# Official Journal C 101/27 A

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 101 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 4827 April 2005 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 101

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 4827 April 2005

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Information |
| | Commission |
| 2005/C 101/1 | Euro exchange rates | 1 |
| 2005/C 101/2 | Notice on the application of Article 10a of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 concerning a textiles specific safeguard clause | 2 |
| 2005/C 101/3 | Commission opinion of 25 April 2004 concerning the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from the decommissioning of the Dungeness A Nuclear Power Station located in Kent in the United Kingdom, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty | 16 |
| 2005/C 101/4 | State aid — Italy — State aid No C 5/2005 (ex NN 70/2004) — Exemption from excise duty on agricultural fuels — following the initiation of the procedure provided for in Article 88(2) of the Treaty (aid C 6/2004 — ex NN 70/2001) — Article 24(3) of Law No 388 of 23 December 2000, Article 13(3) of Law No 448 of 21 December 2001, Article 19(4) of Law No 289 of 27 December 2002 and Article 2(4) of Law No 350 of 24 December 2003 — Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty | 17 |
| 2005/C 101/5 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.3785 — TPG/APAX/TIM Hellas) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 22 |
| 2005/C 101/6 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3628 — Gilde/Bekaert Fencing) (
  1
  ) | 23 |
| 2005/C 101/7 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3706 — Övag/Investkredit) (
  1
  ) | 23 |
| 2005/C 101/8 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3745 — Severstal/Lucchini) (
  1
  ) | 24 |
| 2005/C 101/9 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3697 — Symantec/Veritas) (
  1
  ) | 24 |
| 2005/C 101/0 | Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3311 — Van Oord/BHD/Bagger Holding JV) (
  1
  ) | 25 |
| 2005/C 101/1 | Notice of initiation of a reinvestigation pursuant to Article 12 of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of sodium cyclamate originating in the People's Republic of China | 26 |
| 2005/C 101/2 | Commission Opinion of 25 April 2005 concerning the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from Dounreay Site Restoration Plan (DSRP) in Scotland in the United Kingdom, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty | 28 |
| 2005/C 101/3 | Information procedure — Technical rules (
  1
  ) | 29 |
| 2005/C 101/4 | Notice of initiation of a partial interim review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of sulphanilic acid originating, inter alia, in India and the countervailing measures applicable to imports of sulphanilic acid originating in India | 34 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Information

Commission

2005/C 101/1

Euro exchange rates

1

2005/C 101/2

Notice on the application of Article 10a of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 concerning a textiles specific safeguard clause

2

2005/C 101/3

Commission opinion of 25 April 2004 concerning the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from the decommissioning of the Dungeness A Nuclear Power Station located in Kent in the United Kingdom, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty

16

2005/C 101/4

State aid — Italy — State aid No C 5/2005 (ex NN 70/2004) — Exemption from excise duty on agricultural fuels — following the initiation of the procedure provided for in Article 88(2) of the Treaty (aid C 6/2004 — ex NN 70/2001) — Article 24(3) of Law No 388 of 23 December 2000, Article 13(3) of Law No 448 of 21 December 2001, Article 19(4) of Law No 289 of 27 December 2002 and Article 2(4) of Law No 350 of 24 December 2003 — Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty

17

2005/C 101/5

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.3785 — TPG/APAX/TIM Hellas) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

22

2005/C 101/6

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3628 — Gilde/Bekaert Fencing) (
  1
  )

1

23

2005/C 101/7

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3706 — Övag/Investkredit) (
  1
  )

1

23

2005/C 101/8

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3745 — Severstal/Lucchini) (
  1
  )

1

24

2005/C 101/9

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3697 — Symantec/Veritas) (
  1
  )

1

24

2005/C 101/0

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case COMP/M.3311 — Van Oord/BHD/Bagger Holding JV) (
  1
  )

1

25

2005/C 101/1

Notice of initiation of a reinvestigation pursuant to Article 12 of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of sodium cyclamate originating in the People's Republic of China

26

2005/C 101/2

Commission Opinion of 25 April 2005 concerning the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from Dounreay Site Restoration Plan (DSRP) in Scotland in the United Kingdom, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty

28

2005/C 101/3

Information procedure — Technical rules (
  1
  )

1

29

2005/C 101/4

Notice of initiation of a partial interim review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of sulphanilic acid originating, inter alia, in India and the countervailing measures applicable to imports of sulphanilic acid originating in India

inter alia

34

| | II   Preparatory Acts pursuant to Title VI of the Treaty on European Union |
| --- | --- |
| 2005/C 101/5 | Initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with a view to the adoption of a Council Decision on strengthening cross-border police cooperation with regard to meetings attended by large numbers of people from more than one Member State, at which policing is primarily aimed at maintaining law and order and security and preventing and combating criminal offences | 36 |

II   Preparatory Acts pursuant to Title VI of the Treaty on European Union

2005/C 101/5

Initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with a view to the adoption of a Council Decision on strengthening cross-border police cooperation with regard to meetings attended by large numbers of people from more than one Member State, at which policing is primarily aimed at maintaining law and order and security and preventing and combating criminal offences

36

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| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

| EN | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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I Information

Commission

| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/1

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Euro exchange rates (1)

26 April 2005

(2005/C 101/01)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2981 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 137,54 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4489 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,68115 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,1453 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,5418 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 82,46 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,1315 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9559 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5821 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 30,247 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 249,23 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6962 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4298 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 4,2054 |
| ROL | Romanian leu | 36 183 |
| SIT | Slovenian tolar | 239,61 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 39,695 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,7662 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6661 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,6112 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 10,1235 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,7831 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 2,1384 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 296,54 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 7,9119 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,7437 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,3850 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 12 572,10 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,933 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 70,519 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 36,0350 |
| THB | Thai baht | 51,257 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2981

JPY

Japanese yen

137,54

DKK

Danish krone

7,4489

GBP

Pound sterling

0,68115

SEK

Swedish krona

9,1453

CHF

Swiss franc

1,5418

ISK

Iceland króna

82,46

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,1315

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9559

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5821

CZK

Czech koruna

30,247

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

249,23

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6962

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4298

PLN

Polish zloty

4,2054

ROL

Romanian leu

36 183

SIT

Slovenian tolar

239,61

SKK

Slovak koruna

39,695

TRY

Turkish lira

1,7662

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6661

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,6112

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

10,1235

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,7831

SGD

Singapore dollar

2,1384

KRW

South Korean won

1 296,54

ZAR

South African rand

7,9119

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,7437

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,3850

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

12 572,10

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,933

PHP

Philippine peso

70,519

RUB

Russian rouble

36,0350

THB

Thai baht

51,257

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

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| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/2

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Notice on the application of Article 10a of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 concerning a textiles specific safeguard clause

(2005/C 101/02)

1.   INTRODUCTION — OBJECTIVE OF THE GUIDELINES

The provisions of the textiles specific safeguard clause (hereafter ‘TSSC’) contained in the Protocol of Accession of China to the WTO were incorporated into EU law by Council Regulation (EC) No 138/2003 (1), in the form of a new Article 10a inserted in Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 (2). The new Article 10a is almost a literal transcription of the language contained in China's Protocol of Accession to the WTO, the main addition being the establishment of the internal EU decision-making procedure, according to which decisions are adopted following what is called ‘comitology procedure’ (cf. description further below).

Since its adoption, the provision has raised a number of questions of interpretation, and concerns have also been expressed regarding the need for the greatest possible transparency to be introduced in the procedures and for more predictability regarding the Commission policy on its implementation. The Commission, in response to these concerns, indicated in its communication on ‘Textiles and clothing after 2005’ of 13 October 2004 (3) that it would make available ‘guidelines containing procedures and criteria that the Commission intends to follow, in conformity with the relevant Regulations adopted by the Council, for the application of safeguard clauses, in particular for the textiles-specific safeguard clause established in China's Protocol of Accession to the WTO’. This communication contains an indication (hereafter called the ‘guidelines’) of the way the Commission intends to apply the TSSC. Its purpose is therefore to inform interested parties of:

| (a) | the criteria for the application of the TSSC that the Commission considers should apply; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the criteria for the application of the TSSC that the Commission considers should apply;

| (b) | the procedures for a diligent handling and examination of requests for the application of the TSSC, providing an opportunity for any interested parties to be involved in the process, that the Commission intends to apply. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the procedures for a diligent handling and examination of requests for the application of the TSSC, providing an opportunity for any interested parties to be involved in the process, that the Commission intends to apply.

The guidelines also explain the ‘early warning system’, which the Commission intends to use to guide it in deciding whether to open an enquiry and consult intensively with China if certain ‘alert levels’ are reached. This will be without prejudice to the actual application of the TSSC, which will depend on the conditions specified therein.

These guidelines are for the information of interested parties and do not constitute a legal instrument. They reflect the policy intention of the Commission to follow certain procedures and criteria for the application of the TSSC, and therefore should not lead to any legally legitimate expectations regarding the individual decisions that the Commission will adopt on the TSSC in conformity with the relevant regulations, and which will have to result from a case-by-case examination to ensure that any action under the TSSC is fully justified. Since the Commission has wide powers under the Community legislation for the application of the TSSC, these guidelines explain to interested parties how the Commission intends to exercise these powers.

2.   DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC TEXTILES SAFEGUARD CLAUSE

The Report of the Working Party on the Accession of China to the WTO (4) attached to the Protocol of Accession of China to the WTO (5) introduced in its paragraph 242 a provision that would enable WTO Members to introduce safeguard measures vis-à-vis imports of textile and clothing (T&C) products from China, and this until the end of 2008 (6). The main elements of the provision (reproduced in Annex 1) are the following:

| (a) | Conditions for invocation
  : the clause can be triggered ‘in the event a WTO Member believes that imports of Chinese origin of T&C products (...) were, due to market disruption, threatening to impede the orderly development of trade in these products’. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

Conditions for invocation
  : the clause can be triggered ‘in the event a WTO Member believes that imports of Chinese origin of T&C products (...) were, due to market disruption, threatening to impede the orderly development of trade in these products’.

| (b) | Safeguard measures contemplated
  . The clause is triggered by a request for consultations by the Member invoking the clause. There are two steps: (a) upon request of consultations, China agrees to limit its shipments to the country concerned in the relevant product category subject of the request to the amounts exported during the first 12 months of the most recent 14 months preceding the month in which the request for consultations was made, increased by 7,5 % (6 % for wool products); (b) in the absence of a mutually agreed solution, the WTO Member concerned may introduce quantitative limits for such amounts.
  Such measures may be in force only for one year. However, the question whether they can be extended is subject to interpretation, as the text says that ‘no action taken under this paragraph shall remain in effect beyond one year without reapplication (...)’, thus leaving open the possibility for a new application of the clause to the same products after the expiry of the year period. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Safeguard measures contemplated
  . The clause is triggered by a request for consultations by the Member invoking the clause. There are two steps: (a) upon request of consultations, China agrees to limit its shipments to the country concerned in the relevant product category subject of the request to the amounts exported during the first 12 months of the most recent 14 months preceding the month in which the request for consultations was made, increased by 7,5 % (6 % for wool products); (b) in the absence of a mutually agreed solution, the WTO Member concerned may introduce quantitative limits for such amounts.

Such measures may be in force only for one year. However, the question whether they can be extended is subject to interpretation, as the text says that ‘no action taken under this paragraph shall remain in effect beyond one year without reapplication (...)’, thus leaving open the possibility for a new application of the clause to the same products after the expiry of the year period.

It is worth noting that the TSSC is an exceptional provision of a transitional nature with no clear link with other safeguard provisions or procedures in the WTO. Its uniqueness, which implies that the approach followed in these guidelines cannot be applicable in other safeguard instruments, comes from the fact that it is destined to provide an additional means to facilitate the transition to the quotas-free regime that will be in force from the time of expiry of the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) on 31 December 2004, and taking into account the accession of China to the WTO seven years after the negotiations on the ATC concluded. It is also a particularly vaguely worded provision which can be applied with a relatively wide margin of discretion and little room for challenge in the WTO.

Its standards for application appear to be lower than those in force in the other WTO safeguard provisions. This may be attributable to the fact that the measures available under the TSSC are more limited in scope (only quantitative limits) and duration (maximum one year) than those possible under other safeguard instruments.

3.   TRANSPOSITION OF THE TSSC INTO EU LAW

The TSSC was implemented into Community law by Council Regulation (EC) No 138/2003 of 21 January 2003, which introduced a new Article 10a into Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93, in terms similar to the language contained in the Protocol (see Annex 2) and granted power to apply the mechanism to the Commission. The Commission thus is empowered to take the decisions, in consultation with the Textiles Committee, concerning the request for consultations (which triggers the imposition of self-limitations by China), acting at the request of a Member State or on its own initiative, and regarding the imposition of restrictions. It is this provision, in conjunction with general principles of Community law, that governs the application of TSSC in the Community.

Under Article 10a in Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93, whose legal provisions are also reproduced in Annex 2 (7), before the Commission requests formal consultations with China or before introducing restrictions, the Commission submits a draft of the measures proposed to the Textiles Committee, and adopts it subsequently if the Committee votes in favour by a qualified majority. In case of absence of qualified majority, the Commission submits to the Council a proposal without delay, after which the Council may reject, amend or revoke the Commission proposal by a qualified majority. However, if the Council fails to reach a position by a qualified majority within one month, then the Commission adopts the proposed measures. In case the Council opposed the measure by a qualified majority, then the Commission should re-examine it, and may then either make an amended proposal, resubmit its proposal, or present a legislative proposal; after the expiry of one month without a Council Decision, then the Commission should adopt the act.

This present Communication explains the criteria according to which decisions will be taken, which will be addressed in Section 4, and the procedures for the handling of complaints and in the decision-making, which will be addressed in Section 5. It also describes the ‘early warning system’ designed to minimise the risk of market disruption and therefore having to resort to safeguards (Section 6). Finally, some levels of imports are indicated, below which the Commission does not intend, in principle, to invoke the safeguard clause (Section 7).

4.   DEFINITIONS AND CRITERIA FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE TSSC

The TSSC can be applied when ‘imports into the Community of textile and clothing products originating in China and covered by the ATC threaten to impede, owing to market disruption, the orderly development of trade in those products’. A number of key elements, as set out below, deserve explanation. This explanation should not be regarded as binding or authoritative; it merely sets out, for the benefit of interested parties, the Commission's understanding of these elements.

(a)   Causes of the disturbance

The cause of the disturbance — disorderly development of trade due to market disruption — has to be ‘imports of textile and clothing products originating from China and covered by the ATC’. The origin of the products, as determined in accordance with the rules in force in the Community, is relevant, no matter if they come directly from China or through other intermediate territories. The products concerned must be covered by the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC).

(b)   ‘Threat to impede the orderly development of trade in textile and clothing products’

The TSSC was agreed in the WTO accession negotiations with China as an additional safeguard mechanism available in particular after liberalisation in the ATC has taken place, to take into account the very important production and export potential of China in textiles and clothing. In particular, its objective was to ensure a transition as smooth as possible to the quota-free trade environment prevailing in the sector from 2005. For this reason, the TSSC establishes as a trigger that the evolution of imports from China must ‘threaten to impede (...) the orderly development of trade’ in textile and clothing products.

Such a concept has not been defined in WTO law or jurisprudence, nor is it found in EU legislation. In order to assess whether the ‘orderly development of trade’ in textile and clothing products is being threatened, the Commission will take into account as a main indicator the existence of a
  rapid rise or surge in imports
  , in absolute or relative terms. A small percentage change cannot be considered sufficient to trigger the application of the TSSC. The increase must be rapid and steep, in a way that it can be considered as a significant alteration of trade patterns in a given product or group of products. It may concern the quantities imported, or the values of the products imported, or both. For instance, an increase of several tens of percentage points in products where China is already a dominant supplier — or by more in those cases where the quotas for China were low in relative terms — in a matter of a few months in 2005 as compared with the same period in 2004 can be considered as a rapid increase in imports.

In this context, increases such as those indicated in tables A and B of Section 6 can be considered as in principle ‘threatening to prevent the orderly development of trade in textile and clothing products’. Conversely, the Commission will in principle consider that below certain rates of growth of imports, as indicated in Section 7, there is not such a ‘disorderly development of trade’, as certain increased imports can be considered as a normal consequence of the elimination of quotas.

Such a rapid increase of imports need not be in absolute terms, it can also be in relative terms. However, the case for action to be envisaged if the increase is only in relative terms will obviously be weaker and more difficult to justify, except in case the imports took place under certain conditions (for instance in case of significant price drops or significant drops in exports to the EU from, for example, Euro Mediterranean or ACP partner countries), so as to ‘threaten to impede the orderly development of trade’. In particular in cases of increased imports from China in relative or absolute terms which cannot be considered a surge in imports, a relevant factor to take into account will be the
  evolution of import prices
  , which will normally have to be assessed as average unit import prices as can be determined by import statistics. Significant drops of average unit import prices (especially if there is price undercutting as compared with other suppliers) combined with such increases in imports are likely to result in market disruption and constitute a threat to the ‘orderly development of trade’.

(c)   Market disruption

Drawing from the definitions and practice in other WTO and EC safeguard instruments (8), market disruption can be considered to exist, whenever imports of a product, or a category of products, are increasingly rapidly, either absolutely or relatively, or under such conditions, so as to be a significant cause of material injury, or threat of material injury, to the Community industry. Factors to be taken into consideration in determining whether market disruption exists are inter alia the volume of imports concerned, the effect of such imports on prices for such products in the EU, and the effect of such imports on the EU industry producing these products.

In accordance with this internationally agreed definition of ‘market disruption’, there is no need for actual injury to materialise, as in that case it would be too late for any measure to be effective, and therefore a threat of such injury can be sufficient. However, the threat of injury should be qualified and cannot be hypothetical: it should be imminent and appear from the current evolution of imports. In this respect, a requirement for the consideration of the existence of a threat of injury should be an actual rapid increase, in absolute or relative terms, of imports. A mere likelihood that such an increase may take place — for instance after the elimination of import quotas — should not be enough. Such a rapid increase in imports should be assessed in particular comparing the evolution of imports in a given relevant period (not shorter than 2 or 3 months) with a similar period in preceding years.

Another important element to take account is the evolution of import prices, as any significant drop of such prices or an undercutting of prices as compared for instance with other major suppliers can provide an indication of market disruption

It should also be examined whether the volume of imports and their price have or will have a direct negative effect on the EU industry. The impact on upstream industry (e.g. spinning, weaving and knitting, or finishing industries) may also be relevant and should not be excluded in the assessment of injury or threat of injury to industry. All available relevant data will be used to assess the actual or expected impact on affected EU industry, such as, for instance, the evolution of production, market share, sales, employment, profitability and supply chain effects.

In order to take account of the multiplicity of products within and among categories in the textile and clothing sector, and the links and overlaps that may exist among them, it is considered appropriate to maintain flexibility to define on a case-by-case basis the products or groups of products concerned.

(d)   Other relevant factors

One factor to be considered is the impact that a surge in imports from China may have on other suppliers and in particular on the more vulnerable and textile-dependent developing countries (small developing country economies, least developed and ACP countries, and in particular Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries as they are part of the natural zone of competitiveness of the EU textile and clothing industry and are an important destination of both exports and investments of EU industry). A serious displacement from the EU market of traditional suppliers can constitute a sign that trade is being disturbed and have serious negative consequences that it may be appropriate to remedy, although safeguard action can be taken only if the criteria of ‘threat to prevent the orderly development of trade’ and ‘market disruption’, as explained in sub-sections (b) and (c) above, are met.

A positive determination that the conditions for the application of the TSSC have been met would in principle lead the Commission to request formal consultations with China under paragraph (a) of Article 10a. However, the Commission may decide otherwise in case the invocation of the TSSC would have important and tangible negative impact on the general interest of the Community (e.g. other industries — upstream or downstream -, EU industry with investments in China, consumers or trade), which would clearly outweigh the positive consequences of action for industry.

5.   PROCEDURES AND TIMETABLE FOR SAFEGUARD PROCEEDINGS

The Commission attaches great importance to the transparency and expediency in the handling of its trade instruments, so that when a Member State or other interested parties introduce a request for safeguard action, there are procedures to treat them in a way that all interested parties can be heard, decisions are adopted within a reasonable period of time and are properly motivated and communicated to the interested parties and to the public in general. Such transparency should result in greater predictability and certainty for trade and business, and make sure that decisions are taken in the best possible knowledge of all relevant factors and after having heard all relevant arguments. In cases of particular urgency, the Commission may decide, however, to expedite its procedures involving a shortening of the deadlines or a simplified and accelerated process of consultations, or take the necessary steps on the basis of the information available.

In order to achieve these objectives, the Commission intends to proceed as follows regarding the procedures for the implementation of the TSSC. Again, this must be regarded as an explanation, for the benefit of interested parties, of how the Commission intends to exercise its powers. It should not be regarded as binding or authoritative.

(a)   Initiation of the procedure — Opening of an investigation and request for informal consultations with China

Before the invocation of the safeguard clause by requesting formal consultations with China, it is appropriate that the Commission will open an investigation in order to establish facts and request informal consultations with China in order to examine ways to avoid market disruption. This will be done under two hypotheses:

| — | at the request of a Member State, |
| --- | --- |

—

at the request of a Member State,

| — | on the Commission's own initiative, which can be in two instances: when in application of the ‘early warning system’ described in Section 6 certain ‘alert levels’ are reached; or at the request of industry providing prima facie evidence of the need for safeguard. |
| --- | --- |

—

on the Commission's own initiative, which can be in two instances: when in application of the ‘early warning system’ described in Section 6 certain ‘alert levels’ are reached; or at the request of industry providing prima facie evidence of the need for safeguard.

The same procedures will apply to investigations initiated ex-officio or those initiated on the basis of requests.

(i)   Initiation upon request from a Member State

In case a request contains sufficient prima facie evidence that the conditions for the application of the TSSC as spelt out in Section 4 are met, the Commission services will open an investigation and request informal consultations with the Chinese authorities.

Prima facie evidence is understood to exist when the request includes data and elements sufficiently pointing to the existence of market disruption, either at the EU level or at an appropriate lower geographical level, and the ‘disorderly development on trade’ as defined in Section 4 of these guidelines. Such requests should, in principle, not be admissible if import levels are below those indicated in Section 7 of this document.

Requests may concern one or more product categories, or individual products within such categories.

The Commission will normally decide, within 15 calendar days from the reception of the request, whether to launch an investigation and request informal consultations or to reject the request. Any rejection of a request will give the reasons for its inadmissibility.

The Commission will, in principle, not accept for examination requests that constitute basically a repetition of previous requests that had been rejected, unless there were new elements that justify their presentation.

(ii)   Initiation on the Commission own initiative

The Commission intends to initiate the procedures in two hypotheses:

| — | when, based on information collected under the imports monitoring system as detailed under Section 6 of these guidelines, the ‘alert levels’ are exceeded; |
| --- | --- |

—

when, based on information collected under the imports monitoring system as detailed under Section 6 of these guidelines, the ‘alert levels’ are exceeded;

| — | upon the presentation of sufficiently substantiated requests by parties which are directly affected by market disruption. |
| --- | --- |

—

upon the presentation of sufficiently substantiated requests by parties which are directly affected by market disruption.

In this second hypothesis, for requests to be admissible, they should come from a body or group of enterprises within the EU sufficiently representative of the sector or product in question (this would not be the case, for instance, if there were two or more associations of manufacturers of the same products which held opposite views).

The Commission intends to apply to requests for safeguard action received from industry the procedures and criteria described in section (i) above.

(b)   Publication of a notice and deadlines for comments

In case of the opening of an investigation, the Commission will publish without delay a notice of initiation of an investigation in the Official Journal (‘OJ’) of the European Union and in the first page of the web-site page of Directorate-General for Trade (9).

The notice in the OJ and in the web-site of Directorate-General for Trade will contain a summary of the basis for a safeguard investigation, including as appropriate the main elements of a request for safeguards that may have been presented, and invite all interested parties to make, within 21 calendar days, submissions with their views and providing relevant factual information. It will also specify the procedures and timetable to be followed by interested parties participating in the process.

(c)   Investigation and informal consultations

The Commission will conduct an investigation to establish the facts within 60 days from the publication of the notice. This period can be extended once, in exceptional circumstances, by ten working days. The Commission will seek all information it deems to be necessary, including as appropriate by examining representations from interested parties to make a determination on whether to request formal consultations with China.

The Commission will disclose its findings to interested parties inviting additional comment and may also conduct hearings, if requested, of interested parties. The Commission will fix appropriate limits for this purpose. At the same time the investigation is opened the Commission will request informal consultations with China. The investigation and the informal consultations with China will be conducted simultaneously and within the deadline of 60 days.

(d)   Decision to request formal consultations with China

The Commission will reach its decision on the basis of the information available at the end of the investigation, and will present to the Textiles Committee the results and conclusions of the investigations and of the informal consultations with China.

In case the Commission makes a positive determination regarding the applicability of the TSSC, it will without delay call a meeting of the Textiles Committee to seek its opinion on its intention to request formal consultations with China under paragraph (a) of the TSSC. The Commission will provide the Committee with a detailed factual statement of reasons and justifications for the request, together with ‘current data showing the existence or threat of market disruption and the role of products of Chinese origin in that disruption’ (10). The further steps in the procedure are those indicated in Article 17 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 (11).

After consultation of the Textiles Committee and, as appropriate, completion of the procedures provided for in Article 17 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93, the Commission will, without undue delay, request formal consultations with China. Its determination and the reasons for the decision to request consultations will be published in a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union and in the first page of the web-site page of the Directorate General for Trade (12) and communicated to the party that made the request.

In case the Commission finds that the conditions for the application of the TSSC are not met, it will inform the complainant accordingly with an indication of the reasons of the decision, which will also be published in the OJ of the EU.

(e)   Decisions and procedures in case of extreme urgency

In circumstances where delay would cause damage which it would be difficult to repair, the Commission may, after a preliminary determination that imports threaten to impede the orderly development of trade, request directly formal consultations with China without an investigation, or before the investigation is completed. This could be the case in particular if there is a surge of imports of such a significant magnitude that it is deemed obvious that the orderly development of trade is threatened and that such imports will cause significant material injury to the Community industry if action is not taken. Such request shall be made after consultation with the Textile Committee, in accordance with the procedures set out in Article 17 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93.

(f)   Period of formal consultations with China

In accordance with the TSSC, China should from the receipt of the requests for consultations introduce self-restrictions in the exports. Should that not be the case within 15 calendar days from the request, the Commission will transmit, without delay, to the Textiles Committee the necessary proposals to remedy the situation; these should normally provide for the establishment of import limits calculated as provided for in Article 10a.1(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93.

The consultations period shall last 90 days from the receipt of the request for such consultations.

(g)   Adoption of safeguard measures

If no mutually satisfactory solution is reached with China within the 90 day period specified in (f) above, and if it determines that the conditions set out in Section 4 are met, the Commission may impose a quantitative limit for the products under consideration. In this context the Commission will, without delay, call a meeting of the Textiles Committee to seek its opinion on a proposal to impose a quantitative limit for the relevant categories subject to the consultations. Such limit should also apply to imports of goods of Chinese origin, exported after the publication of the notice announcing formal consultations and shipped in excess of the quantities to which China should have limited itself in accordance with §242 of the Protocol of Accession. The further steps in the procedure are those indicated in Article 17 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 (13).

Such a quantitative limit will be fixed at the amount of products of the concerned category that were imported into the EU during the first 12 months of the most recent 14 months preceding the month in which the request for consultations was made, increased by 7,5 % (or 6 % for wool product categories). Such limit will be effective for a period ending on 31 December of the year in which consultations were requested, or, where three months or less remained in the year at the time of the request for consultations, for a period ending 12 months after the request for consultations. Consultations with China should be continued during the term of the quantitative limit set up under this provision.

Such a decision, in accordance with the relevant procedures (Commission or Council), will be published in the OJ of the EU.

After the expiry of a safeguard measure on a given product, the procedures described in this section will be applicable for the introduction of new safeguards on the same products.

6.   EARLY WARNING SYSTEM — EX-OFFICIO INITIATION OF INVESTIGATION AND REQUEST FOR INFORMAL CONSULTATIONS

In the light of past experience and in particular the development of imports from China in product categories liberalised in 2002, it would be appropriate to provide some guidance concerning the steps that the Commission will follow in order to give the highest possible degree of predictability for trade, to facilitate that imports from China evolve in a manner that avoids market disruption, and thus give maximum scope for finding acceptable solutions in a way that safeguard action is taken only as a last resort.

To pursue these objectives, the Commission will introduce an early warning system according to which, should the trend of imports from China show that there are indications that a ‘disorderly development of imports’ is occurring or is imminent, and before invoking the safeguard clause, it would first ask for informal consultations with China and open an investigation on whether such imports may be causing market disruption. Only in cases where, despite such discussions, the trends in trade continued in such a way that the conditions for the application of the safeguard were met, the Commission would, using the procedures established in Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93, formally invoke the safeguard clause and therefore request formal consultations with China.

In any event, determinations to take safeguard action under the TSSC should be made on a case-by-case basis, after verification that the conditions for the application of the TSSC are met and — unless in cases of extreme urgency — following an investigation in line with the procedures outlined above.

On the basis of the monitoring of imports that it is carrying out in accordance with the provisions of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93, the Commission will be examining regularly whether some indicative thresholds of actual imports (14) from China may be exceeded, either on a yearly basis or during a shorter period of time (in principle no less than 3 months) on a pro-rata temporis basis. In such cases, the Commission will establish contact with the Chinese authorities to examine the evolution of imports, its impact and the likelihood that the trends may continue. Such indicative thresholds, which contemplate very considerable increases over the quotas for China in 2004, have been determined, on a category by category basis, taking into account:

| (a) | The extent to which the quotas eliminated on 1 January 2005 were utilised, also taking into account the relative position of other countries subject to quota in 2004. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

The extent to which the quotas eliminated on 1 January 2005 were utilised, also taking into account the relative position of other countries subject to quota in 2004.

| (b) | The share of total EU imports represented by imports from China as an indication or scope for expansion. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

The share of total EU imports represented by imports from China as an indication or scope for expansion.

| (c) | The import penetration ratios and their evolution. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

The import penetration ratios and their evolution.

| (d) | The levels of EU production and their evolution. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

The levels of EU production and their evolution.

| (e) | Other indicators concerning the situation of the market in the products concerned, such as the trends in consumption and prices. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

Other indicators concerning the situation of the market in the products concerned, such as the trends in consumption and prices.

The tables below give an indication of the growth of imports from China which, if reached, would in principle lead the Commission to open an investigation and request informal consultations with China:

TABLE A

| Formula to determine the consultation levels |
| --- |
| Products whose imports from China represent as % of total EU imports in 2004 in volume | 2005
  Increase over 2004 in % of 2004 imports | 2006
  Increase over 2005 level in % of 2004 imports | 2007
  Increase over 2006 level in % of 2004 imports | 2008
  Increase over 2007 level in % of 2004 imports |
| 7,5 % or less | 100 % | 50 % | 50 % | 50 % |
| > 7,5 % to 20 % | 50 % | 50 % | 50 % | 50 % |
| > 20 % to 35 % | 30 % | 30 % | 30 % | 30 % |
| Over 35 % | 10 % | 10 % | 10 % | 10 % |

Formula to determine the consultation levels

Products whose imports from China represent as % of total EU imports in 2004 in volume

2005

Increase over 2004 in % of 2004 imports

2006

Increase over 2005 level in % of 2004 imports

2007

Increase over 2006 level in % of 2004 imports

2008

Increase over 2007 level in % of 2004 imports

7,5 % or less

100 %

50 %

50 %

50 %

> 7,5 % to 20 %

50 %

50 %

50 %

50 %

> 20 % to 35 %

30 %

30 %

30 %

30 %

Over 35 %

10 %

10 %

10 %

10 %

TABLE B

Consultation levels resulting from the application of the formula in Table A

[NB: table to be developed on a category by category basis after application of the formula]

| Product category | Unit | Chinese 2004 imports EU-25
  (thousands of units) | Chinese 2004 quota EU-25
  (thousands of units) | Level 2005 | Level 2006 | Level 2007 | Level 2008 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 — cotton yarn | tns | 3 263 | 4 770 | 9 540 | 11 925 | 14 310 | 16 695 |
| 2 — cotton fabrics | tns | 34 465 | 30 556 | 51 698 | 68 930 | 86 163 | 103 395 |
| 3 — synth. fabrics | tns | 10 938 | 8 088 | 21 876 | 27 345 | 32 814 | 38 283 |
| 4 — T-shirts | pcs | 191 473 | 126 808 | 382 946 | 478 683 | 574 419 | 670 156 |
| 5 — pullovers | pcs | 64 324 | 39 422 | 128 648 | 160 810 | 192 972 | 225 134 |
| 6 — men's trousers | pcs | 75 688 | 40 913 | 151 376 | 189 220 | 227 064 | 264 908 |
| 7 — blouses | pcs | 26 035 | 17 093 | 52 070 | 65 088 | 78 105 | 91 123 |
| 8 — men's shirts | pcs | 40 837 | 27 723 | 61 256 | 81 674 | 102 093 | 122 511 |
| 9 — terry towels | tns | 13 538 | 6 962 | 20 307 | 27 076 | 33 845 | 40 614 |
| 12 — stockings + socks | prs | 131 443 | 132 029 | 264 058 | 330 073 | 396 087 | 462 102 |
| 13 — men's underpants | pcs | 681 114 | 586 244 | 749 225 | 817 337 | 885 448 | 953 560 |
| 14 — men's overcoats | pcs | 24 326 | 17 887 | 26 759 | 29 191 | 31 624 | 34 056 |
| 15 — women overcoats | pcs | 35 570 | 20 131 | 46 241 | 56 912 | 67 583 | 78 254 |
| 16 — men's suits | pcs | 17 407 | 17 181 | 19 148 | 20 888 | 22 629 | 24 370 |
| 17 — jackets & blazers | pcs | 6 063 | 13 061 | 14 367 | 15 804 | 17 241 | 18 677 |
| 20 — bed linen | tns | 7 894 | 5 681 | 15 788 | 19 735 | 23 682 | 27 629 |
| 22 — synthetic fibre yarn | tns | 9 364 | 19 351 | 38 702 | 48 378 | 58 053 | 67 729 |
| 26 — dresses | pcs | 8 682 | 6 645 | 17 364 | 21 705 | 26 046 | 30 387 |
| 28 — trousers (other) | pcs | 102 204 | 92 909 | 132 865 | 163 526 | 194 188 | 224 849 |
| 29 — women suits | pcs | 22 541 | 15 687 | 24 796 | 27 050 | 29 304 | 31 558 |
| 31 — brassieres | pcs | 128 272 | 96 488 | 166 754 | 205 235 | 243 717 | 282 198 |
| 39 — table + kitchen linen | tns | 7 342 | 5 681 | 11 013 | 14 684 | 18 355 | 22 026 |
| 78 — other garments | tns | 31 395 | 36 651 | 40 316 | 43 981 | 47 646 | 51 311 |
| 83 — overcoats | tns | 12 039 | 10 883 | 15 651 | 19 262 | 22 874 | 26 486 |
| 97 — nets | tns | 3 124 | 2 861 | 4 062 | 4 999 | 5 936 | 6 873 |
| 163 — medical gauze | tns | 8 657 | 8 481 | 9 523 | 10 388 | 11 254 | 12 120 |
| ex 20 — bed linen silk | tns | 100 | 59 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 350 |
| 115 — flax or ramie yarn | tns | 2 727 | 1 413 | 3 545 | 4 363 | 5 181 | 6 000 |
| 117 — woven fabrics flax | tns | 1 510 | 684 | 2 264 | 3 019 | 3 774 | 4 529 |
| 118 — table bedlinen flax | tns | 2 409 | 1 513 | 2 650 | 2 891 | 3 132 | 3 373 |
| 122 — sacks and bags flax | tns | 360 | 220 | 468 | 576 | 684 | 792 |
| 136A — woven fabrics silk | tns | 446 | 462 | 693 | 924 | 1 155 | 1 386 |
| 156 — blouses, pullover silk | tns | 7 291 | 3 986 | 8 020 | 8 749 | 9 478 | 10 207 |
| 157 — garments knitted | tns | 17 941 | 13 738 | 19 735 | 21 529 | 23 323 | 25 117 |
| 159 — blouses silk | tns | 3 236 | 4 352 | 4 787 | 5 222 | 5 658 | 6 093 |

Product category

Unit

Chinese 2004 imports EU-25

(thousands of units)

Chinese 2004 quota EU-25

(thousands of units)

Level 2005

Level 2006

Level 2007

Level 2008

1 — cotton yarn

tns

3 263

4 770

9 540

11 925

14 310

16 695

2 — cotton fabrics

tns

34 465

30 556

51 698

68 930

86 163

103 395

3 — synth. fabrics

tns

10 938

8 088

21 876

27 345

32 814

38 283

4 — T-shirts

pcs

191 473

126 808

382 946

478 683

574 419

670 156

5 — pullovers

pcs

64 324

39 422

128 648

160 810

192 972

225 134

6 — men's trousers

pcs

75 688

40 913

151 376

189 220

227 064

264 908

7 — blouses

pcs

26 035

17 093

52 070

65 088

78 105

91 123

8 — men's shirts

pcs

40 837

27 723

61 256

81 674

102 093

122 511

9 — terry towels

tns

13 538

6 962

20 307

27 076

33 845

40 614

12 — stockings + socks

prs

131 443

132 029

264 058

330 073

396 087

462 102

13 — men's underpants

pcs

681 114

586 244

749 225

817 337

885 448

953 560

14 — men's overcoats

pcs

24 326

17 887

26 759

29 191

31 624

34 056

15 — women overcoats

pcs

35 570

20 131

46 241

56 912

67 583

78 254

16 — men's suits

pcs

17 407

17 181

19 148

20 888

22 629

24 370

17 — jackets & blazers

pcs

6 063

13 061

14 367

15 804

17 241

18 677

20 — bed linen

tns

7 894

5 681

15 788

19 735

23 682

27 629

22 — synthetic fibre yarn

tns

9 364

19 351

38 702

48 378

58 053

67 729

26 — dresses

pcs

8 682

6 645

17 364

21 705

26 046

30 387

28 — trousers (other)

pcs

102 204

92 909

132 865

163 526

194 188

224 849

29 — women suits

pcs

22 541

15 687

24 796

27 050

29 304

31 558

31 — brassieres

pcs

128 272

96 488

166 754

205 235

243 717

282 198

39 — table + kitchen linen

tns

7 342

5 681

11 013

14 684

18 355

22 026

78 — other garments

tns

31 395

36 651

40 316

43 981

47 646

51 311

83 — overcoats

tns

12 039

10 883

15 651

19 262

22 874

26 486

97 — nets

tns

3 124

2 861

4 062

4 999

5 936

6 873

163 — medical gauze

tns

8 657

8 481

9 523

10 388

11 254

12 120

ex 20 — bed linen silk

tns

100

59

200

250

300

350

115 — flax or ramie yarn

tns

2 727

1 413

3 545

4 363

5 181

6 000

117 — woven fabrics flax

tns

1 510

684

2 264

3 019

3 774

4 529

118 — table bedlinen flax

tns

2 409

1 513

2 650

2 891

3 132

3 373

122 — sacks and bags flax

tns

360

220

468

576

684

792

136A — woven fabrics silk

tns

446

462

693

924

1 155

1 386

156 — blouses, pullover silk

tns

7 291

3 986

8 020

8 749

9 478

10 207

157 — garments knitted

tns

17 941

13 738

19 735

21 529

23 323

25 117

159 — blouses silk

tns

3 236

4 352

4 787

5 222

5 658

6 093

The increases provided for the calculation of such levels are so important that, if they were exceeded, it could be considered in principle that there is a high likelihood that a ‘disorderly development of imports’ is taking place. In case they were reached, either on a yearly basis or on a pro-rata basis over a period of in principle no less than 3 months (15), the Commission would launch an investigation to examine whether there are factors that may lead to the conclusion that the development of those imports prevent or not the ‘orderly development of imports’ and whether the second condition for the application of the TSSC is met, i.e. market disruption in the sense of at least threat of injury to domestic industry. These thresholds would only trigger an investigation and informal consultations but would not be relevant in determining application of whether the TSSC is justified or not.

The consultations levels for 2006, 2007 and 2008 may be adjusted in the light of further examination and other factors that may come to the light subsequently.

The formula for the calculation of the consultation levels can be applied as appropriate for particular products determined at a level of aggregation below that of a product category. In that case, if imports from China exceeded the resulting levels on a yearly or on a pro-rata basis (in principle no less than 3 months), Commission could also, on its own initiative or at the request of a Member State or of an interested party, request informal consultations with China and open an enquiry.

Such levels therefore should be seen as an indication, which in case they are reached do not trigger any automatic application of the TSSC.

7.   LEVELS BELOW WHICH, IN PRINCIPLE, NO TSSC ACTION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED

The Commission also considers that, in case some levels are not exceeded, there should in principle be no case for the invocation of the TSSC. This should be particularly the case when a Chinese expansion is moderate, taking into account their relative position in the EU market. In those instances, the Commission will consider that such increases are normal after the elimination of import quotas and therefore will in principle — i.e. unless evidence to the contrary is provided — consider that there is no ‘disorderly development of trade’. These levels, which would provide already a considerable margin for expansion of Chinese exports to the EU, are indicated in the table below:

TABLE C

| Formula to determine the minimum levels below which the TSSC will not be triggered |
| --- |
| Products whose imports from China represent as % of total EU imports in 2004 in volume | 2005
  Increase over 2004 in % of 2004 imports | 2006
  Increase over 2005 level in % of 2004 imports | 2007
  Increase over 2006 level in % of 2004 imports | 2008
  Increase over 2007 level in % of 2004 imports |
| 7,5 % or less | 25 % | 25 % | 25 % | 25 % |
| > 7,5 % to 20 % | 20 % | 20 % | 20 % | 20 % |
| > 20 % to 35 % | 15 % | 15 % | 15 % | 15 % |
| Over 35 % | 10 % | 10 % | 10 % | 10 % |

Formula to determine the minimum levels below which the TSSC will not be triggered

Products whose imports from China represent as % of total EU imports in 2004 in volume

2005

Increase over 2004 in % of 2004 imports

2006

Increase over 2005 level in % of 2004 imports

2007

Increase over 2006 level in % of 2004 imports

2008

Increase over 2007 level in % of 2004 imports

7,5 % or less

25 %

25 %

25 %

25 %

> 7,5 % to 20 %

20 %

20 %

20 %

20 %

> 20 % to 35 %

15 %

15 %

15 %

15 %

Over 35 %

10 %

10 %

10 %

10 %

TABLE D

Levels below which in principle the TSSC should not be invoked

| Product category | Unit | Chinese 2004 imports EU-25
  (thousands of units) | Chinese 2004 quota EU-25
  (thousands of units) | Level 2005 | Level 2006 | Level 2007 | Level 2008 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 — cotton yarn | tns | 3 263 | 4 770 | 5 963 | 7 155 | 8 348 | 9 540 |
| 2 — cotton fabrics | tns | 34 465 | 30 556 | 41 358 | 48 251 | 55 144 | 62 037 |
| 3 — synth. fabrics | tns | 10 938 | 8 088 | 13 673 | 16 407 | 19 142 | 21 876 |
| 4 — T-shirts | pcs | 191 473 | 126 808 | 239 341 | 287 210 | 335 078 | 382 946 |
| 5 — pullovers | pcs | 64 324 | 39 422 | 80 405 | 96 486 | 112 567 | 128 648 |
| 6 — men's trousers | pcs | 75 688 | 40 913 | 94 610 | 113 532 | 132 454 | 151 376 |
| 7 — blouses | pcs | 26 035 | 17 093 | 32 544 | 39 053 | 45 561 | 52 070 |
| 8 — men's shirts | pcs | 40 837 | 27 723 | 49 004 | 57 172 | 65 339 | 73 507 |
| 9 — terry towels | tns | 13 538 | 6 962 | 16 246 | 18 953 | 21 661 | 24 368 |
| 12 — stockings + socks | prs | 131 443 | 132 029 | 165 036 | 198 044 | 231 051 | 264 058 |
| 13 — men's underpants | pcs | 681 114 | 586 244 | 749 225 | 817 337 | 885 448 | 953 560 |
| 14 — men's overcoats | pcs | 24 326 | 17 887 | 26 759 | 29 191 | 31 624 | 34 056 |
| 15 — women overcoats | pcs | 35 570 | 20 131 | 40 906 | 46 241 | 51 577 | 56 912 |
| 16 — men's suits | pcs | 17 407 | 17 181 | 19 148 | 20 888 | 22 629 | 24 370 |
| 17 — jackets & blazers | pcs | 6 063 | 13 061 | 14 367 | 16 326 | 18 285 | 20 245 |
| 20 — bed linen | tns | 7 894 | 5 681 | 9 868 | 11 841 | 13 815 | 15 788 |
| 22 — synthetic fibre yarn | tns | 9 364 | 19 351 | 24 189 | 29 027 | 33 864 | 38 702 |
| 26 — dresses | pcs | 8 682 | 6 645 | 10 853 | 13 023 | 15 194 | 17 364 |
| 28 — trousers (other) | pcs | 102 204 | 92 909 | 117 535 | 132 865 | 148 196 | 163 526 |
| 29 — women suits | pcs | 22 541 | 15 687 | 24 796 | 27 050 | 29 304 | 31 558 |
| 31 — brassieres | pcs | 128 272 | 96 488 | 147 513 | 166 754 | 185 994 | 205 235 |
| 39 — table + kitchen linen | tns | 7 342 | 5 681 | 8 810 | 10 279 | 11 747 | 13 216 |
| 78 — other garments | tns | 31 395 | 36 651 | 40 316 | 43 981 | 47 646 | 51 311 |
| 83 — overcoats | tns | 12 039 | 10 883 | 13 845 | 15 651 | 17 457 | 19 262 |
| 97 — nets | tns | 3 124 | 2 861 | 3 593 | 4 062 | 4 530 | 4 999 |
| 163 — medical gauze | tns | 8 657 | 8 481 | 9 523 | 10 388 | 11 254 | 12 120 |
| ex 20 — bed linen silk | tns | 100 | 59 | 125 | 150 | 175 | 200 |
| 115 — flax or ramie yarn | tns | 2 727 | 1 413 | 3 136 | 3 545 | 3 954 | 4 363 |
| 117 — woven fabrics flax | tns | 1 510 | 684 | 1 812 | 2 113 | 2 415 | 2 717 |
| 118 — table bedlinen flax | tns | 2 409 | 1 513 | 2 650 | 2 891 | 3 132 | 3 373 |
| 122 — sacks and bags flax | tns | 360 | 220 | 414 | 468 | 522 | 576 |
| 136A — woven fabrics silk | tns | 360 | 220 | 414 | 468 | 522 | 576 |
| 156 — blouses, pullover silk | tns | 7 291 | 3 986 | 8 020 | 8 749 | 9 478 | 10 207 |
| 157 — garments knitted | tns | 17 941 | 13 738 | 19 735 | 21 529 | 23 323 | 25 117 |
| 159 — blouses silk | tns | 3 236 | 4 352 | 4 787 | 5 222 | 5 658 | 6 093 |

Product category

Unit

Chinese 2004 imports EU-25

(thousands of units)

Chinese 2004 quota EU-25

(thousands of units)

Level 2005

Level 2006

Level 2007

Level 2008

1 — cotton yarn

tns

3 263

4 770

5 963

7 155

8 348

9 540

2 — cotton fabrics

tns

34 465

30 556

41 358

48 251

55 144

62 037

3 — synth. fabrics

tns

10 938

8 088

13 673

16 407

19 142

21 876

4 — T-shirts

pcs

191 473

126 808

239 341

287 210

335 078

382 946

5 — pullovers

pcs

64 324

39 422

80 405

96 486

112 567

128 648

6 — men's trousers

pcs

75 688

40 913

94 610

113 532

132 454

151 376

7 — blouses

pcs

26 035

17 093

32 544

39 053

45 561

52 070

8 — men's shirts

pcs

40 837

27 723

49 004

57 172

65 339

73 507

9 — terry towels

tns

13 538

6 962

16 246

18 953

21 661

24 368

12 — stockings + socks

prs

131 443

132 029

165 036

198 044

231 051

264 058

13 — men's underpants

pcs

681 114

586 244

749 225

817 337

885 448

953 560

14 — men's overcoats

pcs

24 326

17 887

26 759

29 191

31 624

34 056

15 — women overcoats

pcs

35 570

20 131

40 906

46 241

51 577

56 912

16 — men's suits

pcs

17 407

17 181

19 148

20 888

22 629

24 370

17 — jackets & blazers

pcs

6 063

13 061

14 367

16 326

18 285

20 245

20 — bed linen

tns

7 894

5 681

9 868

11 841

13 815

15 788

22 — synthetic fibre yarn

tns

9 364

19 351

24 189

29 027

33 864

38 702

26 — dresses

pcs

8 682

6 645

10 853

13 023

15 194

17 364

28 — trousers (other)

pcs

102 204

92 909

117 535

132 865

148 196

163 526

29 — women suits

pcs

22 541

15 687

24 796

27 050

29 304

31 558

31 — brassieres

pcs

128 272

96 488

147 513

166 754

185 994

205 235

39 — table + kitchen linen

tns

7 342

5 681

8 810

10 279

11 747

13 216

78 — other garments

tns

31 395

36 651

40 316

43 981

47 646

51 311

83 — overcoats

tns

12 039

10 883

13 845

15 651

17 457

19 262

97 — nets

tns

3 124

2 861

3 593

4 062

4 530

4 999

163 — medical gauze

tns

8 657

8 481

9 523

10 388

11 254

12 120

ex 20 — bed linen silk

tns

100

59

125

150

175

200

115 — flax or ramie yarn

tns

2 727

1 413

3 136

3 545

3 954

4 363

117 — woven fabrics flax

tns

1 510

684

1 812

2 113

2 415

2 717

118 — table bedlinen flax

tns

2 409

1 513

2 650

2 891

3 132

3 373

122 — sacks and bags flax

tns

360

220

414

468

522

576

136A — woven fabrics silk

tns

360

220

414

468

522

576

156 — blouses, pullover silk

tns

7 291

3 986

8 020

8 749

9 478

10 207

157 — garments knitted

tns

17 941

13 738

19 735

21 529

23 323

25 117

159 — blouses silk

tns

3 236

4 352

4 787

5 222

5 658

6 093

---

(1)  OJ L 23, 28.1.2003, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 275, 8.11.1993, p. 3.

(3)  ‘Textiles and clothing after 2005 — the Recommendations of the High Level Group for textiles and clothing’, COM(2004)668 final, of 13.10.2004.

(4)  Document WT/MIN(01)3 of 10 November 2001.

(5)  Document WT/L/432 of 23 November 2001.

(6)  This paragraph is considered a part of the Protocol of Accession of China to the WTO, which in turn is an integral part of the WTO Agreement, cf. paragraph 2 of the Accession Protocol.

(7)  Cf. Article 17 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93, which was amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 391/2001 of 26 February 2001.

(8)  Cf. Article 2.1 of the WTO Agreement on Safeguards on the conditions for the application of safeguard measures, and paragraph 16.4 of the Protocol of Accession of China to the WTO (the Transitional Product Specific Safeguard Mechanism or TPSSM, Article 2.1 of Council Regulation (EC) No 427/2003 on a transitional product-specific safeguard mechanism for imports from China and Article 16.1 of Council Regulation (EC) No 3285/94 on the common rules for imports.

(9)  Address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/trade/index_en.htm.

(10)  Cf. first sub-paragraph of Article 10a).1.(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 and paragraph 242(a) of the Report of the Working Party on the Accession of China to the WTO.

(11)  See Annex 2.

(12)  Address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/trade/index_en.htm.

(13)  See Annex 2.

(14)  Data on actual imports collected in accordance with Article 27 of Annex III of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93. Should, however, such data not be available in a timely manner for reasons outside its control, the Commission may decide to start the procedure and open an investigation and request informal consultations with China if the data available from import licensing (cf. Article 25 of Annex III of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93) indicate that imports from China are likely to exceed such ‘consultations levels’.

(15)  The calculation of the ‘consultation’ or ‘alert’ levels on a pro-rata basis should be done in such a way that, insofar as possible, seasonal aspects are taken into account. This may make it advisable to apply the formula for the calculation of the levels for the relevant period of the year to the imports of a comparable period of 2004.

---

ANNEX 1

Extract of the Report of the Working Party on the Accession of China

| 242. | The representative of China agreed that the following provisions would apply to trade in textiles and clothing products until 31 December 2008 and be part of the terms and conditions for China's accession:






  (a) | In the event that a WTO Member believed that imports of Chinese origin of textiles and apparel products covered by the ATC as of the date the WTO Agreement entered into force, were, due to market disruption, threatening to impede the orderly development of trade in these products, such Member could request consultations with China with a view to easing or avoiding such market disruption. The Member requesting consultations would provide China, at the time of the request, with a detailed factual statement of reasons and justifications for its request for consultations with current data which, in the view of the requesting Member, showed: (1) the existence or threat of market disruption; and (2) the role of products of Chinese origin in that disruption; |
| --- | --- | --- |

242.

The representative of China agreed that the following provisions would apply to trade in textiles and clothing products until 31 December 2008 and be part of the terms and conditions for China's accession:

(a)

In the event that a WTO Member believed that imports of Chinese origin of textiles and apparel products covered by the ATC as of the date the WTO Agreement entered into force, were, due to market disruption, threatening to impede the orderly development of trade in these products, such Member could request consultations with China with a view to easing or avoiding such market disruption. The Member requesting consultations would provide China, at the time of the request, with a detailed factual statement of reasons and justifications for its request for consultations with current data which, in the view of the requesting Member, showed: (1) the existence or threat of market disruption; and (2) the role of products of Chinese origin in that disruption;

| (b) | Consultations would be held within 30 days of receipt of the request. Every effort would be made to reach agreement on a mutually satisfactory solution within 90 days of the receipt of such request, unless extended by mutual agreement; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Consultations would be held within 30 days of receipt of the request. Every effort would be made to reach agreement on a mutually satisfactory solution within 90 days of the receipt of such request, unless extended by mutual agreement;

| (c) | Upon receipt of the request for consultations, China agreed to hold its shipments to the requesting Member of textile or textile products in the category or categories subject to these consultations to a level no greater than 7,5 per cent (6 per cent for wool product categories) above the amount entered during the first 12 months of the most recent 14 months preceding the month in which the request for consultations was made; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Upon receipt of the request for consultations, China agreed to hold its shipments to the requesting Member of textile or textile products in the category or categories subject to these consultations to a level no greater than 7,5 per cent (6 per cent for wool product categories) above the amount entered during the first 12 months of the most recent 14 months preceding the month in which the request for consultations was made;

| (d) | If no mutually satisfactory solution were reached during the 90-day consultation period, consultations would continue and the Member requesting consultations could continue the limits under subparagraph (c) for textiles or textile products in the category or categories subject to these consultations; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

If no mutually satisfactory solution were reached during the 90-day consultation period, consultations would continue and the Member requesting consultations could continue the limits under subparagraph (c) for textiles or textile products in the category or categories subject to these consultations;

| (e) | The term of any restraint limit established under subparagraph (d) would be effective for the period beginning on the date of the request for consultations and ending on 31 December of the year in which consultations were requested, or where three or fewer months remained in the year at the time of the request for consultations, for the period ending 12 months after the request for consultations; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

The term of any restraint limit established under subparagraph (d) would be effective for the period beginning on the date of the request for consultations and ending on 31 December of the year in which consultations were requested, or where three or fewer months remained in the year at the time of the request for consultations, for the period ending 12 months after the request for consultations;

| (f) | No action taken under this provision would remain in effect beyond one year, without reapplication, unless otherwise agreed between the Member concerned and China; and |
| --- | --- |

(f)

No action taken under this provision would remain in effect beyond one year, without reapplication, unless otherwise agreed between the Member concerned and China; and

| (g) | Measures could not be applied to the same product at the same time under this provision and the provisions of Section 16 of the Draft Protocol. |
| --- | --- |

(g)

Measures could not be applied to the same product at the same time under this provision and the provisions of Section 16 of the Draft Protocol.

The Working Party took note of these commitments.

---

ANNEX 2

Extract of provisions concerning the internal EU procedures for the adoption of decisions concerning the TSSC

Article 10a of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93:

‘Article 10a

Special safeguard provisions for China

| 1. | Should imports into the Community of textiles and apparel products originating in China and covered by the (ATC) threaten to impede, owing to market disruption, the orderly development of trade in those products, such imports may, during the period ending on 31 December 2008, be made subject to specific safeguard measures under the following conditions:






  (a) | The Commission — acting at the request of a Member State or on its own initiative — shall open consultations with China with a view to easing or avoiding such market disruption. The request for consultation shall provide China with a detailed factual statement of reasons and justifications for the request, with current data showing the existence or threat of market disruption and the role of products of Chinese origin in that disruption. Consultations shall be commenced within 30 days of receipt of the request, the consultation period lasting 90 days from such receipt, unless extended by mutual agreement.
  Upon receipt of the request for consultations China shall, during the period of consultation, hold its shipments to the Community of textile or textile products in the category or categories subject to the consultations, at a level no greater then 7,5 % (6 % for wool product categories) above the amount entered during the first 12 months of the most recent 14 months preceding the month in which the request for consultations was made. |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

Should imports into the Community of textiles and apparel products originating in China and covered by the (ATC) threaten to impede, owing to market disruption, the orderly development of trade in those products, such imports may, during the period ending on 31 December 2008, be made subject to specific safeguard measures under the following conditions:

(a)

The Commission — acting at the request of a Member State or on its own initiative — shall open consultations with China with a view to easing or avoiding such market disruption. The request for consultation shall provide China with a detailed factual statement of reasons and justifications for the request, with current data showing the existence or threat of market disruption and the role of products of Chinese origin in that disruption. Consultations shall be commenced within 30 days of receipt of the request, the consultation period lasting 90 days from such receipt, unless extended by mutual agreement.

Upon receipt of the request for consultations China shall, during the period of consultation, hold its shipments to the Community of textile or textile products in the category or categories subject to the consultations, at a level no greater then 7,5 % (6 % for wool product categories) above the amount entered during the first 12 months of the most recent 14 months preceding the month in which the request for consultations was made.

| (b) | The Commission may, if no mutually satisfactory solution is reached during the 90-day consultation period, establish a quantitative limit for the category or categories subject to the consultations. The quantitative limit shall be set up on the basis of the level at which China held its shipments upon receipt of the Community's request for consultation. The term of this quantitative limit shall be effective for a period ending on 31 December of the year in which consultations were requested, or, where three months or less remained in the year at the time of the request for consultations, for a period ending 12 months after the request for consultations. Consultations with China shall be continued during the term of the quantitative limit set up under this provision. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

The Commission may, if no mutually satisfactory solution is reached during the 90-day consultation period, establish a quantitative limit for the category or categories subject to the consultations. The quantitative limit shall be set up on the basis of the level at which China held its shipments upon receipt of the Community's request for consultation. The term of this quantitative limit shall be effective for a period ending on 31 December of the year in which consultations were requested, or, where three months or less remained in the year at the time of the request for consultations, for a period ending 12 months after the request for consultations. Consultations with China shall be continued during the term of the quantitative limit set up under this provision.

| (c) | No action taken under this paragraph shall remain in effect beyond one year without reapplication, unless otherwise agreed between the Community and China. Measures shall not be applied to the same product at the same time under this paragraph and the provisions of Section 16 of the Protocol on the Accession of China to the WTO. Measures taken pursuant to point (b) shall be the subject of a Commission communication published without delay in the Official Journal of the European Communities. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

No action taken under this paragraph shall remain in effect beyond one year without reapplication, unless otherwise agreed between the Community and China. Measures shall not be applied to the same product at the same time under this paragraph and the provisions of Section 16 of the Protocol on the Accession of China to the WTO. Measures taken pursuant to point (b) shall be the subject of a Commission communication published without delay in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

| 2. | The quantitative limits established pursuant to this Article shall not apply to products which have already been dispatched to the Community provided that they were shipped from the supplier country in which they originate for export to the Community before the date of notification of the request for consultations. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The quantitative limits established pursuant to this Article shall not apply to products which have already been dispatched to the Community provided that they were shipped from the supplier country in which they originate for export to the Community before the date of notification of the request for consultations.

| 3. | The measures provided for in this Article, including opening of consultations as provided for in paragraph 1(a), shall be adopted and implemented in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 17.’ |
| --- | --- |

3.

The measures provided for in this Article, including opening of consultations as provided for in paragraph 1(a), shall be adopted and implemented in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 17.’

Article 17 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93:

‘Article 17

The textile committee

| 1. | The Commission shall be assisted by a committee (hereinafter referred to as the “textile committee”). |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission shall be assisted by a committee (hereinafter referred to as the “textile committee”).

| 2. | Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.
  The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at one month. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at one month.

| 3. | The textile committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.’ |
| --- | --- |

3.

The textile committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.’

Articles 5 and 7 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC (1):

1

‘Article 5

Regulatory procedure

| 1. | The Commission shall be assisted by a regulatory committee composed of the representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission shall be assisted by a regulatory committee composed of the representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission.

| 2. | The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time-limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 205(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time-limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 205(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote.

| 3. | The Commission shall, without prejudice to Article 8, adopt the measures envisaged if they are in accordance with the opinion of the committee. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Commission shall, without prejudice to Article 8, adopt the measures envisaged if they are in accordance with the opinion of the committee.

| 4. | If the measures envisaged are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, or if no opinion is delivered, the Commission shall, without delay, submit to the Council a proposal relating to the measures to be taken and shall inform the European Parliament. |
| --- | --- |

4.

If the measures envisaged are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, or if no opinion is delivered, the Commission shall, without delay, submit to the Council a proposal relating to the measures to be taken and shall inform the European Parliament.

| 5. | If the European Parliament considers that a proposal submitted by the Commission pursuant to a basic instrument adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty exceeds the implementing powers provided for in that basic instrument, it shall inform the Council of its position. |
| --- | --- |

5.

If the European Parliament considers that a proposal submitted by the Commission pursuant to a basic instrument adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty exceeds the implementing powers provided for in that basic instrument, it shall inform the Council of its position.

| 6. | The Council may, where appropriate in view of any such position, act by qualified majority on the proposal, within a period to be laid down in each basic instrument but which shall in no case exceed three months from the date of referral to the Council.
  If within that period the Council has indicated by qualified majority that it opposes the proposal, the Commission shall re-examine it. It may submit an amended proposal to the Council, re-submit its proposal or present a legislative proposal on the basis of the Treaty.
  If on the expiry of that period the Council has neither adopted the proposed implementing act nor indicated its opposition to the proposal for implementing measures, the proposed implementing act shall be adopted by the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

6.

The Council may, where appropriate in view of any such position, act by qualified majority on the proposal, within a period to be laid down in each basic instrument but which shall in no case exceed three months from the date of referral to the Council.

If within that period the Council has indicated by qualified majority that it opposes the proposal, the Commission shall re-examine it. It may submit an amended proposal to the Council, re-submit its proposal or present a legislative proposal on the basis of the Treaty.

If on the expiry of that period the Council has neither adopted the proposed implementing act nor indicated its opposition to the proposal for implementing measures, the proposed implementing act shall be adopted by the Commission.

Article 7

| 1. | Each committee shall adopt its own rules of procedure on the proposal of its chairman, on the basis of standard rules of procedure which shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.
  Insofar as necessary existing committees shall adapt their rules of procedure to the standard rules of procedure. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Each committee shall adopt its own rules of procedure on the proposal of its chairman, on the basis of standard rules of procedure which shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

Insofar as necessary existing committees shall adapt their rules of procedure to the standard rules of procedure.

| 2. | The principles and conditions on public access to documents applicable to the Commission shall apply to the committees. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The principles and conditions on public access to documents applicable to the Commission shall apply to the committees.

| 3. | The European Parliament shall be informed by the Commission of committee proceedings on a regular basis. To that end, it shall receive agendas for committee meetings, draft measures submitted to the committees for the implementation of instruments adopted by the procedure provided for by Article 251 of the Treaty, and the results of voting and summary records of the meetings and lists of the authorities and organisations to which the persons designated by the Member States to represent them belong. The European Parliament shall also be kept informed whenever the Commission transmits to the Council measures or proposals for measures to be taken. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The European Parliament shall be informed by the Commission of committee proceedings on a regular basis. To that end, it shall receive agendas for committee meetings, draft measures submitted to the committees for the implementation of instruments adopted by the procedure provided for by Article 251 of the Treaty, and the results of voting and summary records of the meetings and lists of the authorities and organisations to which the persons designated by the Member States to represent them belong. The European Parliament shall also be kept informed whenever the Commission transmits to the Council measures or proposals for measures to be taken.

| 4. | The Commission shall, within six months of the date on which this Decision takes effect, publish in the Official Journal of the European Communities, a list of all committees which assist the Commission in the exercise of implementing powers. This list shall specify, in relation to each committee, the basic instrument(s) under which the committee is established. From 2000 onwards, the Commission shall also publish an annual report on the working of committees. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The Commission shall, within six months of the date on which this Decision takes effect, publish in the Official Journal of the European Communities, a list of all committees which assist the Commission in the exercise of implementing powers. This list shall specify, in relation to each committee, the basic instrument(s) under which the committee is established. From 2000 onwards, the Commission shall also publish an annual report on the working of committees.

| 5. | The references of all documents sent to the European Parliament pursuant to paragraph 3 shall be made public in a register to be set up by the Commission in 2001.’ |
| --- | --- |

5.

The references of all documents sent to the European Parliament pursuant to paragraph 3 shall be made public in a register to be set up by the Commission in 2001.’

---

(1)  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

1

---

| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/16

---

Commission opinion of 25 April 2004 concerning the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from the decommissioning of the Dungeness A Nuclear Power Station located in Kent in the United Kingdom, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty

(2005/C 101/03)

(Only the English text is authentic)

On 24 September 2004, the European Commission received from the Government of the United Kingdom, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty, General Data relating to the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from the decommissioning of the Dungeness A Nuclear Power Station.

On the basis of the General Data and following consultation with the Group of Experts, the Commission has drawn up the following opinion:

| (a) | The distance between the plant and the nearest point of another Member State, in this case France, is approximately 50 km while Belgium and The Netherlands are at 110 km and 160 km respectively. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

The distance between the plant and the nearest point of another Member State, in this case France, is approximately 50 km while Belgium and The Netherlands are at 110 km and 160 km respectively.

| (b) | During normal decommissioning operation, discharges of liquid and gaseous effluents will not cause an exposure of the population in other Member States that is significant from the point of view of health. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

During normal decommissioning operation, discharges of liquid and gaseous effluents will not cause an exposure of the population in other Member States that is significant from the point of view of health.

| (c) | Solid radioactive waste arising from the treatment of waste will be stored in a facility off-site. Non-radioactive solid waste and materials in compliance with clearance levels will be released from regulatory control for disposal as conventional waste or for recycling or reuse. This will be done in compliance with the criteria laid down in the Basic Safety Standards (Directive 96/29/Euratom). |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Solid radioactive waste arising from the treatment of waste will be stored in a facility off-site. Non-radioactive solid waste and materials in compliance with clearance levels will be released from regulatory control for disposal as conventional waste or for recycling or reuse. This will be done in compliance with the criteria laid down in the Basic Safety Standards (Directive 96/29/Euratom).

| (d) | In the event of unplanned releases of radioactive waste, which may follow an accident of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, the doses likely to be received by the population in other Member States would not be significant from the point of view of health. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

In the event of unplanned releases of radioactive waste, which may follow an accident of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, the doses likely to be received by the population in other Member States would not be significant from the point of view of health.

In conclusion, the Commission is of the opinion that the implementation of the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste in whatever form arising from the decommissioning of the Dungeness A Nuclear Power Station in the United Kingdom, both in normal operation and in the event of an accident of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, is not liable to result in radioactive contamination, significant from the point of view of health, of the water, soil or airspace of another Member State.

---

| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/17 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/17

---

STATE AID — ITALY

State aid No C 5/2005 (ex NN 70/2004) — Exemption from excise duty on agricultural fuels — following the initiation of the procedure provided for in Article 88(2) of the Treaty (aid C 6/2004 — ex NN 70/2001) — Article 24(3) of Law No 388 of 23 December 2000, Article 13(3) of Law No 448 of 21 December 2001, Article 19(4) of Law No 289 of 27 December 2002 and Article 2(4) of Law No 350 of 24 December 2003

Invitation to submit comments pursuant to Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty

(2005/C 101/04)

By means of the letter dated 19 January 2005, reproduced in the authentic language on the pages following this summary, the Commission notified Italy of its decision to initiate the procedure laid down in Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty concerning the abovementioned aid.

Interested parties may submit their comments on the measure in respect of which the Commission is initiating the procedure within one month of the date of publication of this summary and the following letter, to:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development |
| Direcorate H2 |
| Office: Loi 130 5/120 |
| B-1049 Brussels |
| Fax (32-2) 296 76 72 |

European Commission

Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

Direcorate H2

Office: Loi 130 5/120

B-1049 Brussels

Fax (32-2) 296 76 72

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

SUMMARY

Article 24(3) of Law No 388 of 23 December 2000, Article 13(3) of Law No 448 of 21 December 2001, Article 19(4) of Law No 289 of 27 December 2002 and Article 2(4) of Law No 350 of 24 December 2003 all provide for full exemption from excise duty on fuel used to heat glasshouses in Italy.

Evaluation

At this stage, the Commission has doubts regarding the compatibility with the common market of this full exemption, which supplements that already granted to the same beneficiaries under aid C 6/2004, for the following reasons:

| (a) | the Italian authorities consider that exemptions from excise duty on fuels, irrespective of their level, constitute not State aid but tax measures justified by the nature of the system of which they form part; the authorities have however so far failed to provide any information to support this argument; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the Italian authorities consider that exemptions from excise duty on fuels, irrespective of their level, constitute not State aid but tax measures justified by the nature of the system of which they form part; the authorities have however so far failed to provide any information to support this argument;

| (b) | another argument developed by the Italian authorities is that the exemption from excise duty does not give rise to distortions of competition, because horticulturists are free to take advantage of the exemption by opting to grow under glass; at this stage, this argument appears questionable since the exemption was designed not to encourage growers to switch to glasshouse production, but to relieve of a financial burden connected with their activity growers already engaged in such production; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

another argument developed by the Italian authorities is that the exemption from excise duty does not give rise to distortions of competition, because horticulturists are free to take advantage of the exemption by opting to grow under glass; at this stage, this argument appears questionable since the exemption was designed not to encourage growers to switch to glasshouse production, but to relieve of a financial burden connected with their activity growers already engaged in such production;

| (c) | the Italian authorities further state that, according to the official data at their disposal, the full exemption granted to glasshouse producers does not give rise to distortions of competition; there is at this stage good reason to question how they can advance such an argument when, in the information which they have provided, they claim to be unable to provide precise figures on the amounts which glasshouse producers have been able to save as a result of the full exemption; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the Italian authorities further state that, according to the official data at their disposal, the full exemption granted to glasshouse producers does not give rise to distortions of competition; there is at this stage good reason to question how they can advance such an argument when, in the information which they have provided, they claim to be unable to provide precise figures on the amounts which glasshouse producers have been able to save as a result of the full exemption;

| (d) | since the Commission cannot therefore rule out the fact that the exemptions from excise duty may involve State aid, it must analyse them in the light of the rules on competition; however, the Italian authorities, who defend the argument that no State aid is involved, have so far not wished to indicate which competition rule in their opinion proves that the full exemption from excise duty is compatible with the common market; such compatibility thus appears questionable at this stage; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

since the Commission cannot therefore rule out the fact that the exemptions from excise duty may involve State aid, it must analyse them in the light of the rules on competition; however, the Italian authorities, who defend the argument that no State aid is involved, have so far not wished to indicate which competition rule in their opinion proves that the full exemption from excise duty is compatible with the common market; such compatibility thus appears questionable at this stage;

| (e) | nor can it be ruled out at this stage that the exemptions from excise duty may have been granted in breach of Directives 92/81/EEC and 2003/96/EC, which indicate that exemptions are authorised only if they do not give rise to distortions of competition and are without prejudice to other Community provisions. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

nor can it be ruled out at this stage that the exemptions from excise duty may have been granted in breach of Directives 92/81/EEC and 2003/96/EC, which indicate that exemptions are authorised only if they do not give rise to distortions of competition and are without prejudice to other Community provisions.

TEXT OF LETTER

| 1. | Con la presente, mi pregio di informarLa che la Commissione dopo aver esaminato le informazioni fornite dalle autorità italiane, ha deciso di avviare la procedura di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2 del trattato CE per quanto riguarda l'esenzione dalle accise sui carburanti agricoli non contemplata dalla procedura aperta nell'ambito del fascicolo C 6/2004, e cioè l'esenzione di cui all'articolo 24, comma 3 della legge 23 dicembre 2000 n. 388, all'articolo 13, comma 3 della legge 21 dicembre 2001 n. 448, all'articolo 19, comma 4 della legge 27 dicembre 2002 n. 289 e all'articolo 2, comma 4 della legge 24 dicembre 2003 n. 350. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Con la presente, mi pregio di informarLa che la Commissione dopo aver esaminato le informazioni fornite dalle autorità italiane, ha deciso di avviare la procedura di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2 del trattato CE per quanto riguarda l'esenzione dalle accise sui carburanti agricoli non contemplata dalla procedura aperta nell'ambito del fascicolo C 6/2004, e cioè l'esenzione di cui all'articolo 24, comma 3 della legge 23 dicembre 2000 n. 388, all'articolo 13, comma 3 della legge 21 dicembre 2001 n. 448, all'articolo 19, comma 4 della legge 27 dicembre 2002 n. 289 e all'articolo 2, comma 4 della legge 24 dicembre 2003 n. 350.

Procedimento

| 2. | Con lettera del 19 febbraio 2004 (1), la Commissione ha comunicato alle autorità italiane la decisione di iniziare la procedura di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2 del trattato, nei confronti delle disposizioni dell'articolo 5, comma 5 del decreto-legge 30 settembre 2000, n. 268. |
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2.

Con lettera del 19 febbraio 2004 (1), la Commissione ha comunicato alle autorità italiane la decisione di iniziare la procedura di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2 del trattato, nei confronti delle disposizioni dell'articolo 5, comma 5 del decreto-legge 30 settembre 2000, n. 268.

| 3. | L'articolo 5, comma 5, del decreto-legge 30 settembre 2000 n. 268 stabilisce che, per il periodo dal 3 ottobre al 31 dicembre 2000, relativamente al gasolio utilizzato per il riscaldamento delle serre, l'accisa si applica nella misura del 5 % dell'aliquota prevista per il gasolio utilizzato come carburante. |
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3.

L'articolo 5, comma 5, del decreto-legge 30 settembre 2000 n. 268 stabilisce che, per il periodo dal 3 ottobre al 31 dicembre 2000, relativamente al gasolio utilizzato per il riscaldamento delle serre, l'accisa si applica nella misura del 5 % dell'aliquota prevista per il gasolio utilizzato come carburante.

| 4. | Parallelamente, l'articolo 6, comma 1, del medesimo decreto-legge stabilisce che, per lo stesso periodo, le aliquote di accisa per il gasolio utilizzato in agricoltura corrispondono al 22 % dell'aliquota prevista per il gasolio usato come carburante e le accise per la benzina corrispondono al 49 % dell'aliquota normale. |
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4.

Parallelamente, l'articolo 6, comma 1, del medesimo decreto-legge stabilisce che, per lo stesso periodo, le aliquote di accisa per il gasolio utilizzato in agricoltura corrispondono al 22 % dell'aliquota prevista per il gasolio usato come carburante e le accise per la benzina corrispondono al 49 % dell'aliquota normale.

| 5. | La Commissione ha deciso di iniziare la procedura di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2 del trattato nei confronti delle disposizioni di cui all'articolo 5, comma 5 del decreto legge 30 settembre 2000 n. 268 perché non poteva escludere che l'esenzione dalle accise prevista dalle suddette disposizioni costituisse un aiuto di Stato incompatibile con il mercato comune. |
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5.

La Commissione ha deciso di iniziare la procedura di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2 del trattato nei confronti delle disposizioni di cui all'articolo 5, comma 5 del decreto legge 30 settembre 2000 n. 268 perché non poteva escludere che l'esenzione dalle accise prevista dalle suddette disposizioni costituisse un aiuto di Stato incompatibile con il mercato comune.

| 6. | Successivamente all'invio della lettera di cui al punto 2, la Commissione ha ricevuto informazioni secondo le quali i produttori di colture sotto serra beneficerebbero in realtà di un'esenzione totale dalle accise sui carburanti utilizzati per il riscaldamento delle serre. Essa ha quindi chiesto informazioni su tale esenzione complementare alle autorità italiane con un fax datato 10 giugno 2004 (2). |
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6.

Successivamente all'invio della lettera di cui al punto 2, la Commissione ha ricevuto informazioni secondo le quali i produttori di colture sotto serra beneficerebbero in realtà di un'esenzione totale dalle accise sui carburanti utilizzati per il riscaldamento delle serre. Essa ha quindi chiesto informazioni su tale esenzione complementare alle autorità italiane con un fax datato 10 giugno 2004 (2).

| 7. | Con lettera del 28.07.04, protocollata il 3 agosto 2004, la Rappresentanza permanente d'Italia presso l'Unione europea ha comunicato alla Commissione la risposta delle autorità italiane al fax del 10 giugno 2004. Dalla suddetta risposta emerge che l'esenzione complementare summenzionata è stata istituita mediante varie norme: l'articolo 24, comma 3 della legge 23 dicembre 2000 n. 388, l'articolo 13, comma 3 della legge del 21 dicembre 2001 n. 448; l'articolo 19, comma 4 della legge 27 dicembre 2002 n. 289 e l'articolo 2, comma 4 della legge 24 dicembre 2003 n. 350. |
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7.

Con lettera del 28.07.04, protocollata il 3 agosto 2004, la Rappresentanza permanente d'Italia presso l'Unione europea ha comunicato alla Commissione la risposta delle autorità italiane al fax del 10 giugno 2004. Dalla suddetta risposta emerge che l'esenzione complementare summenzionata è stata istituita mediante varie norme: l'articolo 24, comma 3 della legge 23 dicembre 2000 n. 388, l'articolo 13, comma 3 della legge del 21 dicembre 2001 n. 448; l'articolo 19, comma 4 della legge 27 dicembre 2002 n. 289 e l'articolo 2, comma 4 della legge 24 dicembre 2003 n. 350.

Descrizione

Fondamento giuridico

| 8. | L'articolo 24, comma 3 della legge 23 dicembre 2000, n. 388, recita quanto segue:
  ‘Per il periodo 1o gennaio 2001-30 giugno 2001, il gasolio utilizzato nelle coltivazioni sotto serra è esente da accisa. Per le modalità di erogazione del beneficio si applicano le disposizioni di cui all'articolo 2, comma 127 secondo periodo, della legge 23 dicembre 1996, n. 662.’. |
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8.

L'articolo 24, comma 3 della legge 23 dicembre 2000, n. 388, recita quanto segue:

‘Per il periodo 1o gennaio 2001-30 giugno 2001, il gasolio utilizzato nelle coltivazioni sotto serra è esente da accisa. Per le modalità di erogazione del beneficio si applicano le disposizioni di cui all'articolo 2, comma 127 secondo periodo, della legge 23 dicembre 1996, n. 662.’.

| 9. | L'articolo 13, comma 3 della legge 21 dicembre 2001, n. 448, recita quanto segue:
  ‘Per l'anno 2002 il gasolio utilizzato nelle coltivazioni sotto serra è esente da accisa. Per le modalità di erogazione del beneficio si applicano le disposizioni contenute nel regolamento di cui al decreto del Ministro delle finanze 11 dicembre 2000, n. 375, adottato ai sensi dell'articolo 1, comma 4, del decreto-legge 15 febbraio 2000, n. 21, convertito, con modificazioni dalla legge 14 aprile 2000, n. 92. I relativi oneri sono a carico dell'Istituto di servizi per il mercato agricolo alimentare (ISMEA), a valere sulle proprie disponibilità di bilancio, che vi fa fronte mediante versamento all'entrata del bilancio dello Stato, previo accertamento da parte dell'Amministrazione finanziaria.’. |
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9.

L'articolo 13, comma 3 della legge 21 dicembre 2001, n. 448, recita quanto segue:

‘Per l'anno 2002 il gasolio utilizzato nelle coltivazioni sotto serra è esente da accisa. Per le modalità di erogazione del beneficio si applicano le disposizioni contenute nel regolamento di cui al decreto del Ministro delle finanze 11 dicembre 2000, n. 375, adottato ai sensi dell'articolo 1, comma 4, del decreto-legge 15 febbraio 2000, n. 21, convertito, con modificazioni dalla legge 14 aprile 2000, n. 92. I relativi oneri sono a carico dell'Istituto di servizi per il mercato agricolo alimentare (ISMEA), a valere sulle proprie disponibilità di bilancio, che vi fa fronte mediante versamento all'entrata del bilancio dello Stato, previo accertamento da parte dell'Amministrazione finanziaria.’.

| 10. | L'articolo 19, comma 4 della legge 27 dicembre 2002, n. 289, recita quanto segue:
  ‘Per l'anno 2003 il gasolio utilizzato nelle coltivazioni sotto serra è esente da accisa. Per le modalità di erogazione del beneficio si applicano le disposizioni contenute nel regolamento di cui al decreto del Ministro dell'economia e delle finanze 14 dicembre 2001, n. 454.’. |
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10.

L'articolo 19, comma 4 della legge 27 dicembre 2002, n. 289, recita quanto segue:

‘Per l'anno 2003 il gasolio utilizzato nelle coltivazioni sotto serra è esente da accisa. Per le modalità di erogazione del beneficio si applicano le disposizioni contenute nel regolamento di cui al decreto del Ministro dell'economia e delle finanze 14 dicembre 2001, n. 454.’.

| 11. | L'articolo 2, comma 4 della legge 21 dicembre 2001, n. 350, recita quanto segue:
  ‘Per l'anno 2004 il gasolio utilizzato nelle coltivazioni sotto serra è esente da accisa. Per le modalità di erogazione del beneficio si applicano le disposizioni contenute nel regolamento di cui al decreto 14 dicembre 2001, n. 454, adottato dal Ministro dell'economia e delle finanze, di concerto con il Ministro delle politiche agricole e forestali.’. |
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11.

L'articolo 2, comma 4 della legge 21 dicembre 2001, n. 350, recita quanto segue:

‘Per l'anno 2004 il gasolio utilizzato nelle coltivazioni sotto serra è esente da accisa. Per le modalità di erogazione del beneficio si applicano le disposizioni contenute nel regolamento di cui al decreto 14 dicembre 2001, n. 454, adottato dal Ministro dell'economia e delle finanze, di concerto con il Ministro delle politiche agricole e forestali.’.

Informazioni complementari fornite dalle autorità italiane

| 12. | Nella lettera del 28 giugno 2004, le autorità italiane (e più precisamente il Ministero delle politiche agricole e forestali) hanno fatto presente di non essere in possesso dei dati (di un'oggettiva complessità) richiesti dai servizi della Commissione con il fax del 10 giugno 2004 (gli importi che i produttori sotto serra hanno potuto risparmiare successivamente all'entrata in vigore di ciascuno dei testi menzionati ai punti 8-11 grazie alla differenza di aliquote di accise di cui hanno beneficiato — gli importi assoluti e quelli che corrispondono alla differenza tra l'esenzione prevista dall'articolo 5 comma 5 del decreto-legge 30 settembre 2000, n. 268 e l'esenzione totale concessa) e che la quantificazione richiesta avrebbe potuto essere operata solo dall'Amministrazione finanziaria attraverso indagini da effettuarsi presso le antenne periferiche. Esse hanno inoltre precisato che gli argomenti forniti il 16 giugno 2004 nell'ambito del fascicolo C 6/2004 (reazione dello Stato membro in seguito all'apertura della procedura prevista dall'articolo 88, paragrafo 2 del trattato) restavano valide nel caso di specie. |
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12.

Nella lettera del 28 giugno 2004, le autorità italiane (e più precisamente il Ministero delle politiche agricole e forestali) hanno fatto presente di non essere in possesso dei dati (di un'oggettiva complessità) richiesti dai servizi della Commissione con il fax del 10 giugno 2004 (gli importi che i produttori sotto serra hanno potuto risparmiare successivamente all'entrata in vigore di ciascuno dei testi menzionati ai punti 8-11 grazie alla differenza di aliquote di accise di cui hanno beneficiato — gli importi assoluti e quelli che corrispondono alla differenza tra l'esenzione prevista dall'articolo 5 comma 5 del decreto-legge 30 settembre 2000, n. 268 e l'esenzione totale concessa) e che la quantificazione richiesta avrebbe potuto essere operata solo dall'Amministrazione finanziaria attraverso indagini da effettuarsi presso le antenne periferiche. Esse hanno inoltre precisato che gli argomenti forniti il 16 giugno 2004 nell'ambito del fascicolo C 6/2004 (reazione dello Stato membro in seguito all'apertura della procedura prevista dall'articolo 88, paragrafo 2 del trattato) restavano valide nel caso di specie.

Argomentazioni sviluppate dalle autorità italiane nell'ambito del fascicolo C 6/04, in risposta all'apertura del procedimento di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2 del trattato nei confronti dell'aiuto previsto dall'articolo 5, comma 5 del decreto legge 30 settembre 2000, n. 268

| 13. | Nella lettera del 16 giugno 2004, le autorità italiane hanno sostenuto che l'esenzione dalle accise non appariva configurabile come un aiuto di Stato, bensì come una misura da valutare nel contesto applicativo della direttiva 92/81/CEE del Consiglio, del 19 ottobre 1992, relativa all'armonizzazione delle strutture delle accise sugli oli minerali (3) e della direttiva 2003/96/CE del Consiglio, del 27 ottobre 2003, che ristruttura il quadro comunitario per la tassazione dei prodotti energetici e dell'elettricità (4), e, in particolare, alla luce dell'articolo 8, paragrafo 2 lettera f) e dell'articolo 15, paragrafo 3. |
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13.

Nella lettera del 16 giugno 2004, le autorità italiane hanno sostenuto che l'esenzione dalle accise non appariva configurabile come un aiuto di Stato, bensì come una misura da valutare nel contesto applicativo della direttiva 92/81/CEE del Consiglio, del 19 ottobre 1992, relativa all'armonizzazione delle strutture delle accise sugli oli minerali (3) e della direttiva 2003/96/CE del Consiglio, del 27 ottobre 2003, che ristruttura il quadro comunitario per la tassazione dei prodotti energetici e dell'elettricità (4), e, in particolare, alla luce dell'articolo 8, paragrafo 2 lettera f) e dell'articolo 15, paragrafo 3.

| 14. | Secondo le autorità italiane le coltivazioni sotto serra rientrano nella categoria delle ‘lavorazioni nell'ambito del settore agricolo e orticolo’, per le quali la normativa comunitaria permette agli Stati membri di applicare esenzioni parziali o totali dalle accise, e l'esenzione dalle accise per le coltivazioni sotto serra non introduce alcuna discriminazione nel settore agricolo e orticolo, in quanto tutti gli operatori all'interno dei due settori sono assolutamente liberi di scegliere fra coltivazioni in campo e coltivazioni sotto serra. Inoltre, non è infrequente il caso di uno stesso agricoltore che contestualmente pratica colture in campo o sotto serra, senza che per questo si possa giungere alla conclusione che in tale ipotesi l'agricoltore discrimina se stesso. |
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14.

Secondo le autorità italiane le coltivazioni sotto serra rientrano nella categoria delle ‘lavorazioni nell'ambito del settore agricolo e orticolo’, per le quali la normativa comunitaria permette agli Stati membri di applicare esenzioni parziali o totali dalle accise, e l'esenzione dalle accise per le coltivazioni sotto serra non introduce alcuna discriminazione nel settore agricolo e orticolo, in quanto tutti gli operatori all'interno dei due settori sono assolutamente liberi di scegliere fra coltivazioni in campo e coltivazioni sotto serra. Inoltre, non è infrequente il caso di uno stesso agricoltore che contestualmente pratica colture in campo o sotto serra, senza che per questo si possa giungere alla conclusione che in tale ipotesi l'agricoltore discrimina se stesso.

| 15. | Le conclusioni delle autorità italiane sono le seguenti:






  a) | Il regime differenziato introdotto dal legislatore italiano non lede le regole di concorrenza; si tratta di una normativa di natura squisitamente fiscale nel cui ambito andrebbe valutata la legittimità comunitaria. È in quell'ambito, infatti, che sarebbe possibile avere a livello comunitario un quadro complessivo che comprenda tutti i paesi dell'area comunitaria; esaminare fuori da tale quadro un singolo caso nazionale equivarrebbe ad un'alterazione del principio della par condicio tra Stati membri. |
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15.

Le conclusioni delle autorità italiane sono le seguenti:

a)

Il regime differenziato introdotto dal legislatore italiano non lede le regole di concorrenza; si tratta di una normativa di natura squisitamente fiscale nel cui ambito andrebbe valutata la legittimità comunitaria. È in quell'ambito, infatti, che sarebbe possibile avere a livello comunitario un quadro complessivo che comprenda tutti i paesi dell'area comunitaria; esaminare fuori da tale quadro un singolo caso nazionale equivarrebbe ad un'alterazione del principio della par condicio tra Stati membri.

| b) | Il Consiglio ECOFIN del 19 marzo 2003 ha concluso che le deroghe al regime fiscale generale o le differenziazioni al suo interno che sono giustificate dalla natura o dalle caratteristiche generali del regime fiscale non comportano aiuti di Stato. |
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b)

Il Consiglio ECOFIN del 19 marzo 2003 ha concluso che le deroghe al regime fiscale generale o le differenziazioni al suo interno che sono giustificate dalla natura o dalle caratteristiche generali del regime fiscale non comportano aiuti di Stato.

| 16. | Infine, le autorità italiane hanno aggiunto che le valutazioni e i dati in loro possesso, provenienti da fonti ufficiali, dimostravano che la misura di cui trattasi ‘non pregiudica il corretto funzionamento del mercato interno e non comporta distorsioni della concorrenza’ (come vuole il considerando 24 della direttiva 2003/96/CE). |
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16.

Infine, le autorità italiane hanno aggiunto che le valutazioni e i dati in loro possesso, provenienti da fonti ufficiali, dimostravano che la misura di cui trattasi ‘non pregiudica il corretto funzionamento del mercato interno e non comporta distorsioni della concorrenza’ (come vuole il considerando 24 della direttiva 2003/96/CE).

Riesame

| 17. | Secondo l'articolo 87, paragrafo 1 del trattato, sono incompatibili con il mercato comune, nella misura in cui incidano sugli scambi tra Stati membri, gli aiuti concessi dagli Stati, ovvero mediante risorse statali, sotto qualsiasi forma che, favorendo talune imprese o talune produzioni, falsino o minaccino di falsare la concorrenza. Nell'attuale fase del procedimento, le misure descritte ai punti 8-11 sembrano corrispondere a tale definizione in quanto sono accordate mediante risorse statali sotto forma di un mancato guadagno in termini di gettito fiscale per le pubbliche autorità, riguardano certe imprese (quelle che praticano la coltura sotto serra) e possono incidere sugli scambi a motivo del posto occupato dall'Italia nelle produzioni considerate (a titolo d'esempio, l'Italia è stata nel 2002 il primo paese produttore di ortaggi dell'Unione). |
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17.

Secondo l'articolo 87, paragrafo 1 del trattato, sono incompatibili con il mercato comune, nella misura in cui incidano sugli scambi tra Stati membri, gli aiuti concessi dagli Stati, ovvero mediante risorse statali, sotto qualsiasi forma che, favorendo talune imprese o talune produzioni, falsino o minaccino di falsare la concorrenza. Nell'attuale fase del procedimento, le misure descritte ai punti 8-11 sembrano corrispondere a tale definizione in quanto sono accordate mediante risorse statali sotto forma di un mancato guadagno in termini di gettito fiscale per le pubbliche autorità, riguardano certe imprese (quelle che praticano la coltura sotto serra) e possono incidere sugli scambi a motivo del posto occupato dall'Italia nelle produzioni considerate (a titolo d'esempio, l'Italia è stata nel 2002 il primo paese produttore di ortaggi dell'Unione).

| 18. | Tuttavia, nei casi previsti dall'articolo 87, paragrafi 2 e 3, del trattato, alcune misure possono, in via derogatoria, essere considerate compatibili con il mercato comune. |
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18.

Tuttavia, nei casi previsti dall'articolo 87, paragrafi 2 e 3, del trattato, alcune misure possono, in via derogatoria, essere considerate compatibili con il mercato comune.

| 19. | Nella fattispecie, tenuto conto delle informazioni disponibili, l'unica deroga applicabile è quella prevista dall'articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera c) del trattato, in base alla quale possono essere ritenuti compatibili con il mercato comune gli aiuti destinati ad agevolare lo sviluppo di talune attività o di talune regioni economiche, sempre che non alterino le condizioni degli scambi in misura contraria al comune interesse. |
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19.

Nella fattispecie, tenuto conto delle informazioni disponibili, l'unica deroga applicabile è quella prevista dall'articolo 87, paragrafo 3, lettera c) del trattato, in base alla quale possono essere ritenuti compatibili con il mercato comune gli aiuti destinati ad agevolare lo sviluppo di talune attività o di talune regioni economiche, sempre che non alterino le condizioni degli scambi in misura contraria al comune interesse.

| 20. | Affinché tale deroga sia applicabile occorre che la Commissione non nutra dubbi sulla compatibilità delle misure in esame. |
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20.

Affinché tale deroga sia applicabile occorre che la Commissione non nutra dubbi sulla compatibilità delle misure in esame.

| 21. | Nel caso di specie, la Commissione sottolinea che, nelle osservazioni che esse hanno formulato in seguito all'apertura della procedura di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2 del trattato nei riguardi dell'esenzione prevista dall'articolo 5, comma 5 del decreto legge 30 settembre 2000, n. 268 (fascicolo C 6/2004 vedi punto 2) e che esse considerano parimenti valide per le esenzioni previste dalle disposizioni di cui ai punti 8-11, le autorità italiane hanno combinato insieme tre argomentazioni da suddividere in due categorie: da un lato, l'esistenza di aiuti di Stato e l'aspetto fiscale della controversia [indissociabili, come mostra il punto 15 b)], dall'altro, l'autorizzazione ai sensi delle direttive 92/81/CEE e 2003/96/CE. |
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21.

Nel caso di specie, la Commissione sottolinea che, nelle osservazioni che esse hanno formulato in seguito all'apertura della procedura di cui all'articolo 88, paragrafo 2 del trattato nei riguardi dell'esenzione prevista dall'articolo 5, comma 5 del decreto legge 30 settembre 2000, n. 268 (fascicolo C 6/2004 vedi punto 2) e che esse considerano parimenti valide per le esenzioni previste dalle disposizioni di cui ai punti 8-11, le autorità italiane hanno combinato insieme tre argomentazioni da suddividere in due categorie: da un lato, l'esistenza di aiuti di Stato e l'aspetto fiscale della controversia [indissociabili, come mostra il punto 15 b)], dall'altro, l'autorizzazione ai sensi delle direttive 92/81/CEE e 2003/96/CE.

Esistenza di aiuti di Stato e aspetto fiscale della materia — compatibilità con il mercato comune

| 22. | Nelle osservazioni di cui al punto 21, le autorità italiane hanno fatto presente che il sistema di esenzione dalle accise applicato dall'Italia non comportava elementi di aiuti di Stato ai sensi dell'articolo 87, paragrafo 1 del trattato. A sostegno di tale affermazione, esse hanno spiegato che l'esenzione dalle accise per le coltivazioni sotto serra non creava alcuna discriminazione nei settori agricolo e orticolo, in quanto tutti gli operatori all'interno dei due settori erano liberi di scegliere fra coltivazioni in campo e coltivazioni sotto serra. Esse hanno inoltre fatto riferimento alle conclusioni del Consiglio ECOFIN del 19 marzo 2003, secondo le quali le deroghe al regime fiscale generale o le differenziazioni al suo interno che sono giustificate dalla natura o dalle caratteristiche generali del regime fiscale non comportano aiuti di Stato. |
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22.

Nelle osservazioni di cui al punto 21, le autorità italiane hanno fatto presente che il sistema di esenzione dalle accise applicato dall'Italia non comportava elementi di aiuti di Stato ai sensi dell'articolo 87, paragrafo 1 del trattato. A sostegno di tale affermazione, esse hanno spiegato che l'esenzione dalle accise per le coltivazioni sotto serra non creava alcuna discriminazione nei settori agricolo e orticolo, in quanto tutti gli operatori all'interno dei due settori erano liberi di scegliere fra coltivazioni in campo e coltivazioni sotto serra. Esse hanno inoltre fatto riferimento alle conclusioni del Consiglio ECOFIN del 19 marzo 2003, secondo le quali le deroghe al regime fiscale generale o le differenziazioni al suo interno che sono giustificate dalla natura o dalle caratteristiche generali del regime fiscale non comportano aiuti di Stato.

| 23. | Per quanto riguarda la presenza di elementi di aiuti di Stato, la Commissione ha già chiarito, al punto 17, per quali ragioni le esenzioni considerate sopra ai punti 8-11 sembrano corrispondere alla definizione degli aiuti di Stato di cui all'articolo 87, paragrafo 1 del trattato. |
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23.

Per quanto riguarda la presenza di elementi di aiuti di Stato, la Commissione ha già chiarito, al punto 17, per quali ragioni le esenzioni considerate sopra ai punti 8-11 sembrano corrispondere alla definizione degli aiuti di Stato di cui all'articolo 87, paragrafo 1 del trattato.

| 24. | Inoltre, l'affermazione secondo la quale la libertà di praticare coltivazioni in campo o sotto serra rende impossibile una discriminazione tra produttori in campo e produttori sotto serra sembra contestabile in questa fase, in quanto l'esenzione sembra essere stata concepita non come uno strumento che incoraggi la pratica della coltura sotto serra e che offra la possibilità agli interessati di ottenere un vantaggio che essi non otterrebbero praticando la coltivazione in campo, bensì come uno strumento destinato a sollevare da un onere finanziario alcuni beneficiari che già operano nel settore di cui trattasi e in tal senso sembra creare una discriminazione nei confronti dei produttori che praticano colture in campo. |
| --- | --- |

24.

Inoltre, l'affermazione secondo la quale la libertà di praticare coltivazioni in campo o sotto serra rende impossibile una discriminazione tra produttori in campo e produttori sotto serra sembra contestabile in questa fase, in quanto l'esenzione sembra essere stata concepita non come uno strumento che incoraggi la pratica della coltura sotto serra e che offra la possibilità agli interessati di ottenere un vantaggio che essi non otterrebbero praticando la coltivazione in campo, bensì come uno strumento destinato a sollevare da un onere finanziario alcuni beneficiari che già operano nel settore di cui trattasi e in tal senso sembra creare una discriminazione nei confronti dei produttori che praticano colture in campo.

| 25. | Infine, per quanto riguarda il riferimento alle conclusioni del Consiglio ECOFIN del 19 marzo 2003, le autorità italiane non hanno ancora fornito informazioni che permettano alla Commissione di verificare se le differenziazioni effettuate nel regime italiano di esenzione dalle accise siano giustificate dalla natura o dalle caratteristiche generali del regime. |
| --- | --- |

25.

Infine, per quanto riguarda il riferimento alle conclusioni del Consiglio ECOFIN del 19 marzo 2003, le autorità italiane non hanno ancora fornito informazioni che permettano alla Commissione di verificare se le differenziazioni effettuate nel regime italiano di esenzione dalle accise siano giustificate dalla natura o dalle caratteristiche generali del regime.

| 26. | Pertanto, la Commissione in questa fase non può che mantenere la sua posizione secondo la quale le esenzioni descritte al punto 8 sembrano costituire una misura che comporta elementi di aiuti di Stato e poiché le autorità italiane, ritenendo che le esenzioni dalle accise non costituiscano aiuti di Stato, non hanno fornito nelle loro osservazioni elementi che giustifichino le esenzioni di cui ai punti 8-11 alla luce delle norme applicabili in materia di aiuti di Stato, la Commissione in questa fase dubita della compatibilità con il mercato comune delle esenzioni di cui ai punti 8-11. |
| --- | --- |

26.

Pertanto, la Commissione in questa fase non può che mantenere la sua posizione secondo la quale le esenzioni descritte al punto 8 sembrano costituire una misura che comporta elementi di aiuti di Stato e poiché le autorità italiane, ritenendo che le esenzioni dalle accise non costituiscano aiuti di Stato, non hanno fornito nelle loro osservazioni elementi che giustifichino le esenzioni di cui ai punti 8-11 alla luce delle norme applicabili in materia di aiuti di Stato, la Commissione in questa fase dubita della compatibilità con il mercato comune delle esenzioni di cui ai punti 8-11.

Autorizzazione ai sensi delle direttive 92/81/CEE e 2003/96/CE.

| 27. | Al momento, esaminando le esenzioni previste dalle disposizioni di cui ai punti 8-11 alla luce delle direttive 92/81/CEE e 2003/96/CE a cui fanno riferimento le autorità italiane, la Commissione constata che:






  a) | l'articolo 8, paragrafo 2, lettera f) della direttiva 92/81/CEE del Consiglio, del 19 ottobre 1992, relativa all'armonizzazione delle strutture delle accise sugli oli minerali (5), stabilisce che ‘fatte salve altre disposizioni comunitarie, gli Stati membri possono applicare esenzioni o riduzioni totali o parziali dell'aliquota di accisa agli oli minerali usati sotto controllo fiscale [...] esclusivamente nei lavori agricoli o orticoli nonché nella silvicoltura e nella piscicoltura d'acqua dolce’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

27.

Al momento, esaminando le esenzioni previste dalle disposizioni di cui ai punti 8-11 alla luce delle direttive 92/81/CEE e 2003/96/CE a cui fanno riferimento le autorità italiane, la Commissione constata che:

a)

l'articolo 8, paragrafo 2, lettera f) della direttiva 92/81/CEE del Consiglio, del 19 ottobre 1992, relativa all'armonizzazione delle strutture delle accise sugli oli minerali (5), stabilisce che ‘fatte salve altre disposizioni comunitarie, gli Stati membri possono applicare esenzioni o riduzioni totali o parziali dell'aliquota di accisa agli oli minerali usati sotto controllo fiscale [...] esclusivamente nei lavori agricoli o orticoli nonché nella silvicoltura e nella piscicoltura d'acqua dolce’;

| b) | la direttiva 92/81/CE è stata abrogata a decorrere dal 31 dicembre 2003 dalla direttiva 2003/96/CE del Consiglio, del 27 ottobre 2003, che ristruttura il quadro comunitario per la tassazione dei prodotti energetici e dell'elettricità (6), entrata in vigore il 31 ottobre 2003; il quindicesimo considerando di detta direttiva dice che in talune circostanze o in determinate condizioni di natura strutturale è opportuno consentire l'applicazione di aliquote differenziate nazionali di tassazione per uno stesso prodotto, purché siano rispettati i livelli minimi comunitari di tassazione e le norme in materia di mercato interno e di concorrenza; il ventiquattresimo considerando dice che è opportuno consentire agli Stati membri di applicare determinate ulteriori esenzioni o riduzioni del livello di tassazione quando ciò non pregiudica il corretto funzionamento del mercato interno e non comporta distorsioni della concorrenza; infine, l'articolo 15, paragrafo 3 della stessa direttiva dice gli Stati membri possono applicare un livello di tassazione fino a zero ai prodotti energetici e all'elettricità utilizzati nei lavori nei settori dell'agricoltura, dell'orticoltura o della piscicoltura, e della silvicoltura, ma il paragrafo 1 del medesimo articolo precisa altresì che tali esenzioni possono essere applicate fatte salve le altre disposizioni comunitarie. |
| --- | --- |

b)

la direttiva 92/81/CE è stata abrogata a decorrere dal 31 dicembre 2003 dalla direttiva 2003/96/CE del Consiglio, del 27 ottobre 2003, che ristruttura il quadro comunitario per la tassazione dei prodotti energetici e dell'elettricità (6), entrata in vigore il 31 ottobre 2003; il quindicesimo considerando di detta direttiva dice che in talune circostanze o in determinate condizioni di natura strutturale è opportuno consentire l'applicazione di aliquote differenziate nazionali di tassazione per uno stesso prodotto, purché siano rispettati i livelli minimi comunitari di tassazione e le norme in materia di mercato interno e di concorrenza; il ventiquattresimo considerando dice che è opportuno consentire agli Stati membri di applicare determinate ulteriori esenzioni o riduzioni del livello di tassazione quando ciò non pregiudica il corretto funzionamento del mercato interno e non comporta distorsioni della concorrenza; infine, l'articolo 15, paragrafo 3 della stessa direttiva dice gli Stati membri possono applicare un livello di tassazione fino a zero ai prodotti energetici e all'elettricità utilizzati nei lavori nei settori dell'agricoltura, dell'orticoltura o della piscicoltura, e della silvicoltura, ma il paragrafo 1 del medesimo articolo precisa altresì che tali esenzioni possono essere applicate fatte salve le altre disposizioni comunitarie.

| 28. | Le due direttive insistono dunque sul fatto che le esenzioni dalle accise sono ammissibili solo se conformi alle altre disposizioni del diritto comunitario (tra le quali figurano le regole di concorrenza e, pertanto, le norme in materia di aiuti di Stato) e se non creano distorsioni della concorrenza. |
| --- | --- |

28.

Le due direttive insistono dunque sul fatto che le esenzioni dalle accise sono ammissibili solo se conformi alle altre disposizioni del diritto comunitario (tra le quali figurano le regole di concorrenza e, pertanto, le norme in materia di aiuti di Stato) e se non creano distorsioni della concorrenza.

| 29. | Poiché in questa fase le autorità italiane non hanno fornito informazioni che giustifichino le esenzioni dalle accise di cui ai punti 8-11 alla luce delle norme applicabili in materia di aiuti di Stato, la Commissione non può escludere che le suddette esenzioni non siano conformi alle norme in questione e creino una distorsione della concorrenza (vedi punto 23), tanto più che le autorità italiane sembrano contraddirsi affermando, da un lato, di non essere in possesso di dati riguardanti gli importi che i produttori di colture sotto serra hanno potuto risparmiare (vedi punto 12) e, dall'altro, di disporre di valutazioni e di dati provenienti da fonti ufficiali che dimostrano che la misura di cui trattasi ‘non pregiudica il corretto funzionamento del mercato interno e non comporta distorsioni della concorrenza’ (vedi punto 16). |
| --- | --- |

29.

Poiché in questa fase le autorità italiane non hanno fornito informazioni che giustifichino le esenzioni dalle accise di cui ai punti 8-11 alla luce delle norme applicabili in materia di aiuti di Stato, la Commissione non può escludere che le suddette esenzioni non siano conformi alle norme in questione e creino una distorsione della concorrenza (vedi punto 23), tanto più che le autorità italiane sembrano contraddirsi affermando, da un lato, di non essere in possesso di dati riguardanti gli importi che i produttori di colture sotto serra hanno potuto risparmiare (vedi punto 12) e, dall'altro, di disporre di valutazioni e di dati provenienti da fonti ufficiali che dimostrano che la misura di cui trattasi ‘non pregiudica il corretto funzionamento del mercato interno e non comporta distorsioni della concorrenza’ (vedi punto 16).

| 30. | Inoltre, occorre sottolineare che tale distorsione della concorrenza, di cui la Commissione non può escludere l'esistenza in questa fase, implicherebbe che le esenzioni siano state applicate in violazione delle disposizioni delle direttive 92/81/CEE e 2003/96/CE, poiché queste ultime precisano chiaramente che le esenzioni dalle accise sono autorizzate nella misura in cui non pregiudichino altre disposizioni comunitarie e non creino distorsioni della concorrenza. |
| --- | --- |

30.

Inoltre, occorre sottolineare che tale distorsione della concorrenza, di cui la Commissione non può escludere l'esistenza in questa fase, implicherebbe che le esenzioni siano state applicate in violazione delle disposizioni delle direttive 92/81/CEE e 2003/96/CE, poiché queste ultime precisano chiaramente che le esenzioni dalle accise sono autorizzate nella misura in cui non pregiudichino altre disposizioni comunitarie e non creino distorsioni della concorrenza.

| 31. | Tenuto conto di tutti gli elementi sopra esaminati alla luce delle norme in materia di concorrenza, la Commissione ha deciso di iniziare la procedura prevista dall'articolo 88, paragrafo 2 del trattato. |
| --- | --- |

31.

Tenuto conto di tutti gli elementi sopra esaminati alla luce delle norme in materia di concorrenza, la Commissione ha deciso di iniziare la procedura prevista dall'articolo 88, paragrafo 2 del trattato.

| 32. | Nell'ambito di tale procedura, la Commissione invita l'Italia a presentare le proprie osservazioni e a fornire tutte le informazioni utili ai fini della valutazione degli aiuti in oggetto entro un mese dalla data di ricezione della presente. Essa invita inoltre le autorità italiane a trasmettere senza indugio copia della presente lettera ai beneficiari potenziali dell'aiuto. |
| --- | --- |

32.

Nell'ambito di tale procedura, la Commissione invita l'Italia a presentare le proprie osservazioni e a fornire tutte le informazioni utili ai fini della valutazione degli aiuti in oggetto entro un mese dalla data di ricezione della presente. Essa invita inoltre le autorità italiane a trasmettere senza indugio copia della presente lettera ai beneficiari potenziali dell'aiuto.

| 33. | La Commissione desidera richiamare all'attenzione dell'Italia che l'articolo 88, paragrafo 3 del trattato CE ha effetto sospensivo e che, in forza dell'articolo 14 del regolamento (CE) n. 659/1999 del Consiglio, essa può imporre allo Stato membro interessato di recuperare ogni aiuto illegale dal beneficiario. |
| --- | --- |

33.

La Commissione desidera richiamare all'attenzione dell'Italia che l'articolo 88, paragrafo 3 del trattato CE ha effetto sospensivo e che, in forza dell'articolo 14 del regolamento (CE) n. 659/1999 del Consiglio, essa può imporre allo Stato membro interessato di recuperare ogni aiuto illegale dal beneficiario.

| 34. | Con la presente la Commissione comunica all'Italia che informerà gli interessati attraverso la pubblicazione della presente lettera e di una sintesi della stessa nella Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea. Tutti gli interessati anzidetti saranno invitati a presentare osservazioni entro un mese dalla data di detta pubblicazione. |
| --- | --- |

34.

Con la presente la Commissione comunica all'Italia che informerà gli interessati attraverso la pubblicazione della presente lettera e di una sintesi della stessa nella Gazzetta ufficiale dell'Unione europea. Tutti gli interessati anzidetti saranno invitati a presentare osservazioni entro un mese dalla data di detta pubblicazione.

| 35. | Si invitano le autorità italiane a indicare se le osservazioni richieste sopra al punto 31 debbano essere considerate valide per l'esame del fascicolo C 6/2004. |
| --- | --- |

35.

Si invitano le autorità italiane a indicare se le osservazioni richieste sopra al punto 31 debbano essere considerate valide per l'esame del fascicolo C 6/2004.

---

(1)  Vedi lettera SG-Greffe (2004) D/200646.

(2)  Documento AGR 15202 del 10.6.2004

(3)  GU L 316 del 31.10.1992, pag. 12.

(4)  GU L 283 du 31.10.2003, pag. 51.

(5)  GU L 316 del 31.10.1992, pag. 12.

(6)  GU L 283 del 31.10.2003, pag. 51.

---

| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/22 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/22

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.3785 — TPG/APAX/TIM Hellas)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2005/C 101/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | On 15 April 2005, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the US undertaking TPG Advisors IV, Inc. (TPG) and the British undertaking APAX Europe VI (APAX), controlled by the Guernsey-based company Hirzell, acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the Greek undertaking TIM Hellas Telecommunications S.A. (TIM Hellas) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 15 April 2005, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the US undertaking TPG Advisors IV, Inc. (TPG) and the British undertaking APAX Europe VI (APAX), controlled by the Guernsey-based company Hirzell, acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation joint control of the Greek undertaking TIM Hellas Telecommunications S.A. (TIM Hellas) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | for TPG: private equity fund, |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for TPG: private equity fund,

| — | for APAX: pan-European investment fund, |
| --- | --- |

—

for APAX: pan-European investment fund,

| — | for TIM Hellas: supplier of mobile telecommunications products and services to end-users in Greece. |
| --- | --- |

—

for TIM Hellas: supplier of mobile telecommunications products and services to end-users in Greece.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.3785 — TPG/APAX/TIM Hellas, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition, |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Brussels |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.3785 — TPG/APAX/TIM Hellas, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition,

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Brussels

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.

---

| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/23

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.3628 — Gilde/Bekaert Fencing)

(2005/C 101/06)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 16 February 2005, 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) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site 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 32005M3628. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3628. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/23

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.3706 — Övag/Investkredit)

(2005/C 101/07)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 15 April 2005, 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) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in German and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site 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 32005M3706. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3706. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/24 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/24

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.3745 — Severstal/Lucchini)

(2005/C 101/08)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 11 April 2005, 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) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site 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 32005M3745. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3745. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/24 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/24

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.3697 — Symantec/Veritas)

(2005/C 101/09)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 15 March 2005, 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) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site 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 32005M3697. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32005M3697. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/25 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/25

---

Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case COMP/M.3311 — Van Oord/BHD/Bagger Holding JV)

(2005/C 101/10)

(Text with EEA relevance)

On 11 December 2003, 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) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89. The full text of the decision is available only in English and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

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

—

from the Europa competition web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/). This web site 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 32003M3311. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex) |
| --- | --- |

—

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website under document number 32003M3311. EUR-Lex is the on-line access to European law. (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex)

---

| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/26 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/26

---

Notice of initiation of a reinvestigation pursuant to Article 12 of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of sodium cyclamate originating in the People's Republic of China

(2005/C 101/11)

The Commission has received a request pursuant to Article 12 of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 (1) (‘the basic Regulation’), to investigate whether the anti-dumping measures imposed on imports of sodium cyclamate originating in the People's Republic of China have had an effect on export prices, resale prices or subsequent selling prices in the Community.

1.   Request for review

The request was lodged on 14 March 2005 by Productos Aditivos S.A. (‘the applicant’), the sole producer in the Community of sodium cyclamate.

2.   Product

The product concerned is sodium cyclamate originating, inter alia, in the People's Republic of China (‘the product concerned’), currently classifiable within CN code ex 2929 90 00. This CN code is given only for information.

3.   Existing measures

The measures currently in force are definitive anti-dumping duties imposed by Council Regulation (EC) No 435/2004 (2) on imports of sodium cyclamate originating, inter alia, in the People's Republic of China.

4.   Grounds for the reinvestigation

The applicant has submitted sufficient evidence showing that, following the imposition of the anti-dumping duties on imports of sodium cyclamate originating in the People's Republic of China, export prices have decreased and there has been insufficient movement in resale prices or subsequent selling prices in the Community.

The applicant has provided evidence indicating that export prices and resale prices have dropped after the imposition of measures, even though the prices of raw materials increased significantly and the anti-dumping duties were imposed at the beginning of 2004.

The applicant also has examined other factors that might have had an impact on export prices of the product concerned in the Community, i.e. exchange rates, raw material cost, etc. No other factors appear to explain the aforementioned price evolution.

5.   Procedure

Having determined, after consulting the Advisory Committee, that the request has been lodged by the Community industry and that there is sufficient evidence to justify the initiation of an investigation, the Commission hereby initiates a reinvestigation, pursuant to Article 12 of the basic Regulation, of the measures applicable to imports of sodium cyclamate originating in the People's Republic of China to examine whether the measures have had effects on the export prices, resale prices and subsequent selling prices in the Community.

(a)   Questionnaires

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for the reinvestigation, the Commission will send questionnaires to the exporters/producers in the People's Republic of China, to the importers and to the authorities of the exporting country concerned.

In any event, all interested parties should contact the Commission forthwith by fax in order to find out whether they are listed in the request and, if necessary, request a questionnaire within the time limit set in paragraph 6(a) of this notice, given that the time limit set in paragraph 6(b) of this notice applies to all interested parties.

(b)   Collection of information and holding of hearings

All interested parties are hereby invited to make their views known, submit information other than questionnaire replies and to provide supporting evidence. This information and supporting evidence must reach the Commission within the time limit set in paragraph 6(b) of this notice.

Furthermore, the Commission may hear interested parties, provided that they make a request showing that there are particular reasons why they should be heard. This request must be made within the time limit set in paragraph 6(c) of this notice.

6.   Time limits

(a)   For parties to request a questionnaire

All interested parties who did not cooperate in the investigation leading to the measures subject to the present reinvestigation should request a questionnaire as soon as possible, but not later than 15 days after the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

(b)   For parties to make themselves known, to submit questionnaire replies and any other information

All interested parties, if their representations are to be taken into account during the reinvestigation, must make themselves known by contacting the Commission, present their views and submit questionnaire replies or any other information within 40 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless otherwise specified. Attention is drawn to the fact that the exercise of most procedural rights set out in the basic Regulation depends on the party's making itself known within the aforementioned period.

(c)   Hearings

All interested parties may also apply to be heard by the Commission within the same 40-day time limit.

7.   Written submissions, questionnaire replies and correspondence

All submissions and requests made by interested parties must be made in writing (not in electronic format, unless otherwise specified) and must indicate the name, address, e-mail address, telephone and fax of the interested party. All written submissions, including the questionnaire replies and correspondence provided by interested parties on a confidential basis shall be labelled as ‘Limited’ (3) and, in accordance with Article 19(2) of the basic Regulation, shall be accompanied by a non-confidential version, which will be labelled ‘FOR INSPECTION BY INTERESTED PARTIES’.

Commission address for correspondence:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate General for Trade |
| Directorate B |
| Office: J-79 5/16 |
| B-1049 Brussels |
| Fax (32-2) 295 65 05 |

European Commission

Directorate General for Trade

Directorate B

Office: J-79 5/16

B-1049 Brussels

Fax (32-2) 295 65 05

8.   Non-cooperation

In cases in which any interested party refuses access to or does not provide the necessary information within the time limits, or significantly impedes the investigation, provisional or final findings, affirmative or negative, may be made in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation, on the basis of the facts available.

Where it is found that any interested party has supplied false or misleading information, the information shall be disregarded and use may be made of the facts available. If an interested party does not cooperate or cooperates only partially and findings are therefore based on facts available in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation, the result may be less favourable to that party than if it had cooperated.

---

(1)  OJ L 56, 6.3.1996, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 461/2004 (OJ L 77, 13.3.2004, p. 12).

(2)  OJ L 72, 11.3.2004, p. 1.

(3)  This means that the document is for internal use only. It is protected pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43). It is a confidential document pursuant to Article 19 of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 (OJ L 56, 6.3.1996, p. 1) and Article 6 of the WTO Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-Dumping Agreement).

---

| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/28 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/28

---

COMMISSION OPINION

of 25 April 2005

concerning the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from Dounreay Site Restoration Plan (DSRP) in Scotland in the United Kingdom, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty

(2005/C 101/12)

(Only the English text is authentic)

On 5 May 2004, the European Commission received from the Government of the United Kingdom, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty, General Data relating to the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste arising from the Dounreay site Restoration Plan (DSRP).

Having examined the General Data, as well as the extensive amount of complementary information requested during the review by the Commission in order to complete the information provided in the initial General Data, the Commission notes that in the course of this procedure, the UK authorities provided not only new information but also corrections to the initial General Data in particular as regards the radiological impact assessment of certain accidents scenarios that could result in unplanned discharges.

On the basis of the entire set of information provided and following consultation with the Group of Experts, the Commission has drawn up the following opinion:

| 1. | The distance between the plant and the nearest point of another Member State, in this case Ireland, is approximately 645 km. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The distance between the plant and the nearest point of another Member State, in this case Ireland, is approximately 645 km.

| 2. | Under normal operating conditions, the discharges of liquid and gaseous effluents will not cause an exposure of the population in other Member States significant from the point of view of health. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Under normal operating conditions, the discharges of liquid and gaseous effluents will not cause an exposure of the population in other Member States significant from the point of view of health.

| 3. | Low and intermediate level solid radioactive waste arising from the operations of the Dounreay Site Restoration Plan will be stored on-site. Low level solid radioactive waste will be transferred later to Drigg or to other authorised disposal facilities. Disposal facilities for intermediate level solid radioactive waste will not be available before 2040. Non-radioactive solid waste and materials in compliance with clearance levels will be released from regulatory control for disposal as conventional waste or for recycling or reuse. This will be done in compliance with the criteria laid down in the Basic Safety Standards (Directive 96/29/Euratom). |
| --- | --- |

3.

Low and intermediate level solid radioactive waste arising from the operations of the Dounreay Site Restoration Plan will be stored on-site. Low level solid radioactive waste will be transferred later to Drigg or to other authorised disposal facilities. Disposal facilities for intermediate level solid radioactive waste will not be available before 2040. Non-radioactive solid waste and materials in compliance with clearance levels will be released from regulatory control for disposal as conventional waste or for recycling or reuse. This will be done in compliance with the criteria laid down in the Basic Safety Standards (Directive 96/29/Euratom).

| 4. | In the event of unplanned discharges of radioactive waste, which may follow an accident of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, the doses likely to be received by the population in other Member States would not be significant from the point of view of health. |
| --- | --- |

4.

In the event of unplanned discharges of radioactive waste, which may follow an accident of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, the doses likely to be received by the population in other Member States would not be significant from the point of view of health.

In conclusion, the Commission is of the opinion that the implementation of the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste in whatever form arising from the Dounreay site Restoration Plan (DSRP) in Scotland in the United Kingdom, both in normal operation and in the event of an accident of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, is not liable to result in radioactive contamination, significant from the point of view of health, of the water, soil or airspace of another Member State.

However, the Commission notes that fourteen new installations will be constructed to address specific waste management requirements in the course of implementation of the DSRP and that for these installations incomplete data was presented to the Commission. The Commission confirms the necessity to obtain further detailed and comprehensive information, as soon as available, for these installations in order to be able to check if the current radiological impact assessments in normal and accidental conditions are still valid. The Commission further notes that for unplanned releases of radioactive effluents, the General Data include a categorisation procedure of the facilities, based on hazard potential and corresponding radiological consequences, and that only those facilities with the identified potential to cause a significant threat to members of the public (off-site dose exceeding 5 mSv) are examined in detail. While for a complex nuclear site there is merit in introducing a categorisation of the facilities as regards the accident scenarios, the Commission is not satisfied that as a matter of simplification the General Data submitted did not include information on estimated amounts and physico-chemical forms of the radionuclides present in each of the facilities on the site nor on the quantities assumed to be released in the event of the accident considered for each of those facilities.

---

| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/29 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/29

---

Information procedure — Technical rules

(2005/C 101/13)

(Text with EEA relevance)

Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 June 1998 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations and of rules on Information Society services. (OJ L 204, 21.7.1998, p. 37; OJ L 217, 5.8.1998, p. 18).

Notifications of draft national technical rules received by the Commission

| Reference (1) | Title | End of three-month standstill period (2) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2005/0143/D | Amendments and supplements to the Specimen List of Technical Building Regulations of February 2005 | 6.7.2005 |
| 2005/0144/UK | The Tryptophan in Foods (England) Regulation 2005 | 6.7.2005 |
| 2005/0145/UK | The Tryptophan in Food Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 | 6.7.2005 |
| 2005/0146/UK | The Tryptophan in Foods (Scotland) Regulation 2005 | 6.7.2005 |
| 2005/0147/UK | The Tryptophan in Foods (Wales) Regulations 2005 | 6.7.2005 |
| 2005/0148/A | Guidelines and regulations for road construction RVS 8.01.15, Technical terms of contract, materials, rocky material for the reinforcement of embankments, banks and beds | 7.7.2005 |
| 2005/0149/A | The state of the art in composting — Guideline from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Environment and Water Management | 7.7.2005 |
| 2005/0150/CZ | Draft Act, amending Act No. 477/2001 Coll. on packaging and amending certain Acts (the Packaging Act), as amended | 8.7.2005 |

Reference (1)

Title

End of three-month standstill period (2)

2005/0143/D

Amendments and supplements to the Specimen List of Technical Building Regulations of February 2005

6.7.2005

2005/0144/UK

The Tryptophan in Foods (England) Regulation 2005

6.7.2005

2005/0145/UK

The Tryptophan in Food Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005

6.7.2005

2005/0146/UK

The Tryptophan in Foods (Scotland) Regulation 2005

6.7.2005

2005/0147/UK

The Tryptophan in Foods (Wales) Regulations 2005

6.7.2005

2005/0148/A

Guidelines and regulations for road construction RVS 8.01.15, Technical terms of contract, materials, rocky material for the reinforcement of embankments, banks and beds

7.7.2005

2005/0149/A

The state of the art in composting — Guideline from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Environment and Water Management

7.7.2005

2005/0150/CZ

Draft Act, amending Act No. 477/2001 Coll. on packaging and amending certain Acts (the Packaging Act), as amended

8.7.2005

The Commission draws attention to the judgement delivered on 30 April 1996 in the ‘CIA Security’ case (C-194/94 — ECR I, p. 2201), in which the Court of Justice ruled that Articles 8 and 9 of Directive 98/34/EC (formerly 83/189/EEC) are to be interpreted as meaning that individuals may rely on them before national courts which must decline to apply a national technical regulation which has not been notified in accordance with the Directive.

This judgement confirms the Commission's communication of 1 October 1986 (OJ C 245, 1.10.1986, p. 4).

Accordingly, breach of the obligation to notify renders the technical regulations concerned inapplicable, and consequently unenforceable against individuals.

For more information on the notification procedure, please write to:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| DG Enterprise and Industry, Unit C3 |
| B–1049 Brussels |
| e-mail: Dir83-189-Central@cec.eu.int |

European Commission

DG Enterprise and Industry, Unit C3

B–1049 Brussels

e-mail: Dir83-189-Central@cec.eu.int

Also consult the website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/tris/

If you require any further information on these notifications, please contact the national departments listed below:

LIST OF NATIONAL DEPARTMENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF DIRECTIVE 98/34/EC

BELGIUM

| BELNotif |
| --- |
| Qualité et Sécurité |
| SPF Economie, PME, Classes moyennes et Energie |
| NG III – 4ème étage |
| boulevard du Roi Albert II / 16 |
| B-1000 Bruxelles |
| Ms Pascaline Descamps |
| Tel.: (32) 2 206 46 89 |
| Fax: (32) 2 206 57 46 |
| E-mail: pascaline.descamps@mineco.fgov.be |
| paolo.caruso@mineco.fgov.be |
| General e-mail: belnotif@mineco.fgov.be |
| Website: http://www.mineco.fgov.be |

BELNotif

Qualité et Sécurité

SPF Economie, PME, Classes moyennes et Energie

NG III – 4ème étage

boulevard du Roi Albert II / 16

B-1000 Bruxelles

Ms Pascaline Descamps

Tel.: (32) 2 206 46 89

Fax: (32) 2 206 57 46

E-mail: pascaline.descamps@mineco.fgov.be

paolo.caruso@mineco.fgov.be

General e-mail: belnotif@mineco.fgov.be

Website: http://www.mineco.fgov.be

CZECH REPUBLIC

| Czech Office for Standards, Metrology and Testing |
| --- |
| Gorazdova 24 |
| P.O. BOX 49 |
| CZ-128 01 Praha 2 |
| Ms Helena Fofonková |
| Tel.: (420) 224 907 125 |
| Fax: (420) 224 907 122 |
| E-mail: fofonkova@unmz.cz |
| General e-mail: eu9834@unmz.cz |
| Website: http://www.unmz.cz |

Czech Office for Standards, Metrology and Testing

Gorazdova 24

P.O. BOX 49

CZ-128 01 Praha 2

Ms Helena Fofonková

Tel.: (420) 224 907 125

Fax: (420) 224 907 122

E-mail: fofonkova@unmz.cz

General e-mail: eu9834@unmz.cz

Website: http://www.unmz.cz

DENMARK

| Erhvervs- og Boligstyrelsen |
| --- |
| Dahlerups Pakhus |
| Langelinie Allé 17 |
| DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø (or DK-2100 Copenhagen OE) |
| Tel.: (45) 35 46 66 89 (direct) |
| Fax: (45) 35 46 62 03 |
| E-mail: Ms Birgitte Spühler Hansen - bsh@ebst.dk |
| Mutual mailbox for notification messages - noti@ebst.dk |
| Website: http://www.ebst.dk/Notifikationer |

Erhvervs- og Boligstyrelsen

Dahlerups Pakhus

Langelinie Allé 17

DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø (or DK-2100 Copenhagen OE)

Tel.: (45) 35 46 66 89 (direct)

Fax: (45) 35 46 62 03

E-mail: Ms Birgitte Spühler Hansen - bsh@ebst.dk

Mutual mailbox for notification messages - noti@ebst.dk

Website: http://www.ebst.dk/Notifikationer

GERMANY

| Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Arbeit |
| --- |
| Referat XA2 |
| Scharnhorststr. 34 - 37 |
| D-10115 Berlin |
| Ms Christina Jäckel |
| Tel.: (49) 30 2014 6353 |
| Fax: (49) 30 2014 5379 |
| E-mail: infonorm@bmwa.bund.de |
| Website: http://www.bmwa.bund.de |

Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Arbeit

Referat XA2

Scharnhorststr. 34 - 37

D-10115 Berlin

Ms Christina Jäckel

Tel.: (49) 30 2014 6353

Fax: (49) 30 2014 5379

E-mail: infonorm@bmwa.bund.de

Website: http://www.bmwa.bund.de

ESTONIA

| Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications |
| --- |
| Harju str. 11 |
| EE-15072 Tallinn |
| Mr Margus Alver |
| Tel.: (372) 6 256 405 |
| Fax: (372) 6 313 660 |
| E-mail: margus.alver@mkm.ee |
| General e-mail: el.teavitamine@mkm.ee |

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications

Harju str. 11

EE-15072 Tallinn

Mr Margus Alver

Tel.: (372) 6 256 405

Fax: (372) 6 313 660

E-mail: margus.alver@mkm.ee

General e-mail: el.teavitamine@mkm.ee

GREECE

| Ministry of Development |
| --- |
| General Secretariat of Industry |
| Mesogeion 119 |
| GR-101 92 ATHENS |
| Tel.: (30) 210 696 98 63 |
| Fax: (30) 210 696 91 06 |

Ministry of Development

General Secretariat of Industry

Mesogeion 119

GR-101 92 ATHENS

Tel.: (30) 210 696 98 63

Fax: (30) 210 696 91 06

| ELOT |
| --- |
| Acharnon 313 |
| GR-111 45 ATHENS |
| Tel.: (30) 210 212 03 01 |
| Fax: (30) 210 228 62 19 |
| E-mail: 83189in@elot.gr |
| Website: http://www.elot.gr |

ELOT

Acharnon 313

GR-111 45 ATHENS

Tel.: (30) 210 212 03 01

Fax: (30) 210 228 62 19

E-mail: 83189in@elot.gr

Website: http://www.elot.gr

SPAIN

| Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores |
| --- |
| Secretaría de Estado de Asuntos Europeos |
| Direccion General de Coordinacion del Mercado Interior y otras Políticas Comunitarias |
| Subdireccion General de Asuntos Industriales, Energéticos, de Transportes y Comunicaciones y de Medio Ambiente |
| C/Padilla, 46, Planta 2a, Despacho: 6218 |
| E-28006 MADRID |
| Mr Angel Silván Torregrosa |
| Tel.: (34) 91 379 83 32 |
| Ms Esther Pérez Peláez |
| Technical Advisor |
| E-mail: esther.perez@ue.mae.es |
| Tel.: (34) 91 379 84 64 |
| Fax: (34) 91 379 84 01 |
| E-mail: d83-189@ue.mae.es |

Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores

Secretaría de Estado de Asuntos Europeos

Direccion General de Coordinacion del Mercado Interior y otras Políticas Comunitarias

Subdireccion General de Asuntos Industriales, Energéticos, de Transportes y Comunicaciones y de Medio Ambiente

C/Padilla, 46, Planta 2a, Despacho: 6218

E-28006 MADRID

Mr Angel Silván Torregrosa

Tel.: (34) 91 379 83 32

Ms Esther Pérez Peláez

Technical Advisor

E-mail: esther.perez@ue.mae.es

Tel.: (34) 91 379 84 64

Fax: (34) 91 379 84 01

E-mail: d83-189@ue.mae.es

FRANCE

| Délégation interministérielle aux normes |
| --- |
| Direction générale de l'Industrie, des Technologies de l'information et des Postes (DiGITIP) |
| Service des politiques d'innovation et de compétitivité (SPIC) |
| Sous-direction de la normalisation, de la qualité et de la propriété industrielle (SQUALPI) |
| DiGITIP 5 |
| 12, rue Villiot |
| F-75572 Paris Cedex 12 |
| Ms Suzanne Piau |
| Tel.: (33) 1 53 44 97 04 |
| Fax: (33) 1 53 44 98 88 |
| E-mail: suzanne.piau@industrie.gouv.fr |
| Ms Françoise Ouvrard |
| Tel.: (33) 1 53 44 97 05 |
| Fax: (33) 1 53 44 98 88 |
| E-mail: francoise.ouvrard@industrie.gouv.fr |

Délégation interministérielle aux normes

Direction générale de l'Industrie, des Technologies de l'information et des Postes (DiGITIP)

Service des politiques d'innovation et de compétitivité (SPIC)

Sous-direction de la normalisation, de la qualité et de la propriété industrielle (SQUALPI)

DiGITIP 5

12, rue Villiot

F-75572 Paris Cedex 12

Ms Suzanne Piau

Tel.: (33) 1 53 44 97 04

Fax: (33) 1 53 44 98 88

E-mail: suzanne.piau@industrie.gouv.fr

Ms Françoise Ouvrard

Tel.: (33) 1 53 44 97 05

Fax: (33) 1 53 44 98 88

E-mail: francoise.ouvrard@industrie.gouv.fr

IRELAND

| NSAI |
| --- |
| Glasnevin |
| Dublin 9 |
| Ireland |
| Mr Tony Losty |
| Tel.: (353) 1 807 38 80 |
| Fax: (353) 1 807 38 38 |
| E-mail: tony.losty@nsai.ie |
| Website: http://www.nsai.ie |

NSAI

Glasnevin

Dublin 9

Ireland

Mr Tony Losty

Tel.: (353) 1 807 38 80

Fax: (353) 1 807 38 38

E-mail: tony.losty@nsai.ie

Website: http://www.nsai.ie

ITALY

| Ministero delle attività produttive |
| --- |
| Dipartimento per le imprese |
| Direzione Generale per lo sviluppo produttivo e la competitività |
| Ufficio F1 - Ispettorato tecnico dell'industria |
| Via Molise 2 |
| I-00187 Roma |
| Mr Vincenzo Correggia |
| Tel.: (39) 06 47 05 22 05 |
| Fax: (39) 06 47 88 78 05 |
| E-mail: vincenzo.correggia@minindustria.it |
| Mr Enrico Castiglioni |
| Tel.: (39) 06 47 05 26 69 |
| Fax: (39) 06 47 88 77 48 |
| E-mail: enrico.castiglioni@minindustria.it |
| E-mail: ispettoratotecnico@minindustria.flexmail.it |
| Website: http://www.minindustria.it |

Ministero delle attività produttive

Dipartimento per le imprese

Direzione Generale per lo sviluppo produttivo e la competitività

Ufficio F1 - Ispettorato tecnico dell'industria

Via Molise 2

I-00187 Roma

Mr Vincenzo Correggia

Tel.: (39) 06 47 05 22 05

Fax: (39) 06 47 88 78 05

E-mail: vincenzo.correggia@minindustria.it

Mr Enrico Castiglioni

Tel.: (39) 06 47 05 26 69

Fax: (39) 06 47 88 77 48

E-mail: enrico.castiglioni@minindustria.it

E-mail: ispettoratotecnico@minindustria.flexmail.it

Website: http://www.minindustria.it

CYPRUS

| Cyprus Organization for the Promotion of Quality |
| --- |
| Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism |
| 13, A. Araouzou street |
| CY-1421 Nicosia |
| Tel.: (357) 22 409 313 or (357) 22 375 053 |
| Fax: (357) 22 754 103 |
| Mr Antonis Ioannou |
| Tel.: (357) 22 409 409 |
| Fax: (357) 22 754 103 |
| E-mail: aioannou@cys.mcit.gov.cy |
| Ms Thea Andreou |
| Tel.: (357) 22 409 404 |
| Fax: (357) 22 754 103 |
| E-mail: tandreou@cys.mcit.gov.cy |
| General e-mail: dir9834@cys.mcit.gov.cy |
| Website: http://www.cys.mcit.gov.cy |

Cyprus Organization for the Promotion of Quality

Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism

13, A. Araouzou street

CY-1421 Nicosia

Tel.: (357) 22 409 313 or (357) 22 375 053

Fax: (357) 22 754 103

Mr Antonis Ioannou

Tel.: (357) 22 409 409

Fax: (357) 22 754 103

E-mail: aioannou@cys.mcit.gov.cy

Ms Thea Andreou

Tel.: (357) 22 409 404

Fax: (357) 22 754 103

E-mail: tandreou@cys.mcit.gov.cy

General e-mail: dir9834@cys.mcit.gov.cy

Website: http://www.cys.mcit.gov.cy

LATVIA

| Division of the Commercial Normative, SOLVIT and Notification |
| --- |
| Internal Market Department of the |
| Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia |
| 55, Brvibas str. |
| Riga |
| LV-1519 |
| Ms Agra Ločmele |
| Senior Officer of the Division of the Commercial Normative, SOLVIT and Notification |
| E-mail: agra.locmele@em.gov.lv |
| Tel.: (371) 7031236 |
| Fax: (371) 7280882 |
| E-mail: notification@em.gov.lv |

Division of the Commercial Normative, SOLVIT and Notification

Internal Market Department of the

Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia

55, Brvibas str.

Riga

LV-1519

Ms Agra Ločmele

Senior Officer of the Division of the Commercial Normative, SOLVIT and Notification

E-mail: agra.locmele@em.gov.lv

Tel.: (371) 7031236

Fax: (371) 7280882

E-mail: notification@em.gov.lv

LITHUANIA

| Lithuanian Standards Board |
| --- |
| T. Kosciuskos g. 30 |
| LT-01100 Vilnius |
| Ms Daiva Lesickiene |
| Tel.: (370) 5 2709347 |
| Fax: (370) 5 2709367 |
| E-mail: dir9834@lsd.lt |
| Website: http://www.lsd.lt |

Lithuanian Standards Board

T. Kosciuskos g. 30

LT-01100 Vilnius

Ms Daiva Lesickiene

Tel.: (370) 5 2709347

Fax: (370) 5 2709367

E-mail: dir9834@lsd.lt

Website: http://www.lsd.lt

LUXEMBOURG

| SEE - Service de l'Energie de l'Etat |
| --- |
| 34, avenue de la Porte-Neuve |
| B.P. 10 |
| L-2010 Luxembourg |
| Mr J.P. Hoffmann |
| Tel.: (352) 46 97 46 1 |
| Fax: (352) 22 25 24 |
| E-mail: see.direction@eg.etat.lu |
| Website: http://www.see.lu |

SEE - Service de l'Energie de l'Etat

34, avenue de la Porte-Neuve

B.P. 10

L-2010 Luxembourg

Mr J.P. Hoffmann

Tel.: (352) 46 97 46 1

Fax: (352) 22 25 24

E-mail: see.direction@eg.etat.lu

Website: http://www.see.lu

HUNGARY

| Hungarian Notification Centre – |
| --- |
| Ministry of Economy and Transport |
| Budapest |
| Honvéd u. 13-15. |
| H-1055 |
| Mr Zsolt Fazekas |
| E-mail: fazekaszs@gkm.hu |
| Tel.: (36) 1 374 2873 |
| Fax: (36) 1 473 1622 |
| E-mail: notification@gkm.hu |
| Website: http://www.gkm.hu/dokk/main/gkm |

Hungarian Notification Centre –

Ministry of Economy and Transport

Budapest

Honvéd u. 13-15.

H-1055

Mr Zsolt Fazekas

E-mail: fazekaszs@gkm.hu

Tel.: (36) 1 374 2873

Fax: (36) 1 473 1622

E-mail: notification@gkm.hu

Website: http://www.gkm.hu/dokk/main/gkm

MALTA

| Malta Standards Authority |
| --- |
| Level 2 |
| Evans Building |
| Merchants Street |
| VLT 03 |
| MT-Valletta |
| Tel.: (356) 2124 2420 |
| Fax: (356) 2124 2406 |
| Ms Lorna Cachia |
| E-mail: lorna.cachia@msa.org.mt |
| General e-mail: notification@msa.org.mt |
| Website: http://www.msa.org.mt |

Malta Standards Authority

Level 2

Evans Building

Merchants Street

VLT 03

MT-Valletta

Tel.: (356) 2124 2420

Fax: (356) 2124 2406

Ms Lorna Cachia

E-mail: lorna.cachia@msa.org.mt

General e-mail: notification@msa.org.mt

Website: http://www.msa.org.mt

NETHERLANDS

| Ministerie van Financiën |
| --- |
| Belastingsdienst/Douane Noord |
| Team bijzondere klantbehandeling |
| Centrale Dienst voor In-en uitvoer |
| Engelse Kamp 2 |
| Postbus 30003 |
| 9700 RD Groningen |
| Nederland |
| Mr Ebel van der Heide |
| Tel.: (31) 50 5 23 21 34 |
| Ms Hennie Boekema |
| Tel.: (31) 50 5 23 21 35 |
| Ms Tineke Elzer |
| Tel.: (31) 50 5 23 21 33 |
| Fax: (31) 50 5 23 21 59 |
| General e-mail: Enquiry.Point@tiscali-business.nl |
| Enquiry.Point2@tiscali-business.nl |

Ministerie van Financiën

Belastingsdienst/Douane Noord

Team bijzondere klantbehandeling

Centrale Dienst voor In-en uitvoer

Engelse Kamp 2

Postbus 30003

9700 RD Groningen

Nederland

Mr Ebel van der Heide

Tel.: (31) 50 5 23 21 34

Ms Hennie Boekema

Tel.: (31) 50 5 23 21 35

Ms Tineke Elzer

Tel.: (31) 50 5 23 21 33

Fax: (31) 50 5 23 21 59

General e-mail: Enquiry.Point@tiscali-business.nl

Enquiry.Point2@tiscali-business.nl

AUSTRIA

| Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Arbeit |
| --- |
| Abteilung C2/1 |
| Stubenring 1 |
| A-1010 Wien |
| Ms Brigitte Wikgolm |
| Tel.: (43) 1 711 00 58 96 |
| Fax: (43) 1 715 96 51 or (43) 1 712 06 80 |
| E-mail: not9834@bmwa.gv.at |
| Website: http://www.bmwa.gv.at |

Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Arbeit

Abteilung C2/1

Stubenring 1

A-1010 Wien

Ms Brigitte Wikgolm

Tel.: (43) 1 711 00 58 96

Fax: (43) 1 715 96 51 or (43) 1 712 06 80

E-mail: not9834@bmwa.gv.at

Website: http://www.bmwa.gv.at

POLAND

| Ministry of Economy and Labour |
| --- |
| Department for European and Multilateral Relations |
| Plac Trzech Krzyży 3/5 |
| PL-00-507 Warszawa |
| Ms Barbara Nieciak |
| Tel.: (48) 22 693 54 07 |
| Fax: (48) 22 693 40 28 |
| E-mail: barnie@mg.gov.pl |
| Ms Agata Gągor |
| Tel.: (48) 22 693 56 90 |
| General e-mail: notyfikacja@mg.gov.pl |

Ministry of Economy and Labour

Department for European and Multilateral Relations

Plac Trzech Krzyży 3/5

PL-00-507 Warszawa

Ms Barbara Nieciak

Tel.: (48) 22 693 54 07

Fax: (48) 22 693 40 28

E-mail: barnie@mg.gov.pl

Ms Agata Gągor

Tel.: (48) 22 693 56 90

General e-mail: notyfikacja@mg.gov.pl

PORTUGAL

| Instituto Portugês da Qualidade |
| --- |
| Rua Antonio Gião, 2 |
| P-2829-513 Caparica |
| Ms Cândida Pires |
| Tel.: (351) 21 294 82 36 or 81 00 |
| Fax: (351) 21 294 82 23 |
| E-mail: c.pires@mail.ipq.pt |
| General e-mail: not9834@mail.ipq.pt |
| Website: http://www.ipq.pt |

Instituto Portugês da Qualidade

Rua Antonio Gião, 2

P-2829-513 Caparica

Ms Cândida Pires

Tel.: (351) 21 294 82 36 or 81 00

Fax: (351) 21 294 82 23

E-mail: c.pires@mail.ipq.pt

General e-mail: not9834@mail.ipq.pt

Website: http://www.ipq.pt

SLOVENIA

| SIST – Slovenian Institute for Standardization |
| --- |
| Contact point for 98/34/EC and WTO-TBT Enquiry Point |
| Šmartinska 140 |
| SLO-1000 Ljubljana |
| Tel.: (386) 1 478 3041 |
| Fax: (386) 1 478 3098 |
| E-mail: contact@sist.si |
| Ms Vesna Stražišar |

SIST – Slovenian Institute for Standardization

Contact point for 98/34/EC and WTO-TBT Enquiry Point

Šmartinska 140

SLO-1000 Ljubljana

Tel.: (386) 1 478 3041

Fax: (386) 1 478 3098

E-mail: contact@sist.si

Ms Vesna Stražišar

SLOVAKIA

| Ms Kvetoslava Steinlova |
| --- |
| Director of the Department of European Integration, |
| Office of Standards, Metrology and Testing of the Slovak Republic |
| Stefanovicova 3 |
| SK-814 39 Bratislava |
| Tel.: (421) 2 5249 3521 |
| Fax: (421) 2 5249 1050 |
| E-mail: steinlova@normoff.gov.sk |

Ms Kvetoslava Steinlova

Director of the Department of European Integration,

Office of Standards, Metrology and Testing of the Slovak Republic

Stefanovicova 3

SK-814 39 Bratislava

Tel.: (421) 2 5249 3521

Fax: (421) 2 5249 1050

E-mail: steinlova@normoff.gov.sk

FINLAND

| Kauppa-ja teollisuusministeriö |
| --- |
| (Ministry of Trade and Industry) |
| Visitor address: |
| Aleksanterinkatu 4 |
| FIN-00171 Helsinki |
| and |
| Katakatu 3 |
| FIN-00120 Helsinki |
| Postal address: |
| PO Box 32 |
| FIN-00023 Government |
| Mr Henri Backman |
| Tel.: (358) 9 1606 36 27 |
| Fax: (358) 9 1606 46 22 |
| E-mail: henri.backman@ktm.fi |
| Ms Katri Amper |
| General e-mail: maaraykset.tekniset@ktm.fi |
| Website: http://www.ktm.fi |

Kauppa-ja teollisuusministeriö

(Ministry of Trade and Industry)

Visitor address:

Aleksanterinkatu 4

FIN-00171 Helsinki

and

Katakatu 3

FIN-00120 Helsinki

Postal address:

PO Box 32

FIN-00023 Government

Mr Henri Backman

Tel.: (358) 9 1606 36 27

Fax: (358) 9 1606 46 22

E-mail: henri.backman@ktm.fi

Ms Katri Amper

General e-mail: maaraykset.tekniset@ktm.fi

Website: http://www.ktm.fi

SWEDEN

| Kommerskollegium |
| --- |
| (National Board of Trade) |
| Box 6803 |
| Drottninggatan 89 |
| S – 113 86 Stockholm |
| Ms Kerstin Carlsson |
| Tel.: (46) 86 90 48 82 or (46) 86 90 48 00 |
| Fax: (46) 86 90 48 40 or (46) 83 06 759 |
| E-mail: kerstin.carlsson@kommers.se |
| General e-mail: 9834@kommers.se |
| Website: http://www.kommers.se |

Kommerskollegium

(National Board of Trade)

Box 6803

Drottninggatan 89

S – 113 86 Stockholm

Ms Kerstin Carlsson

Tel.: (46) 86 90 48 82 or (46) 86 90 48 00

Fax: (46) 86 90 48 40 or (46) 83 06 759

E-mail: kerstin.carlsson@kommers.se

General e-mail: 9834@kommers.se

Website: http://www.kommers.se

UNITED KINGDOM

| Department of Trade and Industry |
| --- |
| Standards and Technical Regulations Directorate 2 |
| 151 Buckingham Palace Road |
| London SW1 W 9SS |
| United Kingdom |
| Mr Philip Plumb |
| Tel.: (44) 2072151488 |
| Fax: (44) 2072151529 |
| E-mail: philip.plumb@dti.gsi.gov.uk |
| General e-mail: 9834@dti.gsi.gov.uk |
| Website: http://www.dti.gov.uk/strd |

Department of Trade and Industry

Standards and Technical Regulations Directorate 2

151 Buckingham Palace Road

London SW1 W 9SS

United Kingdom

Mr Philip Plumb

Tel.: (44) 2072151488

Fax: (44) 2072151529

E-mail: philip.plumb@dti.gsi.gov.uk

General e-mail: 9834@dti.gsi.gov.uk

Website: http://www.dti.gov.uk/strd

EFTA - ESA

| EFTA Surveillance Authority |
| --- |
| Rue Belliard 35 |
| B-1040 Bruxelles |
| Ms Adinda Batsleer |
| Tel.: (32) 2 286 18 61 |
| Fax: (32) 2 286 18 00 |
| E-mail: aba@eftasurv.int |
| Ms Tuija Ristiluoma |
| Tel.: (32) 2 286 18 71 |
| Fax: (32) 2 286 18 00 |
| E-mail: tri@eftasurv.int |
| General e-mail: DRAFTTECHREGESA@eftasurv.int |
| Website: http://www.eftasurv.int |

EFTA Surveillance Authority

Rue Belliard 35

B-1040 Bruxelles

Ms Adinda Batsleer

Tel.: (32) 2 286 18 61

Fax: (32) 2 286 18 00

E-mail: aba@eftasurv.int

Ms Tuija Ristiluoma

Tel.: (32) 2 286 18 71

Fax: (32) 2 286 18 00

E-mail: tri@eftasurv.int

General e-mail: DRAFTTECHREGESA@eftasurv.int

Website: http://www.eftasurv.int

| EFTA |
| --- |
| Goods Unit |
| EFTA Secretariat |
| Rue de Trêves 74 |
| B-1040 Bruxelles |
| Ms Kathleen Byrne |
| Tel.: (32) 2 286 17 34 |
| Fax: (32) 2 286 17 42 |
| E-mail: kathleen.byrne@efta.int |
| General e-mail: DRAFTTECHREGEFTA@efta.int |
| Website: http://www.efta.int |

EFTA

Goods Unit

EFTA Secretariat

Rue de Trêves 74

B-1040 Bruxelles

Ms Kathleen Byrne

Tel.: (32) 2 286 17 34

Fax: (32) 2 286 17 42

E-mail: kathleen.byrne@efta.int

General e-mail: DRAFTTECHREGEFTA@efta.int

Website: http://www.efta.int

TURKEY

| Undersecretariat of Foreign Trade |
| --- |
| General Directorate of Standardisation for Foreign Trade |
| Inönü Bulvari no 36 |
| 06510 |
| Emek - Ankara |
| Mr Saadettin Doğan |
| Tel.: (90) 312 212 58 99 |
| (90) 312 204 81 02 |
| Fax: (90) 312 212 87 68 |
| E-mail: dtsabbil@dtm.gov.tr |
| Website: http://www.dtm.gov.tr |

Undersecretariat of Foreign Trade

General Directorate of Standardisation for Foreign Trade

Inönü Bulvari no 36

06510

Emek - Ankara

Mr Saadettin Doğan

Tel.: (90) 312 212 58 99

(90) 312 204 81 02

Fax: (90) 312 212 87 68

E-mail: dtsabbil@dtm.gov.tr

Website: http://www.dtm.gov.tr

---

(1)  Year - registration number - Member State of origin.

(2)  Period during which the draft may not be adopted.

(3)  No standstill period since the Commission accepts the grounds of urgent adoption invoked by the notifying Member State.

(4)  No standstill period since the measure concerns technical specifications or other requirements or rules on services linked to fiscal or financial measures, pursuant to the third indent of the second paragraph of Article 1(11) of Directive 98/34/EC.

(5)  Information procedure closed.

---

| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/34 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/34

---

Notice of initiation of a partial interim review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of sulphanilic acid originating, inter alia, in India and the countervailing measures applicable to imports of sulphanilic acid originating in India

(2005/C 101/14)

The Commission has received a request for a partial interim review pursuant to Article 11(3) of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 (1) (‘the basic anti-dumping Regulation’), and Article 19 of Council Regulation (EC) No 2026/97 (2) (‘the basic anti-subsidy Regulation’).

1.   Request for review

The request was lodged by Kokan Synthetics & Chemicals Pvt. Ltd (‘the applicant’), an exporter in India.

The request is limited in scope to the form of the measure and, in particular, to the examination of the acceptability of an undertaking which the applicant has stated that it is ready to offer.

2.   Product

The product under review is sulphanilic acid originating in India (‘the product concerned’), currently classifiable within CN code ex 2921 42 10 (TARIC code 29214210*60). This CN code is given only for information.

3.   Existing measures

The measures currently in force are a definitive anti-dumping duty imposed by Council Regulation (EC) No 1339/2002 (3) and a definitive countervailing duty imposed by Council Regulation (EC) No 1338/2002 (4) on imports of sulphanilic acid originating in India.

4.   Grounds for the review

The Commission had already accepted an undertaking from the applicant when definitive anti-dumping and countervailing measures were imposed in July 2002. However, in March 2004 the applicant voluntarily withdrew its undertakings, allegedly motivated by the fact that Chinese exporters, who are also subject to anti-dumping duties, absorbed the duty thus rendering the undertaking unworkable. After conclusion of an absorption review concerning imports originating in the People's Republic of China (5), the applicant is prepared to again offer its undertaking under the former terms and conditions, which were considered appropriate to eliminate the relevant injurious effects of dumping and subsidisation. Therefore, it is warranted to review the form of the measures applying to imports of the product concerned from the applicant.

5.   Procedure

Having determined, after consulting the Advisory Committee, that sufficient evidence exists to justify the initiation of a partial interim review, the Commission hereby initiates a review in accordance with Article 11(3) and Article 19 of the basic anti-dumping and anti-subsidy Regulations respectively, limited in scope to the examination of acceptability of an undertaking to be offered by the applicant.

(a)   Collection of information and holding of hearings

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for its investigation, the Commission will inform the applicant and the Indian authorities of the initiation of the review. The applicant shall be requested to provide information and supporting evidence in regard to its request for a review, in particular, to provide details of the undertaking that it has stated that it is prepared to offer. This information and supporting evidence should reach the Commission within the time limit set in point 6(a) of this notice.

All interested parties are hereby invited to make their views known and provide the Commission with relevant information together with supporting evidence. This information and supporting evidence must reach the Commission within the time limit set in paragraph 6(a) of this notice.

Furthermore, the Commission may hear interested parties, provided that they make a request showing that there are particular reasons why they should be heard. This request must be made within the time limit set in paragraph 6(b) of this notice.

6.   Time limits

(a)   For parties to make themselves known, to submit relevant information

All interested parties, if their representations are to be taken into account during the investigation, must make themselves known by contacting the Commission, present their views and submit relevant information within 40 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless otherwise specified. Attention is drawn to the fact that the exercise of most procedural rights set out in the basic Regulation depends on the party's making itself known within the aforementioned period.

(b)   Hearings

All interested parties may also apply to be heard by the Commission within the same 40-day time limit.

7.   Written submissions and correspondence

All submissions and requests made by interested parties must be made in writing (not in electronic format, unless otherwise specified) and must indicate the name, address, e-mail address, telephone and fax, and/or telex numbers of the interested party. All written submissions, including the information requested in this notice, and correspondence provided by interested parties on a confidential basis shall be labelled as ‘Limited
   (6)’ and, in accordance with Article 19(2) and 29(2) of the basic anti-dumping and anti-subsidy Regulations, shall be accompanied by a non-confidential version, which will be labelled ‘FOR INSPECTION BY INTERESTED PARTIES’.

Commission address for correspondence:

| European Commission |
| --- |
| Directorate General for Trade |
| Directorate B |
| Office: J-79 5/16 |
| B-1049 Brussels |
| Fax (32-2) 295 65 05 |

European Commission

Directorate General for Trade

Directorate B

Office: J-79 5/16

B-1049 Brussels

Fax (32-2) 295 65 05

8.   Non-cooperation

In cases in which any interested party refuses access to or does not provide the necessary information within the time limits, or significantly impedes the investigation, provisional or final findings, affirmative or negative, may be made in accordance with Article 18 and Article 28 of the basic anti-dumping and anti-subsidy Regulations, on the basis of the facts available.

Where it is found that any interested party has supplied false or misleading information, the information shall be disregarded and use may be made of the facts available. If an interested party does not cooperate or cooperates only partially and findings are therefore based on facts available in accordance with Article 18 and Article 28 of the basic anti-dumping and anti-subsidy Regulations, the result may be less favourable to that party than if it had cooperated.

---

(1)  OJ L 56, 6.3.1996, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 461/2004 (OJ L 77, 13.3.2004, p. 12).

(2)  OJ L 288, 21.10.1997, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 461/2004 (OJ L 77, 13.3.2004, p .12).

(3)  OJ L 196, 25.7.2002, p. 11. Regulation as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 492/2004 (OJ L 80, 18.3.2004, p. 6).

(4)  OJ L 196, 25.7.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 492/2004 (OJ L 80, 18.3.2004, p. 6).

(5)  OJ L 40, 12.2.2004, p. 17.

(6)  This means that the document is for internal use only. It is protected pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43). It is a confidential document pursuant to Article 19 of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 (OJ L 56, 6.3.1996, p. 1), Article 29 of Council Regulation (EC) No 2026/97 (OJ L 288, 21.10.1997, p. 1), Article 6 of the WTO Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-dumping Agreement) and Article 12 of the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.

---

II Preparatory Acts pursuant to Title VI of the Treaty on European Union

| 27.4.2005 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 101/36 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.4.2005

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 101/36

---

Initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with a view to the adoption of a Council Decision on strengthening cross-border police cooperation with regard to meetings attended by large numbers of people from more than one Member State, at which policing is primarily aimed at maintaining law and order and security and preventing and combating criminal offences

(2005/C 101/15)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 29 and 30 thereof,

Having regard to the initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands,

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament (1),

Whereas:

| (1) | One of the European Union's objectives is to provide citizens with a high level of safety within an area of freedom, security and justice. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

One of the European Union's objectives is to provide citizens with a high level of safety within an area of freedom, security and justice.

| (2) | One means of attaining that objective is to introduce closer cooperation between police forces. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

One means of attaining that objective is to introduce closer cooperation between police forces.

| (3) | When maintaining law and order and security and preventing and combating criminal offences at meetings attended by large numbers of people, police forces in the Member States of the Union are increasingly confronted with participants coming from another Member State. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

When maintaining law and order and security and preventing and combating criminal offences at meetings attended by large numbers of people, police forces in the Member States of the Union are increasingly confronted with participants coming from another Member State.

| (4) | In the light of that trend, and following on from earlier initiatives (2), it is necessary to step up international police cooperation in this area. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

In the light of that trend, and following on from earlier initiatives (2), it is necessary to step up international police cooperation in this area.

| (5) | The possibilities afforded by the Schengen acquis are insufficient to ensure effective cross-border assistance, |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The possibilities afforded by the Schengen acquis are insufficient to ensure effective cross-border assistance,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Definitions

For the purposes of this Decision the following definitions shall apply:

| 1. | ‘international events’ means meetings attended by large numbers of people from more than one Member State, at which policing is primarily aimed at maintaining law and order and security and preventing and combating criminal offences; |
| --- | --- |

1.

‘international events’ means meetings attended by large numbers of people from more than one Member State, at which policing is primarily aimed at maintaining law and order and security and preventing and combating criminal offences;

| 2. | ‘cross-border assistance’ means assistance provided at the request of a Member State by police officers from another Member State regarding international events, or the supply of equipment by a Member State for use on the territory of another Member State. |
| --- | --- |

2.

‘cross-border assistance’ means assistance provided at the request of a Member State by police officers from another Member State regarding international events, or the supply of equipment by a Member State for use on the territory of another Member State.

Article 2

Objective

The objective of this Decision is, wherever possible, to plan cross-border assistance and make it more effective.

Article 3

Planning

1.   In the last quarter of each calendar year the Presidency of the Council shall present an overview of the international assistance expected to be required in the following calendar year.

2.   The overview shall comprise:

| (a) | calendar of international events scheduled for the following calendar year; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

calendar of international events scheduled for the following calendar year;

| (b) | an overview of the international assistance requested by the Member States on whose territory these events are to take place. Those Member States from which assistance is to be requested shall also be indicated. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

an overview of the international assistance requested by the Member States on whose territory these events are to take place. Those Member States from which assistance is to be requested shall also be indicated.

3.   The overview shall be prepared by the central bodies for law and order and security referred to in Joint Action 97/339/JHA of 26 May 1997 adopted by the Council on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union with regard to cooperation on law and order and security (3).

4.   Member States shall submit the information referred to in paragraph 2 to the Presidency of the Council by 30 October each year.

5.   The Presidency shall send the overview referred to in paragraph 1 to the Council for confidential perusal.

Article 4

Review

1.   Every year, before 31 January, the Presidency of the Council shall make a review of international assistance provided during the past year.

2.   The review referred to in paragraph 1 shall comprise:

| (a) | an overview of the international events that have taken place; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

an overview of the international events that have taken place;

| (b) | an overview of the international assistance provided and received in the year in question; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

an overview of the international assistance provided and received in the year in question;

| (c) | an overview of the main difficulties observed by the Member States regarding international events; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

an overview of the main difficulties observed by the Member States regarding international events;

| (d) | recommendations as to how the difficulties referred to in (c) could be resolved. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

recommendations as to how the difficulties referred to in (c) could be resolved.

3.   The review shall be prepared by the central bodies for law and order and security.

4.   Member States shall submit the information referred to in paragraph 2, together with any recommendation they may wish to make in that connection, no later than 1 December each year.

5.   The Presidency shall send the review referred to in paragraph 1 to the Council for confidential perusal.

Article 5

Background research

1.   The General Secretariat of the Council shall assist the Member States by researching existing agreements on cross-border assistance.

2.   Member States shall forward the texts of such agreements to the General Secretariat of the Council no later than six months after the entry into force of this Decision.

3.   Within one year at the latest, the Council shall discuss, on the basis of the results of the research referred to in the first paragraph, whether the main difficulties observed can be resolved by adapting the relevant European legislation, and in particular the Schengen Convention.

Article 6

Publication

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President

---

(1)  OJ ...

1

(2)  Council Resolution of 29 April 2004 on security at European Council meetings and other comparable events (OJ C 116, 30.4.2004, p. 18).

2

(3)  OJ L 147, 5.6.1997, p. 1.

3

---