: www.ars-probata.de

DE-060-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| QAL Gesellschaft für Qualitätssicherung in der Agrar und Lebensmittelwirtschaft GmbH |
| --- |
| Am Branden 6b |
| D-85256 Vierkirchen |
| Tel: +49 (0)8139 8027-0 |
| Fax: +49 (0)8139 8027-50 |
| E-mail: info@qal-gmbh.de |
| Website: www.qal-gmbh.de |

QAL Gesellschaft für Qualitätssicherung in der Agrar und Lebensmittelwirtschaft GmbH

Am Branden 6b

D-85256 Vierkirchen

Tel: +49 (0)8139 8027-0

Fax: +49 (0)8139 8027-50

E-mail: info@qal-gmbh.de

Website: www.qal-gmbh.de

DE-061-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| LAB — Landwirtschaftliche Beratung der Agrarverbände Brandenburg GmbH |
| --- |
| Chausseestraße 2 |
| D-03058 Groß Gaglow |
| Tel: +49 (0)355 541465 |
| Fax: +49 (0)355 541466 |
| E-mail: labgmbh.cottbus@t-online.de |

LAB — Landwirtschaftliche Beratung der Agrarverbände Brandenburg GmbH

Chausseestraße 2

D-03058 Groß Gaglow

Tel: +49 (0)355 541465

Fax: +49 (0)355 541466

E-mail: labgmbh.cottbus@t-online.de

DE-063-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| Öko-kontrollstelle der TÜV Nord Cert GmbH |
| --- |
| Langemarckstraße 20 |
| D-45141 Essen |
| Tel: +49 (0)2 01 825 3404 |
| Fax: +49 (0)2 01 825 3290 |
| E-mail: oeko-kontrollstelle@tuev-nord.de |
| Website: www.tuev-nord.de |

Öko-kontrollstelle der TÜV Nord Cert GmbH

Langemarckstraße 20

D-45141 Essen

Tel: +49 (0)2 01 825 3404

Fax: +49 (0)2 01 825 3290

E-mail: oeko-kontrollstelle@tuev-nord.de

Website: www.tuev-nord.de

DE-064-Öko-Kontrollstelle

| ABC GmbH |
| --- |
| Agrar- Beratungs- und Controll GmbH |
| An der Hessenhalle 1 |
| D-36304 Alsfeld |
| Tel: +49 (0)6631/78490 |
| Fax: +49 (0)6631/78495 |
| E-mail: zwick@abcg-alsfeld.de |

ABC GmbH

Agrar- Beratungs- und Controll GmbH

An der Hessenhalle 1

D-36304 Alsfeld

Tel: +49 (0)6631/78490

Fax: +49 (0)6631/78495

E-mail: zwick@abcg-alsfeld.de

GREECE

System A

EL-01-BIO

| DIO |
| --- |
| 38, Aristotelous str. |
| GR-10433 Athens |
| Tel: +30 210 8224384 |
| Fax: +30 210 8218117 |
| E-mail: info@dionet.gr |
| Website: www.dionet.gr |

DIO

38, Aristotelous str.

GR-10433 Athens

Tel: +30 210 8224384

Fax: +30 210 8218117

E-mail: info@dionet.gr

Website: www.dionet.gr

EL-02-BIO

| PHYSIOLOGIKI Ltd |
| --- |
| 24, N. Plastira str. |
| GR-59300 Alexandria Imathias |
| Tel: +30 23330 24440 |
| Fax: +30 23330 24440 |
| E-mail: fysicert@acn.gr |

PHYSIOLOGIKI Ltd

24, N. Plastira str.

GR-59300 Alexandria Imathias

Tel: +30 23330 24440

Fax: +30 23330 24440

E-mail: fysicert@acn.gr

EL-03-BIO

| BIOELLAS S.A. |
| --- |
| 11 B, Kodringtonos str. |
| GR-10434 Athens |
| Tel: +30 210 8211940/8211707 |
| Fax: +30 210 8211015 |
| E-mail: info@bio-hellas.gr |
| Website: www.bio-hellas.gr |

BIOELLAS S.A.

11 B, Kodringtonos str.

GR-10434 Athens

Tel: +30 210 8211940/8211707

Fax: +30 210 8211015

E-mail: info@bio-hellas.gr

Website: www.bio-hellas.gr

EL-04-BIO

| QWAYS DIADROMES PIOTITAS A.E. |
| --- |
| 8, Demokratias str. |
| GR-15127 Melissia Athens |
| Tel: +30 210 6130070/6136326 |
| Fax: +30 210 6136071 |
| E-mail: info@qways.gr |
| Website: www.qways.gr |

QWAYS DIADROMES PIOTITAS A.E.

8, Demokratias str.

GR-15127 Melissia Athens

Tel: +30 210 6130070/6136326

Fax: +30 210 6136071

E-mail: info@qways.gr

Website: www.qways.gr

EL-05-BIO

| A CERT |
| --- |
| European Organisation for Certification |
| 2, Telou str. |
| GR-54638 Thessaloniki |
| Tel: +30 2310 210777/210417 |
| Fax: +30 2310 219824/210417 |
| E-mail: info@a-cert.org |
| Website: www.a-cert.org |

A CERT

European Organisation for Certification

2, Telou str.

GR-54638 Thessaloniki

Tel: +30 2310 210777/210417

Fax: +30 2310 219824/210417

E-mail: info@a-cert.org

Website: www.a-cert.org

EL-06-BIO

| IRIS — Α. HATZIDAKI & Co Ε.Ε. |
| --- |
| Ι. Marneli 13 & Zotou |
| GR-71305 Heraklion, Crete |
| Tel: +30 2810 360715-7 |
| Fax: +30 2810 360718 |
| E-mail: info@irisbio.gr |

IRIS — Α. HATZIDAKI & Co Ε.Ε.

Ι. Marneli 13 & Zotou

GR-71305 Heraklion, Crete

Tel: +30 2810 360715-7

Fax: +30 2810 360718

E-mail: info@irisbio.gr

EL-07-BIO

| PRASINOS ELEGCHOS — GREEN CONTROL |
| --- |
| 10th km on the Veria-Skydra road |
| Kopano-Stenimacho district |
| P.O.Box 50 |
| GR-59035 |
| Tel: +30 23320 6438 |
| Fax: +30 23320 43509 |
| E-mail: greencontrol@hol.gr |
| Website: www.greencontrol.gr |

PRASINOS ELEGCHOS — GREEN CONTROL

10th km on the Veria-Skydra road

Kopano-Stenimacho district

P.O.Box 50

GR-59035

Tel: +30 23320 6438

Fax: +30 23320 43509

E-mail: greencontrol@hol.gr

Website: www.greencontrol.gr

EL-08-BIO

| GEOTECHNIKO ERGASTIRIO SA |
| --- |
| Paleochori Administrative Department |
| Plateos Municipality |
| GR-59300 Imathia |
| Tel: +30 23320 64387 |
| Fax: +30 23320 43509 |
| E-mail: info@bio-geolab.gr |
| Website: www.bio-geolab.gr |

GEOTECHNIKO ERGASTIRIO SA

Paleochori Administrative Department

Plateos Municipality

GR-59300 Imathia

Tel: +30 23320 64387

Fax: +30 23320 43509

E-mail: info@bio-geolab.gr

Website: www.bio-geolab.gr

HUNGARY

System A

HU-ÖKO-01

| Biokontroll Hungária Nonprofit Kft. |
| --- |
| Margit krt. 1. III/16-17. |
| H-1027 Budapest |
| Tel: +36 1 336 11 22 |
| Fax: +36 1 315 11 23 |
| E-mail: info@biokontroll.hu |
| E-mail: biokontroll@biokontroll.hu |
| Website: www.biokontroll.hu |

Biokontroll Hungária Nonprofit Kft.

Margit krt. 1. III/16-17.

H-1027 Budapest

Tel: +36 1 336 11 22

Fax: +36 1 315 11 23

E-mail: info@biokontroll.hu

E-mail: biokontroll@biokontroll.hu

Website: www.biokontroll.hu

HU-ÖKO-02

| Hungária Öko Garancia Kft. |
| --- |
| Miklós tér 1. |
| H-1033 Budapest |
| Tel: +36 1 336 0533 |
| Fax: +36 1 336 0534 |
| E-mail: info@okogarancia.hu |
| Website: www.okogarancia.hu |

Hungária Öko Garancia Kft.

Miklós tér 1.

H-1033 Budapest

Tel: +36 1 336 0533

Fax: +36 1 336 0534

E-mail: info@okogarancia.hu

Website: www.okogarancia.hu

IRELAND

System A

IRL-OIB1

| Demeter Standards Ltd |
| --- |
| Watergarden |
| Thomastown |
| Co. Kilkenny |
| Ireland |
| Tel: +353 56 7754214 |
| Fax: +353 56 7754214 |
| E-mail: bdaai@indigo.ie |
| Website: www.demeter.net |

Demeter Standards Ltd

Watergarden

Thomastown

Co. Kilkenny

Ireland

Tel: +353 56 7754214

Fax: +353 56 7754214

E-mail: bdaai@indigo.ie

Website: www.demeter.net

IRL-OIB2

| Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association Ltd |
| --- |
| Main Street |
| Newtownforbes |
| Co. Longford |
| Ireland |
| Tel: +353 43 42495 |
| Fax: +353 43 42496 |
| E-mail: iofga@eircom.net |
| Website: www.irishorganic.ie |

Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association Ltd

Main Street

Newtownforbes

Co. Longford

Ireland

Tel: +353 43 42495

Fax: +353 43 42496

E-mail: iofga@eircom.net

Website: www.irishorganic.ie

IRL-OIB3

| Organic Trust Ltd |
| --- |
| 2 Vernon Avenue |
| Clontarf |
| Dublin 3 |
| Ireland |
| Tel: +353 1 8530271 |
| Fax: +353 1 8530271 |
| E-mail: organic@iol.ie |
| Website: www.organic-trust.org |

Organic Trust Ltd

2 Vernon Avenue

Clontarf

Dublin 3

Ireland

Tel: +353 1 8530271

Fax: +353 1 8530271

E-mail: organic@iol.ie

Website: www.organic-trust.org

ITALY

System A

IT-ASS

| Suolo & Salute srl |
| --- |
| Via Paolo Borsellino, 12/B |
| I-61032 Fano (PU) |
| Tel: +39 0721 860543 |
| Fax: +39 0721 860543 |
| E-mail: info@suoloesalute.it |
| Website: www.suoloesalute.it |

Suolo & Salute srl

Via Paolo Borsellino, 12/B

I-61032 Fano (PU)

Tel: +39 0721 860543

Fax: +39 0721 860543

E-mail: info@suoloesalute.it

Website: www.suoloesalute.it

IT-ICA

| ICEA — Istituto per la Certificazione Etica e Ambientale |
| --- |
| Strada Maggiore, 29 |
| I-40125 Bologna |
| Tel: +39 051 272986 |
| Fax: +39 051 232011 |
| E-mail: icea@icea.info |
| Website: www.icea.info |

ICEA — Istituto per la Certificazione Etica e Ambientale

Strada Maggiore, 29

I-40125 Bologna

Tel: +39 051 272986

Fax: +39 051 232011

E-mail: icea@icea.info

Website: www.icea.info

IT-IMC

| Istituto Mediterraneo di Certificazione srl — IMC |
| --- |
| Via Carlo Pisacane, 32 |
| I-60019 Senigallia (AN) |
| Tel: +39 071 7928725 or 7930179 |
| Fax:+39 071 7910043 |
| E-mail: imcert@imcert.it |
| Website: www.imcert.it |

Istituto Mediterraneo di Certificazione srl — IMC

Via Carlo Pisacane, 32

I-60019 Senigallia (AN)

Tel: +39 071 7928725 or 7930179

Fax:+39 071 7910043

E-mail: imcert@imcert.it

Website: www.imcert.it

IT-BAC

| Bioagricert srl |
| --- |
| Via dei Macabraccia, 8 |
| I-40033 Casalecchio Di Reno (BO) |
| Tel: +39 051562158 |
| Fax: +39 051564294 |
| E-mail: info@bioagricert.org |
| Website: www.bioagricert.org |

Bioagricert srl

Via dei Macabraccia, 8

I-40033 Casalecchio Di Reno (BO)

Tel: +39 051562158

Fax: +39 051564294

E-mail: info@bioagricert.org

Website: www.bioagricert.org

IT-CPB

| CCPB S.r.l. |
| --- |
| via Jacopo Barozzi 8 |
| I-40126 Bologna |
| Tel: +39 051 254688 or 6089811 |
| Fax: +39 051 254842 |
| E-mail: ccpb@ccpb.it |
| Website: www.ccpb.it |

CCPB S.r.l.

via Jacopo Barozzi 8

I-40126 Bologna

Tel: +39 051 254688 or 6089811

Fax: +39 051 254842

E-mail: ccpb@ccpb.it

Website: www.ccpb.it

IT-CDX

| CODEX srl |
| --- |
| Via Duca degli Abruzzi, 41 |
| I-95048 Scordia (CT) |
| Tel: +39 095 650716/634 |
| Fax: +39 095 650356 |
| E-mail: codex@codexsrl.it |
| Website: www.codexsrl.it |

CODEX srl

Via Duca degli Abruzzi, 41

I-95048 Scordia (CT)

Tel: +39 095 650716/634

Fax: +39 095 650356

E-mail: codex@codexsrl.it

Website: www.codexsrl.it

IT-QCI

| QC & I International Services s.a.s. |
| --- |
| Villa Parigini |
| Località Basciano Monteriggioni |
| I-53035 Siena |
| Tel:+39 (0)577 327234 |
| Fax: +39 (0)577 329907 |
| E-mail: lettera@qci.it |
| Website: www.qci.it |

QC & I International Services s.a.s.

Villa Parigini

Località Basciano Monteriggioni

I-53035 Siena

Tel:+39 (0)577 327234

Fax: +39 (0)577 329907

E-mail: lettera@qci.it

Website: www.qci.it

IT-ECO

| Ecocert Italia S.r.l. |
| --- |
| Corso delle Province 60 |
| I-95127 Catania |
| Tel: +39 095 442746 or 433071 |
| Fax: +39 095 505094 |
| E-mail: info@ecocertitalia.it |
| Website: www.ecocertitalia.it |

Ecocert Italia S.r.l.

Corso delle Province 60

I-95127 Catania

Tel: +39 095 442746 or 433071

Fax: +39 095 505094

E-mail: info@ecocertitalia.it

Website: www.ecocertitalia.it

IT-BSI

| BIOS srl |
| --- |
| Via Monte Grappa 37/C |
| I-36063 Marostica (VI) |
| Tel: +39 0424 471125 |
| Fax: +39 0424 476947 |
| E-mail: info@certbios.it |
| Website: www.certbios.it |

BIOS srl

Via Monte Grappa 37/C

I-36063 Marostica (VI)

Tel: +39 0424 471125

Fax: +39 0424 476947

E-mail: info@certbios.it

Website: www.certbios.it

IT-ECS

| ECS — Ecosystem International Certificazioni s.r.l. |
| --- |
| Via Monte San Michele 49 |
| I-73100 Lecce |
| Tel: +39 0832 318433 |
| Fax: +39 0832 315845 |
| E-mail: info@ecosystem-srl.com |
| Website: www.ecosystem-srl.com |

ECS — Ecosystem International Certificazioni s.r.l.

Via Monte San Michele 49

I-73100 Lecce

Tel: +39 0832 318433

Fax: +39 0832 315845

E-mail: info@ecosystem-srl.com

Website: www.ecosystem-srl.com

IT-BZO

| BIOZOO srl |
| --- |
| Via Chironi 9 |
| I-07100 SASSARI |
| Tel: +39 079 276537 |
| Fax: +39 178 2247626 |
| E-mail: info@biozoo.org |
| Website: www.biozoo.org |

BIOZOO srl

Via Chironi 9

I-07100 SASSARI

Tel: +39 079 276537

Fax: +39 178 2247626

E-mail: info@biozoo.org

Website: www.biozoo.org

IT-ABC

| ABC Fratelli Bartolomeo società semplice |
| --- |
| via Roma, 45 Grumo Appula |
| I-70025 Bari |
| Tel: +39 080 3839578 |
| Fax: +39 080 3839578 |
| E-mail: abc.italia@libero.it |
| Website: www.abcitalia.org |

ABC Fratelli Bartolomeo società semplice

via Roma, 45 Grumo Appula

I-70025 Bari

Tel: +39 080 3839578

Fax: +39 080 3839578

E-mail: abc.italia@libero.it

Website: www.abcitalia.org

IT-ANC

| ANCCP S.r.l |
| --- |
| via Rombon 11 |
| I-20134 MILANO |
| Tel: +39 02 2104071 |
| Fax: +39 02 210407218 |
| E-mail: anccp@anccp.it |
| Website: www.anccp.it |

ANCCP S.r.l

via Rombon 11

I-20134 MILANO

Tel: +39 02 2104071

Fax: +39 02 210407218

E-mail: anccp@anccp.it

Website: www.anccp.it

IT-SDL

| Sidel S.p.a. |
| --- |
| via Larga, 34/2 |
| I-40138 BOLOGNA |
| Tel: +39 051 6026611 |
| Fax: +39 051 6012227 |
| E-mail: sidel@sidelitalia.it |
| Website: www.sideitalia.it |

Sidel S.p.a.

via Larga, 34/2

I-40138 BOLOGNA

Tel: +39 051 6026611

Fax: +39 051 6012227

E-mail: sidel@sidelitalia.it

Website: www.sideitalia.it

IT-CTQ

| Certiquality S.r.l. |
| --- |
| Via Gaetano Giardino 4 |
| I-20123 Milano |
| Tel: +39 02 8069171 |
| Fax: +39 02 86465295 |
| E-mail: certiquality@certiquality.it |
| Website: www.certiquality.it |

Certiquality S.r.l.

Via Gaetano Giardino 4

I-20123 Milano

Tel: +39 02 8069171

Fax: +39 02 86465295

E-mail: certiquality@certiquality.it

Website: www.certiquality.it

IT-BZ-BZT

| ABCERT GmbH |
| --- |
| Martinstrasse 42-44 |
| D-73728 Esslingen |
| Tel: +49 (0) 711 351792-0 |
| Fax: +49 (0) 711 351792-200 |
| E-mail: info@abcert.de |
| Website: www.abcert.de |

ABCERT GmbH

Martinstrasse 42-44

D-73728 Esslingen

Tel: +49 (0) 711 351792-0

Fax: +49 (0) 711 351792-200

E-mail: info@abcert.de

Website: www.abcert.de

IT-BZ-INC

| INAC GmbH |
| --- |
| International Nutrition and Agriculture Certification |
| In der Kämmersliethe 1 |
| D-37213 Witzenhausen |
| Tel: +49 (0)5542 911400 |
| Fax: +49 (0)5542 911401 |
| Website: www.inac-gmbh.net |

INAC GmbH

International Nutrition and Agriculture Certification

In der Kämmersliethe 1

D-37213 Witzenhausen

Tel: +49 (0)5542 911400

Fax: +49 (0)5542 911401

Website: www.inac-gmbh.net

IT-BZ-IMO

| IMO GMBH |
| --- |
| Obere Laube 51/53 |
| D-78462 Konstanz |
| Tel: +49 (0) 7531 81301-0 |
| Fax: +49 (0) 7531 81301-29 |
| E-mail: imod@imo.ch |
| Website: www.imo-control.net |

IMO GMBH

Obere Laube 51/53

D-78462 Konstanz

Tel: +49 (0) 7531 81301-0

Fax: +49 (0) 7531 81301-29

E-mail: imod@imo.ch

Website: www.imo-control.net

IT-BZ-QCI

| QC I GmbH — Gesellschaft für Kontrolle und Zertifizierung von Qualitätssicherungssystemen mbh |
| --- |
| Gleuelerstraße 286 |
| D-50935 KÖLN |
| Tel: +49 (0)221 94392-09 |
| Fax: +49 (0)221 94392-11 |
| E-mail: qci.koeln@qci.de |
| Website: www.qci.de |

QC I GmbH — Gesellschaft für Kontrolle und Zertifizierung von Qualitätssicherungssystemen mbh

Gleuelerstraße 286

D-50935 KÖLN

Tel: +49 (0)221 94392-09

Fax: +49 (0)221 94392-11

E-mail: qci.koeln@qci.de

Website: www.qci.de

IT-BZ-BKT

| Kontrollservice BIKO Tirol |
| --- |
| Wilhelm-Greil-Straße 9 |
| A-6020 INNSBRUCK |
| Tel: +43 (0)5 92 92 3101 |
| Fax: +43 (0)5 92 92 3199 |
| E-mail: biko@lk-tirol.at |
| Website: www.kontrollservice-tirol.at |

Kontrollservice BIKO Tirol

Wilhelm-Greil-Straße 9

A-6020 INNSBRUCK

Tel: +43 (0)5 92 92 3101

Fax: +43 (0)5 92 92 3199

E-mail: biko@lk-tirol.at

Website: www.kontrollservice-tirol.at

LATVIA

System A

LV-EQ

| Biedrība ‘Vides kvalitāte’ |
| --- |
| Rīgas iela 113 |
| Salaspils |
| Rīgas raj. |
| LV-2169 |
| Tel: +371 67709090 |
| Fax: +371 67709090 |
| E-mail: eq@videskvalitate.lv |
| Website: www.videskvalitate.lv |

Biedrība ‘Vides kvalitāte’

Rīgas iela 113

Salaspils

Rīgas raj.

LV-2169

Tel: +371 67709090

Fax: +371 67709090

E-mail: eq@videskvalitate.lv

Website: www.videskvalitate.lv

LV-STC

| Valsts SIA ‘Sertifikācijas un testēšanas centrs’ |
| --- |
| Dārza iela 12 |
| Priekuļu pagasts |
| Cēsu raj. |
| LV-4126 |
| Tel: +371 64130013 |
| Fax: +371 641 30010 |
| E-mail: info@stc.lv |
| Website: www.stc.lv |

Valsts SIA ‘Sertifikācijas un testēšanas centrs’

Dārza iela 12

Priekuļu pagasts

Cēsu raj.

LV-4126

Tel: +371 64130013

Fax: +371 641 30010

E-mail: info@stc.lv

Website: www.stc.lv

LITHUANIA

System B

LT-01

| Ekoagros |
| --- |
| K. Donelaičio str. 33 or |
| A. Mickevičiaus str. 48 |
| LT-44240 Kaunas |
| Tel: +370 37203181 |
| Fax: +370 37203182 |
| E-mail: ekoagros@ekoagros.lt |
| Website: www.ekoagros.lt |

Ekoagros

K. Donelaičio str. 33 or

A. Mickevičiaus str. 48

LT-44240 Kaunas

Tel: +370 37203181

Fax: +370 37203182

E-mail: ekoagros@ekoagros.lt

Website: www.ekoagros.lt

LUXEMBOURG

System C

LU-BIO-01

| Administration des Services techniques de l'Agriculture |
| --- |
| (autorité compétente) |
| Service de la protection des végétaux |
| BP 1904 |
| L-1019 Luxembourg |
| Tel: +352 45 71 72 353 |
| Fax: +352 45 71 72 340 |
| E-mail: Monique.Faber@asta.etat.lu |
| Website: www.asta.etat.lu |

Administration des Services techniques de l'Agriculture

(autorité compétente)

Service de la protection des végétaux

BP 1904

L-1019 Luxembourg

Tel: +352 45 71 72 353

Fax: +352 45 71 72 340

E-mail: Monique.Faber@asta.etat.lu

Website: www.asta.etat.lu

LU-BIO-04

| Prüfverein Verarbeitung Ökologische Landbauprodukte e.V. (DE-007) |
| --- |
| Vorholzstr. 36 |
| D-76137 Karlsruhe |
| Tel: +49 721 35239-20 |
| Fax: +49 721-626840-22 |
| E-mail: kontakt@pruefverein.de |
| Website: www.pruefverein.de |

Prüfverein Verarbeitung Ökologische Landbauprodukte e.V. (DE-007)

Vorholzstr. 36

D-76137 Karlsruhe

Tel: +49 721 35239-20

Fax: +49 721-626840-22

E-mail: kontakt@pruefverein.de

Website: www.pruefverein.de

LU-BIO-05

| Kontrollverein Ökologischer Landbau e.V. (DE-022) |
| --- |
| Vorholzstraße 36 |
| D-76137 Karlsruhe |
| Tel: +49 (0)721 35239-10 |
| Fax: +49 (0)721 35239-09 |
| E-mail: kontakt@kontrollverein.de |
| Website: www.kontrollverein.de |

Kontrollverein Ökologischer Landbau e.V. (DE-022)

Vorholzstraße 36

D-76137 Karlsruhe

Tel: +49 (0)721 35239-10

Fax: +49 (0)721 35239-09

E-mail: kontakt@kontrollverein.de

Website: www.kontrollverein.de

LU-BIO-06

| CERTISYS (BE-01) |
| --- |
| Siège social: |
| Av. de l'Escrime 85 Schermlaan |
| B-1150 Bruxelles |

CERTISYS (BE-01)

Siège social:

Av. de l'Escrime 85 Schermlaan

B-1150 Bruxelles

| Bureaux: |
| --- |
| Chemin de la Haute Baudecet 1 |
| B-1457 Walhain |
| Tel: +32 (0) 81 60 03 77 |
| Fax: +32 (0) 81 60 03 13 |
| E-mail: info@certisys.eu |
| Website: www.certisys.eu |

Bureaux:

Chemin de la Haute Baudecet 1

B-1457 Walhain

Tel: +32 (0) 81 60 03 77

Fax: +32 (0) 81 60 03 13

E-mail: info@certisys.eu

Website: www.certisys.eu

MALTA

System C

MT01

| Malta Standards Authority |
| --- |
| 2nd Floor, Evans Building |
| Merchants' Street |
| Valletta |
| Tel: + 356 21242420 |
| Fax: + 356 21242406 |
| E-mail: michael.cassar@msa.org.mt |
| Website: www.msa.gov.mt |

Malta Standards Authority

2nd Floor, Evans Building

Merchants' Street

Valletta

Tel: + 356 21242420

Fax: + 356 21242406

E-mail: michael.cassar@msa.org.mt

Website: www.msa.gov.mt

MT02

| BIOZOO |
| --- |
| via Chironi 9 |
| IT-07100 Sassari |
| Tel: + 39 079 276537 |
| E-mail: info@biozoo.org |
| Website: www.biozoo.org |

BIOZOO

via Chironi 9

IT-07100 Sassari

Tel: + 39 079 276537

E-mail: info@biozoo.org

Website: www.biozoo.org

NETHERLANDS

System B

NL01

| Stichting Skal |
| --- |
| Postbus 384 |
| NL-8000 AJ Zwolle |
| Tel: +31 38 4268181 |
| Fax: +31 38 4268182 |
| E-mail: info@skal.nl |
| Website: www.skal.nl |

Stichting Skal

Postbus 384

NL-8000 AJ Zwolle

Tel: +31 38 4268181

Fax: +31 38 4268182

E-mail: info@skal.nl

Website: www.skal.nl

POLAND

System C

RE-01/2005/PL

| EKOGWARANCJA PTRE Ltd |
| --- |
| ul. Irysowa 12/2 |
| PL-20-834 Lublin |
| Tel.: +48 (0) 81 742 68 64 |
| E-mail: biuro@ekogwarancja.pl |
| Website: www.ekogwarancja.pl |

EKOGWARANCJA PTRE Ltd

ul. Irysowa 12/2

PL-20-834 Lublin

Tel.: +48 (0) 81 742 68 64

E-mail: biuro@ekogwarancja.pl

Website: www.ekogwarancja.pl

RE-02/2005/PL

| Certifying Body of Organic Production PNG Ltd |
| --- |
| PL-26-065 Piekoszów |
| Zajaczkow k.Kielc |
| Tel.: +48 (0)41 306 40 00 |
| E-mail: png@ecofarm.pl |
| Website: www.ecofarm.pl |

Certifying Body of Organic Production PNG Ltd

PL-26-065 Piekoszów

Zajaczkow k.Kielc

Tel.: +48 (0)41 306 40 00

E-mail: png@ecofarm.pl

Website: www.ecofarm.pl

RE-03/2005/PL

| COBICO Ltd |
| --- |
| ul. Grzegórzecka 77 |
| PL-31-559 Kraków |
| Tel.: +48 (0)12 632 35 71 |
| E-mail: cobico@cobico.pl |
| Website: www.cobico.pl |

COBICO Ltd

ul. Grzegórzecka 77

PL-31-559 Kraków

Tel.: +48 (0)12 632 35 71

E-mail: cobico@cobico.pl

Website: www.cobico.pl

RE-04/2005/PL

| BIOEKSPERT Ltd |
| --- |
| ul. Narbutta 3A m1 |
| PL-02-564 Warsaw |
| Tel.: +48 (0)22 499 53 66 |
| E-mail: bioekspert@bioekspert.waw.pl |
| Website: www.bioekspert.waw.pl |

BIOEKSPERT Ltd

ul. Narbutta 3A m1

PL-02-564 Warsaw

Tel.: +48 (0)22 499 53 66

E-mail: bioekspert@bioekspert.waw.pl

Website: www.bioekspert.waw.pl

RE-05/2005/PL

| BIOCERT MAŁOPOLSKA Ltd. |
| --- |
| ul. Lubicz 25A |
| PL-31-503 Kraków |
| Tel.: +48 (0)12 430 36 06 |
| E-mail: sekretariat@biocert.pl |
| Website: www.biocert.pl |

BIOCERT MAŁOPOLSKA Ltd.

ul. Lubicz 25A

PL-31-503 Kraków

Tel.: +48 (0)12 430 36 06

E-mail: sekretariat@biocert.pl

Website: www.biocert.pl

RE-06/2005/PL

| Polish Centre of Research and Certification, |
| --- |
| Branch in Pila |
| ul. Śniadeckich 5 |
| PL-64-920 Piła |
| Tel.: +48 (0)67 213 87 00 |
| E-mail: pcbcpila@i-pila.pl |
| Website: www.pcbc.gov.pl |

Polish Centre of Research and Certification,

Branch in Pila

ul. Śniadeckich 5

PL-64-920 Piła

Tel.: +48 (0)67 213 87 00

E-mail: pcbcpila@i-pila.pl

Website: www.pcbc.gov.pl

RE-07/2005/PL

| AgroBioTest Ltd |
| --- |
| ul. Nowoursynowska 166 |
| PL-02-787 Warsaw |
| Tel.: +48 (0)22 847 87 39 |
| E-mail: agro.bio.test@agrobiotest.pl |
| Website: www.agrobiotest.pl |

AgroBioTest Ltd

ul. Nowoursynowska 166

PL-02-787 Warsaw

Tel.: +48 (0)22 847 87 39

E-mail: agro.bio.test@agrobiotest.pl

Website: www.agrobiotest.pl

PORTUGAL

System A

PT/AB 02

| ECOCERT PORTUGAL, Unipessoal Lda |
| --- |
| Rua Alexandre Herculano, 68 — 1o Esq. |
| P-2520-273 Peniche |
| Tel: +351 262 785117 |
| Fax: +351 262 787171 |
| E-mail: ecocert@mail.telepac.pt |
| Website: www.ecocert.com |

ECOCERT PORTUGAL, Unipessoal Lda

Rua Alexandre Herculano, 68 — 1o Esq.

P-2520-273 Peniche

Tel: +351 262 785117

Fax: +351 262 787171

E-mail: ecocert@mail.telepac.pt

Website: www.ecocert.com

PT/AB 03

| SATIVA, DESENVOLVIMENTO RURAL, Lda |
| --- |
| Rua Robalo Gouveia, 1o 1a |
| P-1900-392 Lisboa |
| Tel: +351 21 799 11 00 |
| Fax: +351 21 799 11 19 |
| E-mail: sativa@sativa.pt |
| Website: www.sativa.pt |

SATIVA, DESENVOLVIMENTO RURAL, Lda

Rua Robalo Gouveia, 1o 1a

P-1900-392 Lisboa

Tel: +351 21 799 11 00

Fax: +351 21 799 11 19

E-mail: sativa@sativa.pt

Website: www.sativa.pt

PT/AB 04

| CERTIPLANET, Certificação da Agricultura, Floresta e Pescas, Unipessoal Lda |
| --- |
| Av. do Porto de Pescas, Lote C — 15, 1 o C |
| P-2520 — 208 Peniche |
| Tel: +351 262 789 005 |
| Fax: +351 262 789 514 |
| E-mail: certiplanet@sapo.pt |
| Website: www.certiplanet.pt |

CERTIPLANET, Certificação da Agricultura, Floresta e Pescas, Unipessoal Lda

Av. do Porto de Pescas, Lote C — 15, 1 o C

P-2520 — 208 Peniche

Tel: +351 262 789 005

Fax: +351 262 789 514

E-mail: certiplanet@sapo.pt

Website: www.certiplanet.pt

PT/AB 05

| CERTIALENTEJO, Certificação de Produtos Agrícolas, Lda |
| --- |
| Rua Diana de Liz — Horta do Bispo |
| Apartado 320 |
| P-7006 — 804 Évora |
| Tel: +351 266 769564/5 |
| Fax: +351 266769566 |
| E-mail: geral@certialentejo.pt |
| Website: www.certialentejo.pt |

CERTIALENTEJO, Certificação de Produtos Agrícolas, Lda

Rua Diana de Liz — Horta do Bispo

Apartado 320

P-7006 — 804 Évora

Tel: +351 266 769564/5

Fax: +351 266769566

E-mail: geral@certialentejo.pt

Website: www.certialentejo.pt

PT/AB 06

| AGRICERT — Certificação de Produtos Alimentares Lda |
| --- |
| Rua Alfredo Mirante, 1, R/C Esq. |
| P-7350-153 Elvas |
| Tel: +351 268 625 026 |
| Fax: +351 268 626 546 |
| E-mail: agricert@agricert.pt |
| Website: www.agricert.pt |

AGRICERT — Certificação de Produtos Alimentares Lda

Rua Alfredo Mirante, 1, R/C Esq.

P-7350-153 Elvas

Tel: +351 268 625 026

Fax: +351 268 626 546

E-mail: agricert@agricert.pt

Website: www.agricert.pt

PT/AB 07

| TRADIÇÃO E QUALIDADE — Associação Interprofissional para os Produtos Agro-Alimentares de Trás-os-Montes |
| --- |
| Av. 25 de Abril 273 S/L E |
| P-5370-202 Mirandela |
| Tel/Fax: +351 278 261 410 |
| E-mail: tradicao-qualidade@clix.pt |

TRADIÇÃO E QUALIDADE — Associação Interprofissional para os Produtos Agro-Alimentares de Trás-os-Montes

Av. 25 de Abril 273 S/L E

P-5370-202 Mirandela

Tel/Fax: +351 278 261 410

E-mail: tradicao-qualidade@clix.pt

PT/AB 08

| CODIMACO — Certificação e Qualidade, Lda |
| --- |
| Pátio do Município, 1, 3o Dto |
| P-2550 — 103 Cadaval |
| Tel: +351 262 691 155 |
| Fax: +351 262 695 095 |
| E-mail: codimaco@codimaco.pt |
| Website: www.codimaco.pt |

CODIMACO — Certificação e Qualidade, Lda

Pátio do Município, 1, 3o Dto

P-2550 — 103 Cadaval

Tel: +351 262 691 155

Fax: +351 262 695 095

E-mail: codimaco@codimaco.pt

Website: www.codimaco.pt

PT/AB 09

| SGS Portugal — Sociedade Geral de Superintendência, S A |
| --- |
| Pólo Tecnológico de Lisboa, Lote 6, Pisos 0 e 1 |
| P-1600-546 Lisboa |
| Tel: +351 217 104 200 |
| Fax: +351 217 157 520 |
| E-mail: sgs.portugal@sgs.com |
| Website: www.pt.sgs.com |

SGS Portugal — Sociedade Geral de Superintendência, S A

Pólo Tecnológico de Lisboa, Lote 6, Pisos 0 e 1

P-1600-546 Lisboa

Tel: +351 217 104 200

Fax: +351 217 157 520

E-mail: sgs.portugal@sgs.com

Website: www.pt.sgs.com

ROMANIA

System A

RO-ECO-001

| BCS OKO-Garantie România SRL |
| --- |
| Strada Belsugului, nr. 24, ap.1 |
| RO-540037, Oras Targu Mures |
| Judet Mures |
| Tel: +40 265250846 |
| Fax: +40 265250928 |
| E-mail: bcs_oko@zappmobile.ro |
| Website: www.bcs-oeco.com |

BCS OKO-Garantie România SRL

Strada Belsugului, nr. 24, ap.1

RO-540037, Oras Targu Mures

Judet Mures

Tel: +40 265250846

Fax: +40 265250928

E-mail: bcs_oko@zappmobile.ro

Website: www.bcs-oeco.com

RO-ECO-002

| S.C QC I România SRL |
| --- |
| Strada Franz Listz nr.1, ap.1 |
| RO-300081, Oras Timisoara |
| Judet Timis |
| Tel: +40 723 748499 |
| Fax: +40 256241562 |
| E-mail: victor_scorodeti@yahoo.com |

S.C QC I România SRL

Strada Franz Listz nr.1, ap.1

RO-300081, Oras Timisoara

Judet Timis

Tel: +40 723 748499

Fax: +40 256241562

E-mail: victor_scorodeti@yahoo.com

RO-ECO-003

| SUOLO E SALUTE SRL România |
| --- |
| Strada Nicolae Balcescu nr. 5, sc. G, ap. 9 |
| RO-600052, Oras Bacau |
| Judet Bacau |
| Tel: +40 234206165 |
| Fax: +40 234206166 |
| E-mail: danielciubotaru@yahoo.com |

SUOLO E SALUTE SRL România

Strada Nicolae Balcescu nr. 5, sc. G, ap. 9

RO-600052, Oras Bacau

Judet Bacau

Tel: +40 234206165

Fax: +40 234206166

E-mail: danielciubotaru@yahoo.com

RO-ECO-005

| ICEA ROMANIA SRL |
| --- |
| Strada Comisia Centrala nr. 80 A |
| RO-620165, Oras Focsani |
| Judet Vrancea |
| Tel: +40 237210497 |
| Fax: +40 0237210497 |
| E-mail: icearomania@yahoo.com |

ICEA ROMANIA SRL

Strada Comisia Centrala nr. 80 A

RO-620165, Oras Focsani

Judet Vrancea

Tel: +40 237210497

Fax: +40 0237210497

E-mail: icearomania@yahoo.com

RO-ECO-006

| S.C. Eleghos Bio Ellas România SRL |
| --- |
| Strada Calea Mosilor, nr. 284, bl. 22A,, sc. B, ap. 32, sector 2 |
| RO-020894, Oras Bucuresti |
| Tel/Fax: +40 216104020 |
| E-mail: dragomir_damian@yahoo.com |

S.C. Eleghos Bio Ellas România SRL

Strada Calea Mosilor, nr. 284, bl. 22A,, sc. B, ap. 32, sector 2

RO-020894, Oras Bucuresti

Tel/Fax: +40 216104020

E-mail: dragomir_damian@yahoo.com

RO-ECO-007

| ECOCERT ESE SRL |
| --- |
| Strada Viitorului, nr. 112, ap. 1, sector 2 |
| RO-020616, Oras Bucuresti |
| Tel/Fax: +40 2106835 |
| E-mail: office.romania@ecocert.com |

ECOCERT ESE SRL

Strada Viitorului, nr. 112, ap. 1, sector 2

RO-020616, Oras Bucuresti

Tel/Fax: +40 2106835

E-mail: office.romania@ecocert.com

RO-ECO-008

| S.C Ecoinspect SRL România |
| --- |
| Strada Horia, nr. 75, ap.5 |
| RO-400202, Oras Cluj Napoca |
| Judet Cluj |
| Tel/Fax: +40 264432088 |
| E-mail: ecoinspect@from.ro |
| Website: www.ecoinspect.ro |

S.C Ecoinspect SRL România

Strada Horia, nr. 75, ap.5

RO-400202, Oras Cluj Napoca

Judet Cluj

Tel/Fax: +40 264432088

E-mail: ecoinspect@from.ro

Website: www.ecoinspect.ro

RO-ECO-009

| BIOS SRL Italia România Branch |
| --- |
| Strada Dionisie Lupu, nr.50, ap. 2, sector 1 |
| RO-010458, Oras Bucuresti |
| Tel: +40 212106620 |
| Fax: +40 212106660 |
| E-mail: bios.romania@certbios.it |

BIOS SRL Italia România Branch

Strada Dionisie Lupu, nr.50, ap. 2, sector 1

RO-010458, Oras Bucuresti

Tel: +40 212106620

Fax: +40 212106660

E-mail: bios.romania@certbios.it

RO-ECO-010

| LACON SRL Germania- România Branch |
| --- |
| Strada Baia de Aries, nr. 3, bl. 5B, |
| sc. 1, et. 4, ap.18, sector 6 |
| RO-060801, Oras Bucuresti, |
| Tel: +40 214115446 |
| E-mail: marianaexpert@yahoo.com |

LACON SRL Germania- România Branch

Strada Baia de Aries, nr. 3, bl. 5B,

sc. 1, et. 4, ap.18, sector 6

RO-060801, Oras Bucuresti,

Tel: +40 214115446

E-mail: marianaexpert@yahoo.com

RO-ECO-011

| SC BIO CERT SRL România |
| --- |
| Strada Calea Mosilor, nr. 284, bl. 22A, |
| sc. B, ap. 32, sect. 2 |
| RO-020894, Oras Bucuresti |
| Tel/Fax: +40 216104020 |
| E-mail: biocert_romania@yahoo.com |

SC BIO CERT SRL România

Strada Calea Mosilor, nr. 284, bl. 22A,

sc. B, ap. 32, sect. 2

RO-020894, Oras Bucuresti

Tel/Fax: +40 216104020

E-mail: biocert_romania@yahoo.com

RO-ECO-012

| BIOINSPECTA SRL Suisse România Branch |
| --- |
| Strada Gurghiu, nr. 2, ap. 9 |
| RO-400647, Oras Cluj-Napoca |
| Judet Cluj |
| Tel/Fax: +40 264573546 |
| E-mail: monika.zimmermeier@bio-inspecta.ch |

BIOINSPECTA SRL Suisse România Branch

Strada Gurghiu, nr. 2, ap. 9

RO-400647, Oras Cluj-Napoca

Judet Cluj

Tel/Fax: +40 264573546

E-mail: monika.zimmermeier@bio-inspecta.ch

RO-ECO-013

| IMO CONTROL SRL România |
| --- |
| Strada Crizantemelor, nr. 7, ap. 51 |
| RO-545400, Oras Sighisoara |
| Judet Mures |
| Tel/Fax: +40 269543609 |
| E-mail: tartler@gmx.de |

IMO CONTROL SRL România

Strada Crizantemelor, nr. 7, ap. 51

RO-545400, Oras Sighisoara

Judet Mures

Tel/Fax: +40 269543609

E-mail: tartler@gmx.de

RO-ECO-014

| CERES HAPPURG GmbH Sucursala Iernut Romania |
| --- |
| Strada 1 dec.1918, bl. 3, sc. A, ap. 5 |
| RO-545100, Oras Iernut |
| Judet Mures |
| Tel: +40 740591529 |
| E-mail: ameliarachita@yahoo.com |
| Website: www.ceres-cert.com |

CERES HAPPURG GmbH Sucursala Iernut Romania

Strada 1 dec.1918, bl. 3, sc. A, ap. 5

RO-545100, Oras Iernut

Judet Mures

Tel: +40 740591529

E-mail: ameliarachita@yahoo.com

Website: www.ceres-cert.com

RO-ECO-015

| Agreco R.F GÖDERZ GmbH Germania Sucursala Romania |
| --- |
| Strada Magurii, nr. 4, bloc 33, sc.C ap.16 |
| RO-100473, Oras Ploiesti |
| Judet Prahova |
| Tel: +40 244561615 |
| E-mail:info@agrecogmbh.de |
| Website: www.agrecogmbh.de |

Agreco R.F GÖDERZ GmbH Germania Sucursala Romania

Strada Magurii, nr. 4, bloc 33, sc.C ap.16

RO-100473, Oras Ploiesti

Judet Prahova

Tel: +40 244561615

E-mail:info@agrecogmbh.de

Website: www.agrecogmbh.de

RO-ECO-016

| Bioagricert Italia srl Sucursala România |
| --- |
| str. Mateescu Nicolae nr. 3, camera nr. 1, sector 6 |
| Bucureşti |
| Tel/Fax: +40 213173291 |
| E-mail: achira@info.usamv.ro |
| Website: www.bioagricert.org |

Bioagricert Italia srl Sucursala România

str. Mateescu Nicolae nr. 3, camera nr. 1, sector 6

Bucureşti

Tel/Fax: +40 213173291

E-mail: achira@info.usamv.ro

Website: www.bioagricert.org

RO-ECO-017

| Certification Services International CSI GmbH Germania Sucursala Romania |
| --- |
| str. Reconstructiei nr.6, Bloc 28, Sc.2, etaj 1, ap 50, sect.3 |
| Bucureşti |
| Tel/Fax: +40 216475983 |
| E-mail: beeswoborders@yahoo.com |
| Website: www.csicert.com |

Certification Services International CSI GmbH Germania Sucursala Romania

str. Reconstructiei nr.6, Bloc 28, Sc.2, etaj 1, ap 50, sect.3

Bucureşti

Tel/Fax: +40 216475983

E-mail: beeswoborders@yahoo.com

Website: www.csicert.com

SLOVAKIA

System A

SK-02-BIO

| Naturalis SK Ltd. |
| --- |
| Björnsonova 14 |
| SK-811 05 Bratislava |
| Tel: +421 2 52 62 66 61-3 |
| Fax: +421 2 52 62 66 63 |
| E-mail: kontrola@naturalis.sk, certo@naturalis.sk |
| Website: www.naturalis.sk |

Naturalis SK Ltd.

Björnsonova 14

SK-811 05 Bratislava

Tel: +421 2 52 62 66 61-3

Fax: +421 2 52 62 66 63

E-mail: kontrola@naturalis.sk, certo@naturalis.sk

Website: www.naturalis.sk

SLOVENIA

System A

SI-01-EKO

| Institute of Inspection and Certification in Agriculture and Forestry |
| --- |
| Vinarska ulica 14 |
| SLO-2000 Maribor |
| Tel: +386 2 228 49 31/32/33 |
| Fax: +386 2 251 94 82 |
| E-mail: info@kon-cert.si |
| Website: www.kon-cert.si |

Institute of Inspection and Certification in Agriculture and Forestry

Vinarska ulica 14

SLO-2000 Maribor

Tel: +386 2 228 49 31/32/33

Fax: +386 2 251 94 82

E-mail: info@kon-cert.si

Website: www.kon-cert.si

SI-IKC-EKO

| IKC — Institute for Inspection and Certification of University of Maribor |
| --- |
| Pivola 8 |
| SLO-2311 Hoče |
| Tel: +386 (0)2 613 08 31 (-32) |
| Fax: +386 (0)2 613 08 33 |
| E-mail: Polonca.repic@uni-mb.si |
| Website: www.ikc-um.si |

IKC — Institute for Inspection and Certification of University of Maribor

Pivola 8

SLO-2311 Hoče

Tel: +386 (0)2 613 08 31 (-32)

Fax: +386 (0)2 613 08 33

E-mail: Polonca.repic@uni-mb.si

Website: www.ikc-um.si

SI-BV-EKO

| Bureau Veritas, d.o.o. |
| --- |
| Linhartova cesta 49A |
| SLO-1000 Ljubljana |
| Tel: +386 1 475 76 61 |
| Fax: +386 1 475 76 07 |
| E-mail: Marko.Majer@si.bureauveritas.com |
| E-mail: info@si.bureauveritas.com |
| Website: www.bureauveritas.si |

Bureau Veritas, d.o.o.

Linhartova cesta 49A

SLO-1000 Ljubljana

Tel: +386 1 475 76 61

Fax: +386 1 475 76 07

E-mail: Marko.Majer@si.bureauveritas.com

E-mail: info@si.bureauveritas.com

Website: www.bureauveritas.si

SPAIN

System C

ES-AN-00-AE

ES-CM-03-AE

| Servicio de certificación CAAE |
| --- |
| Av. Emilio Lemos, 2 |
| Edificio Torre Este, planta 6a Módulo 603 |
| E-41020 Sevilla |
| Tel: +34 955 024 150 |
| Tel: +34 902 521 555 |
| Fax: +34 955 029 440 |
| E-mail: certi@caae.es |
| Website: www.caae.es |

Servicio de certificación CAAE

Av. Emilio Lemos, 2

Edificio Torre Este, planta 6a Módulo 603

E-41020 Sevilla

Tel: +34 955 024 150

Tel: +34 902 521 555

Fax: +34 955 029 440

E-mail: certi@caae.es

Website: www.caae.es

AN, CM

ES-AN-01-AE

ES-AR-05/C-AE

ES-CM-01-AE

| SOHISCERT S.A. |
| --- |
| Finca La Cañada — Ctra Sevilla-Utrera Km 20.8 |
| E-41710 Utrera (Sevilla) |
| Tel: +34 955 86 80 51 |
| Fax: +34 955 86 81 37 |
| E-mail: sohiscert@sohiscert.com |
| Website: www.sohiscert.com |

SOHISCERT S.A.

Finca La Cañada — Ctra Sevilla-Utrera Km 20.8

E-41710 Utrera (Sevilla)

Tel: +34 955 86 80 51

Fax: +34 955 86 81 37

E-mail: sohiscert@sohiscert.com

Website: www.sohiscert.com

AN, AR, CM

ES-AN-03-AE

| AGROCOLOR, S.L. |
| --- |
| Ctra. De Ronda, no11.-bajo |
| E-04004 Almeria |
| Tel: +34 950 280 380 |
| Fax: +34 950 281 331 |
| E-mail: agrocolor@agrocolor.es |
| Website: www.agrocolor.es |

AGROCOLOR, S.L.

Ctra. De Ronda, no11.-bajo

E-04004 Almeria

Tel: +34 950 280 380

Fax: +34 950 281 331

E-mail: agrocolor@agrocolor.es

Website: www.agrocolor.es

AN

ES-AN-04-AE

ES-AR-23/C-AE

| LGAI TECHNOLOGICAL CENTER, S.A. |
| --- |
| Parque Empresarial de Las Mercedes |
| C/Campezo no 1, Edificio 3, 1a planta |
| E-28022 Madrid |
| Tel: +34 91 208 0800/+34 912 756 312 |
| Fax: +34 912 080 803 |
| E-mail: certiagroalimentario@appluscorp.com/imanas@appluscorp.com |
| Website: www.appluscorp.com |

LGAI TECHNOLOGICAL CENTER, S.A.

Parque Empresarial de Las Mercedes

C/Campezo no 1, Edificio 3, 1a planta

E-28022 Madrid

Tel: +34 91 208 0800/+34 912 756 312

Fax: +34 912 080 803

E-mail: certiagroalimentario@appluscorp.com/imanas@appluscorp.com

Website: www.appluscorp.com

AN, AR

ES-AN-05-AE

| AGROCALIDAD DEL SUR S.L. |
| --- |
| C/ Méndez Núñez 15, 3o |
| 21001 Huelva |
| Tel: +34 959 255 524 |
| Fax: +34 959 285 926 |
| E-mail: agrocalidadsur@agrocalidadsur.com |
| Website: http://www.agrocalidadsur.com |

AGROCALIDAD DEL SUR S.L.

C/ Méndez Núñez 15, 3o

21001 Huelva

Tel: +34 959 255 524

Fax: +34 959 285 926

E-mail: agrocalidadsur@agrocalidadsur.com

Website: http://www.agrocalidadsur.com

ES-AR-AE

| Comité Aragones de Agricultura Ecológica (CAAE) |
| --- |
| Edificio Centrorigen |
| Ctra. Cogullada, 65 — Mercazaragoza |
| E-50014 Zaragoza |
| Tel: +34 976.47.57.78 |
| Fax: +34 976.47.58.17 |
| E-mail: caaearagon@caaearagon.com |
| Website: http://www.caaearagon.com |

Comité Aragones de Agricultura Ecológica (CAAE)

Edificio Centrorigen

Ctra. Cogullada, 65 — Mercazaragoza

E-50014 Zaragoza

Tel: +34 976.47.57.78

Fax: +34 976.47.58.17

E-mail: caaearagon@caaearagon.com

Website: http://www.caaearagon.com

AR

ES-AR-03/C-AE

| BCS Öko — Garantie GmbH |
| --- |
| Cimbernstrasse, 21 |
| D-90402 Nürnberg — Alemania |
| Tel: +49 911 424 391/+34 679 983 598 |
| Fax: +49 911 424 391 |
| E-mail: fischer@bcs-oeko.de/esanchez@canricastell.net |

BCS Öko — Garantie GmbH

Cimbernstrasse, 21

D-90402 Nürnberg — Alemania

Tel: +49 911 424 391/+34 679 983 598

Fax: +49 911 424 391

E-mail: fischer@bcs-oeko.de/esanchez@canricastell.net

AR

ES-AN-06-AE

ES-AR-17/C-AE

| Certificación of Environmental Standards GmbH (CERES) |
| --- |
| C/Serrano, 91, 2o |
| E-28006 Madrid |
| Tel: +34 915 630 171 |
| Fax: +34 915 637 335 |
| E-mail: ceres-iberica@gmail.com |
| Website: www.ceres-cert.com |

Certificación of Environmental Standards GmbH (CERES)

C/Serrano, 91, 2o

E-28006 Madrid

Tel: +34 915 630 171

Fax: +34 915 637 335

E-mail: ceres-iberica@gmail.com

Website: www.ceres-cert.com

AN, AR

ES-AR-18/C-AE

| CERTIAL, S.L. |
| --- |
| Polígono Los Leones, Nave 63 |
| E-50298-PINSEQUE (Zaragoza) |
| Tel: +34-97-6656919 |
| Fax: +34-97-6656823 |
| E-mail: info@certial.com |
| Website: www.certial.com |

CERTIAL, S.L.

Polígono Los Leones, Nave 63

E-50298-PINSEQUE (Zaragoza)

Tel: +34-97-6656919

Fax: +34-97-6656823

E-mail: info@certial.com

Website: www.certial.com

AR

ES-AR-19/C-AE

| Instituto de Ecomercado (IMO) |
| --- |
| C/ Venezuela, 17 3o C |
| E-36203-VIGO (Pontevedra) |
| Tel/Fax: +34 986 423 252 |
| E-mail: imo-spain@imo.ch |
| Website: www.imo.ch |

Instituto de Ecomercado (IMO)

C/ Venezuela, 17 3o C

E-36203-VIGO (Pontevedra)

Tel/Fax: +34 986 423 252

E-mail: imo-spain@imo.ch

Website: www.imo.ch

AR

ES-AS-AE

| Consejo de la Producción Agraria Ecológica del Principado de Asturias |
| --- |
| Avda. Prudencio González, 81 |
| E-33424 Posada de Llanera (Asturias) |
| Tel: +34 98 577 35 58 |
| Fax: +34 98 577 22 05 |
| E-mail: copae@copaeastur.org |
| Website: www.copaeastur.org |

Consejo de la Producción Agraria Ecológica del Principado de Asturias

Avda. Prudencio González, 81

E-33424 Posada de Llanera (Asturias)

Tel: +34 98 577 35 58

Fax: +34 98 577 22 05

E-mail: copae@copaeastur.org

Website: www.copaeastur.org

AS

ES-BA-AE

| Consejo Balear de la Producción Agraria Ecológica |
| --- |
| C/Selleters, 25 (Edif. Centro BIT) |
| E-07300 INCA (Mallorca) |
| Tel: +34 971 88 70 14 |
| Fax: +34 971 88 70 01 |
| E-mail: info@cbpae.org |
| Website: www.cbpae.org |

Consejo Balear de la Producción Agraria Ecológica

C/Selleters, 25 (Edif. Centro BIT)

E-07300 INCA (Mallorca)

Tel: +34 971 88 70 14

Fax: +34 971 88 70 01

E-mail: info@cbpae.org

Website: www.cbpae.org

BA

ES-CA-AE

| Instituto Canario de Calidad Agroalimentaria (ICCA) |
| --- |
| Av. José Manuel Guimerá, 8, 4a planta |
| E-38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
| Tel: +34 922 47 6514 |
| Fax: +34 922 47 67 39 |
| E-mail: icca.cagpa@gobiernodecanarias.org |
| Website: www.gobiernodecanarias.org/agricultura/icca |

Instituto Canario de Calidad Agroalimentaria (ICCA)

Av. José Manuel Guimerá, 8, 4a planta

E-38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Tel: +34 922 47 6514

Fax: +34 922 47 67 39

E-mail: icca.cagpa@gobiernodecanarias.org

Website: www.gobiernodecanarias.org/agricultura/icca

CA

ES-CL-AE

| Consejo de Agricultura Ecológica de Castilla y León |
| --- |
| C/Pio del Río Hortega, 1, 5o A |
| E-47014 Valladolid |
| Tel: +34 983/34 38 55 |
| Fax: +34 983/34 26 40 |
| E-mail: caecyl@nemo.es |

Consejo de Agricultura Ecológica de Castilla y León

C/Pio del Río Hortega, 1, 5o A

E-47014 Valladolid

Tel: +34 983/34 38 55

Fax: +34 983/34 26 40

E-mail: caecyl@nemo.es

CL

ES-CM-01-AE

| SOHISCERT S.A. |
| --- |
| see ES-AN-01-AE |
| Delegación en Toledo |
| C/ Italia, 113 |
| 45005 Toledo |
| Tel: +34 925 28 04 68 |
| Fax: +34 925 28 02 22 |
| E-mail: castillalamancha@sohiscert.com |

SOHISCERT S.A.

see ES-AN-01-AE

Delegación en Toledo

C/ Italia, 113

45005 Toledo

Tel: +34 925 28 04 68

Fax: +34 925 28 02 22

E-mail: castillalamancha@sohiscert.com

CM

ES-CM-02-AE

| Servicios de Inspección y certificación S.L. (SIC) |
| --- |
| C/Ronda de Buenavista, 15, 2o |
| E-45005 TOLEDO |
| Tel/Fax: +34 925 28 51 39 |
| E-mail: sic-toledo@sicagro.org |

Servicios de Inspección y certificación S.L. (SIC)

C/Ronda de Buenavista, 15, 2o

E-45005 TOLEDO

Tel/Fax: +34 925 28 51 39

E-mail: sic-toledo@sicagro.org

| Delegación en Albacete |
| --- |
| P de la Libertad, 15-6o |
| E-02001 Albacete |
| Tel: +34 967 21 09 09 |
| Fax: +34 967 21 07 07 |
| E-mail: sic-albacete@sicagro.org |
| Website: www.sicagro.org |

Delegación en Albacete

P de la Libertad, 15-6o

E-02001 Albacete

Tel: +34 967 21 09 09

Fax: +34 967 21 07 07

E-mail: sic-albacete@sicagro.org

Website: www.sicagro.org

CM

ES-CM-03-AE

| Servicio de certificación CAAE |
| --- |
| See ES-AN-00-AE |
| Delegación en Castilla-La Mancha: |
| C/ Pedro Muñoz, 1 Edificio CEEI |
| E-13005 Ciudad Real |
| Tel: +34 926 20 03 39 |
| Fax: +34 926 21 20 12 |
| E-mail: certi@caae.es |
| Website:www.caae.es |

Servicio de certificación CAAE

See ES-AN-00-AE

Delegación en Castilla-La Mancha:

C/ Pedro Muñoz, 1 Edificio CEEI

E-13005 Ciudad Real

Tel: +34 926 20 03 39

Fax: +34 926 21 20 12

E-mail: certi@caae.es

Website:www.caae.es

CM

ES-CM-04-AE

| ECOAGROCONTROL, S.L. |
| --- |
| C/ Carlos VII, 9 |
| E-13630 Socuéllamos (Ciudad Real) |
| Tel: +34 926 53 26 28 |
| Fax: +34 926 53 90 64 |
| E-mail: tecnico@ecoagrocontrol.com |
| Website: www.ecoagrocontrol.com |

ECOAGROCONTROL, S.L.

C/ Carlos VII, 9

E-13630 Socuéllamos (Ciudad Real)

Tel: +34 926 53 26 28

Fax: +34 926 53 90 64

E-mail: tecnico@ecoagrocontrol.com

Website: www.ecoagrocontrol.com

CM

ES-CN-AE

| Consejo Regulador de la Agricultura Ecológica de Cantabria |
| --- |
| C/Héroes Dos de Mayo, s/n |
| E-39600 Muriedas-Camargo (Cantabria) |
| Tel: +34 942 26 98 55 |
| Fax: +34 942 26 98 56 |
| E-mail: odeca@odeca.es |

Consejo Regulador de la Agricultura Ecológica de Cantabria

C/Héroes Dos de Mayo, s/n

E-39600 Muriedas-Camargo (Cantabria)

Tel: +34 942 26 98 55

Fax: +34 942 26 98 56

E-mail: odeca@odeca.es

CN

ES-CT-AE

| Consejo Catalán de la Producción Agraria Ecológica |
| --- |
| Avinguda Meridiana, 38 |
| E-08018 Barcelona |
| Tel: +34 93 552 47 90 |
| Fax: +34 93 552 47 91 |
| E-mail: ccpae.darp@gencat.cat |
| Website: www.ccpae.org |

Consejo Catalán de la Producción Agraria Ecológica

Avinguda Meridiana, 38

E-08018 Barcelona

Tel: +34 93 552 47 90

Fax: +34 93 552 47 91

E-mail: ccpae.darp@gencat.cat

Website: www.ccpae.org

CT

ES-EX-01-AE

| Consejo Regulador Agroalimentario Ecológico de Extremadura |
| --- |
| Avda. de Huelva 6, 2o |
| E-06004 Badajoz |
| Tel: +34 924 01 08 60 |
| Fax: +34 924 01 08 47 |
| E-mail: craex@eco.juntaex.es |

Consejo Regulador Agroalimentario Ecológico de Extremadura

Avda. de Huelva 6, 2o

E-06004 Badajoz

Tel: +34 924 01 08 60

Fax: +34 924 01 08 47

E-mail: craex@eco.juntaex.es

EX

Control of processors and importers

ES-EX-02-AE

| Comité Extremeño de la Producción Agraria Ecológica |
| --- |
| Avda. Portugal, s/n |
| E-06800 Mérida (Badajoz) |
| Tel: +34 924 00 22 75 |
| Fax: +34 924 00 21 26 |
| E-mail: cepae@adr.juntaex.es |
| Website: www.cepae.org |

Comité Extremeño de la Producción Agraria Ecológica

Avda. Portugal, s/n

E-06800 Mérida (Badajoz)

Tel: +34 924 00 22 75

Fax: +34 924 00 21 26

E-mail: cepae@adr.juntaex.es

Website: www.cepae.org

EX

Control of producers

ES-GA-AE

| Consejo Regulador de la Agricultura Ecológica de Galicia |
| --- |
| Edificio Multiusos |
| C/Circunvalación, s/n |
| Apdo de Correos 55 |
| E-27400 Monforte de Lemos (Lugo) |
| Tel: +34 982 40 53 00 |
| Fax: +34 982 41 65 30 |
| E-mail: craega@craega.es |
| Website: www.craega.es |

Consejo Regulador de la Agricultura Ecológica de Galicia

Edificio Multiusos

C/Circunvalación, s/n

Apdo de Correos 55

E-27400 Monforte de Lemos (Lugo)

Tel: +34 982 40 53 00

Fax: +34 982 41 65 30

E-mail: craega@craega.es

Website: www.craega.es

GA

ES-MA-AE

| Comité de Agricultura Ecológica de la Comunidad de Madrid |
| --- |
| Ronda de Atocha, 17, 7o planta |
| E-28012 Madrid |
| Tel: +34 91 420 66 65 |
| Fax: +34 91 420 66 66 |
| E-mail: agricultura.ecologica@madrid.org |
| Website: www.caem.es |

Comité de Agricultura Ecológica de la Comunidad de Madrid

Ronda de Atocha, 17, 7o planta

E-28012 Madrid

Tel: +34 91 420 66 65

Fax: +34 91 420 66 66

E-mail: agricultura.ecologica@madrid.org

Website: www.caem.es

MA

ES-MU-AE

| Consejo de Agricultura Ecológica de la Región de Murcia |
| --- |
| Avda. del Río Segura, 7 |
| E-30002 Murcia |
| Tel: +34 968 35 54 88 |
| Fax: +34 968 22 33 07 |
| E-mail: caermurcia@caermurcia.com |
| Website: www.caermurcia.com |

Consejo de Agricultura Ecológica de la Región de Murcia

Avda. del Río Segura, 7

E-30002 Murcia

Tel: +34 968 35 54 88

Fax: +34 968 22 33 07

E-mail: caermurcia@caermurcia.com

Website: www.caermurcia.com

MU

ES-NA-AE

| Consejo de la Producción Agraria Ecológica de Navarra |
| --- |
| Avda — San Jorge, 81 entreplanta dcha. |
| E-31012 Pamplona — Iruña |
| Tel: +34 948-17 83 32 |
| Tel: +34 948-25 67 37 |
| Tel: +34 948-25 66 42 |
| Fax: +34 948-25 15 33 |
| E-mail: cpaen@cpaen.org |
| Website: www.cpaen.org |

Consejo de la Producción Agraria Ecológica de Navarra

Avda — San Jorge, 81 entreplanta dcha.

E-31012 Pamplona — Iruña

Tel: +34 948-17 83 32

Tel: +34 948-25 67 37

Tel: +34 948-25 66 42

Fax: +34 948-25 15 33

E-mail: cpaen@cpaen.org

Website: www.cpaen.org

NA

ES-VAS-AE

| Consejo de Agricultura y Alimentación Ecológica de Euskadi |
| --- |
| Euskadiko Nekazaritza eta Elikadura Ekologikoaren Kontseilua |
| Bekoibarra kalea, 35, ‘San Migel’ eraikina 2/9 bulegoa |
| E-48300 Gernika (Bizcaia) |
| Tel: +34 902 540 165 |
| E-mail: info@eneek-caaee.net |

Consejo de Agricultura y Alimentación Ecológica de Euskadi

Euskadiko Nekazaritza eta Elikadura Ekologikoaren Kontseilua

Bekoibarra kalea, 35, ‘San Migel’ eraikina 2/9 bulegoa

E-48300 Gernika (Bizcaia)

Tel: +34 902 540 165

E-mail: info@eneek-caaee.net

VAS

ES-RI-AE

| Dirección General de Calidad e Investigación Agroalimentaria |
| --- |
| Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería y Desarrollo Rural |
| Avda. de la Paz, 8-10 |
| E-26071 Logroño (La Rioja) |
| Tel: +34 941 29 16 00 |
| Fax: +34 941 29 16 02 |
| E-mail: seccionproduccion.compatible.agri@larioja.org |
| Website: www.larioja.org/agricultura |

Dirección General de Calidad e Investigación Agroalimentaria

Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería y Desarrollo Rural

Avda. de la Paz, 8-10

E-26071 Logroño (La Rioja)

Tel: +34 941 29 16 00

Fax: +34 941 29 16 02

E-mail: seccionproduccion.compatible.agri@larioja.org

Website: www.larioja.org/agricultura

RI

ES-VA-AE

| Comité de Agricultura Ecológica de la Comunidad Valenciana |
| --- |
| Camí de la Marjal, s/n |
| E-46470 Albal (Valencia) |
| Tel: +34 961 22 05 60 |
| Fax: +34 961 22 05 61 |
| E-mail: caecv@caecv.com |
| Website: www.caecv.com |

Comité de Agricultura Ecológica de la Comunidad Valenciana

Camí de la Marjal, s/n

E-46470 Albal (Valencia)

Tel: +34 961 22 05 60

Fax: +34 961 22 05 61

E-mail: caecv@caecv.com

Website: www.caecv.com

VA

SWEDEN

System A

SE Ekol 1

| Aranea Certifiering AB |
| --- |
| Box 1940 |
| S-751 49 Uppsala |
| Tel: +46 18 17 00 00 |
| Fax: +46 18 10 03 66 |
| E-mail: info@araneacert.se |
| Website: www.araneacert.se |

Aranea Certifiering AB

Box 1940

S-751 49 Uppsala

Tel: +46 18 17 00 00

Fax: +46 18 10 03 66

E-mail: info@araneacert.se

Website: www.araneacert.se

SE Ekol 3

| SMAK AB |
| --- |
| Box 42 |
| S-230 53 Alnarp |
| Tel: +46 40 46 00 72 |
| Fax: +46 40 46 33 72 |
| E-mail: smak@smak.se |
| Website: www.smak.se |

SMAK AB

Box 42

S-230 53 Alnarp

Tel: +46 40 46 00 72

Fax: +46 40 46 33 72

E-mail: smak@smak.se

Website: www.smak.se

For primary production and feed labelling

UNITED KINGDOM

System A

UK 2

| Organic Farmers and Growers Ltd |
| --- |
| The Old Estate Yard |
| Shrewsbury Road |
| Albrighton Shrewsbury |
| Shropshire SY4 3AG |
| United Kingdom |
| Tel: +44 (0)1939 291800 |
| E-mail: info@organicfarmers.org.uk |
| Website: www.organicfarmers.org.uk |

Organic Farmers and Growers Ltd

The Old Estate Yard

Shrewsbury Road

Albrighton Shrewsbury

Shropshire SY4 3AG

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1939 291800

E-mail: info@organicfarmers.org.uk

Website: www.organicfarmers.org.uk

UK 3

| Scottish Organic Producers Association |
| --- |
| Scottish Food Quality Certification (SFQC) |
| 10th Avenue |
| Royal Highland Centre |
| Ingliston |
| Edinburgh EH28 8NF |
| United Kingdom |
| Support and development: |
| Tel: +44 (0)131 333 0940 |
| E-mail: sopa@sfqc.co.uk |
| Website:www.sopa.org.uk |

Scottish Organic Producers Association

Scottish Food Quality Certification (SFQC)

10th Avenue

Royal Highland Centre

Ingliston

Edinburgh EH28 8NF

United Kingdom

Support and development:

Tel: +44 (0)131 333 0940

E-mail: sopa@sfqc.co.uk

Website:www.sopa.org.uk

UK 4

| Organic Food Federation |
| --- |
| 31 Turbine Way |
| Eco Tech Business Park |
| Swaffham |
| Norfolk PE37 7XD |
| United Kingdom |
| Tel: +44 (0)1760 720444 |
| E-mail: info@orgfoodfed.com |
| Website: www.orgfoodfed.com |

Organic Food Federation

31 Turbine Way

Eco Tech Business Park

Swaffham

Norfolk PE37 7XD

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1760 720444

E-mail: info@orgfoodfed.com

Website: www.orgfoodfed.com

UK 5

| Soil Association Certification Ltd |
| --- |
| South Plaza |
| Marlborough Street |
| Bristol BS1 3NX |
| United Kingdom |
| Farmers and growers: |
| Tel: +44 (0)117 914 2412 |
| E-mail: prod.cert@soilassociation.org |
| Website: www.soilassociation.org/certification |

Soil Association Certification Ltd

South Plaza

Marlborough Street

Bristol BS1 3NX

United Kingdom

Farmers and growers:

Tel: +44 (0)117 914 2412

E-mail: prod.cert@soilassociation.org

Website: www.soilassociation.org/certification

UK 6

| Bio-Dynamic Agricultural Association |
| --- |
| Demeter Certification Office |
| 17 Inverleith Place |
| Edinburgh EH3 5QE |
| United Kingdom |
| Farmers and growers: |
| Tel: +44 (0)131 478 1201 |
| E-mail: timbrink@biodynamic.org.uk |
| Website: www.biodynamic.org.uk/demeter |

Bio-Dynamic Agricultural Association

Demeter Certification Office

17 Inverleith Place

Edinburgh EH3 5QE

United Kingdom

Farmers and growers:

Tel: +44 (0)131 478 1201

E-mail: timbrink@biodynamic.org.uk

Website: www.biodynamic.org.uk/demeter

UK 7

| Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association |
| --- |
| Main Street |
| Newtownforbes |
| Co. Longford |
| Ireland |
| Tel: +353 043 42495 |
| E-mail: iofga@eircom.net |

Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association

Main Street

Newtownforbes

Co. Longford

Ireland

Tel: +353 043 42495

E-mail: iofga@eircom.net

UK 9

| Organic Trust Limited |
| --- |
| Vernon House |
| 2 Vernon Avenue |
| Clontarf |
| Dublin 3 |
| Ireland |
| Tel.: +353 185 30271 |
| Fax: +353 185 30271 |
| E-mail: organic@iol.ie |
| Website: www.organic-trust.org |

Organic Trust Limited

Vernon House

2 Vernon Avenue

Clontarf

Dublin 3

Ireland

Tel.: +353 185 30271

Fax: +353 185 30271

E-mail: organic@iol.ie

Website: www.organic-trust.org

UK 13

| Quality Welsh Food Certification Ltd |
| --- |
| Gorseland |
| North Road |
| Aberystwyth |
| Ceredigion SY23 2WB |
| United Kingdom |
| Tel: +44 (0)1970 636688 |
| E-mail: mossj@wfsagri.net |

Quality Welsh Food Certification Ltd

Gorseland

North Road

Aberystwyth

Ceredigion SY23 2WB

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1970 636688

E-mail: mossj@wfsagri.net

UK 15

| Ascisco Ltd |
| --- |
| South Plaza |
| Marlborough Street |
| Bristol BS1 3NX |
| United Kingdom |
| Farmers and growers: |
| Tel: +44(0)117 914 2407 |
| E-mail: Dpeace@soilassociation.org |

Ascisco Ltd

South Plaza

Marlborough Street

Bristol BS1 3NX

United Kingdom

Farmers and growers:

Tel: +44(0)117 914 2407

E-mail: Dpeace@soilassociation.org

| EEA countries and codes | Inspection authority(ies) or body(ies) | Comments |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ICELAND | | System B |
| IS-1 | Vottunarstofan Tún e h f |
| Laugavegur 7 |
| IS-101 Reykjavík |
| E-mail: tun@nmedia.is |

EEA countries and codes

Inspection authority(ies) or body(ies)

Comments

ICELAND

System B

IS-1

Vottunarstofan Tún e h f

Laugavegur 7

IS-101 Reykjavík

E-mail: tun@nmedia.is

NORWAY

System A

N-001

| Debio |
| --- |
| N-1940 Bjørkelangen |
| Tel: +47 63862650 |
| Fax: +47 63856985 |
| E-mail: kontor@debio.no |
| Website: www.debio.no |

Debio

N-1940 Bjørkelangen

Tel: +47 63862650

Fax: +47 63856985

E-mail: kontor@debio.no

Website: www.debio.no

---

NOTICES CONCERNING THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA

EFTA Surveillance Authority

| 26.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 72/50 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 72/50

---

Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice on State aid with regard to taxation of captive insurance companies in Liechtenstein

(2009/C 72/05)

By means of Decision No 620/08/COL of 24 September 2008, reproduced in the authentic language on the pages following this summary, the EFTA Surveillance Authority initiated proceedings pursuant to Article 1(2) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the Establishment of a Surveillance Authority and a Court of Justice. The Liechtenstein authorities have been informed by means of a copy of the decision.

The EFTA Surveillance Authority hereby gives the EFTA States, EU Member States and interested parties notice to submit their comments on the measure in question within one month from the publication of this notice to:

| EFTA Surveillance Authority |
| --- |
| Registry |
| 35, rue Belliard |
| 1040 Bruxelles/Brussel |
| BELGIQUE/BELGIË |

EFTA Surveillance Authority

Registry

35, rue Belliard

1040 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

The comments will be communicated to the Liechtenstein authorities. Confidential treatment of the identity of the interested party submitting the comments may be requested in writing, stating the reasons for the request.

SUMMARY

The case was initiated by the Authority sending a request for information to the Liechtenstein authorities 14 March 2007.

By virtue of Act of 18 December 1997 on the amendment of the Liechtenstein Tax Act (1), the Liechtenstein authorities introduced special tax rules applicable to captive insurance companies.

Pursuant to Article 82(a)(1) of the Tax Act, captive insurance companies pay a capital tax of 1 ‰ on the company's own capital. For capital exceeding 50 million, the tax rate is reduced to 0,75 ‰ and for the capital in excess of 100 million, to 0,5 ‰. The normal capital tax rate is 2 ‰.

Article 82(a) read in conjunction with Article 73 of the Act, implies that captive insurance companies do not pay any income tax.

Moreover, by virtue of Article 88(d)(3) of the Tax Act, shares or parts of captive insurance companies are exempted from payment of the coupon tax, which is normally levied at the rate of 4 %.

In the preliminary view of the Authority, captive insurance companies are undertakings in the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement. They provide services to one or a specifically confined group of companies. Providing insurance is a service, which, in principle, is an economic activity. A captive insurance company would normally earn an income for services it provides. That the service is delivered only to one customer or a limited group of customers does not prevent it from being an economic activity.

The relief from income tax and the reduced capital tax fulfil also, in the preliminary view of the Authority, the other conditions that would classify them as State aid in the meaning of Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement.

Partial or full tax exemption implies a drain on State recourses. Advantages are accorded to the companies as they are relieved of charges that would normally be borne out of their budgets. The eligible companies provide services which are traded between the Contracting Parties to the EEA Agreement and thus are open to cross-border competition. The measures are selective as they are applicable only to a designated group of undertakings. The Authority has not found that this selectivity could be said to represent an inherent logic of the tax system.

For the coupon tax, similar reasoning to the above would apply. There is, however, a difference stemming from the fact that the coupon tax is a withholding tax. The exemption from the coupon tax thus confers advantages upon the owners of captive insurance companies. Such owners are normally (large) undertakings. These kinds of undertakings will thus be the direct beneficiaries of the aid measure. Further, the captive insurance companies could be considered to benefit indirectly form coupon tax exemption. They will be more attractive for investors and the measure would therefore make capital more easily accessible.

Support measures caught by Article 61(1) of the EEA Agreement are generally incompatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement, unless they qualify for a derogation in Article 61(2) or (3) of the EEA Agreement. In the preliminary opinion of the Authority, none of the derogations foreseen under these provisions seem to be applicable to the taxation of captive insurance companies in Liechtenstein. As the measures were enacted after Liechtenstein joined the EEA Agreement, any incompatible aid would normally have to be recovered.

Conclusion

In the light of the foregoing considerations, the Authority decided to open the formal investigation procedure in accordance with Article 1(2) of the EEA Agreement. Interested parties are invited to submit their comments within one month from publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union.

---

(1)  Act of 18 December 1997 on the amendment of the Liechtenstein Tax Act, Law Gazette 1998, No 36.

---

V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETITION POLICY

Commission

| 26.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 72/52 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 72/52

---

DECISION No 842

of 23 December 2008

on the opening of a procedure for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration of oil and gas — underground natural resources in accordance with Article 2(1)(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act, at Block 1-5 ‘Devetaki’, located in the provinces of Loven, Pleven and Gabrovo and notification concerning the envisaged competition for granting of authorisation

(2009/C 72/06)

REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

Pursuant to Article 5(2), Article 42(1)(1) and Article 44(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act, and having regard to Article 4(2)(16) and Article 1(24a) of the Energy Act,

THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS HAS DECIDED:

| 1. | to open a procedure for granting authorisation for prospecting and exploration of crude oil and natural gas in Block 1-5 ‘Devetaki’, with a surface area of 786,74 km2 and with coordinates of points as specified and indicated in the map contained in the draft prospecting and exploration contract, which is an integral part of the competition dossier; |
| --- | --- |

1.

to open a procedure for granting authorisation for prospecting and exploration of crude oil and natural gas in Block 1-5 ‘Devetaki’, with a surface area of 786,74 km2 and with coordinates of points as specified and indicated in the map contained in the draft prospecting and exploration contract, which is an integral part of the competition dossier;

| 2. | to announce that the granting of authorisation pursuant to point 1 will be based on a competition; |
| --- | --- |

2.

to announce that the granting of authorisation pursuant to point 1 will be based on a competition;

| 3. | to specify that the period covered by the authorisation for prospecting and exploration will be five years after the date of the entry into force of the prospecting and exploration contract, with a right to extension of this period pursuant to Article 31(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act; |
| --- | --- |

3.

to specify that the period covered by the authorisation for prospecting and exploration will be five years after the date of the entry into force of the prospecting and exploration contract, with a right to extension of this period pursuant to Article 31(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act;

| 4. | the competition for granting of authorisation pursuant to point 1 will take place on the 150th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union, at the building of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, Sofia; |
| --- | --- |

4.

the competition for granting of authorisation pursuant to point 1 will take place on the 150th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union, at the building of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, Sofia;

| 5. | the deadline for purchasing the competition dossier is 17.00 on the 120th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

5.

the deadline for purchasing the competition dossier is 17.00 on the 120th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 6. | the deadline for submission of notifications for participation in the competition is 17.00 on the 130th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

6.

the deadline for submission of notifications for participation in the competition is 17.00 on the 130th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 7. | the deadline for submission of applications for the competition is 17.00 on the 144th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

7.

the deadline for submission of applications for the competition is 17.00 on the 144th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 8. | the competition will not require personal presence; |
| --- | --- |

8.

the competition will not require personal presence;

| 9. | the price of the competition dossier is set at BGN 500 (500 Bulgarian leva). The competition dossier can be purchased from room No 802 at the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, Sofia, during the period laid down in point 5; |
| --- | --- |

9.

the price of the competition dossier is set at BGN 500 (500 Bulgarian leva). The competition dossier can be purchased from room No 802 at the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, Sofia, during the period laid down in point 5;

| 10. | the participants in the competition must comply with the requirements specified in Article 23(1) of the Underground Natural Resources Act; |
| --- | --- |

10.

the participants in the competition must comply with the requirements specified in Article 23(1) of the Underground Natural Resources Act;

| 11. | the applications of the participants in the competition will be evaluated on the basis of the proposed work programmes, environmental protection instruments and training instruments, bonuses, and also according to their managerial and financial capacities; |
| --- | --- |

11.

the applications of the participants in the competition will be evaluated on the basis of the proposed work programmes, environmental protection instruments and training instruments, bonuses, and also according to their managerial and financial capacities;

| 12. | The deposit for participation in the competition is set at BGN 10 000 (10 000 Bulgarian leva) and should be paid before the deadline specified in point 6 to the bank account of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, as stated in the competition dossier; |
| --- | --- |

12.

The deposit for participation in the competition is set at BGN 10 000 (10 000 Bulgarian leva) and should be paid before the deadline specified in point 6 to the bank account of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, as stated in the competition dossier;

| 13. | in the case of non-admission of an applicant to the competition, the deposit shall be reimbursed within a period of 14 days after the date on which the applicant is notified of non-admission; |
| --- | --- |

13.

in the case of non-admission of an applicant to the competition, the deposit shall be reimbursed within a period of 14 days after the date on which the applicant is notified of non-admission;

| 14. | the deposit of the successful applicant will be retained and the deposits of all other applicants will be reimbursed within a period of 14 days after the publication of the Decision of the Council of Ministers for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration in the State Gazette; |
| --- | --- |

14.

the deposit of the successful applicant will be retained and the deposits of all other applicants will be reimbursed within a period of 14 days after the publication of the Decision of the Council of Ministers for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration in the State Gazette;

| 15. | the notifications for participation in the competition and the proposals from the applicants concerning the conditions of the competition should be submitted to the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, in accordance with the requirements of Article 46 of the Underground Natural Resources Act; |
| --- | --- |

15.

the notifications for participation in the competition and the proposals from the applicants concerning the conditions of the competition should be submitted to the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, in accordance with the requirements of Article 46 of the Underground Natural Resources Act;

| 16. | the applications for the competition should comply with the requirements and conditions indicated in the competition dossier; |
| --- | --- |

16.

the applications for the competition should comply with the requirements and conditions indicated in the competition dossier;

| 17. | the competition can take place even if only one applicant is admitted to participate; |
| --- | --- |

17.

the competition can take place even if only one applicant is admitted to participate;

| 18. | the Minister of Economy and Energy is authorised as follows:






  18.1. | To send the text of this Decision for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and in the State Gazette, and also on the website of the Council of Ministers; |
| --- | --- | --- |

18.

the Minister of Economy and Energy is authorised as follows:

18.1.

To send the text of this Decision for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and in the State Gazette, and also on the website of the Council of Ministers;

| 18.2. | to appoint a committee to arrange and conduct the competition; |
| --- | --- |

18.2.

to appoint a committee to arrange and conduct the competition;

| 19. | appeals against this Decision can be addressed to the Supreme Administrative Court within 14 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

19.

appeals against this Decision can be addressed to the Supreme Administrative Court within 14 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Prime Minister

Sergeï STANISHEV

Principal Secretary of the Council of Ministers

Veselin DAKOV

True copy

Director of the Cabinet Office

Veselin DAKOV

---

| 26.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 72/54 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 72/54

---

DECISION No 843

of 23 December 2008

on the opening of a procedure for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration of oil and gas — underground natural resources in accordance with Article 2(1)(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act, at Block 1-9 ‘Miziya’, located in the province of Vratsa, and notification concerning the envisaged competition for granting of authorisation

(2009/C 72/07)

REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

Pursuant to Article 5(2), Article 42(1)(1) and Article 44(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act, and having regard to Article 4(2)(16) and Article 1(24a) of the Energy Act,

THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS HAS DECIDED:

| 1. | to open a procedure for granting authorisation for prospecting and exploration of crude oil and natural gas in Block 1-9 ‘Miziya’, with a surface area of 155,95 km2 and with coordinates of points as specified and indicated in the map contained in the draft prospecting and exploration contract, which is an integral part of the competition dossier; |
| --- | --- |

1.

to open a procedure for granting authorisation for prospecting and exploration of crude oil and natural gas in Block 1-9 ‘Miziya’, with a surface area of 155,95 km2 and with coordinates of points as specified and indicated in the map contained in the draft prospecting and exploration contract, which is an integral part of the competition dossier;

| 2. | to announce that the granting of authorisation pursuant to point 1 will be based on a competition; |
| --- | --- |

2.

to announce that the granting of authorisation pursuant to point 1 will be based on a competition;

| 3. | to specify that the period covered by the authorisation for prospecting and exploration will be five years after the date of the entry into force of the prospecting and exploration contract, with a right to extension of this period pursuant to Article 31(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act; |
| --- | --- |

3.

to specify that the period covered by the authorisation for prospecting and exploration will be five years after the date of the entry into force of the prospecting and exploration contract, with a right to extension of this period pursuant to Article 31(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act;

| 4. | the competition for granting of authorisation pursuant to point 1 will take place on the 150th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union, at the building of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, Sofia; |
| --- | --- |

4.

the competition for granting of authorisation pursuant to point 1 will take place on the 150th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union, at the building of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, Sofia;

| 5. | the deadline for purchasing the competition dossier is 17.00 on the 120th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

5.

the deadline for purchasing the competition dossier is 17.00 on the 120th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 6. | the deadline for submission of notifications for participation in the competition is 17.00 on the 130th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

6.

the deadline for submission of notifications for participation in the competition is 17.00 on the 130th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 7. | the deadline for submission of applications for the competition is 17.00 on the 144th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

7.

the deadline for submission of applications for the competition is 17.00 on the 144th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 8. | the competition will not require personal presence; |
| --- | --- |

8.

the competition will not require personal presence;

| 9. | the price of the competition dossier is set at BGN 500 (500 Bulgarian leva). The competition dossier can be purchased from room No 802 at the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, Sofia, during the period laid down in point 5; |
| --- | --- |

9.

the price of the competition dossier is set at BGN 500 (500 Bulgarian leva). The competition dossier can be purchased from room No 802 at the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, Sofia, during the period laid down in point 5;

| 10. | the participants in the competition must comply with the requirements specified in Article 23(1) of the Underground Natural Resources Act; |
| --- | --- |

10.

the participants in the competition must comply with the requirements specified in Article 23(1) of the Underground Natural Resources Act;

| 11. | the applications of the participants in the competition will be evaluated on the basis of the proposed work programmes, environmental protection instruments and training instruments, bonuses, and also according to their managerial and financial capacities; |
| --- | --- |

11.

the applications of the participants in the competition will be evaluated on the basis of the proposed work programmes, environmental protection instruments and training instruments, bonuses, and also according to their managerial and financial capacities;

| 12. | the deposit for participation in the competition is set at BGN 10 000 (10 000 Bulgarian leva) and should be paid before the deadline specified in point 6 to the bank account of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, as stated in the competition dossier; |
| --- | --- |

12.

the deposit for participation in the competition is set at BGN 10 000 (10 000 Bulgarian leva) and should be paid before the deadline specified in point 6 to the bank account of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, as stated in the competition dossier;

| 13. | in the case of non-admission of an applicant to the competition, the deposit shall be reimbursed within a period of 14 days after the date on which the applicant is notified of non-admission; |
| --- | --- |

13.

in the case of non-admission of an applicant to the competition, the deposit shall be reimbursed within a period of 14 days after the date on which the applicant is notified of non-admission;

| 14. | the deposit of the successful applicant will be retained and the deposits of all other applicants will be reimbursed within a period of 14 days after the publication of the Decision of the Council of Ministers for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration in the State Gazette; |
| --- | --- |

14.

the deposit of the successful applicant will be retained and the deposits of all other applicants will be reimbursed within a period of 14 days after the publication of the Decision of the Council of Ministers for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration in the State Gazette;

| 15. | the notifications for participation in the competition and the proposals from the applicants concerning the conditions of the competition should be submitted to the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, in accordance with the requirements of Article 46 of the Underground Natural Resources Act; |
| --- | --- |

15.

the notifications for participation in the competition and the proposals from the applicants concerning the conditions of the competition should be submitted to the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, in accordance with the requirements of Article 46 of the Underground Natural Resources Act;

| 16. | the applications for the competition should comply with the requirements and conditions indicated in the competition dossier; |
| --- | --- |

16.

the applications for the competition should comply with the requirements and conditions indicated in the competition dossier;

| 17. | the competition can take place even if only one applicant is admitted to participate; |
| --- | --- |

17.

the competition can take place even if only one applicant is admitted to participate;

| 18. | the Minister of Economy and Energy is authorised as follows:






  18.1. | to send the text of this Decision for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and in the State Gazette, and also on the website of the Council of Ministers; |
| --- | --- | --- |

18.

the Minister of Economy and Energy is authorised as follows:

18.1.

to send the text of this Decision for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and in the State Gazette, and also on the website of the Council of Ministers;

| 18.2. | to appoint a committee to arrange and conduct the competition; |
| --- | --- |

18.2.

to appoint a committee to arrange and conduct the competition;

| 19. | appeals against this Decision can be addressed to the Supreme Administrative Court within 14 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

19.

appeals against this Decision can be addressed to the Supreme Administrative Court within 14 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Prime Minister

Sergeï STANISHEV

Principal Secretary of the Council of Ministers

Veselin DAKOV

True copy

Director of the Cabinet Office

Veselin DAKOV

---

| 26.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 72/56 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 72/56

---

DECISION No 844

of 23 December 2008

on the opening of a procedure for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration of oil and gas — underground natural resources in accordance with Article 2(1)(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act, at Block 1-10 ‘Botevo’, located in the provinces of Vratsa and Montana, and notification concerning the envisaged competition for granting of authorisation

(2009/C 72/08)

REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

Pursuant to Article 5(2), Article 42(1)(1) and Article 44(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act, and having regard to Article 4(2)(16) and Article 1(24a) of the Energy Act,

THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS HAS DECIDED:

| 1. | to open a procedure for granting authorisation for prospecting and exploration of crude oil and natural gas in Block 1-10 ‘Botevo’, with a surface area of 280,58 km2 and with coordinates of points as specified and indicated in the map contained in the draft prospecting and exploration contract, which is an integral part of the competition dossier; |
| --- | --- |

1.

to open a procedure for granting authorisation for prospecting and exploration of crude oil and natural gas in Block 1-10 ‘Botevo’, with a surface area of 280,58 km2 and with coordinates of points as specified and indicated in the map contained in the draft prospecting and exploration contract, which is an integral part of the competition dossier;

| 2. | to announce that the granting of authorisation pursuant to point 1 will be based on a competition; |
| --- | --- |

2.

to announce that the granting of authorisation pursuant to point 1 will be based on a competition;

| 3. | to specify that the period covered by the authorisation for prospecting and exploration will be five years after the date of the entry into force of the prospecting and exploration contract, with a right to extension of this period pursuant to Article 31(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act; |
| --- | --- |

3.

to specify that the period covered by the authorisation for prospecting and exploration will be five years after the date of the entry into force of the prospecting and exploration contract, with a right to extension of this period pursuant to Article 31(3) of the Underground Natural Resources Act;

| 4. | the competition for granting of authorisation pursuant to point 1 will take place on the 150th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union, at the building of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, Sofia; |
| --- | --- |

4.

the competition for granting of authorisation pursuant to point 1 will take place on the 150th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union, at the building of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, Sofia;

| 5. | the deadline for purchasing the competition dossier is 17.00 on the 120th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

5.

the deadline for purchasing the competition dossier is 17.00 on the 120th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 6. | the deadline for submission of notifications for participation in the competition is 17.00 on the 130th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

6.

the deadline for submission of notifications for participation in the competition is 17.00 on the 130th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 7. | the deadline for submission of applications for the competition is 17.00 on the 144th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

7.

the deadline for submission of applications for the competition is 17.00 on the 144th day after the date of publication of this Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 8. | the competition will not require personal presence; |
| --- | --- |

8.

the competition will not require personal presence;

| 9. | the price of the competition dossier is set at BGN 500 (500 Bulgarian leva). The competition dossier can be purchased from room No 802 at the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, Sofia, during the period laid down in point 5; |
| --- | --- |

9.

the price of the competition dossier is set at BGN 500 (500 Bulgarian leva). The competition dossier can be purchased from room No 802 at the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, Sofia, during the period laid down in point 5;

| 10. | the participants in the competition must comply with the requirements specified in Article 23(1) of the Underground Natural Resources Act; |
| --- | --- |

10.

the participants in the competition must comply with the requirements specified in Article 23(1) of the Underground Natural Resources Act;

| 11. | the applications of the participants in the competition will be evaluated on the basis of the proposed work programmes, environmental protection instruments and training instruments, bonuses, and also according to their managerial and financial capacities; |
| --- | --- |

11.

the applications of the participants in the competition will be evaluated on the basis of the proposed work programmes, environmental protection instruments and training instruments, bonuses, and also according to their managerial and financial capacities;

| 12. | the deposit for participation in the competition is set at BGN 10 000 (10 000 Bulgarian leva) and should be paid before the deadline specified in point 6 to the bank account of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, as stated in the competition dossier; |
| --- | --- |

12.

the deposit for participation in the competition is set at BGN 10 000 (10 000 Bulgarian leva) and should be paid before the deadline specified in point 6 to the bank account of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, as stated in the competition dossier;

| 13. | in the case of non-admission of an applicant to the competition, the deposit shall be reimbursed within a period of 14 days after the date on which the applicant is notified of non-admission; |
| --- | --- |

13.

in the case of non-admission of an applicant to the competition, the deposit shall be reimbursed within a period of 14 days after the date on which the applicant is notified of non-admission;

| 14. | the deposit of the successful applicant will be retained and the deposits of all other applicants will be reimbursed within a period of 14 days after the publication of the Decision of the Council of Ministers for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration in the State Gazette; |
| --- | --- |

14.

the deposit of the successful applicant will be retained and the deposits of all other applicants will be reimbursed within a period of 14 days after the publication of the Decision of the Council of Ministers for granting of authorisation for prospecting and exploration in the State Gazette;

| 15. | the notifications for participation in the competition and the proposals from the applicants concerning the conditions of the competition should be submitted to the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, in accordance with the requirements of Article 46 of the Underground Natural Resources Act; |
| --- | --- |

15.

the notifications for participation in the competition and the proposals from the applicants concerning the conditions of the competition should be submitted to the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Triaditza Street No 8, in accordance with the requirements of Article 46 of the Underground Natural Resources Act;

| 16. | the applications for the competition should comply with the requirements and conditions indicated in the competition dossier; |
| --- | --- |

16.

the applications for the competition should comply with the requirements and conditions indicated in the competition dossier;

| 17. | the competition can take place even if only one applicant is admitted to participate; |
| --- | --- |

17.

the competition can take place even if only one applicant is admitted to participate;

| 18. | the Minister of Economy and Energy is authorised as follows:






  18.1. | to send the text of this Decision for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and in the State Gazette, and also on the website of the Council of Ministers; |
| --- | --- | --- |

18.

the Minister of Economy and Energy is authorised as follows:

18.1.

to send the text of this Decision for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and in the State Gazette, and also on the website of the Council of Ministers;

| 18.2. | to appoint a committee to arrange and conduct the competition; |
| --- | --- |

18.2.

to appoint a committee to arrange and conduct the competition;

| 19. | appeals against this Decision can be addressed to the Supreme Administrative Court within 14 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

19.

appeals against this Decision can be addressed to the Supreme Administrative Court within 14 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Prime Minister

Sergeï STANISHEV

Principal Secretary of the Council of Ministers

Veselin DAKOV

True copy

Director of the Cabinet Office

Veselin DAKOV

---

OTHER ACTS

Commission

| 26.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 72/58 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 72/58

---

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2009/C 72/09)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months of the date of this publication.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘GRELOS DE GALICIA’

EC No: ES-PGI-0005-0469-13.06.2005

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

This summary sets out the main elements of the product specification for information purposes.

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

| Name: | Subdirección General de Calidad y Agricultura ecológica — Dirección General de Industrias y Mercados Agroalimentarios — Secretaría General de Medio Rural del Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, y Medio Rural y Marino de España |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Paseo Infanta Isabel 1 |
| 28071 Madrid |
| ESPAÑA |

Name:

Subdirección General de Calidad y Agricultura ecológica — Dirección General de Industrias y Mercados Agroalimentarios — Secretaría General de Medio Rural del Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, y Medio Rural y Marino de España

Address:

Paseo Infanta Isabel 1

28071 Madrid

ESPAÑA

Tel.

+34 913475394

Fax

+34 913475410

E-mail:

sgcaae@mapya.es

2.   Group:

| Name: | CHAMPIVIL, S.L. y otros |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Mourence, 6 |
| 27820 Villalba (Lugo) |
| ESPAÑA |

Name:

CHAMPIVIL, S.L. y otros

Address:

Mourence, 6

27820 Villalba (Lugo)

ESPAÑA

Tel.

+34 9825112 22

Fax

+34 982512135

E-mail:

info@champivil.com

Composition:

Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

3.   Type of product:

Class 1.6: Fruit, vegetables and cereals, fresh or processed

4.   Specification:

(Summary of requirements under Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

4.1.   Name:

‘Grelos de Galicia’

4.2.   Description:

The product protected by the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Grelos de Galicia’ is the vegetative part, destined for human consumption, of plants of the species Brassica rapa L. var. rapa (commonly known as the turnip), from the variety groups corresponding to the Santiago and Lugo ecotypes, and the registered commercial varieties ‘Grelos de Santiago’ and ‘Globo blanco de Lugo’, which represent these two ecotypes and are sold fresh, frozen and preserved.

The morphological characteristics of the plant are the following: taproot, with a swollen upper part which is joined to a straight stem branching from the neck. Petiolated, hairy lower leaves, with small, broad lateral lobes, which become larger at the top. Upper flower spike leaves of an oblong spear shape, with two large rounded auricles, hairless and embracing the stem (amplexicaul).

The designation ‘grelos’ is used indiscriminately to mean the leaves and vegetative stems gathered throughout the life cycle of the plant, called ‘nabizas’ (turnip greens), and the leaves and flower spikes obtained immediately before flowering, known in many parts of Galicia as ‘cimos’.

Fresh turnip greens will be marketed in uniform batches in line with origin and variety, using traditional bunches weighing approximately 0,5 kg or 1 kg, tied up with vegetable stems or other materials authorised in the Quality Manual.

Frozen turnip greens will be graded, washed, scalded and in some cases cut into pieces prior to freezing, and will be packaged in containers of weights and made from materials authorised by current legislation and explicitly laid down in the Quality Manual.

The preserved turnip greens will be processed naturally, adding only the cooking water and salt to the covering liquid, with no acidification, and will be put up in tins or glass jars of weights authorised by current legislation and explicitly laid down in the Quality Manual.

Organoleptic characteristics: Turnip greens are not consumed raw. To render them edible, they must be cooked for a period which varies depending on their phenological development. Therefore the organoleptic characteristics refer to turnip greens that are ready for consumption, in other words cooked, either by consumers or by the processing industry.

These characteristics include: an intense green colour, which darkens as the plant gets ready to flower; slightly acid and rather bitter taste; slightly fibrous texture, more accentuated if the variety has narrow leaves with a large percentage of petioles; rather soft because of the low fibre content.

4.3.   Geographical area:

The production area covers all the municipalities in the Autonomous Community of Galicia. The area of preparation and packing is the same as the area of production.

4.4.   Proof of origin:

Only turnip greens grown in accordance with the conditions laid down in the specification and in the Quality Manual in plots and by growers entered in the corresponding register can be granted the PGI ‘Grelos de Galicia’ or be used for the processing of turnip greens covered by this PGI. Likewise, only turnip greens handled and/or processed in facilities entered in the corresponding register can be covered by the PGI ‘Grelos de Galicia’.

All legal and natural persons, owners of property entered in the registers, plots, stores, processing undertakings and products will be subject to inspections and checks carried out by the inspection body with a view to verifying that the products with the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Grelos de Galicia’ comply with the requirements laid down in the specification and Quality Manual.

4.5.   Method of production:

The seed to be used must come from plants of the Santiago and Lugo ecotypes, both those corresponding to the authorised commercial varieties ‘Grelos de Santiago’ and ‘Globo blanco de Lugo’ and those from their respective variety groups arising from the re-use of the same land or from other parcels entered in the Register of Plantations of the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Grelos de Galicia’. The seed is sown broadcast from the middle of August, with the date varying depending on the area and earliness of the variety. Harvesting is carried out manually, preferably at times of the day when the temperature is lower. The plants require very careful handling to prevent damage to the leaves which affects their appearance and also forms a potential entry point for disease-carrying micro-organisms. The product may also be harvested using mechanical means when it is to be processed subsequently. On the same day as harvesting, taking great care not to damage the product, the turnip greens are sent to the store for handling or to the processing undertakings as the case may be.

Processing and packaging of turnip greens must be carried out within the defined geographical area because of the delicate conditions under which the product must be handled and preserved after harvesting. These operations must be conducted within the defined geographical area so as to:

| — | avoid damaging the product: turnip greens are leafy vegetables which deteriorate rapidly between harvesting and arrival at the handling centre. Water loss plus cell lysis cause the leaves to yellow and wilt, reducing the market take-up of the product. Turnip greens have added value as functional foodstuffs because of their high content of glucosinolate, flavonoid and vitamin and other compounds. However, once harvested these and other compounds deteriorate rapidly, leading to a considerable loss of nutritional value. It is known that over 50 % of the vitamin C content is lost within two days, and that the glucosinolates (anti-carcinogenic compounds) deteriorate rapidly after harvesting. This makes it necessary to carry out all the handling, transport, storage and processing operations not later than 24 hours after harvesting, therefore it is essential to reduce as much as possible the distances between the harvesting points and the distribution, packaging and/or processing points, |
| --- | --- |

—

avoid damaging the product: turnip greens are leafy vegetables which deteriorate rapidly between harvesting and arrival at the handling centre. Water loss plus cell lysis cause the leaves to yellow and wilt, reducing the market take-up of the product. Turnip greens have added value as functional foodstuffs because of their high content of glucosinolate, flavonoid and vitamin and other compounds. However, once harvested these and other compounds deteriorate rapidly, leading to a considerable loss of nutritional value. It is known that over 50 % of the vitamin C content is lost within two days, and that the glucosinolates (anti-carcinogenic compounds) deteriorate rapidly after harvesting. This makes it necessary to carry out all the handling, transport, storage and processing operations not later than 24 hours after harvesting, therefore it is essential to reduce as much as possible the distances between the harvesting points and the distribution, packaging and/or processing points,

| — | guarantee traceability and ensure monitoring: the geographical area of the inspection body is confined to the defined geographical area, which is the Autonomous Community of Galicia. Under the monitoring and certification system, the origin and traceability of ‘Grelos de Galicia’ are guaranteed provided that they are prepared, processed and packaged in this Community, |
| --- | --- |

—

guarantee traceability and ensure monitoring: the geographical area of the inspection body is confined to the defined geographical area, which is the Autonomous Community of Galicia. Under the monitoring and certification system, the origin and traceability of ‘Grelos de Galicia’ are guaranteed provided that they are prepared, processed and packaged in this Community,

| — | retain the typical characteristics and preserve the quality of ‘Grelos de Galicia’: there is a long tradition of consuming and preparing this product in the Autonomous Community of Galicia. The fact that the packaging is carried out in the defined geographical area contributes decisively to the protection of the special characteristics and quality of the ‘Grelos de Galicia’. This gives producers and the Protected Geographical Indication inspection body the task of implementing and monitoring the rules on transport, processing and packaging of the turnip greens. These bodies have the necessary knowledge and skills to guarantee the proper handling of ‘Grelos de Galicia’. |
| --- | --- |

—

retain the typical characteristics and preserve the quality of ‘Grelos de Galicia’: there is a long tradition of consuming and preparing this product in the Autonomous Community of Galicia. The fact that the packaging is carried out in the defined geographical area contributes decisively to the protection of the special characteristics and quality of the ‘Grelos de Galicia’. This gives producers and the Protected Geographical Indication inspection body the task of implementing and monitoring the rules on transport, processing and packaging of the turnip greens. These bodies have the necessary knowledge and skills to guarantee the proper handling of ‘Grelos de Galicia’.

4.6.   Link:

The inclusion of turnips in crop rotation is documented in the 13th century in various municipal texts and sales documents relating to ‘turnip’ farms. Such rotation made it possible to exploit land fully by alternating a summer cereal crop with turnips and with a winter cereal crop.

Turnips are suited to damp climates and moderate temperatures, and are resistant to frost. They also require fertile soil that has high organic matter content and is of average consistency, deep and loose, and well-drained but with high relative humidity. These weather and soil conditions are found in large parts of Galicia.

Turnip greens are an essential ingredient in some of the most typical Galician dishes such as ‘Caldo’ or ‘Pote gallego’, ‘Cocido’ and ‘Lacón con Grelos’, and they are the element which distinguishes Galician cuisine from that of other regions.

Historical and gastronomic references to this vegetable are numerous and point to its strong influence on Galician culture. Various ethnographic and food writers have unanimously highlighted the presence and specific nature of turnip greens as a mainstay of traditional Galician cuisine. References can be found, for instance, in the writings of Ramón Otero Pedrayo, the famous writer who wrote on a variety of subjects (‘Guía de Galicia’, 1926), the food critic, Ángel Muro (‘Almanaque y conferencias culinarias’, 1890-1905), and the novelists Emilia Pardo Bazán (‘La cocina española antigua’, 1912), Manuel María Puga y Parga (‘La cocina práctica’, 1905) and Álvaro Cunqueiro (‘A cociña galega’, 1973).

Finally, this product is mentioned as a typical Galician vegetable in the ‘Inventario Español de Productos Tradicionales’ (Spanish inventory of traditional products) published in 1996 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

4.7.   Inspection body:

| Name: | Instituto Galego da Calidade Alimentaria (INGACAL) |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Rúa Fonte dos Concheiros, 11 bajo. |
| 15703 Santiago de Compostela |
| ESPAÑA |

Name:

Instituto Galego da Calidade Alimentaria (INGACAL)

Address:

Rúa Fonte dos Concheiros, 11 bajo.

15703 Santiago de Compostela

ESPAÑA

Tel.

+34 981540055

Fax

+34 981540018

E-mail:

sxca.agri@xunta.es

4.8.   Labelling:

For turnip greens marketed under the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Grelos de Galicia’, the commercial label corresponding to the trade mark of each producer/packager should be featured under the certification. They will also carry a specific label bearing the geographical indication, a sequential alphanumeric code authorised and issued by the inspection body, and the official logo of the Protected Geographical Indication.

Both the commercial label and the specific geographical indication label must bear the words ‘Protected Geographical Indication, Grelos de Galicia’.

The label may, optionally, indicate the phenological state of the plant, distinguishing between ‘nabizas’ and ‘cimos’, as stated in the product description section.

Moreover, with regard to turnip greens subjected to different processing procedures from those laid down in the specification, authorisation may be granted to state on their labels that they are prepared with turnip greens bearing the PGI ‘Grelos de Galicia’ provided that the raw materials comply with the requirements in the specification and the relevant rules laid down in the Quality Manual.

---

(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

---

| 26.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 72/62 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 72/62

---

Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2009/C 72/10)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months from the date of this publication.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘MOUTARDE DE BOURGOGNE’

EC No: FR-PGI-005-0503-25.10.2005

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

This summary sets out the main elements of the product specification for information purposes.

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

| Name: | Institut National des Appellations d'Origine (I.N.A.O.) |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | 51, rue d'Anjou |
| 75 008 Paris |
| FRANCE |

Name:

Institut National des Appellations d'Origine (I.N.A.O.)

Address:

51, rue d'Anjou

75 008 Paris

FRANCE

Tel.

+33 153898000

Fax

+33 142255797

E-mail:

info@inao.gouv.fr

2.   Group:

| Name: | Association Moutarde de Bourgogne (AMB) |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | AMB ARIA Bourgogne |
| 4, Bd du Docteur Jean Veillet |
| 21 000 Dijon |
| FRANCE |

Name:

Association Moutarde de Bourgogne (AMB)

Address:

AMB ARIA Bourgogne

4, Bd du Docteur Jean Veillet

21 000 Dijon

FRANCE

Tel.

+33 380288140

Fax

+33 380288169

E-mail:

laure.ohleyer@cote-dor.chambagri.fr

Composition:

Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( X )

3.   Type of product:

Class 2.6: Mustard paste

4.   Specification:

(Summary of requirements under Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

4.1.   Name:

‘Moutarde de Bourgogne’

4.2.   Description:

‘Moutarde de Bourgogne’ is a strong or extra-strong mustard containing white wine. It is pale yellow with a uniform, thick, creamy texture. It has the strong, characteristic smell of white Burgundy. The taste is intensely sharp, with a strong flavour of white Burgundy.

4.2.1.   Ingredients and authorised additives:

| — | mustard seeds produced and stored in Burgundy, |
| --- | --- |

—

mustard seeds produced and stored in Burgundy,

| — | liquid used in dilution: a mixture of water and white wine with a protected designation of origin, produced in the Burgundy wine-growing region; the minimum proportion of wine is 25 % during dilution. The wines used are dry white wines produced from the traditional Burgundy grapes Aligoté and Chardonnay. They are noted for their powerful aroma and long finish, |
| --- | --- |

—

liquid used in dilution: a mixture of water and white wine with a protected designation of origin, produced in the Burgundy wine-growing region; the minimum proportion of wine is 25 % during dilution. The wines used are dry white wines produced from the traditional Burgundy grapes Aligoté and Chardonnay. They are noted for their powerful aroma and long finish,

| — | salt, sugar, spices and additives (those authorised by the 1995 European Directive on additives, with the exception of artificial colouring agents, cereal flours and all other stabilisers and thickening agents, natural and artificial mustard essences, and extract of or essential mustard oil). |
| --- | --- |

—

salt, sugar, spices and additives (those authorised by the 1995 European Directive on additives, with the exception of artificial colouring agents, cereal flours and all other stabilisers and thickening agents, natural and artificial mustard essences, and extract of or essential mustard oil).

4.2.2.   Physico-chemical properties of ‘Moutarde de Bourgogne’:

| — | dry extract from seeds > or = 24 % in weight of the finished product, |
| --- | --- |

—

dry extract from seeds > or = 24 % in weight of the finished product,

| — | fats from the mustard seed > or = 9 % in weight of the finished product, |
| --- | --- |

—

fats from the mustard seed > or = 9 % in weight of the finished product,

| — | the quantity of seed coat remaining in the paste is under 2 % of the total weight. |
| --- | --- |

—

the quantity of seed coat remaining in the paste is under 2 % of the total weight.

4.3.   Geographical area:

The production and storage of seeds and the production (processing) of mustard paste must be carried out in the geographical production area. This area consists of the départements making up the Burgundy region: Côte d'Or, Nièvre, Saône and Loire, and Yonne.

The geographical area was established on the basis of special local know-how in Burgundy in the production of mustard seeds and wine, which are processed to produce a mustard paste that results in a product with original characteristics (cf. paragraph 4.6).

The mustard seeds produced in Burgundy have special properties which have been recognised for centuries. Charles Estienne, Francis I's physician, considered that the mustard produced in Burgundy was of a superior quality because of the charlock used (common name for the mustard seed plant). Charlock was grown in woods and in charcoal-burning clearings up until the Second World War. Following the combustion of the charcoal in these clearings, the soil became rich in potassium and very suitable for growing mustard (and producing seeds rich in mustard essence), which the charcoal-burners sowed in March and harvested in August. In addition, the quite uniform, semi-continental Burgundian climate is suited to mustard-growing. Mustard-growing does not require a lot of water. Mustard plants flourish in places where there is a shortage of water and high temperatures. They do not grow well in places where the weather is excessively damp at the end of spring. Following a decline in mustard-growing lasting several decades, it was resumed in Burgundy on the initiative of the industries producing mustard paste, the aim being to ensure a supply of good quality raw materials and improve the quality of the finished product. This programme to resume mustard-growing involves research bodies, the Côte d'Or Chamber of Agriculture, regional storage agencies, farmers and processing companies. Varieties with specific characteristics were selected to satisfy the special Burgundian soil and climate needs, and the quality requirements of the processing companies.

Within this area, a zone was chosen that was suitable for growing mustard seed. The zone was defined in line with geological and soil criteria to ensure suitability for mustard-growing, therefore acid brown soils and high-altitude brown soils with podzols were excluded. Mustard-growing tests had shown that these soils had limited potential because of poor grain-filling and insufficient volatile isothiocyanate content, making it impossible to obtain a typical mustard paste.

4.4.   Proof of origin:

Traceability based on codified documents is assured throughout the process of producing Burgundy mustard, from the plot where the plants are grown to the packaged mustard paste. The mustard seeds are harvested only on the plots included in the growing area approved for the PGI. These plots must comply with the selection criteria laid down in the production plan. The farmers supply their products to storage agencies located in Burgundy. All operators involved in mustard seed production, storage and processing are obliged to keep codified documents. Analytical tests are conducted on the mustard seeds and paste during manufacture.

4.5.   Method of production:

Only the seed varieties chosen by the Association Moutarde de Bourgogne (Burgundy mustard association — AMB), which come from the species Brassica juncea (brown and white mustard) and Brassica nigra, are authorised for mustard-seed growing. A production plan has been drawn up which covers the areas under mustard plants, the selection of plots and the planting of mustard in the PGI zone. When the seeds are harvested, they are delivered to a storage agency located in Burgundy which looks after traceability and seed cleaning and storage.

The batches of seeds are then subject to approval, during which the following criteria are checked:

| — | Burgundian origin of the seeds and varieties chosen by the AMB, |
| --- | --- |

—

Burgundian origin of the seeds and varieties chosen by the AMB,

| — | presence of green or immature seeds, which should not be more than 1,5 % (grades I and II), |
| --- | --- |

—

presence of green or immature seeds, which should not be more than 1,5 % (grades I and II),

| — | presence of foreign seeds: 0,3 % at most in the case of grade I, 0,5 % at most in the case of grade II, |
| --- | --- |

—

presence of foreign seeds: 0,3 % at most in the case of grade I, 0,5 % at most in the case of grade II,

| — | absence of insects, mould and overheating |
| --- | --- |

—

absence of insects, mould and overheating

| — | size of the seeds: thousand-seed weight > 2,35 g (> 2 g in the case of exceptional climate conditions), |
| --- | --- |

—

size of the seeds: thousand-seed weight > 2,35 g (> 2 g in the case of exceptional climate conditions),

| — | water and volatile materials: 4,2 % to 9 % mass, |
| --- | --- |

—

water and volatile materials: 4,2 % to 9 % mass,

| — | fats: 28 % to 42 % mass on a dry weight basis, |
| --- | --- |

—

fats: 28 % to 42 % mass on a dry weight basis,

| — | volatile isothiocyanate: 0,7 % to 0,94 % mass on a dry weight basis, |
| --- | --- |

—

volatile isothiocyanate: 0,7 % to 0,94 % mass on a dry weight basis,

| — | protein: 24,2 % to 30,8 % mass on a dry weight basis. |
| --- | --- |

—

protein: 24,2 % to 30,8 % mass on a dry weight basis.

Following approval, the seeds are prepared and delivered to industries located in the geographical area. The seeds are crushed and brought into contact with the dilution liquid (water + wine). The wine used is a white wine with a protected designated origin produced in the Burgundy wine-growing area. During this stage, the kernel is removed from the seed and an initial mustard paste is produced. This paste is then sieved to remove the seed coats. The result is a pale yellow paste with a uniform, thick, creamy texture, which is ‘de-aerated’. Then follows a rest period to allow the mustard to develop a sharp taste. The paste is then stored and packaged.

4.6.   Link:

The link with geographic origin is based on ancient regional know-how, the traditional growing of mustard seeds in Burgundy, a strong historic link between mustard and Burgundy wine-growing, and an age-old reputation.

4.6.1.   Specific quality

‘Moutarde de Bourgogne’, characterised by its intensely sharp taste, is obtained from mixing mustard seeds grown and stored in Burgundy with a dilution liquid consisting of water, salt, sugar, spices and at least 25 % of dry white wine made from traditional Burgundy grapes. These white wines have a characteristic powerful aroma and long finish, giving ‘moutarde de Bourgogne’ its strong, typical smell and pronounced white Burgundy wine flavour, which distinguish it from other mustards. The dry extract from the seeds must be higher than 24 %, while the fats must be higher than 9 %.

4.6.2   Reputation

There are close historic ties between Burgundy and mustard. It is said that a large cask (206,75 l) of mustard was consumed in 1336 at a feast organised at Rouvres by Duke Eudes IV, Duke of Burgundy, in honour of Philippe VI. Back in the 16th century, statutes were laid down to define the mustard-makers' guild (the statutes of Dijon date from 1634 and those of Beaune from 1647). Up until the 19th century, mustard was manufactured in small workshops. Then the industrial revolution began to affect the mustard industry. Burgundy manufacturers rivalled one another in ingenuity, for instance Mr Grey, a Dijon mustard manufacturer, who had a machine which significantly increased productivity patented in 1850 by the Académie des Arts, Sciences et Belles Lettres. Between 1750 and 1984, there were 263 mustard manufacturers. Such density was unknown in any other French region.

Mustard-seed growing in Burgundy also has a long history as can be seen from the fact that Francis I's physician, Charles Estienne, considered that the mustard produced in Burgundy was of a high quality because of the mustard plant ‘which grew better there than in any other region’.

Wine and mustard are closely linked. In 1911, A. Berthiot thought that the reputation of mustard was due to the quality of the manufacturing process which, he said, involved crushing the finest seeds and mixing in a special Burgundy liquid, verjuice, which was a kind of very sour wine obtained from pressing white grapes that were not completely ripe. When the plants producing these grapes were destroyed by phylloxera, the manufacturers turned to little acidic white wines, which later disappeared and were replaced by wine produced from quality vines that had been grafted. Replacing vinegar with white wine made it possible to typify the mustard organoleptically.

Mustard-makers began to use the designation ‘Moutarde de Bourgogne’ very early on. For instance, the trademark ‘Moutarde de Bourgogne, extra-blanche supérieure’ (Burgundy mustard, superior extra-white) was registered with Sens court (89) in 1891, while in 1903, the trade name ‘Moutarde Jacquemart au pur verjus de Bourgogne’ (Jacquemart mustard with pure Burgundy verjuice) was registered with Dijon court. In addition to the use of the designation, the fact that the brand names chosen referred to Burgundy and its history indicates the well-established reputation of Burgundy mustard, for instance in names such as ‘Jean-sans-Peur’, ‘Téméraire’, ‘Moutarde à la cuillère de la Belle Bourguignonne’ and ‘La Bourguignonne’.

4.6.3.   Human factors and specific know-how

There was extensive mustard-seed growing in Burgundy up until the Second World War. After 1945, the mustard industries tried to keep production in the region. To this end, the mustard manufacturers' association published a brochure on mustard-plant growing. However, these initiatives were undermined by competition from other oil and fibre plants and on the world market.

It was not until the start of the 1990s that mustard-seed growing was resumed to a significant extent. At that point in time, the entire sector shared the same concerns:

| — | the manufacturers were attempting to diversify their sources of supply and to gain some control over the quality of the production and raw materials. In order to do this, they wanted to influence the development of seeds so as to improve the quality of the finished product, |
| --- | --- |

—

the manufacturers were attempting to diversify their sources of supply and to gain some control over the quality of the production and raw materials. In order to do this, they wanted to influence the development of seeds so as to improve the quality of the finished product,

| — | the farmers were endeavouring to diversify their products and to develop them on a regional basis. |
| --- | --- |

—

the farmers were endeavouring to diversify their products and to develop them on a regional basis.

A steering committee was established, therefore, to oversee the resumption of this activity:

| — | the Dijon Etablissement National d'Enseignement Supérieur Agronomique (national agricultural training institute) and the Institut national de recherche agronomique pour la recherche génétique (national institute of agricultural genetic research), which focused on improving productivity and ensuring the specific quality of seeds to meet the criteria laid down by the AMB, |
| --- | --- |

—

the Dijon Etablissement National d'Enseignement Supérieur Agronomique (national agricultural training institute) and the Institut national de recherche agronomique pour la recherche génétique (national institute of agricultural genetic research), which focused on improving productivity and ensuring the specific quality of seeds to meet the criteria laid down by the AMB,

| — | the Côte d'Or Chamber of Agriculture, which was engaged in applied research and experimentation, |
| --- | --- |

—

the Côte d'Or Chamber of Agriculture, which was engaged in applied research and experimentation,

| — | regional storage agencies, concentrating on logistics, and seed harvesting and packaging, |
| --- | --- |

—

regional storage agencies, concentrating on logistics, and seed harvesting and packaging,

| — | the farmers, who tested in the field the references established in the experimental stations and grew sufficient quantities of seeds to enable manufacturers to conduct manufacturing trials, |
| --- | --- |

—

the farmers, who tested in the field the references established in the experimental stations and grew sufficient quantities of seeds to enable manufacturers to conduct manufacturing trials,

| — | the French federation of prepared-meat industries, prepared-food suppliers and meat processers, and industries involved in various manufacturing trials: pilot, semi-industrial and industrial tests. |
| --- | --- |

—

the French federation of prepared-meat industries, prepared-food suppliers and meat processers, and industries involved in various manufacturing trials: pilot, semi-industrial and industrial tests.

As a result of this cooperation, it was possible to reference two varieties for the PGI approach.

Production expanded as this research got under way, rising from approximately 350 ha in 1993 to 1 230 ha in 2003.

4.7.   Inspection body:

| Name: | CERTIPAQ |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | 44, rue La Quintinie |
| 75015 Paris |
| FRANCE |

Name:

CERTIPAQ

Address:

44, rue La Quintinie

75015 Paris

FRANCE

Tel.

+33 145309292

Fax

+33 145309300

E-mail:

certipaq@certipaq.com

4.8.   Labelling:

The label must include the following indications:

| — | name under which product is sold: ‘Moutarde de Bourgogne’, |
| --- | --- |

—

name under which product is sold: ‘Moutarde de Bourgogne’,

| — | PGI logo. |
| --- | --- |

—

PGI logo.

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(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

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| 26.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 72/67 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

26.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 72/67

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Publication of an application pursuant to Article 6(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2009/C 72/11)

This publication confers the right to object to the application pursuant to Article 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). Statements of objection must reach the Commission within six months from the date of this publication.

SUMMARY

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 510/2006

‘ŠTAJERSKO PREKMURSKO BUČNO OLJE’

EC No: SI-PGI-0005-0418-29.10.2004

PDO ( ) PGI ( X )

This summary sets out the main elements of the product specification for information purposes.

1.   Responsible department in the Member State:

| Name: | Ministrstvo za kmetijstvo, gozdarstvo in prehrano RS |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Dunajska 58 |
| SI-1000 Ljubljana |
| SLOVENIJA |

Name:

Ministrstvo za kmetijstvo, gozdarstvo in prehrano RS

Address:

Dunajska 58

SI-1000 Ljubljana

SLOVENIJA

Tel.

+386 14789109

Fax

+386 14789055

E-mail:

varnahrana.mkgp@gov.si

2.   Applicant:

| Name: | GOLICA GIZ |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Trg svobode 3, |
| SI-2310 Slovenska Bistrica |
| SLOVENIJA |

Name:

GOLICA GIZ

Address:

Trg svobode 3,

SI-2310 Slovenska Bistrica

SLOVENIJA

Tel.

+386 28432611

Fax

+386 28432613

E-mail:

—

Composition:

Producers/processors ( X ) Other ( )

3.   Type of product:

Class 1.5: Oils and fats (butter, margarine, oil, etc.)

4.   Specification:

(Summary of requirements under Article 4(2) of Regulation (EC) No 510/2006)

4.1.   Name:

‘Štajersko prekmursko bučno olje’

4.2.   Description:

‘Štajersko Prekmursko Bučno Olje’ is an unrefined, edible vegetable oil produced by pressing roasted top-quality pumpkin seeds obtained from oil pumpkins.

‘Štajersko Prekmursko Bučno Olje’ is dark green to red in colour and has a characteristic aromatic odour and taste. It has a good fatty acids composition: it contains around 20 % saturated fatty acids, around 35 % monounsaturated fatty acids and around 45 % polyunsaturated fatty acids.

‘Štajersko Prekmursko Bučno Olje’ is also a rich source of tocopherols, since it contains around 50 mg of vitamin E per 100 g of oil. The oil also contains other vitamins, microelements, carotenoids, rare amino acids and natural colouring (chlorophyll).

4.3.   Geographical area:

The region in which ‘Štajersko Prekmursko Bučno Olje’ is made from pumpkin seeds is delimited by a line that runs from Dravograd to Slovenj Gradec, Mislinja and Velenje (where the main road forms the boundary), Šoštanj, Mozirje, Nazarje, Vransko, Prebold, Zabukovica and Laško. From there the boundary runs along the Savinja and Sava rivers past Radeče, Sevnica, Krško and Brežice to Obrežje, and then runs along the national border with Croatia to the national border with Hungary, and along the national border with Hungary to the national border with Austria, and then along the national border with Austria (along the Karavanke range) back to Dravograd.

4.4.   Proof of origin:

All producers of ‘Štajersko Prekmursko Bučno Olje’ must be registered within the stipulated region and must process the pumpkin seeds into pumpkin oil in accordance with the specification. They must keep records of the seller and the quantity of pumpkin seeds for each individual seller of pumpkin seeds, and the date of analysis, the results of the chemical analyses, and the physical and chemical parameters. Producers must also keep reports on the production process, setting out the consumption of raw material, the consumption of materials and the quantity of pumpkin oil produced.

All these factors are monitored by a certification body accredited in accordance with European standard EN 45011.

4.5.   Method of production:

Various types of pumpkin seeds can be used to produce ‘Štajersko Prekmursko Bučno Olje’, but they must meet the stipulated quality requirements.

These pumpkin seeds may be produced outside the stipulated geographical area but they must be processed into ‘Štajersko Prekmursko Bučno Olje’ within the stipulated geographical area.

| 1. | Gathering of pumpkin seeds (checks on physico-chemical parameters (impurities, moisture content, oil content, proportion of damaged seeds) and appearance). |
| --- | --- |

1.

Gathering of pumpkin seeds (checks on physico-chemical parameters (impurities, moisture content, oil content, proportion of damaged seeds) and appearance).

| 2. | Storage of seeds. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Storage of seeds.

| 3. | Cleaning of seeds (removal of impurities). |
| --- | --- |

3.

Cleaning of seeds (removal of impurities).

| 4. | Drying of seeds to arrive at a moisture content of 6-7 %. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Drying of seeds to arrive at a moisture content of 6-7 %.

| 5. | Crushing of seeds. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Crushing of seeds.

| 6. | Kneading. |
| --- | --- |

6.

Kneading.

| 7. | Roasting of seeds (max. temperature of roasted mass 120 °C, 30-60 minutes). |
| --- | --- |

7.

Roasting of seeds (max. temperature of roasted mass 120 °C, 30-60 minutes).

| 8. | Pressing of roasted mass. |
| --- | --- |

8.

Pressing of roasted mass.

| 9. | Sedimentation of pumpkin oil. |
| --- | --- |

9.

Sedimentation of pumpkin oil.

| 10. | Quality control (physico-chemical analysis and organoleptic analysis). |
| --- | --- |

10.

Quality control (physico-chemical analysis and organoleptic analysis).

| 11. | Bottling and labelling. |
| --- | --- |

11.

Bottling and labelling.

4.6.   Link:

‘Štajersko Prekmursko Bučno Olje’ is a culinary speciality of the geographical area set out in point 4.3. The production of pumpkin seed oil in Štajerska and Prekmurje is a tradition, as testified by written records of the founding of the first pumpkin seed oil press in Fram as early as 1750. The large-scale production of pumpkin seeds in the region led to the setting-up of several factories to process pumpkin seeds into oil by artisanal methods (Slovenska Bistrica, Središče ob Dravi, Selo pri Pragerskem, etc.). In 1904 Albert Stigar founded a factory in Slovenska Bistrica for processing pumpkin seeds into pumpkin seed oil by artisanal methods. There are no large processing plants in Prekmurje, only small plants belonging to farmers. One such plant is Feri Vučak in Vadarci in Goričko. His mill/processing plant is still standing after 130 years and is now operated by the fourth generation of his family.

The reputation of ‘Štajersko Prekmursko Bučno Olje’ is spreading beyond Slovenia to other European countries, the USA, Australia, Russia, etc., as demonstrated, inter alia, by the award that it won for the most innovative product at the IFE07 competition (the International food & drink event) in London in 2007.

4.7.   Inspection body:

| Name: | Bureau Veritas d.o.o. |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | Linhartova 49a |
| SI-1000 Ljubljana |
| SLOVENIJA |

Name:

Bureau Veritas d.o.o.

Address:

Linhartova 49a

SI-1000 Ljubljana

SLOVENIJA

Tel.

+386 14757670

Fax

+386 14747602

E-mail:

info@bureauveritas.si

4.8.   Labelling:

If ‘Štajersko Prekmursko Bučno Olje’ is packaged inside the geographical area, each producer may use his own packaging and label, but the protected name ‘Štajersko Prekmursko Bučno Olje’, the coloured logo ‘Štajersko Prekmursko Bučno Olje’ and the corresponding Community symbol or national symbol of quality must be marked on the label or elsewhere.

If the product is packaged outside the stipulated geographical area, traceability to the source of ‘Štajersko Prekmursko Bučno Olje’ must be guaranteed. In this case as well, packaged ‘Štajersko Prekmursko Bučno Olje’ must be marked with the protected name, the logo and the corresponding Community symbol.

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(1)  OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12.

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