# Official Journal L 134/2017

| | ISSN 1977-0677 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | L 134 |
| | |
| English edition | Legislation | Volume 6023 May 2017 |

ISSN 1977-0677

Official Journal

of the European Union

L 134

English edition

Legislation

Volume 6023 May 2017

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| Contents | | II   Non-legislative acts | page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS |
| | * | Notice concerning the entry into force of the Protocol (2015) amending the Annex to the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft | 1 |
| | | REGULATIONS |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/870 of 15 May 2017 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Kopi Arabika Gayo (PGI)) | 2 |
| | * | Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/871 of 22 May 2017 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of phosphoric acid — phosphates — di — tri — and polyphosphates (E 338-452) in certain meat preparations (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/872 of 22 May 2017 amending Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 laying down detailed rules for implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 as regards the arrangements for imports of organic products from third countries (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/873 of 22 May 2017 concerning the authorisation of L-tryptophan produced by Escherichia coli as a feed additive for all animal species (
  1
  ) | 14 |
| | * | Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/874 of 22 May 2017 amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of butane (E 943a), isobutane (E 943b) and propane (E 944) in colour preparations (
  1
  ) | 18 |
| | | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/875 of 22 May 2017 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables | 21 |
| | | DECISIONS |
| | * | Council Decision (EU) 2017/876 of 18 May 2017 on the accession of the European Union to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) | 23 |
| | * | Commission Decision (EU) 2017/877 of 16 May 2017 on the proposed citizens' initiative entitled Let us reduce the wage and economic differences that tear the EU apart!
  (notified under document C(2017) 3382) | 38 |
| | | ACTS ADOPTED BY BODIES CREATED BY INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS |
| | * | Decision No 1/2015 of the EU-Georgia Sanitary and Phytosanitary Subcommittee of 20 March 2015 adopting its Rules of Procedure [2017/878] | 40 |
| | * | Decision No 1/2015 of the EU-Georgia Geographical Indications Subcommittee of 25 November 2015 adopting its Rules of Procedure [2017/879] | 46 |

Contents

II   Non-legislative acts

page

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

*

Notice concerning the entry into force of the Protocol (2015) amending the Annex to the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft

1

REGULATIONS

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/870 of 15 May 2017 entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Kopi Arabika Gayo (PGI))

2

*

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/871 of 22 May 2017 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of phosphoric acid — phosphates — di — tri — and polyphosphates (E 338-452) in certain meat preparations (
  1
  )

1

3

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/872 of 22 May 2017 amending Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 laying down detailed rules for implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 as regards the arrangements for imports of organic products from third countries (
  1
  )

1

6

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/873 of 22 May 2017 concerning the authorisation of L-tryptophan produced by Escherichia coli as a feed additive for all animal species (
  1
  )

Escherichia coli

1

14

*

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/874 of 22 May 2017 amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of butane (E 943a), isobutane (E 943b) and propane (E 944) in colour preparations (
  1
  )

1

18

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/875 of 22 May 2017 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

21

DECISIONS

*

Council Decision (EU) 2017/876 of 18 May 2017 on the accession of the European Union to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)

23

*

Commission Decision (EU) 2017/877 of 16 May 2017 on the proposed citizens' initiative entitled Let us reduce the wage and economic differences that tear the EU apart!
  (notified under document C(2017) 3382)

(notified under document C(2017) 3382)

38

ACTS ADOPTED BY BODIES CREATED BY INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

*

Decision No 1/2015 of the EU-Georgia Sanitary and Phytosanitary Subcommittee of 20 March 2015 adopting its Rules of Procedure [2017/878]

40

*

Decision No 1/2015 of the EU-Georgia Geographical Indications Subcommittee of 25 November 2015 adopting its Rules of Procedure [2017/879]

46

| | | Corrigenda |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | * | Corrigendum to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/220 of 8 February 2017 amending Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1106/2013 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain stainless steel wires originating in India following a partial interim review under Article 11(3) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( OJ L 34, 9.2.2017 ) | 52 |

Corrigenda

*

Corrigendum to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/220 of 8 February 2017 amending Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1106/2013 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain stainless steel wires originating in India following a partial interim review under Article 11(3) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( OJ L 34, 9.2.2017 )

( OJ L 34, 9.2.2017 )

52

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| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance. |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

| EN | Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.
  The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk. |
| --- | --- |

EN

Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.

The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk.

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II Non-legislative acts

INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

| 23.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 134/1 |
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23.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 134/1

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Notice concerning the entry into force of the Protocol (2015) amending the Annex to the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft

The Protocol (2015) amending the Annex to the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft will enter into force on 26 May 2017.

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REGULATIONS

| 23.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 134/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 134/2

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/870

of 15 May 2017

entering a name in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Kopi Arabika Gayo (PGI))

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1), and in particular Article 52(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, Indonesia's application to register the name ‘Kopi Arabika Gayo’ was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (2). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, Indonesia's application to register the name ‘Kopi Arabika Gayo’ was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (2).

| (2) | As no statement of opposition under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 has been received by the Commission, the name ‘Kopi Arabika Gayo’ should therefore be entered in the register, |
| --- | --- |

(2)

As no statement of opposition under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 has been received by the Commission, the name ‘Kopi Arabika Gayo’ should therefore be entered in the register,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The name ‘Kopi Arabika Gayo’ (PGI) is hereby entered in the register.

The name specified in the first paragraph denotes a product in Class 1.8. Other products listed in Annex I to the Treaty (spices etc.), as listed in Annex XI to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 668/2014 (3).

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 15 May 2017.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Phil HOGAN

Member of the Commission

---

(1)  
  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

1

(2)  
  OJ C 403, 1.11.2016, p. 5.

2

(3)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 668/2014 of 13 June 2014 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs (OJ L 179, 19.6.2014, p. 36).

3

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| 23.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 134/3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 134/3

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COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2017/871

of 22 May 2017

amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of phosphoric acid — phosphates — di — tri — and polyphosphates (E 338-452) in certain meat preparations

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives (1), and in particular Article 10(3) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 lays down a Union list of food additives approved for use in food and their conditions of use. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 lays down a Union list of food additives approved for use in food and their conditions of use.

| (2) | That list may be updated in accordance with the common procedure referred to in Article 3(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2), either on the initiative of the Commission or following an application. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

That list may be updated in accordance with the common procedure referred to in Article 3(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2), either on the initiative of the Commission or following an application.

| (3) | On 11 May 2015 an application was submitted by the Czech Republic for the authorisation of the use of phosphoric acid, phosphates, diphosphates, triphosphates and polyphosphates (‘phosphates’) as a stabiliser in the following Czech meat preparations: Bílá klobása, Vinná klobása, Sváteční klobása and Syrová klobása. The application was subsequently made available to the Member States pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

On 11 May 2015 an application was submitted by the Czech Republic for the authorisation of the use of phosphoric acid, phosphates, diphosphates, triphosphates and polyphosphates (‘phosphates’) as a stabiliser in the following Czech meat preparations: Bílá klobása, Vinná klobása, Sváteční klobása and Syrová klobása. The application was subsequently made available to the Member States pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008.

| (4) | The use of phosphates is required to maintain the physico-chemical state and to increase the binding capacity of meat preparations such as Bílá klobása, Vinná klobása, Sváteční klobása and Syrová klobása, in particular when they are placed on the market in a packaging with protective atmosphere and with an extended shelf-life. According to the applicant, the technological need for those additives in the relevant Czech meat preparations is similar to that in breakfast sausages and Bräte, for which the use of phosphates is authorised in Part E of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 in food category 08.2 ‘Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004’. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The use of phosphates is required to maintain the physico-chemical state and to increase the binding capacity of meat preparations such as Bílá klobása, Vinná klobása, Sváteční klobása and Syrová klobása, in particular when they are placed on the market in a packaging with protective atmosphere and with an extended shelf-life. According to the applicant, the technological need for those additives in the relevant Czech meat preparations is similar to that in breakfast sausages and Bräte, for which the use of phosphates is authorised in Part E of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 in food category 08.2 ‘Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004’.

| (5) | Recital 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 stipulates that the approval of food additives should also take into account other factors relevant to the matter under consideration including, inter alia, traditional factors. Therefore, it is appropriate to maintain certain traditional products on the market in some Member States, provided that the use of food additives in those products complies with the general and specific conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Recital 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 stipulates that the approval of food additives should also take into account other factors relevant to the matter under consideration including, inter alia, traditional factors. Therefore, it is appropriate to maintain certain traditional products on the market in some Member States, provided that the use of food additives in those products complies with the general and specific conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.

| (6) | In order to ensure uniform application of the use of additives covered by the present Regulation, the relevant Czech meat preparations will be described in a guidance document describing the food categories in Part E of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives (3). |
| --- | --- |

(6)

In order to ensure uniform application of the use of additives covered by the present Regulation, the relevant Czech meat preparations will be described in a guidance document describing the food categories in Part E of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives (3).

| (7) | Pursuant to Article 3(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008, the Commission has to seek the opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) in order to update the Union list of food additives set out in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, except where the update in question is not liable to have an effect on human health. The use of phosphates as food additives is authorised in a wide variety of foods. Their safety was evaluated by the Scientific Committee for Food which established the Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake of 70 mg/kg body weight expressed as phosphorus (4). Since the application for the extension of use of phosphates is limited to a few specific products that have been traditionally used it is not expected that the extension will have a significant impact on the overall exposure to phosphates. Therefore, the extended use of these additives constitutes an update of the Union list which is not liable to have an effect on human health and it is not necessary to seek the opinion of the Authority. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Pursuant to Article 3(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008, the Commission has to seek the opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) in order to update the Union list of food additives set out in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, except where the update in question is not liable to have an effect on human health. The use of phosphates as food additives is authorised in a wide variety of foods. Their safety was evaluated by the Scientific Committee for Food which established the Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake of 70 mg/kg body weight expressed as phosphorus (4). Since the application for the extension of use of phosphates is limited to a few specific products that have been traditionally used it is not expected that the extension will have a significant impact on the overall exposure to phosphates. Therefore, the extended use of these additives constitutes an update of the Union list which is not liable to have an effect on human health and it is not necessary to seek the opinion of the Authority.

| (8) | Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 should be amended accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 should be amended accordingly.

| (9) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 22 May 2017.

For the Commission

The President

Jean-Claude JUNCKER

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(1)  
  OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 16.

1

(2)  Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 establishing a common authorisation procedure for food additives, food enzymes and food flavourings (OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 1).

2

(3)  http://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/food_improvement_agents/additives/eu_rules_en

3

(4)  Reports of the Scientific Committee for Food, Twenty-fifth series (page 13), 1991.

4

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ANNEX

In Part E of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, in food category 08.2 ‘Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004’, the entry for phosphoric acid — phosphates — di — tri — and polyphosphates (E 338-452) is replaced by the following:

| | ‘E 338-452 | Phosphoric acid — phosphates — di — tri — and polyphosphates | 5 000 | (1) (4) | only breakfast sausages: in this product, the meat is minced in such a way so that the muscle and fat tissue are completely dispersed, so that fibre makes an emulsion with the fat, giving the product its typical appearance; Finnish grey salted Christmas ham, burger meat with a minimum vegetable and/or cereal content of 4 % mixed within the meat, Kasseler, Bräte, Surfleisch, toorvorst, šašlõkk, ahjupraad, Bílá klobása, Vinná klobása, Sváteční klobása and Syrová klobása’ |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

‘E 338-452

Phosphoric acid — phosphates — di — tri — and polyphosphates

5 000

(1) (4)

only breakfast sausages: in this product, the meat is minced in such a way so that the muscle and fat tissue are completely dispersed, so that fibre makes an emulsion with the fat, giving the product its typical appearance; Finnish grey salted Christmas ham, burger meat with a minimum vegetable and/or cereal content of 4 % mixed within the meat, Kasseler, Bräte, Surfleisch, toorvorst, šašlõkk, ahjupraad, Bílá klobása, Vinná klobása, Sváteční klobása and Syrová klobása’

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| 23.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 134/6 |
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23.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 134/6

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/872

of 22 May 2017

amending Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 laying down detailed rules for implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 as regards the arrangements for imports of organic products from third countries

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 of 28 June 2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (1), and in particular Article 33(2) and (3) and Article 38(d) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Annex III to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 (2) sets out the list of third countries whose systems of production and control measures for organic production of agricultural products are recognised as equivalent to those laid down in Regulation (EC) No 834/2007. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Annex III to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 (2) sets out the list of third countries whose systems of production and control measures for organic production of agricultural products are recognised as equivalent to those laid down in Regulation (EC) No 834/2007.

| (2) | The Republic of Korea informed the Commission that its competent authority has added one control body to the list of control bodies recognised by the Republic of Korea. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Republic of Korea informed the Commission that its competent authority has added one control body to the list of control bodies recognised by the Republic of Korea.

| (3) | Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 sets out the list of control authorities and control bodies competent to carry out controls and issue certificates in third countries for the purpose of equivalence. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 sets out the list of control authorities and control bodies competent to carry out controls and issue certificates in third countries for the purpose of equivalence.

| (4) | ‘Abcert AG’ has informed the Commission that it has ceased its certification activities in all third countries for which it was recognised and should no longer be listed in Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

‘Abcert AG’ has informed the Commission that it has ceased its certification activities in all third countries for which it was recognised and should no longer be listed in Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008.

| (5) | The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘Agricert — Certificação de Produtos Alimentares LDA’ to be included in the list in Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to recognise ‘Agricert — Certificação de Produtos Alimentares LDA’ for product categories A and D in respect of Angola and Sao Tomé and Principe. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘Agricert — Certificação de Produtos Alimentares LDA’ to be included in the list in Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to recognise ‘Agricert — Certificação de Produtos Alimentares LDA’ for product categories A and D in respect of Angola and Sao Tomé and Principe.

| (6) | ‘Argencert SA’ has notified the Commission of the change of its address. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

‘Argencert SA’ has notified the Commission of the change of its address.

| (7) | The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘Bioagricert S.r.l.’ to amend its specifications. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to extend the geographical scope of its recognition for product categories A, D and E to Malaysia and Singapore, and to extend its recognition for China to product categories B and E. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘Bioagricert S.r.l.’ to amend its specifications. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to extend the geographical scope of its recognition for product categories A, D and E to Malaysia and Singapore, and to extend its recognition for China to product categories B and E.

| (8) | ‘CCOF Certification Services’ has informed the Commission that it would like to withdraw its recognition for category F in respect of Mexico. It should therefore no longer be listed for that category for that country in Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

‘CCOF Certification Services’ has informed the Commission that it would like to withdraw its recognition for category F in respect of Mexico. It should therefore no longer be listed for that category for that country in Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008.

| (9) | ‘Certisys’ has notified the Commission of the change of its address. In addition, the Commission has received and examined a request from ‘Certisys’ to amend its specifications. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to extend the geographical scope of its recognition for product categories A and D to the Democratic Republic of Congo. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

‘Certisys’ has notified the Commission of the change of its address. In addition, the Commission has received and examined a request from ‘Certisys’ to amend its specifications. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to extend the geographical scope of its recognition for product categories A and D to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

| (10) | The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘Control Union Certifications’ to amend its specifications. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to extend its recognition for Angola, Belarus, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Fiji, Kosovo (3), Liberia and Niger to product categories A, D, E and F, and for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar to product categories A, E and F. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘Control Union Certifications’ to amend its specifications. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to extend its recognition for Angola, Belarus, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Fiji, Kosovo (3), Liberia and Niger to product categories A, D, E and F, and for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar to product categories A, E and F.

| (11) | The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘Ecocert SA’ to amend its specifications. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to extend the geographical scope of its recognition for product categories A, B and D to Egypt, to extend the recognition for Monaco to product category C and the recognition for Bosnia and Herzegovina to product categories E and F. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘Ecocert SA’ to amend its specifications. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to extend the geographical scope of its recognition for product categories A, B and D to Egypt, to extend the recognition for Monaco to product category C and the recognition for Bosnia and Herzegovina to product categories E and F.

| (12) | The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, Inc. (FOG), DBA as Quality Certification Services (QCS)’ to amend its specifications. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to extend the geographical scope of its recognition for product categories A, C and D to Indonesia. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, Inc. (FOG), DBA as Quality Certification Services (QCS)’ to amend its specifications. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to extend the geographical scope of its recognition for product categories A, C and D to Indonesia.

| (13) | The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘IMOcert Latinoamérica Ltda’ to amend its specifications. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to extend the geographical scope of its recognition for product categories A, B and D to Argentina, Costa Rica, Guyana and Honduras. Furthermore, it is justified to extend the recognition of ‘IMOcert Latinoamérica Ltda’ for Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela to product category B. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘IMOcert Latinoamérica Ltda’ to amend its specifications. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to extend the geographical scope of its recognition for product categories A, B and D to Argentina, Costa Rica, Guyana and Honduras. Furthermore, it is justified to extend the recognition of ‘IMOcert Latinoamérica Ltda’ for Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela to product category B.

| (14) | The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘LACON GmbH’ to amend its specifications. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to extend the geographical scope of its recognition for product categories A, B and D to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Cuba, Ethiopia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and for product categories A and D to the Dominican Republic, Kenya, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘LACON GmbH’ to amend its specifications. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to extend the geographical scope of its recognition for product categories A, B and D to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Cuba, Ethiopia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and for product categories A and D to the Dominican Republic, Kenya, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

| (15) | ‘ÖkoP Zertifizierungs GmbH’ has informed the Commission that it ceased its certification activities in the third country for which it was recognised. It should therefore no longer be listed in Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

‘ÖkoP Zertifizierungs GmbH’ has informed the Commission that it ceased its certification activities in the third country for which it was recognised. It should therefore no longer be listed in Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008.

| (16) | The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘Valsts SIA “Sertifikācijas un testēšanas centrs”’ to be included in the list in Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to recognise ‘Valsts SIA’ for product categories A, B, D, E and F in respect of Russia and Ukraine. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

The Commission has received and examined a request from ‘Valsts SIA “Sertifikācijas un testēšanas centrs”’ to be included in the list in Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008. Based on the information received, the Commission has concluded that it is justified to recognise ‘Valsts SIA’ for product categories A, B, D, E and F in respect of Russia and Ukraine.

| (17) | Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 as amended by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1842 (4) contains the new model of the extract of the certificate of inspection for import of organic products under the electronic certification system, to which reference is made in Article 14(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008. The fourth, previously fifth, subparagraph of Article 14(2) still refers to box 15 instead of box 14 of the extract. In addition, box 14 of the extract and the corresponding note in Annex VI erroneously refer to Article 33 instead of Article 34 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 (5). Those errors should be corrected. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 as amended by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1842 (4) contains the new model of the extract of the certificate of inspection for import of organic products under the electronic certification system, to which reference is made in Article 14(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008. The fourth, previously fifth, subparagraph of Article 14(2) still refers to box 15 instead of box 14 of the extract. In addition, box 14 of the extract and the corresponding note in Annex VI erroneously refer to Article 33 instead of Article 34 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 (5). Those errors should be corrected.

| (18) | Annexes III, IV and VI to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 should therefore be amended and corrected accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

(18)

Annexes III, IV and VI to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 should therefore be amended and corrected accordingly.

| (19) | For reasons of clarity, the corrections of Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 should apply from the date of application of the relevant amendments by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1842. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

For reasons of clarity, the corrections of Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 should apply from the date of application of the relevant amendments by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1842.

| (20) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee on organic production, |
| --- | --- |

(20)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee on organic production,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Amendment of Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008

Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 is amended as follows:

| (1) | Annex III is amended in accordance with Annex I to this Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Annex III is amended in accordance with Annex I to this Regulation.

| (2) | Annex IV is amended in accordance with Annex II to this Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Annex IV is amended in accordance with Annex II to this Regulation.

Article 2

Correction of Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008

Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 is corrected as follows:

| (1) | In Article 14(2), the fourth subparagraph is replaced by the following:
  ‘The consignee of a batch shall, at the reception thereof, complete the original of the extract of the certificate of inspection in box 14, in order to certify that the reception of the batch has been carried out in accordance with Article 34 of Regulation (EC) No 889/2008.’ |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In Article 14(2), the fourth subparagraph is replaced by the following:

‘The consignee of a batch shall, at the reception thereof, complete the original of the extract of the certificate of inspection in box 14, in order to certify that the reception of the batch has been carried out in accordance with Article 34 of Regulation (EC) No 889/2008.’

| (2) | Annex VI is corrected in accordance with Annex III to this Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Annex VI is corrected in accordance with Annex III to this Regulation.

Article 3

Entry into force and application

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Official Journal of the European Union

Article 2 shall apply from 19 April 2017.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 22 May 2017.

For the Commission

The President

Jean-Claude JUNCKER

---

(1)  
  OJ L 189, 20.7.2007, p. 1.

1

(2)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 of 8 December 2008 laying down detailed rules for implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 as regards the arrangements for imports of organic products from third countries (OJ L 334, 12.12.2008, p. 25).

2

(3)  This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

3

(4)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1842 of 14 October 2016 amending Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 as regards the electronic certificate of inspection for imported organic products and certain other elements, and Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 as regards the requirements for preserved or processed organic products and the transmission of information (OJ L 282, 19.10.2016, p. 19).

4

(5)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 of 5 September 2008 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products with regard to organic production, labelling and control (OJ L 250, 18.9.2008, p. 1).

5

---

ANNEX I

In point 5 of Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008, in the entry relating to the Republic of Korea, the following row is added:

| ‘KR-ORG-023 | Control Union Korea | www.controlunion.co.kr’ |
| --- | --- | --- |

‘KR-ORG-023

Control Union Korea

www.controlunion.co.kr’

---

ANNEX II

Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 is amended as follows:

| (1) | The entry relating to ‘Abcert AG’ is deleted. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The entry relating to ‘Abcert AG’ is deleted.

| (2) | After the entry relating to
  ‘Agreco R.F. Göderz GmbH’
  the following new entry is inserted:


  ‘
  “Agricert — Certificação de Produtos Alimentares LDA”










  1. | Address: Rua Alfredo Mirante, 1, R/c Esq., 7350-154 Elvas, Portugal |
| --- | --- | --- |

(2)

After the entry relating to
  ‘Agreco R.F. Göderz GmbH’
  the following new entry is inserted:

‘
  “Agricert — Certificação de Produtos Alimentares LDA”

1.

| 2. | Internet address: www.agricert.pt |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Code numbers, third countries and product categories concerned:












  Code number | Third country | Category of products |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A | B | C | D | E | F |
| AO-BIO-172 | Angola | x | — | — | x | — | — |
| ST-BIO-172 | Sao Tomé and Principe | x | — | — | x | — | — |

3.

Code number

Third country

Category of products

A

B

C

D

E

F

AO-BIO-172

Angola

x

—

—

x

—

—

ST-BIO-172

Sao Tomé and Principe

x

—

—

x

—

—

| 4. | Exceptions: in-conversion products and wine. |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Duration of inclusion: until 30 June 2018.’ |
| --- | --- |

5.

| (3) | In the entry relating to
  ‘Argencert SA’
  , point 1 is replaced by the following:






  ‘1. | Address: Bouchard 644 6o piso ‘A’, C1106ABJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina’ |
| --- | --- | --- |

(3)

In the entry relating to
  ‘Argencert SA’
  , point 1 is replaced by the following:

‘1.

| (4) | In the entry relating to
  ‘Bioagricert S.r.l.’
  , point 3 is amended as follows:






  (a) | the following rows are inserted in the order of the code numbers:












  ‘MY-BIO-132 | Malaysia | X | — | — | X | x | —’ |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘SG-BIO-132 | Singapore | x | — | — | x | x | —’ |

(4)

In the entry relating to
  ‘Bioagricert S.r.l.’
  , point 3 is amended as follows:

(a)

the following rows are inserted in the order of the code numbers:

‘MY-BIO-132

Malaysia

X

—

—

X

x

—’

‘SG-BIO-132

Singapore

x

—

—

x

x

—’

| (b) | in the row concerning China, a cross is added in columns B and E. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

in the row concerning China, a cross is added in columns B and E.

| (5) | In the entry relating to
  ‘CCOF Certification Services’
  , in point 3, in the row concerning Mexico, the cross in column F is deleted. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

In the entry relating to
  ‘CCOF Certification Services’
  , in point 3, in the row concerning Mexico, the cross in column F is deleted.

| (6) | The entry relating to
  ‘Certisys’
  is amended as follows:






  (a) | point 1 is replaced by the following:






  ‘1. | Address: Avenue de l'Escrime/Schermlaan 85, 1150 Bruxelles/Brussel, Belgium’ |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

(6)

The entry relating to
  ‘Certisys’
  is amended as follows:

(a)

point 1 is replaced by the following:

‘1.

| (b) | in point 3, the following row is inserted in the order of the code numbers:












  ‘CD-BIO-128 | Democratic Republic of Congo | x | — | — | x | — | —’ |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

(b)

in point 3, the following row is inserted in the order of the code numbers:

‘CD-BIO-128

Democratic Republic of Congo

x

—

—

x

—

—’

| (7) | The entry relating to
  ‘Control Union Certifications’
  is amended as follows:






  (a) | in the rows concerning Angola, Belarus, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Fiji, Kosovo, Liberia and Niger, a cross is added in columns A, D, E and F; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(7)

The entry relating to
  ‘Control Union Certifications’
  is amended as follows:

(a)

in the rows concerning Angola, Belarus, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Fiji, Kosovo, Liberia and Niger, a cross is added in columns A, D, E and F;

| (b) | in the rows concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar, a cross is added in columns A, E and F. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

in the rows concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar, a cross is added in columns A, E and F.

| (8) | In the entry relating to
  ‘Ecocert SA’
  , point 3 is amended as follows:






  (a) | the following row is inserted in the order of the code numbers:












  ‘EG-BIO-154 | Egypt | x | x | — | x | — | —’ |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

(8)

In the entry relating to
  ‘Ecocert SA’
  , point 3 is amended as follows:

(a)

the following row is inserted in the order of the code numbers:

‘EG-BIO-154

Egypt

x

x

—

x

—

—’

| (b) | in the row concerning Bosnia and Herzegovina, a cross is added in columns E and F; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

in the row concerning Bosnia and Herzegovina, a cross is added in columns E and F;

| (c) | in the row concerning Monaco, a cross is added in column C. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

in the row concerning Monaco, a cross is added in column C.

| (9) | In the entry relating to
  ‘Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, Inc. (FOG), DBA as Quality Certification Services (QCS)’, in point 3, the following row is inserted in the order of the code numbers:












  ‘ID-BIO-144 | Indonesia | x | — | x | x | — | —’ |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

(9)

In the entry relating to
  ‘Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, Inc. (FOG), DBA as Quality Certification Services (QCS)’, in point 3, the following row is inserted in the order of the code numbers:

‘ID-BIO-144

Indonesia

x

—

x

x

—

—’

| (10) | In the entry relating to
  ‘IMOcert Latinoamérica Ltda.’
  , point 3 is amended as follows:






  (a) | the following rows are inserted in the order of the code numbers:












  ‘AR-BIO-123 | Argentina | x | x | — | x | — | —’ |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘CR-BIO-123 | Costa Rica | x | x | — | x | — | —’ |
| ‘GY-BIO-123 | Guyana | x | x | — | x | — | —’ |
| ‘HN-BIO-123 | Honduras | x | x | — | x | — | —’ |

(10)

In the entry relating to
  ‘IMOcert Latinoamérica Ltda.’
  , point 3 is amended as follows:

(a)

the following rows are inserted in the order of the code numbers:

‘AR-BIO-123

Argentina

x

x

—

x

—

—’

‘CR-BIO-123

Costa Rica

x

x

—

x

—

—’

‘GY-BIO-123

Guyana

x

x

—

x

—

—’

‘HN-BIO-123

Honduras

x

x

—

x

—

—’

| (b) | in the rows concerning Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, a cross is added in column B; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

in the rows concerning Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, a cross is added in column B;

| (c) | point 4 is replaced by the following:






  ‘4. | Exceptions: in-conversion products.’ |
| --- | --- | --- |

(c)

point 4 is replaced by the following:

‘4.

| (11) | In the entry relating to
  ‘LACON GmbH’
  , in point 3, the following rows are inserted in the order of the code numbers:












  ‘BA-BIO-134 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | x | x | — | x | — | —’ |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ‘CL-BIO-134 | Chile | x | x | — | x | — | —’ |
| ‘CU-BIO-134 | Cuba | x | x | | x | — | —’ |
| ‘DO-BIO-134 | Dominican Republic | x | — | — | x | — | —’ |
| ‘ET-BIO-134 | Ethiopia | x | x | — | x | — | —’ |
| ‘KE-BIO-134 | Kenya | x | — | — | x | — | —’ |
| ‘MK-BIO-134 | former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia | x | x | — | x | — | —’ |
| ‘SZ-BIO-134 | Swaziland | x | — | — | x | — | —’ |
| ‘ZW-BIO-134 | Zimbabwe | x | — | — | x | — | —’ |

(11)

In the entry relating to
  ‘LACON GmbH’
  , in point 3, the following rows are inserted in the order of the code numbers:

‘BA-BIO-134

Bosnia and Herzegovina

x

x

—

x

—

—’

‘CL-BIO-134

Chile

x

x

—

x

—

—’

‘CU-BIO-134

Cuba

x

x

x

—

—’

‘DO-BIO-134

Dominican Republic

x

—

—

x

—

—’

‘ET-BIO-134

Ethiopia

x

x

—

x

—

—’

‘KE-BIO-134

Kenya

x

—

—

x

—

—’

‘MK-BIO-134

former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

x

x

—

x

—

—’

‘SZ-BIO-134

Swaziland

x

—

—

x

—

—’

‘ZW-BIO-134

Zimbabwe

x

—

—

x

—

—’

| (12) | The entry relating to
  ‘ÖkoP Zertifizierungs GmbH’
  is deleted. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

The entry relating to
  ‘ÖkoP Zertifizierungs GmbH’
  is deleted.

| (13) | The following new entry is added:


  ‘
  “Valsts SIA ‘Sertifikācijas un testēšanas centrs’
  ”










  1. | Address: Dārza iela 12, Priekuļi, Priekuļu pagasts, Priekuļu novads, LV–4126, Latvia |
| --- | --- | --- |

(13)

The following new entry is added:

‘
  “Valsts SIA ‘Sertifikācijas un testēšanas centrs’
  ”

1.

| 2. | Internet address: www.stc.lv |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Code numbers, third countries and product categories concerned:












  Code number | Third country | Category of products |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A | B | C | D | E | F |
| RU-BIO-173 | Russia | x | x | — | x | x | x |
| UA-BIO-173 | Ukraine | x | x | — | x | x | x |

3.

Code number

Third country

Category of products

A

B

C

D

E

F

RU-BIO-173

Russia

x

x

—

x

x

x

UA-BIO-173

Ukraine

x

x

—

x

x

x

| 4. | Exceptions: in-conversion products and wine. |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Duration of inclusion: until 30 June 2018.’. |
| --- | --- |

5.

---

ANNEX III

In Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008, in box 14 of the extract and in the note relating to box 14, the reference to ‘Article 33’ is replaced by a reference to ‘Article 34’.

---

| 23.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 134/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 134/14

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/873

of 22 May 2017

concerning the authorisation of L-tryptophan produced by Escherichia coli as a feed additive for all animal species

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition (1), and in particular Article 9(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such authorisation. Article 10 of that Regulation provides for the re-evaluation of additives authorised pursuant to Council Directive 82/471/EEC (2). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 provides for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition and for the grounds and procedures for granting such authorisation. Article 10 of that Regulation provides for the re-evaluation of additives authorised pursuant to Council Directive 82/471/EEC (2).

| (2) | L-tryptophan was authorised without a time limit pursuant to Directive 82/471/EEC by Commission Directive 88/485/EEC (3). This feed additive was subsequently entered in the Register of feed additives as an existing product, in accordance with Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

L-tryptophan was authorised without a time limit pursuant to Directive 82/471/EEC by Commission Directive 88/485/EEC (3). This feed additive was subsequently entered in the Register of feed additives as an existing product, in accordance with Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (3) | In accordance with Article 10(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 in conjunction with Article 7 thereof, applications were submitted for the re-evaluation of L- tryptophan as feed additive for all animal species. Applications were also submitted for the authorisation of L- tryptophan for all animal species in accordance with Article 7 of that Regulation. The applications were accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In accordance with Article 10(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 in conjunction with Article 7 thereof, applications were submitted for the re-evaluation of L- tryptophan as feed additive for all animal species. Applications were also submitted for the authorisation of L- tryptophan for all animal species in accordance with Article 7 of that Regulation. The applications were accompanied by the particulars and documents required under Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (4) | The applications concern the authorisation of L-tryptophan produced by Escherichia coli KCCM 11132P, Escherichia coli DSM 25084, Escherichia coli FERM BP-11200, Escherichia coli FERM BP-11354, Escherichia coli CGMCC 7.59 or Escherichia coli CGMCC 3667 as a feed additive for all animal species, to be classified in the additive category ‘nutritional additives’. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The applications concern the authorisation of L-tryptophan produced by Escherichia coli KCCM 11132P, Escherichia coli DSM 25084, Escherichia coli FERM BP-11200, Escherichia coli FERM BP-11354, Escherichia coli CGMCC 7.59 or Escherichia coli CGMCC 3667 as a feed additive for all animal species, to be classified in the additive category ‘nutritional additives’.

| (5) | The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinions of 11 September 2013 (4), 10 April 2014 (5), 9 September 2014 (6), 29 January 2015 (7), 10 September 2015 (8), 1 December 2015 (9), 25 January 2017 (10) and of 25 January 2017 (11) that, under the proposed conditions of use, L-tryptophan produced by Escherichia coli KCCM 11132P, Escherichia coli DSM 25084, Escherichia coli FERM BP-11200, Escherichia coli FERM BP-11354, Escherichia coli CGMCC 7.59 and Escherichia coli CGMCC 3667 does not have an adverse effect on animal health, human health or the environment, and that it is considered an efficacious source of the essential amino acid tryptophan for animal nutrition; the applicant for L-tryptophan produced by Escherichia coli DSM 25084 provided evidence that, after a change of the manufacturing process, the endotoxin level of the additive was reduced to an acceptable level; for the supplemental L- tryptophan to be fully efficacious in ruminants, it should be protected against degradation in the rumen. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the method of analysis of the feed additive in feed submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) concluded in its opinions of 11 September 2013 (4), 10 April 2014 (5), 9 September 2014 (6), 29 January 2015 (7), 10 September 2015 (8), 1 December 2015 (9), 25 January 2017 (10) and of 25 January 2017 (11) that, under the proposed conditions of use, L-tryptophan produced by Escherichia coli KCCM 11132P, Escherichia coli DSM 25084, Escherichia coli FERM BP-11200, Escherichia coli FERM BP-11354, Escherichia coli CGMCC 7.59 and Escherichia coli CGMCC 3667 does not have an adverse effect on animal health, human health or the environment, and that it is considered an efficacious source of the essential amino acid tryptophan for animal nutrition; the applicant for L-tryptophan produced by Escherichia coli DSM 25084 provided evidence that, after a change of the manufacturing process, the endotoxin level of the additive was reduced to an acceptable level; for the supplemental L- tryptophan to be fully efficacious in ruminants, it should be protected against degradation in the rumen. The Authority does not consider that there is a need for specific requirements of post-market monitoring. It also verified the report on the method of analysis of the feed additive in feed submitted by the Reference Laboratory set up by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003.

| (6) | The assessment of L-tryptophan shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of that substance should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The assessment of L-tryptophan shows that the conditions for authorisation, as provided for in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, are satisfied. Accordingly, the use of that substance should be authorised as specified in the Annex to this Regulation.

| (7) | Since safety reasons do not require the immediate application of the modifications to the conditions of authorisation for L-tryptophan, it is appropriate to allow a transitional period for interested parties to prepare themselves to meet the new requirements resulting from the authorisation. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Since safety reasons do not require the immediate application of the modifications to the conditions of authorisation for L-tryptophan, it is appropriate to allow a transitional period for interested parties to prepare themselves to meet the new requirements resulting from the authorisation.

| (8) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Authorisation

The substance specified in the Annex, belonging to the additive category ‘nutritional additives’ and to the functional group ‘amino acids, their salts and analogues’, is authorised as an additive in animal nutrition subject to the conditions laid down in that Annex.

Article 2

Transitional measures

1.   The substance specified in the Annex authorised by Commission Directive 88/485/EEC and premixtures containing it may be placed on the market until 12 December 2017 in accordance with the rules applicable before 12 June 2017 and used until the existing stocks are exhausted.

2.   Feed materials and compound feed containing the substance referred to in paragraph 1 which are produced and labelled before 12 June 2018 in accordance with the rules applicable before 12 June 2017 may be placed on the market and used until the existing stocks are exhausted if they are intended for food producing animals.

3.   Feed materials and compound feed containing the substances referred to in paragraph 1 which are produced and labelled before 12 June 2019 in accordance with the rules applicable before 12 June 2017 may be placed on the market and used until the existing stocks are exhausted if they are intended for non-food producing animals.

Article 3

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Official Journal of the European Union

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 22 May 2017.

For the Commission

The President

Jean-Claude JUNCKER

---

(1)  
  OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 29.

1

(2)  Council Directive 82/471/EEC of 30 June 1982 concerning certain products used in animal nutrition (OJ L 213, 21.7.1982, p. 8).

2

(3)  Commission Directive 88/485/EEC of 26 July 1988 amending the Annex to Council Directive 82/471/EEC concerning certain products used in animal nutrition (OJ L 239, 30.8.1988, p. 36).

3

(4)  EFSA Journal 2013;11(10):3368.

4

(5)  EFSA Journal 2014;12(5):3673.

5

(6)  EFSA Journal 2014;12(10):3826.

6

(7)  EFSA Journal 2015;13(2):4015.

7

(8)  EFSA Journal 2015;13(9):4238.

8

(9)  EFSA Journal 2016;14(1):4343.

9

(10)  EFSA Journal 2017;15(2):4712.

10

(11)  EFSA Journal 2017;15(3):4705.

11

---

ANNEX

| Identification number of the additive | Name of the holder of authorisation | Additive | Composition, chemical formula, description, analytical method | Species or category of animal | Maximum age | Minimum content | Maximum content | Other provisions | End of period of authorisation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| mg/kg of complete feed with a moisture content of 12 % |
| Category of nutritional additives. Functional group: amino acids, their salts and analogues |
| 3c440 | — | L-tryptophan | Additive composition

  Powder with a minimum of 98 % L-tryptophan (on a dry matter basis).
  Maximum content of 10 mg/kg 1,1′-ethylidene-bis-L-tryptophan (EBT)

  Characterisation of the active substance

  L-tryptophan produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli KCCM 11132P or

  Escherichia coli DSM 25084 or

  Escherichia coli FERM BP-11200 or

  Escherichia coli FERM BP-11354 or

  Escherichia coli CGMCC 7.59 or

  Escherichia coli CGMCC 3667.
  Chemical formula: C11H12N2O2

  CAS No: 73-22-3

  Analytical methods
   (1)

  For the identification of L-tryptophan in the feed additive:






  — | Food Chemical Codex ‘L-tryptophan monograph’. |

Identification number of the additive

Name of the holder of authorisation

Additive

Composition, chemical formula, description, analytical method

Species or category of animal

Maximum age

Minimum content

Maximum content

Other provisions

End of period of authorisation

mg/kg of complete feed with a moisture content of 12 %

Category of nutritional additives. Functional group: amino acids, their salts and analogues

3c440

—

L-tryptophan

Additive composition

Powder with a minimum of 98 % L-tryptophan (on a dry matter basis).

Maximum content of 10 mg/kg 1,1′-ethylidene-bis-L-tryptophan (EBT)

Characterisation of the active substance

L-tryptophan produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli KCCM 11132P or

Escherichia coli DSM 25084 or

Escherichia coli FERM BP-11200 or

Escherichia coli FERM BP-11354 or

Escherichia coli CGMCC 7.59 or

Escherichia coli CGMCC 3667.

Chemical formula: C11H12N2O2

CAS No: 73-22-3

Analytical methods
   (1)

For the identification of L-tryptophan in the feed additive:

—

Food Chemical Codex ‘L-tryptophan monograph’.

For the determination of tryptophan in the feed additive and premixtures:

| — | High performance liquid chromatography coupled to fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD) — EN ISO 13904-2016 |
| --- | --- |

—

High performance liquid chromatography coupled to fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD) — EN ISO 13904-2016

For the determination of tryptophan in the feed additive, premixtures, compound feed and feed materials:

| — | High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorescence detection, Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 (OJ L 54, 26.2.2009, p. 1) (Annex III, G) |
| --- | --- |

—

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorescence detection, Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 (OJ L 54, 26.2.2009, p. 1) (Annex III, G)

All species

—

—

—

| 1. | L-tryptophan may be placed on the market and used as an additive consisting of a preparation. |
| --- | --- |

1.

L-tryptophan may be placed on the market and used as an additive consisting of a preparation.

| 2. | For users of the additive and premixtures, feed business operators shall establish operational procedures and organisational measures to address potential risks by inhalation, dermal contact or eyes contact. Where those risks cannot be eliminated or reduced to a minimum by such procedures and measures, the additive and premixtures shall be used with personal protective equipment, including breathing protection, safety glasses and gloves. |
| --- | --- |

2.

For users of the additive and premixtures, feed business operators shall establish operational procedures and organisational measures to address potential risks by inhalation, dermal contact or eyes contact. Where those risks cannot be eliminated or reduced to a minimum by such procedures and measures, the additive and premixtures shall be used with personal protective equipment, including breathing protection, safety glasses and gloves.

| 3. | The endotoxin content of the additive and its dusting potential shall ensure a maximal endotoxin exposure of 1 600  IU endotoxins/m3 air (2). |
| --- | --- |

3.

The endotoxin content of the additive and its dusting potential shall ensure a maximal endotoxin exposure of 1 600  IU endotoxins/m3 air (2).

| 4. | For ruminants, L-tryptophan shall be rumen protected. |
| --- | --- |

4.

For ruminants, L-tryptophan shall be rumen protected.

| 5. | Declarations to be made on the label of the additive:
  Moisture content. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Declarations to be made on the label of the additive:

Moisture content.

12 June 2027

---

(1)  Details of the analytical methods are available at the following address of the Reference Laboratory: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/eurl/feed-additives/evaluation-reports

(2)  Exposure calculated based on the endotoxin level and the dusting potential of the additive according to the method used by EFSA (EFSA Journal 2017;15(3):4705); analytical method: European Pharmacopoeia 2.6.14 (bacterial endotoxins).

---

| 23.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 134/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 134/18

---

COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2017/874

of 22 May 2017

amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of butane (E 943a), isobutane (E 943b) and propane (E 944) in colour preparations

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives (1), and in particular Article 10(3) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 lays down a Union list of food additives approved for use in food additives, food enzymes, food flavourings, nutrients and their conditions of use. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 lays down a Union list of food additives approved for use in food additives, food enzymes, food flavourings, nutrients and their conditions of use.

| (2) | That list may be updated in accordance with the common procedure referred to in Article 3(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2), either on the initiative of the Commission or following an application. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

That list may be updated in accordance with the common procedure referred to in Article 3(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2), either on the initiative of the Commission or following an application.

| (3) | An application for authorisation of the use of butane (E 943a), isobutane (E 943b) and propane (E 944) as propellants in colour preparations of group II and group III, as defined in Part C of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, was submitted on 26 January 2016. The application was subsequently made available to the Member States pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

An application for authorisation of the use of butane (E 943a), isobutane (E 943b) and propane (E 944) as propellants in colour preparations of group II and group III, as defined in Part C of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, was submitted on 26 January 2016. The application was subsequently made available to the Member States pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008.

| (4) | Butane, isobutane and propane used as propellants can produce the necessary pressure to expel colour preparations from a spray in order to obtain an appropriate homogenous coverage of colours on foods. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Butane, isobutane and propane used as propellants can produce the necessary pressure to expel colour preparations from a spray in order to obtain an appropriate homogenous coverage of colours on foods.

| (5) | The Scientific Committee for Food evaluated safety of propane, butane and isobutane as extraction solvents in 1991 and found such use acceptable subject to a residue limit in food of 1 mg/kg per substance (3). |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The Scientific Committee for Food evaluated safety of propane, butane and isobutane as extraction solvents in 1991 and found such use acceptable subject to a residue limit in food of 1 mg/kg per substance (3).

| (6) | In 1999 the Scientific Committee for Food expressed its opinion on propane, butane and isobutane as propellant gases for vegetable oil-based aerosol cooking sprays and water-based emulsion cooking sprays (4) concluding that in the view of the low residue level of propellant gases the use for baking and frying has no toxicological concerns. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

In 1999 the Scientific Committee for Food expressed its opinion on propane, butane and isobutane as propellant gases for vegetable oil-based aerosol cooking sprays and water-based emulsion cooking sprays (4) concluding that in the view of the low residue level of propellant gases the use for baking and frying has no toxicological concerns.

| (7) | Analytical data provided by the applicant confirmed that one hour after spraying various foods, the residues of butane (E 943a), isobutane (E 943b) and propane (E 944) are below the limit of 1 mg/kg. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Analytical data provided by the applicant confirmed that one hour after spraying various foods, the residues of butane (E 943a), isobutane (E 943b) and propane (E 944) are below the limit of 1 mg/kg.

| (8) | Pursuant to Article 3(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008, the Commission is to seek the opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) in order to update the Union list of food additives set out in Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, except where that update is not liable to have an effect on human health. Since the authorisation of use of butane (E 943a), isobutane (E 943b) and propane (E 944) as propellants in colour preparations constitutes an update of that list which is not liable to have an effect on human health, it is not necessary to seek the opinion of the Authority. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Pursuant to Article 3(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008, the Commission is to seek the opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) in order to update the Union list of food additives set out in Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, except where that update is not liable to have an effect on human health. Since the authorisation of use of butane (E 943a), isobutane (E 943b) and propane (E 944) as propellants in colour preparations constitutes an update of that list which is not liable to have an effect on human health, it is not necessary to seek the opinion of the Authority.

| (9) | Therefore, it is appropriate to authorise the use of butane (E 943a), isobutane (E 943b) and propane (E 944) as propellants in colour preparations of groups II and III, as defined in Part C of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. Due to risk of ignition and the time needed to decrease the levels of propellants under the limit of 1 mg/kg it is appropriate to grant the authorisation for professional use only to ensure that the standardised industrial protocols are respected and the time between spraying and consumption is sufficient to comply with the acceptable residue limit. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Therefore, it is appropriate to authorise the use of butane (E 943a), isobutane (E 943b) and propane (E 944) as propellants in colour preparations of groups II and III, as defined in Part C of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. Due to risk of ignition and the time needed to decrease the levels of propellants under the limit of 1 mg/kg it is appropriate to grant the authorisation for professional use only to ensure that the standardised industrial protocols are respected and the time between spraying and consumption is sufficient to comply with the acceptable residue limit.

| (10) | Therefore, Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 should be amended accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

Therefore, Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 should be amended accordingly.

| (11) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, |
| --- | --- |

(11)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 22 May 2017.

For the Commission

The President

Jean-Claude JUNCKER

---

(1)  
  OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 16.

1

(2)  Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 establishing a common authorisation procedure for food additives, food enzymes and food flavourings (OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 1).

2

(3)  Reports of the Scientific Committee for Food, Twenty-ninth series, 1992.

3

(4)  Opinion on propane, butane and iso-butane as propellant gases for vegetable oil-based aerosol cooking sprays and water-based emulsion cooking sprays. Scientific Committee on Food, 29.3.1999.

4

---

ANNEX

In Part 2 of Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, the following entries are inserted after the entry for E 903:

| ‘E 943a | Butane | 1 mg/kg in final food | Colour preparations of group II and group III as defined in Part C of Annex II (for professional use only) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| E 943b | Isobutane | 1 mg/kg in final food | Colour preparations of group II and group III as defined in Part C of Annex II (for professional use only) |
| E 944 | Propane | 1 mg/kg in final food | Colour preparations of group II and group III as defined in Part C of Annex II (for professional use only)’ |

‘E 943a

Butane

1 mg/kg in final food

Colour preparations of group II and group III as defined in Part C of Annex II (for professional use only)

E 943b

Isobutane

1 mg/kg in final food

Colour preparations of group II and group III as defined in Part C of Annex II (for professional use only)

E 944

Propane

1 mg/kg in final food

Colour preparations of group II and group III as defined in Part C of Annex II (for professional use only)’

---

| 23.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 134/21 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 134/21

---

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/875

of 22 May 2017

establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (1),

Having regard to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (2), and in particular Article 136(1) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 lays down, pursuant to the outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the standard values for imports from third countries, in respect of the products and periods stipulated in Annex XVI, Part A thereto. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 lays down, pursuant to the outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the standard values for imports from third countries, in respect of the products and periods stipulated in Annex XVI, Part A thereto.

| (2) | The standard import value is calculated each working day, in accordance with Article 136(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011, taking into account variable daily data. Therefore this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The standard import value is calculated each working day, in accordance with Article 136(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011, taking into account variable daily data. Therefore this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The standard import values referred to in Article 136 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 are fixed in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

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

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 22 May 2017.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Jerzy PLEWA

Director-General

Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

---

(1)  
  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

1

(2)  
  OJ L 157, 15.6.2011, p. 1.

2

---

ANNEX

Standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

| (EUR/100 kg) |
| --- |
| CN code | Third country code (1) | Standard import value |
| 0702 00 00 | MA | 109,6 |
| TR | 66,0 |
| ZZ | 87,8 |
| 0707 00 05 | TR | 84,9 |
| ZZ | 84,9 |
| 0709 93 10 | TR | 131,4 |
| ZZ | 131,4 |
| 0805 10 22 , 0805 10 24 , 0805 10 28 | EG | 55,9 |
| MA | 60,6 |
| TR | 48,9 |
| ZA | 44,6 |
| ZZ | 52,5 |
| 0805 50 10 | AR | 112,1 |
| TR | 153,6 |
| ZA | 207,1 |
| ZZ | 157,6 |
| 0808 10 80 | AR | 98,4 |
| BR | 113,4 |
| CL | 128,3 |
| CN | 145,5 |
| NZ | 153,0 |
| US | 107,1 |
| ZA | 101,2 |
| ZZ | 121,0 |

(EUR/100 kg)

CN code

Third country code (1)

Standard import value

0702 00 00

MA

109,6

TR

66,0

ZZ

87,8

0707 00 05

TR

84,9

ZZ

84,9

0709 93 10

TR

131,4

ZZ

131,4

0805 10 22 , 0805 10 24 , 0805 10 28

EG

55,9

MA

60,6

TR

48,9

ZA

44,6

ZZ

52,5

0805 50 10

AR

112,1

TR

153,6

ZA

207,1

ZZ

157,6

0808 10 80

AR

98,4

BR

113,4

CL

128,3

CN

145,5

NZ

153,0

US

107,1

ZA

101,2

ZZ

121,0

---

(1)  Nomenclature of countries laid down by Commission Regulation (EU) No 1106/2012 of 27 November 2012 implementing Regulation (EC) No 471/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Community statistics relating to external trade with non-member countries, as regards the update of the nomenclature of countries and territories (OJ L 328, 28.11.2012, p. 7). Code ‘ZZ’ stands for ‘of other origin’.

---

DECISIONS

| 23.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 134/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 134/23

---

COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2017/876

of 18 May 2017

on the accession of the European Union to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 207(3) and (4), in conjunction with Article 218(6) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

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

Whereas:

| (1) | The Union is a member of a number of international commodity bodies, but it is not a member of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (‘ICAC’). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Union is a member of a number of international commodity bodies, but it is not a member of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (‘ICAC’).

| (2) | On 27 April 2004, 27 May 2008 and 10 May 2010 the Council, in its Conclusions on the EU Action Plan on agricultural commodity chains, dependency and poverty, on the EU-Africa Partnership in support of cotton-sector development and on enhancing Union action in the area of commodities, respectively, invited the Commission to consider Union membership of the ICAC. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

On 27 April 2004, 27 May 2008 and 10 May 2010 the Council, in its Conclusions on the EU Action Plan on agricultural commodity chains, dependency and poverty, on the EU-Africa Partnership in support of cotton-sector development and on enhancing Union action in the area of commodities, respectively, invited the Commission to consider Union membership of the ICAC.

| (3) | On 16 September 2013 the Council authorised the Commission to negotiate, on behalf of the Union, the accession of the Union to the ICAC in accordance with Sections 1 and 2 of Article II of the ICAC Rules and Regulations, stating that membership of the ICAC is in the interest of the Union, owing to the significance of cotton to the Union's agricultural and industrial economy and trade businesses. The Union is a producer of cotton and has evolved from a net cotton importer to, as of 2009, a net cotton exporter. Furthermore, the Union textiles and clothing industry is a major user of cotton cloth. Cotton is also an important area for European development cooperation, the Union remaining one of the main donors to the African cotton sector. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

On 16 September 2013 the Council authorised the Commission to negotiate, on behalf of the Union, the accession of the Union to the ICAC in accordance with Sections 1 and 2 of Article II of the ICAC Rules and Regulations, stating that membership of the ICAC is in the interest of the Union, owing to the significance of cotton to the Union's agricultural and industrial economy and trade businesses. The Union is a producer of cotton and has evolved from a net cotton importer to, as of 2009, a net cotton exporter. Furthermore, the Union textiles and clothing industry is a major user of cotton cloth. Cotton is also an important area for European development cooperation, the Union remaining one of the main donors to the African cotton sector.

| (4) | The Union will pay a contribution in accordance with Section 2 a.(2)(c) of Article II of the ICAC Rules and Regulations. The Union cannot be held liable for any current or future financial arrears of any members of the ICAC. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Union will pay a contribution in accordance with Section 2 a.(2)(c) of Article II of the ICAC Rules and Regulations. The Union cannot be held liable for any current or future financial arrears of any members of the ICAC.

| (5) | It is necessary for Protocol 4 on cotton (2), annexed to the 1979 Act of Accession, to continue to be taken into account after the Union's accession to the ICAC. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

It is necessary for Protocol 4 on cotton (2), annexed to the 1979 Act of Accession, to continue to be taken into account after the Union's accession to the ICAC.

| (6) | The Union should therefore accede to the ICAC, |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The Union should therefore accede to the ICAC,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The accession of the European Union to the International Cotton Advisory Committee is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.

The ICAC Rules and Regulations are attached to this Decision.

Article 2

The President of the Council shall designate the person(s) empowered to make, on behalf of the Union, the communication referred to in Section 2 a. of Article II of the ICAC Rules and Regulations.

Article 3

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

Done at Brussels, 18 May 2017.

For the Council

The President

C. ABELA

---

(1)  Consent of 16 May 2017 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  
  OJ L 291, 19.11.1979, p. 174.

2

---

Table of Contents

| ARTICLE I | TERMS OF REFERENCE | 26 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ARTICLE I

| ARTICLE II | MEMBERSHIP | 26 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ARTICLE II

| ARTICLE III | ADVISORY COMMITTEE | 28 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ARTICLE III

| ARTICLE IV | STANDING COMMITTEE | 28 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ARTICLE IV

| ARTICLE V | OFFICERS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE | 30 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ARTICLE V

| ARTICLE VI | SUBCOMMITTEES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE | 31 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ARTICLE VI

| ARTICLE VII | SECRETARIAT | 32 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ARTICLE VII

| ARTICLE VIII | FISCAL PROCEDURES | 33 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ARTICLE VIII

| ARTICLE IX | PROVISION OF INFORMATION | 34 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ARTICLE IX

| ARTICLE X | LANGUAGES | 35 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ARTICLE X

| ARTICLE XI | VOTING | 36 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ARTICLE XI

| ARTICLE XII | COOPERATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS | 36 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ARTICLE XII

| ARTICLE XIII | AMENDMENTS | 36 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ARTICLE XIII

| ARTICLE XIV | SUPERSESSION | 36 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ARTICLE XIV

| Office of the Secretariat |
| --- |
| 1629 K Street NW Suite 702 |
| Washington DC 20006 USA |
| Telephone: (202) 463-6660 |
| Fax: (202) 463-6950 |
| Email: secretariat@icac.org |

Office of the Secretariat

1629 K Street NW Suite 702

Washington DC 20006 USA

Telephone: (202) 463-6660

Fax: (202) 463-6950

Email: secretariat@icac.org

---

RULES AND REGULATIONS

of the

INTERNATIONAL COTTON ADVISORY COMMITTEE

As adopted by the 31st Plenary Meeting — June 16, 1972

(With amendments through December 11, 2015 at the 74th Plenary Meeting)

ARTICLE I — TERMS OF REFERENCE

ARTICLE I — TERMS OF REFERENCE

The functions of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (hereinafter referred to as ICAC) are:

| a. | To observe and keep in close touch with developments affecting the world cotton situation. |
| --- | --- |

a.

To observe and keep in close touch with developments affecting the world cotton situation.

| b. | To collect, disseminate, and keep complete, authentic and timely statistics and other information relating to world production, trade, consumption, stocks and prices of cotton; and other textile fibers, or of textiles, insofar as they affect the cotton economy and do not duplicate assignments that Members have given to other international bodies. |
| --- | --- |

b.

To collect, disseminate, and keep complete, authentic and timely statistics and other information relating to world production, trade, consumption, stocks and prices of cotton; and other textile fibers, or of textiles, insofar as they affect the cotton economy and do not duplicate assignments that Members have given to other international bodies.

| c. | To suggest to Members of the ICAC, as and when advisable, any measures the ICAC considers suitable and practicable for the furtherance of international collaboration directed towards developing and maintaining a sound world cotton economy. |
| --- | --- |

c.

To suggest to Members of the ICAC, as and when advisable, any measures the ICAC considers suitable and practicable for the furtherance of international collaboration directed towards developing and maintaining a sound world cotton economy.

| d. | To be the forum for international discussions on matters related to cotton prices, without, however, prejudicing discussions currently being carried on elsewhere, for example, in the UNCTAD. Such discussions should take place regularly both in the Standing Committee and at annual Plenary Meetings. |
| --- | --- |

d.

To be the forum for international discussions on matters related to cotton prices, without, however, prejudicing discussions currently being carried on elsewhere, for example, in the UNCTAD. Such discussions should take place regularly both in the Standing Committee and at annual Plenary Meetings.

ARTICLE II — MEMBERSHIP

ARTICLE II — MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 — Eligibility for Membership

Section 1 — Eligibility for Membership

| a. | Membership in the ICAC is open to all members of the United Nations or of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, expressing an interest in cotton. |
| --- | --- |

a.

Membership in the ICAC is open to all members of the United Nations or of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, expressing an interest in cotton.

| b. | Any other government expressing an interest in cotton shall be eligible to apply for membership. |
| --- | --- |

b.

Any other government expressing an interest in cotton shall be eligible to apply for membership.

Section 2 — Accession to Membership: Commitments of Acceding Members

Section 2 — Accession to Membership: Commitments of Acceding Members

Accession to the ICAC shall be governed by the following procedures:

| a. | An applicant shall address a communication to the Executive Director stating:






  (1) | It has an interest in cotton; |
| --- | --- | --- |

a.

An applicant shall address a communication to the Executive Director stating:

(1)

It has an interest in cotton;

| (2) | It is prepared to fulfill the obligations of membership with respect to:






  (a) | The acceptance of the Rules and Regulations of the ICAC in effect at that time, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(2)

It is prepared to fulfill the obligations of membership with respect to:

(a)

The acceptance of the Rules and Regulations of the ICAC in effect at that time,

| (b) | The submission of information concerning the cotton situation and related matters in accordance with the prescribed requirements of the ICAC and any work programs that may be approved from time to time, and |
| --- | --- |

(b)

The submission of information concerning the cotton situation and related matters in accordance with the prescribed requirements of the ICAC and any work programs that may be approved from time to time, and

| (c) | The payment of its assessments. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

The payment of its assessments.

| b. | The Standing Committee or the Advisory Committee, as applicable, shall thereupon consider the communication of the applicant |
| --- | --- |

b.

The Standing Committee or the Advisory Committee, as applicable, shall thereupon consider the communication of the applicant

| c. | Normally the accession of an applicant qualifying for membership under the provisions of Section 1 a. of this article shall be confirmed at the next meeting of the Standing Committee. However, should the matter of accession be raised at a Plenary Meeting the Advisory Committee shall confirm the accession. |
| --- | --- |

c.

Normally the accession of an applicant qualifying for membership under the provisions of Section 1 a. of this article shall be confirmed at the next meeting of the Standing Committee. However, should the matter of accession be raised at a Plenary Meeting the Advisory Committee shall confirm the accession.

| d. | Application for membership under the provisions of Section 1 b. of this article shall be considered by the Advisory Committee. |
| --- | --- |

d.

Application for membership under the provisions of Section 1 b. of this article shall be considered by the Advisory Committee.

| e. | Whenever it confirms or approves the admission of an applicant to membership in the ICAC, the Standing Committee or Advisory Committee shall, at the same time, confirm the amount of the financial contribution assessed to such Member in the year of its accession in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 c. of this article. |
| --- | --- |

e.

Whenever it confirms or approves the admission of an applicant to membership in the ICAC, the Standing Committee or Advisory Committee shall, at the same time, confirm the amount of the financial contribution assessed to such Member in the year of its accession in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 c. of this article.

| f. | The Executive Director shall notify the applicant concerned in writing of the action taken. |
| --- | --- |

f.

The Executive Director shall notify the applicant concerned in writing of the action taken.

Section 3 — Withdrawal from Membership

Section 3 — Withdrawal from Membership

The withdrawal of any Member in the ICAC shall be governed by the following procedure:

| a. | Any Member desiring to withdraw shall address a communication to the Executive Director to that effect, stating the date on which it is desired to make the withdrawal effective, which shall be at least 30 days after receipt of the notice by the Executive Director. |
| --- | --- |

a.

Any Member desiring to withdraw shall address a communication to the Executive Director to that effect, stating the date on which it is desired to make the withdrawal effective, which shall be at least 30 days after receipt of the notice by the Executive Director.

| b. | The Executive Director shall inform the Advisory Committee or the Standing Committee, as applicable, of any withdrawal and, in acknowledging the withdrawal, shall notify the Member concerned of its financial status with the ICAC. |
| --- | --- |

b.

The Executive Director shall inform the Advisory Committee or the Standing Committee, as applicable, of any withdrawal and, in acknowledging the withdrawal, shall notify the Member concerned of its financial status with the ICAC.

Section 4 — Financial Obligations of Members

Section 4 — Financial Obligations of Members

| a. | The assessment of each Member shall be the sum rounded to the nearest $100 of:






  (1) | A basic contribution: 40 percent of the total assessments shall be shared equally between Members, and |
| --- | --- | --- |

a.

The assessment of each Member shall be the sum rounded to the nearest $100 of:

(1)

A basic contribution: 40 percent of the total assessments shall be shared equally between Members, and

| (2) | A pro rata contribution: the total of the pro rata contributions shall equal budgetary demands less the sum of the equal contributions. The pro rata contribution shall be assessed on the basis of average trade in raw cotton (exports plus imports) in the four most recent cotton years (August-July) ended prior to the ICAC fiscal year to which contributions are applicable. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

A pro rata contribution: the total of the pro rata contributions shall equal budgetary demands less the sum of the equal contributions. The pro rata contribution shall be assessed on the basis of average trade in raw cotton (exports plus imports) in the four most recent cotton years (August-July) ended prior to the ICAC fiscal year to which contributions are applicable.

| b. | Assessments shall be due on July 1 each year and payable during the following three months of the ICAC's fiscal year. Each payment received from a Member shall be applied against the longest out- standing debt due the ICAC from that Member. |
| --- | --- |

b.

Assessments shall be due on July 1 each year and payable during the following three months of the ICAC's fiscal year. Each payment received from a Member shall be applied against the longest out- standing debt due the ICAC from that Member.

| c. | The initial assessment of a Member in the ICAC shall be calculated as provided in Section 4 a. of this article. Such initial assessment shall be prorated according to the number of full quarters remaining in the ICAC's fiscal year. The pro rata contribution shall be determined by the relationship of the average trade that was used in determining the pro rata contributions last assessed for existing Members. |
| --- | --- |

c.

The initial assessment of a Member in the ICAC shall be calculated as provided in Section 4 a. of this article. Such initial assessment shall be prorated according to the number of full quarters remaining in the ICAC's fiscal year. The pro rata contribution shall be determined by the relationship of the average trade that was used in determining the pro rata contributions last assessed for existing Members.

| d. | The initial assessment of a Member shall be due on the date on which its accession becomes effective and payable during the following three months. |
| --- | --- |

d.

The initial assessment of a Member shall be due on the date on which its accession becomes effective and payable during the following three months.

| e. | On withdrawal or suspension of a Member, no remission or refund shall be made of any part of its assessment for the ICAC's fiscal year during which the withdrawal takes place. Any unpaid assessment for that year shall become payable on the date when the Executive Director receives the communication referred to in Section 3 a. of this article. |
| --- | --- |

e.

On withdrawal or suspension of a Member, no remission or refund shall be made of any part of its assessment for the ICAC's fiscal year during which the withdrawal takes place. Any unpaid assessment for that year shall become payable on the date when the Executive Director receives the communication referred to in Section 3 a. of this article.

| f. | If the assessment of a Member is in arrears for twelve months, except for a minimal amount, not to exceed 15 percent of its current annual assessment, the Executive Director shall notify the Member concerned that, unless payment is received within six months after the date of notification, the provision of documents and other services will be discontinued thereafter. If payment is still not received after a further six months, the membership of that Member shall be suspended. |
| --- | --- |

f.

If the assessment of a Member is in arrears for twelve months, except for a minimal amount, not to exceed 15 percent of its current annual assessment, the Executive Director shall notify the Member concerned that, unless payment is received within six months after the date of notification, the provision of documents and other services will be discontinued thereafter. If payment is still not received after a further six months, the membership of that Member shall be suspended.

| g. | A Member that has withdrawn under the provisions of Section 3 of this article or whose membership has been suspended under Section 4 f., shall not be readmitted to membership until at least one-fifth of all debts due the ICAC from that Member have been paid. Its membership shall continue only if no additional arrears accumulate while its debt to the Committee is being repaid in full, and only if the Member continues to pay its debt to the Committee in installments of not less than one-fourth of the remainder per year. |
| --- | --- |

g.

A Member that has withdrawn under the provisions of Section 3 of this article or whose membership has been suspended under Section 4 f., shall not be readmitted to membership until at least one-fifth of all debts due the ICAC from that Member have been paid. Its membership shall continue only if no additional arrears accumulate while its debt to the Committee is being repaid in full, and only if the Member continues to pay its debt to the Committee in installments of not less than one-fourth of the remainder per year.

ARTICLE III — ADVISORY COMMITTEE

ARTICLE III — ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Section 1 — Definition

Section 1 — Definition

In these Rules and Regulations the words ‘Advisory Committee’ mean ICAC meeting in plenary session.

Section 2 — Frequency and Location of Meetings

Section 2 — Frequency and Location of Meetings

Meetings of the Advisory Committee shall be held at the invitation of Members. Normally, regular meetings shall be held at least once per calendar year. Additional meetings may be called by the Standing Committee. Invitations to host plenary meetings cannot be accepted from Members that are more than one year in arrears in the payment of assessments to the ICAC.

Meetings of the Advisory Committee shall alternate as much as possible between cotton exporting and cotton importing Members. As the seat of the organization is in the United States of America, meetings should be held more frequently there than in other Members and generally at intervals of not more than five years.

Section 3 — Attendance at Meetings

Section 3 — Attendance at Meetings

An invitation from a Member to the ICAC offering to host a meeting of the Advisory Committee shall be extended with the understanding that delegations from all Members are entitled to attend and participate in the meeting, if they so desire. The Committee itself may issue the invitations to the Members.

Section 4 — Procedure at Meetings

Section 4 — Procedure at Meetings

| a. | At each meeting of the Advisory Committee, the Conference Chair shall be designated by the host Member. The Chair of the Standing Committee will serve as First Vice Chair. The host Member may designate one or more other vice chairs. The Conference Chair shall normally preside at meetings of the Steering Committee and Plenary Sessions. Other Committees shall designate their own Chair and Vice Chairs. |
| --- | --- |

a.

At each meeting of the Advisory Committee, the Conference Chair shall be designated by the host Member. The Chair of the Standing Committee will serve as First Vice Chair. The host Member may designate one or more other vice chairs. The Conference Chair shall normally preside at meetings of the Steering Committee and Plenary Sessions. Other Committees shall designate their own Chair and Vice Chairs.

| b. | The Executive Director of the ICAC shall serve as Secretary General and may appoint one or more Associate Secretaries General. Should the Executive Director be unavailable, the host Member shall designate the Secretary General. |
| --- | --- |

b.

The Executive Director of the ICAC shall serve as Secretary General and may appoint one or more Associate Secretaries General. Should the Executive Director be unavailable, the host Member shall designate the Secretary General.

| c. | Each Member shall notify the Executive Director as soon as possible of the names of its representatives, alternates, and advisors and such other information, including the designation of a head of delegation, as may be required for registration. |
| --- | --- |

c.

Each Member shall notify the Executive Director as soon as possible of the names of its representatives, alternates, and advisors and such other information, including the designation of a head of delegation, as may be required for registration.

| d. | During the discussions on any matter, any Member may raise a point of order and may move the closure or adjournment of the debate. In each case, the presiding officer shall immediately state his or her ruling, which shall stand unless overruled by the meeting. |
| --- | --- |

d.

During the discussions on any matter, any Member may raise a point of order and may move the closure or adjournment of the debate. In each case, the presiding officer shall immediately state his or her ruling, which shall stand unless overruled by the meeting.

Section 5 — Terms of Reference

Section 5 — Terms of Reference

| a. | To appoint an Executive Director and to determine his or her basic contract and emoluments. |
| --- | --- |

a.

To appoint an Executive Director and to determine his or her basic contract and emoluments.

| b. | To consider and act on any other matter within the terms of reference of the ICAC. |
| --- | --- |

b.

To consider and act on any other matter within the terms of reference of the ICAC.

ARTICLE IV — STANDING COMMITTEE

ARTICLE IV — STANDING COMMITTEE

Section 1 — Relationship to Advisory Committee

Section 1 — Relationship to Advisory Committee

| a. | Between Plenary Meetings, the Advisory Committee shall be represented at Washington D.C by a Standing Committee, which shall be subordinate to it. |
| --- | --- |

a.

Between Plenary Meetings, the Advisory Committee shall be represented at Washington D.C by a Standing Committee, which shall be subordinate to it.

| b. | The Advisory Committee may delegate authority on specific matters to the Standing Committee. The Advisory Committee may modify or withdraw any such delegation of authority. |
| --- | --- |

b.

The Advisory Committee may delegate authority on specific matters to the Standing Committee. The Advisory Committee may modify or withdraw any such delegation of authority.

| c. | All actions taken by the Standing Committee may be reviewed by the Advisory Committee. |
| --- | --- |

c.

All actions taken by the Standing Committee may be reviewed by the Advisory Committee.

| d. | The Chair of the Standing Committee shall report at each meeting of the Advisory Committee on the activities of the Standing Committee since the last meeting. |
| --- | --- |

d.

The Chair of the Standing Committee shall report at each meeting of the Advisory Committee on the activities of the Standing Committee since the last meeting.

Section 2 — Membership

Section 2 — Membership

All Members of the ICAC are eligible to serve on the Standing Committee.

Section 3 — Competence, Duties, and Responsibilities

Section 3 — Competence, Duties, and Responsibilities

a.   Substantive

| (1) | To constitute a medium for exchange of views in regard to current and prospective developments in the international cotton situation. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

To constitute a medium for exchange of views in regard to current and prospective developments in the international cotton situation.

| (2) | To give practicable effect to all directions, decisions, and recommendations of the Advisory Committee. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

To give practicable effect to all directions, decisions, and recommendations of the Advisory Committee.

| (3) | To prepare work programs. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

To prepare work programs.

| (4) | To see that the work programs are carried out insofar as the finances of the ICAC will permit. This responsibility shall involve, but not necessarily be limited to:






  (a) | Determination of the number, nature and distribution of reports and publications to be issued. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(4)

To see that the work programs are carried out insofar as the finances of the ICAC will permit. This responsibility shall involve, but not necessarily be limited to:

(a)

Determination of the number, nature and distribution of reports and publications to be issued.

| (b) | Assignments to the Secretariat or to the appropriate subcommittee of those items in the approved work program that it does not wish to reserve for itself. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Assignments to the Secretariat or to the appropriate subcommittee of those items in the approved work program that it does not wish to reserve for itself.

| (c) | Improvement of statistics. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Improvement of statistics.

| (d) | Public relations. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Public relations.

| (5) | To prepare an agenda and timetable for the Advisory Committee and to make recommendations for consideration by that Committee. The agenda should include the date and place of the next meeting of the Advisory Committee. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

To prepare an agenda and timetable for the Advisory Committee and to make recommendations for consideration by that Committee. The agenda should include the date and place of the next meeting of the Advisory Committee.

| (6) | To establish practicable cooperation with the United Nations, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Institute for Cotton, and other international organizations concerned with matters of interest to the ICAC. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

To establish practicable cooperation with the United Nations, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Institute for Cotton, and other international organizations concerned with matters of interest to the ICAC.

b.   Financial

To oversee the finances of the ICAC. This responsibility shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, adoption of a budget of expenditures and a scale of assessments from Members for the ICAC's next fiscal year.

c.   Administrative

| (1) | To create and maintain at Washington D.C a Secretariat, which shall comprise an Executive Director and his or her staff. (See Article VII.) |
| --- | --- |

(1)

To create and maintain at Washington D.C a Secretariat, which shall comprise an Executive Director and his or her staff. (See Article VII.)

| (2) | To employ such staff as it may deem necessary for the purpose, having in mind the desirability of drawing qualified personnel as broadly as possible from participating Members. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

To employ such staff as it may deem necessary for the purpose, having in mind the desirability of drawing qualified personnel as broadly as possible from participating Members.

| (3) | To appoint a new Executive Director and determine the terms of his or her employment in the event of a need in the interim period between meetings of the Advisory Committee. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

To appoint a new Executive Director and determine the terms of his or her employment in the event of a need in the interim period between meetings of the Advisory Committee.

| (4) | To define, as it finds necessary for the efficient conduct of business, the duties and responsibilities of any of its officers or of the Secretariat. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

To define, as it finds necessary for the efficient conduct of business, the duties and responsibilities of any of its officers or of the Secretariat.

| (5) | To recommend amendments to these Rules and Regulations. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

To recommend amendments to these Rules and Regulations.

Section 4 — Assignment of Work

Section 4 — Assignment of Work

The Standing Committee may assign work to any subcommittee on matters coming within the competence of that subcommittee.

Section 5 — Procedures of the Standing Committee

Section 5 — Procedures of the Standing Committee

a.   General

| (1) | Meetings shall be held at the call of the Chair or the Executive Director, at the request of any Member, or by decision of the Standing Committee. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Meetings shall be held at the call of the Chair or the Executive Director, at the request of any Member, or by decision of the Standing Committee.

| (2) | Notice of at least 10 days shall normally be given. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Notice of at least 10 days shall normally be given.

| (3) | Meetings shall be held in private unless the Standing Committee decides otherwise. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Meetings shall be held in private unless the Standing Committee decides otherwise.

b.   Quorum

| (1) | Presence of delegates from one third of the Members shall constitute a quorum. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Presence of delegates from one third of the Members shall constitute a quorum.

| (2) | In the absence of a quorum the meeting shall proceed if at least eight Members are represented. However, the minutes shall identify which decisions, if any, were adopted in the absence of a quorum and which Member, if any, abstained in their adoption. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

In the absence of a quorum the meeting shall proceed if at least eight Members are represented. However, the minutes shall identify which decisions, if any, were adopted in the absence of a quorum and which Member, if any, abstained in their adoption.

| (3) | Any such decisions shall normally become binding. However, Members who were either absent or reserved their position may express their opposition within a period of ten days from the date of the provisional minutes and if the number of those opposing the decision is greater than those who supported the decision at the meeting, the decision will be overturned, which fact shall be reported in the final minutes. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Any such decisions shall normally become binding. However, Members who were either absent or reserved their position may express their opposition within a period of ten days from the date of the provisional minutes and if the number of those opposing the decision is greater than those who supported the decision at the meeting, the decision will be overturned, which fact shall be reported in the final minutes.

c.   Agenda

| (1) | Adoption of an agenda shall be the first order of business at all meetings. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Adoption of an agenda shall be the first order of business at all meetings.

| (2) | A provisional agenda shall be prepared by the Executive Director and shall be transmitted to all Members with the notice of the meeting. An item can be placed on the provisional agenda by any Member by notifying the Executive Director at least one week prior to the meeting. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

A provisional agenda shall be prepared by the Executive Director and shall be transmitted to all Members with the notice of the meeting. An item can be placed on the provisional agenda by any Member by notifying the Executive Director at least one week prior to the meeting.

| (3) | An item can be added to the agenda during a meeting unless opposed by a majority of those Members present. However, any action taken on this item shall require unanimity for its adoption at that meeting. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

An item can be added to the agenda during a meeting unless opposed by a majority of those Members present. However, any action taken on this item shall require unanimity for its adoption at that meeting.

| (4) | Any proposal newly introduced during a meeting shall require unanimity for its adoption at that meeting. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Any proposal newly introduced during a meeting shall require unanimity for its adoption at that meeting.

d.   Minutes

| (1) | Provisional minutes of meetings shall be prepared in summary form. A verbatim record shall be prepared only when requested by the Executive Director, an officer, or a Member. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Provisional minutes of meetings shall be prepared in summary form. A verbatim record shall be prepared only when requested by the Executive Director, an officer, or a Member.

| (2) | Anyone present at a meeting shall have the right to revise material concerning or attributed to him. Any changes shall be notified to the Secretariat within 10 days of the meeting. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Anyone present at a meeting shall have the right to revise material concerning or attributed to him. Any changes shall be notified to the Secretariat within 10 days of the meeting.

| (3) | Thereafter the final minutes shall be distributed to all Members. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Thereafter the final minutes shall be distributed to all Members.

ARTICLE V — OFFICERS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE

ARTICLE V — OFFICERS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE

Section 1

Section 1

| a. | The officers of the Standing Committee shall be Chair, First Vice Chair, and Second Vice Chair. |
| --- | --- |

a.

The officers of the Standing Committee shall be Chair, First Vice Chair, and Second Vice Chair.

| b. | The officers of the Standing Committee shall be elected at each regular Meeting of the Advisory Committee. They shall hold office until the election of their successors. |
| --- | --- |

b.

The officers of the Standing Committee shall be elected at each regular Meeting of the Advisory Committee. They shall hold office until the election of their successors.

| c. | In the election of the officers of the Standing Committee, the Advisory Committee shall take into account:






  (i) | rotation on as broad a geographical basis as possible; |
| --- | --- | --- |

c.

In the election of the officers of the Standing Committee, the Advisory Committee shall take into account:

(i)

rotation on as broad a geographical basis as possible;

| (ii) | giving adequate representation both to cotton importing and cotton exporting Members; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

giving adequate representation both to cotton importing and cotton exporting Members;

| (iii) | ability, interest, and participation in the work of the Committee. |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

ability, interest, and participation in the work of the Committee.

| d. | Officers shall serve without compensation from the ICAC. No expenses of the officers shall be paid by the ICAC, unless the Standing Committee decides otherwise for particular and specific assignments involving travel costs. |
| --- | --- |

d.

Officers shall serve without compensation from the ICAC. No expenses of the officers shall be paid by the ICAC, unless the Standing Committee decides otherwise for particular and specific assignments involving travel costs.

Section 2 — Term of Office

Section 2 — Term of Office

Officers of the Standing Committee shall be elected for one year. In exceptional circumstances, they may be re-elected for one additional term. When practicable, the First Vice Chair will be nominated to succeed the outgoing Chair and the Second Vice Chair nominated to succeed the First Vice Chair.

Section 3 — Procedures Relating to Elections

Section 3 — Procedures Relating to Elections

A nominating committee, open to all Members, shall be convened no later than four months prior to the Plenary Meeting. The nominating committee will elect its own Chair. The nominating committee shall report to the Standing Committee which will then make appropriate recommendations to the Advisory Committee. Delegates to the Standing Committee representing Members that are more than one year in arrears in the payment of assessments to the ICAC at the time of the meeting of the nominating committee shall not be eligible for nomination as Standing Committee officers.

Section 4 — The Chair

Section 4 — The Chair

| a. | The Chair shall be the principal presiding officer and ex-officio a member of all subcommittees and working groups. |
| --- | --- |

a.

The Chair shall be the principal presiding officer and ex-officio a member of all subcommittees and working groups.

| b. | If for any reason the Chair cannot complete his or her term of office, the First Vice Chair shall become Chair ad interim for the period until a new Chair is elected. |
| --- | --- |

b.

If for any reason the Chair cannot complete his or her term of office, the First Vice Chair shall become Chair ad interim for the period until a new Chair is elected.

Section 5 — Vice Chairs

Section 5 — Vice Chairs

| a. | The First Vice Chair shall preside over meetings of the Standing Committee in the absence of, or at request of, the Chair. |
| --- | --- |

a.

The First Vice Chair shall preside over meetings of the Standing Committee in the absence of, or at request of, the Chair.

| b. | The Second Vice Chair shall preside over meetings of the Standing Committee in absence of, or at re- quest of, the Chair and/or First Vice Chair. |
| --- | --- |

b.

The Second Vice Chair shall preside over meetings of the Standing Committee in absence of, or at re- quest of, the Chair and/or First Vice Chair.

| c. | If for any reason the First Vice Chair cannot complete his or her term of office, or if the position is vacated by reason of his or her having become Chair ad interim in accordance with Section 4 b. of this article, the Second Vice Chair shall automatically become First Vice Chair ad interim for the period until a new Vice Chair is elected. |
| --- | --- |

c.

If for any reason the First Vice Chair cannot complete his or her term of office, or if the position is vacated by reason of his or her having become Chair ad interim in accordance with Section 4 b. of this article, the Second Vice Chair shall automatically become First Vice Chair ad interim for the period until a new Vice Chair is elected.

ARTICLE VI — SUBCOMMITTEES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE

ARTICLE VI — SUBCOMMITTEES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE

Section 1 — The Standing Committee

Section 1 — The Standing Committee

The Standing Committee may establish subcommittees or working groups, prescribe their terms of reference, and terminate or discharge them.

Section 2 — Subcommittees

Section 2 — Subcommittees

Membership in any subcommittee or working group shall be open to all Members of the Standing Committee.

Section 3 — Competence, Duties, and Responsibilities of the Subcommittees

Section 3 — Competence, Duties, and Responsibilities of the Subcommittees

| a. | Each subcommittee:






  (1) | Shall be responsible to the Standing Committee for work assigned to it by the Advisory Committee or by the Standing Committee. |
| --- | --- | --- |

a.

Each subcommittee:

(1)

Shall be responsible to the Standing Committee for work assigned to it by the Advisory Committee or by the Standing Committee.

| (2) | May bring any other matter within its competence to the attention of the Standing Committee. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

May bring any other matter within its competence to the attention of the Standing Committee.

| (3) | Shall elect its own Chair and Vice Chair. If, for any reason, the Chair of any subcommittee is unable to continue in this capacity, the Vice Chair of that subcommittee shall become chair and the subcommittee shall elect a new Vice Chair. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Shall elect its own Chair and Vice Chair. If, for any reason, the Chair of any subcommittee is unable to continue in this capacity, the Vice Chair of that subcommittee shall become chair and the subcommittee shall elect a new Vice Chair.

| (4) | May prescribe its own rules of procedure, formal or informal. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

May prescribe its own rules of procedure, formal or informal.

ARTICLE VII — SECRETARIAT

ARTICLE VII — SECRETARIAT

Section 1

Section 1

The Secretariat shall be headed by an Executive Director who shall be a full time paid employee and shall hold office during the period of his or her contract of employment.

| a. | It shall be a condition of his or her employment that he shall not hold any substantial financial interest that would prejudice the conduct of the affairs of the ICAC and that he or she shall not seek or receive instructions from any authority outside the ICAC. |
| --- | --- |

a.

It shall be a condition of his or her employment that he shall not hold any substantial financial interest that would prejudice the conduct of the affairs of the ICAC and that he or she shall not seek or receive instructions from any authority outside the ICAC.

| b. | The Executive Director shall receive equal treatment with other members of the Secretariat in all matters, except for determination and implementation of cost of living adjustments to salaries and contributions to retirement benefits which will in the case of the Executive Director be determined by the UN system. |
| --- | --- |

b.

The Executive Director shall receive equal treatment with other members of the Secretariat in all matters, except for determination and implementation of cost of living adjustments to salaries and contributions to retirement benefits which will in the case of the Executive Director be determined by the UN system.

| c. | The Executive Director






  (1) | Shall be:






  (a) | Treasurer of the ICAC, but without personal financial liability in the normal discharge of such duties; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

c.

The Executive Director

(1)

Shall be:

(a)

Treasurer of the ICAC, but without personal financial liability in the normal discharge of such duties;

| (b) | Secretary General of the Advisory Committee; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Secretary General of the Advisory Committee;

| (c) | Secretary of the Standing Committee and its subordinate bodies, unless he or she delegates responsibilities to a member of the staff; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Secretary of the Standing Committee and its subordinate bodies, unless he or she delegates responsibilities to a member of the staff;

| (d) | Custodian of all records of the ICAC; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Custodian of all records of the ICAC;

| (e) | In charge of the staff of the Secretariat. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

In charge of the staff of the Secretariat.

| (2) | Shall have:






  (a) | Full responsibility for the work program assigned to the Secretariat; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(2)

Shall have:

(a)

Full responsibility for the work program assigned to the Secretariat;

| (b) | Responsibility for the preparation of agenda; timetables; technical documents; proceedings, notices and minutes of meetings; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Responsibility for the preparation of agenda; timetables; technical documents; proceedings, notices and minutes of meetings;

| (c) | Responsibility for matters of protocol and for communication with Members, other international bodies, and with national bodies interested in the work of the ICAC. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Responsibility for matters of protocol and for communication with Members, other international bodies, and with national bodies interested in the work of the ICAC.

| (3) | Shall:






  (a) | Represent the Standing Committee in arrangements with the host Members for meetings of the Advisory Committee: |
| --- | --- | --- |

(3)

Shall:

(a)

Represent the Standing Committee in arrangements with the host Members for meetings of the Advisory Committee:

| (b) | Assign technical assistance to committees at meetings of the Advisory Committee in consultation with the host Members; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Assign technical assistance to committees at meetings of the Advisory Committee in consultation with the host Members;

| (c) | Prepare for the consideration of the Standing Committee an annual detailed budget to include the following headings: Salaries; pension contributions; travel and subsistence; office equipment; rent and rates, providing an indication of the staff resources to be devoted to administrative, technical and other activities. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Prepare for the consideration of the Standing Committee an annual detailed budget to include the following headings: Salaries; pension contributions; travel and subsistence; office equipment; rent and rates, providing an indication of the staff resources to be devoted to administrative, technical and other activities.

| (d) | Prepare for the consideration of the Standing Committee a proposed scale of assessments. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Prepare for the consideration of the Standing Committee a proposed scale of assessments.

| (e) | Provide on a quarterly basis details of expenditure to date against the approved budget. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

Provide on a quarterly basis details of expenditure to date against the approved budget.

| (4) | Shall be responsible for such other duties or responsibilities as are assigned to him or her from time to time by the Advisory Committee or by the Standing Committee. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Shall be responsible for such other duties or responsibilities as are assigned to him or her from time to time by the Advisory Committee or by the Standing Committee.

Section 2

Section 2

It shall be the responsibility of the Secretariat

| a. | To request from Members the information detailed in Article IX as well as such special information as may be requested by the Advisory Committee or by the Standing Committee. |
| --- | --- |

a.

To request from Members the information detailed in Article IX as well as such special information as may be requested by the Advisory Committee or by the Standing Committee.

| b. | To develop and maintain arrangements for the exchange of information relative to the work of the ICAC with non-member governments, other international organizations, and private bodies. |
| --- | --- |

b.

To develop and maintain arrangements for the exchange of information relative to the work of the ICAC with non-member governments, other international organizations, and private bodies.

| c. | To prepare, publish, and distribute a Quarterly Statistical Bulletin [the frequency of this publication was changed to twice a year by action at the 43rd Plenary Meeting], a Monthly Review of the World Situation [the frequency of this publication was changed to every other month by action at the 43rd Plenary Meeting], and a Press Release based thereon, in accordance with rules prescribed by the Advisory Committee or by the Standing Committee. |
| --- | --- |

c.

To prepare, publish, and distribute a Quarterly Statistical Bulletin [the frequency of this publication was changed to twice a year by action at the 43rd Plenary Meeting], a Monthly Review of the World Situation [the frequency of this publication was changed to every other month by action at the 43rd Plenary Meeting], and a Press Release based thereon, in accordance with rules prescribed by the Advisory Committee or by the Standing Committee.

| d. | To prepare such other reports and analyses as may be requested by the Advisory Committee, the Standing Committee, the subcommittees, or working groups established pursuant to Article VI, Section 1. |
| --- | --- |

d.

To prepare such other reports and analyses as may be requested by the Advisory Committee, the Standing Committee, the subcommittees, or working groups established pursuant to Article VI, Section 1.

| e. | To notify Members of meetings of the Advisory Committee, the Standing Committee and the subcommittees. The Executive Director shall decide whom to notify of other meetings. |
| --- | --- |

e.

To notify Members of meetings of the Advisory Committee, the Standing Committee and the subcommittees. The Executive Director shall decide whom to notify of other meetings.

Section 3

Section 3

| a. | Press releases or other documents purporting to express the views or opinions of the ICAC may be issued only with the approval of the Advisory Committee or of the Standing Committee, as appropriate. |
| --- | --- |

a.

Press releases or other documents purporting to express the views or opinions of the ICAC may be issued only with the approval of the Advisory Committee or of the Standing Committee, as appropriate.

| b. | Statements or articles published by the Secretariat on its own initiative shall bear a disclaimer of any responsibility on the part of the ICAC. |
| --- | --- |

b.

Statements or articles published by the Secretariat on its own initiative shall bear a disclaimer of any responsibility on the part of the ICAC.

Section 4

Section 4

It shall be the responsibility of Members to designate a coordinating agency which shall serve as principal point of contact with the Secretariat.

ARTICLE VIII — FISCAL PROCEDURES

ARTICLE VIII — FISCAL PROCEDURES

Section 1

Section 1

The ICAC fiscal year shall begin July 1st.

Section 2

Section 2

For each fiscal year a budget of expenditures and a scale of assessments of Members shall be submitted by the Executive Director to the Standing Committee, which shall be entitled to amend them in whole or in part and whose action thereon shall be final unless modified by the Advisory Committee.

Section 3 — Accounts

Section 3 — Accounts

| a. | Expenditures shall be debited to the accounts of the fiscal year in which payments are actually made. |
| --- | --- |

a.

Expenditures shall be debited to the accounts of the fiscal year in which payments are actually made.

| b. | Receipts shall be credited to the accounts of the fiscal year in which funds are actually received. |
| --- | --- |

b.

Receipts shall be credited to the accounts of the fiscal year in which funds are actually received.

| c. | The Secretariat shall prepare and submit to the Standing Committee quarterly statements of the current financial position of the ICAC as of September 30, December 31, March 31 and June 30. |
| --- | --- |

c.

The Secretariat shall prepare and submit to the Standing Committee quarterly statements of the current financial position of the ICAC as of September 30, December 31, March 31 and June 30.

Section 4 — Audits

Section 4 — Audits

| a. | The Standing Committee shall retain an auditor of recognized standing and cause the accounts of the ICAC to be audited at least once a year. |
| --- | --- |

a.

The Standing Committee shall retain an auditor of recognized standing and cause the accounts of the ICAC to be audited at least once a year.

| b. | Upon any change in incumbency in the office of the Executive Director, the Standing Committee may cause a special audit to be made. |
| --- | --- |

b.

Upon any change in incumbency in the office of the Executive Director, the Standing Committee may cause a special audit to be made.

| c. | Each auditor's report shall be submitted to the Standing Committee and Coordinating Agencies for approval at the next meeting of the Standing Committee following receipt of the report by the Secretariat. |
| --- | --- |

c.

Each auditor's report shall be submitted to the Standing Committee and Coordinating Agencies for approval at the next meeting of the Standing Committee following receipt of the report by the Secretariat.

Section 5 — Funds

Section 5 — Funds

| a. | Unless otherwise directed by the Standing Committee, all funds received by the ICAC shall go into a Working Fund. The Standing Committee shall determine from time to time a threshold dollar amount for checks written on the Working Fund by the Secretariat, at or above which written approval from the Chair of the Standing Committee is required. No individual, including the Executive Director, may sign a check drawn on any of the Committee's accounts to him or herself. |
| --- | --- |

a.

Unless otherwise directed by the Standing Committee, all funds received by the ICAC shall go into a Working Fund. The Standing Committee shall determine from time to time a threshold dollar amount for checks written on the Working Fund by the Secretariat, at or above which written approval from the Chair of the Standing Committee is required. No individual, including the Executive Director, may sign a check drawn on any of the Committee's accounts to him or herself.

| b. | A Reserve Fund is authorized in the amount to be fixed from time to time by the Standing Committee. Withdrawals from the Reserve Fund may be authorized by the Standing Committee, but only when the monies available in the Working Fund are inadequate to cover commitments or liabilities of the ICAC. Each withdrawal from the Reserve Fund must be authorized in specific amount and timing. |
| --- | --- |

b.

A Reserve Fund is authorized in the amount to be fixed from time to time by the Standing Committee. Withdrawals from the Reserve Fund may be authorized by the Standing Committee, but only when the monies available in the Working Fund are inadequate to cover commitments or liabilities of the ICAC. Each withdrawal from the Reserve Fund must be authorized in specific amount and timing.

Section 6 — Investment

Section 6 — Investment

Funds in excess of current requirements may be invested in prime short-term income-bearing dollar securities or may be deposited in federally-insured interest-bearing accounts, as directed by the Standing Committee.

Section 7 — Disposal of Assets

Section 7 — Disposal of Assets

| a. | Office furnishings and equipment no longer required by the ICAC may be disposed of in accordance with procedures approved by the Standing Committee. |
| --- | --- |

a.

Office furnishings and equipment no longer required by the ICAC may be disposed of in accordance with procedures approved by the Standing Committee.

| b. | If at any time dissolution of the ICAC appears imminent, the Standing Committee shall decide how best to meet the outstanding financial obligations of the ICAC and to dispose of any remaining assets. |
| --- | --- |

b.

If at any time dissolution of the ICAC appears imminent, the Standing Committee shall decide how best to meet the outstanding financial obligations of the ICAC and to dispose of any remaining assets.

| c. | Any assets remaining, after all financial obligations have been met shall be prorated to Members whose assessments are fully paid in proportion to the amount actually contributed by each during the current and preceding three fiscal years. |
| --- | --- |

c.

Any assets remaining, after all financial obligations have been met shall be prorated to Members whose assessments are fully paid in proportion to the amount actually contributed by each during the current and preceding three fiscal years.

Section 8 — Retirement Plan

Section 8 — Retirement Plan

| a. | The Standing Committee is authorized to establish a retirement plan for full time members of the Secretariat. |
| --- | --- |

a.

The Standing Committee is authorized to establish a retirement plan for full time members of the Secretariat.

| b. | If such a plan is established,






  (1) | The ICAC shall make annual contributions to the plan at least equal to, but no more than double, the annual contributions of participating employees. |
| --- | --- | --- |

b.

If such a plan is established,

(1)

The ICAC shall make annual contributions to the plan at least equal to, but no more than double, the annual contributions of participating employees.

| (2) | The plan may be modified or discontinued by the Standing Committee. In case the plan is dis- continued or the ICAC is dissolved, each participating employee shall receive a refund, both of the employee's contributions and ICAC's contributions on the employee's behalf with interest accrued thereon. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The plan may be modified or discontinued by the Standing Committee. In case the plan is dis- continued or the ICAC is dissolved, each participating employee shall receive a refund, both of the employee's contributions and ICAC's contributions on the employee's behalf with interest accrued thereon.

ARTICLE IX — PROVISION OF INFORMATION

ARTICLE IX — PROVISION OF INFORMATION

Section 1

Section 1

Members, through their coordinating agencies, shall supply such available information as may be required to carry out the work program. Such information shall be sent directly to the Secretariat by the most expeditious means as soon as it becomes available.

Section 2

Section 2

The following information shall be furnished each month unless otherwise indicated, except that data on regulations shall be sent only when a change is made or when specifically requested by the Secretariat.

| a. | Quantities of lint cotton in local units including, where feasible, a breakdown into the following staple lengths: under 3/4′′, 3/4′′ to 1-3/8′′, 1-3/8′′ and over, or their metric equivalents.






  (1) | Stocks classified by country of growth, at the end of each month:






  (a) | in mills and other consuming establishments, |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

a.

Quantities of lint cotton in local units including, where feasible, a breakdown into the following staple lengths: under 3/4′′, 3/4′′ to 1-3/8′′, 1-3/8′′ and over, or their metric equivalents.

(1)

Stocks classified by country of growth, at the end of each month:

(a)

in mills and other consuming establishments,

| (b) | in public and private warehouses, in transit, and at all other locations. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

in public and private warehouses, in transit, and at all other locations.

| (2) | Ginnings (or pressings), |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Ginnings (or pressings),

| (3) | Imports, classified by country of growth or, if not available, by country of origin, |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Imports, classified by country of growth or, if not available, by country of origin,

| (4) | Consumption, classified by country of growth, when feasible:






  (a) | in spinning mills and other factories, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(4)

Consumption, classified by country of growth, when feasible:

(a)

in spinning mills and other factories,

| (b) | in households (annual estimate). |
| --- | --- |

(b)

in households (annual estimate).

| (5) | Burned or otherwise destroyed (annual estimate), |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Burned or otherwise destroyed (annual estimate),

| (6) | Exports, classified by country of destination, and where possible by variety, |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Exports, classified by country of destination, and where possible by variety,

| (7) | Re-exports, classified by country of destination. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Re-exports, classified by country of destination.

| b. | Indications of anticipated production such as area of cotton to be planted, fertilizer sales, planting seed distribution, intentions of farmers to plant cotton, governmental area controls and goals. |
| --- | --- |

b.

Indications of anticipated production such as area of cotton to be planted, fertilizer sales, planting seed distribution, intentions of farmers to plant cotton, governmental area controls and goals.

| c. | Forecasts and estimates of areas planted and harvested, yields, and production by varieties, as soon as available, and at least once at time of plantings and once when crop matures. Crop information should preferably be in terms of lint cotton but where only seed cotton data are available some indication of lint outturn should be supplied. |
| --- | --- |

c.

Forecasts and estimates of areas planted and harvested, yields, and production by varieties, as soon as available, and at least once at time of plantings and once when crop matures. Crop information should preferably be in terms of lint cotton but where only seed cotton data are available some indication of lint outturn should be supplied.

| d. | Monthly, quarterly, or yearly statistics, whichever is more convenient, on production, imports by country of origin and exports by country of destination, preferably in quantity units, of cotton yarn and piece goods. |
| --- | --- |

d.

Monthly, quarterly, or yearly statistics, whichever is more convenient, on production, imports by country of origin and exports by country of destination, preferably in quantity units, of cotton yarn and piece goods.

| e. | Coordinating agencies are asked to report promptly, exclusive of the regular monthly report, all changes in Members' regulations which affect cotton. |
| --- | --- |

e.

Coordinating agencies are asked to report promptly, exclusive of the regular monthly report, all changes in Members' regulations which affect cotton.

Section 3

Section 3

Members shall cooperate with the Secretariat in supplying available information where made necessary by the work program on production, imports, exports and prices of man-made cellulosic and non-cellulosic fibers and piece goods.

ARTICLE X — LANGUAGES

ARTICLE X — LANGUAGES

Section 1

Section 1

The official and working languages of the ICAC shall be English, French, Spanish, Russian and Arabic.

Section 2

Section 2

For meetings of the Advisory Committee:

| a. | The Standing Committee shall decide what interpreting facilities the ICAC will provide. The ICAC shall not incur unbudgeted expenses in connection with these facilities. |
| --- | --- |

a.

The Standing Committee shall decide what interpreting facilities the ICAC will provide. The ICAC shall not incur unbudgeted expenses in connection with these facilities.

| b. | Formal statements by Members shall be submitted in at least one official language. |
| --- | --- |

b.

Formal statements by Members shall be submitted in at least one official language.

Section 3

Section 3

For practical purposes only, the English language normally will be used in meetings of the Standing Committee and subordinate bodies.

Section 4

Section 4

| a. | The following shall be published in English, French and Spanish:






  — | Summary records of discussions in meetings of the Advisory Committee |
| --- | --- | --- |

a.

The following shall be published in English, French and Spanish:

—

Summary records of discussions in meetings of the Advisory Committee

| — | Monthly Review of the World Cotton Situation [the frequency of this publication was changed to every other month by action at the 43rd Plenary Meeting] |
| --- | --- |

—

Monthly Review of the World Cotton Situation [the frequency of this publication was changed to every other month by action at the 43rd Plenary Meeting]

| — | Minutes of the Standing Committee [translation into French and Spanish was suspended by action at the 43rd Plenary Meeting] |
| --- | --- |

—

Minutes of the Standing Committee [translation into French and Spanish was suspended by action at the 43rd Plenary Meeting]

| b. | The following shall be published in all official languages:






  — | Annual Review of the World Cotton Situation |
| --- | --- | --- |

b.

The following shall be published in all official languages:

—

Annual Review of the World Cotton Situation

| — | Report of the Chair of the Standing Committee |
| --- | --- |

—

Report of the Chair of the Standing Committee

| — | Report of the Executive Director |
| --- | --- |

—

Report of the Executive Director

| — | Final statement of the Plenary Meeting |
| --- | --- |

—

Final statement of the Plenary Meeting

| c. | The Standing Committee shall determine what other documents of a substantive nature are to be printed in the various languages considering their usefulness to Members and budget implications. |
| --- | --- |

c.

The Standing Committee shall determine what other documents of a substantive nature are to be printed in the various languages considering their usefulness to Members and budget implications.

ARTICLE XI — VOTING

ARTICLE XI — VOTING

Section 1

Section 1

| a. | In their decision making the Advisory Committee and the Standing Committee shall strive for unanimity. |
| --- | --- |

a.

In their decision making the Advisory Committee and the Standing Committee shall strive for unanimity.

| b. | In the event that a consensus cannot be achieved in the Standing Committee, the matter under consideration may be referred to the Advisory Committee, unless it is specified in these or otherthe ICAC regulations, that the matter shall be put to a vote in the Standing Committee. The Advisory Committee shall proceed by consensus. In the event of a consensus not being achieved in the Advisory Committee, the matter shall be put to a vote at the request of any Member, in which case the adoption of any recommendation or proposal shall require the approval of a two-thirds majority of Members present and voting. |
| --- | --- |

b.

In the event that a consensus cannot be achieved in the Standing Committee, the matter under consideration may be referred to the Advisory Committee, unless it is specified in these or otherthe ICAC regulations, that the matter shall be put to a vote in the Standing Committee. The Advisory Committee shall proceed by consensus. In the event of a consensus not being achieved in the Advisory Committee, the matter shall be put to a vote at the request of any Member, in which case the adoption of any recommendation or proposal shall require the approval of a two-thirds majority of Members present and voting.

| c. | Each Member shall be entitled to one vote. |
| --- | --- |

c.

Each Member shall be entitled to one vote.

| d. | An abstention shall not be considered as a vote. |
| --- | --- |

d.

An abstention shall not be considered as a vote.

| e. | Voting normally shall be by a show of hands unless the majority of Members present and voting request roll call. A secret ballot shall be taken when requested by any Member. |
| --- | --- |

e.

Voting normally shall be by a show of hands unless the majority of Members present and voting request roll call. A secret ballot shall be taken when requested by any Member.

ARTICLE XII — COOPERATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

ARTICLE XII — COOPERATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1

Section 1

| a. | The ICAC shall cooperate with other organizations, public or private, national or international. The Standing Committee shall determine the organizations and the nature and extent of such cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

a.

The ICAC shall cooperate with other organizations, public or private, national or international. The Standing Committee shall determine the organizations and the nature and extent of such cooperation.

| b. | These organizations, as well as non-member governments and the public, may, with the approval of the host Member, be invited to attend sessions of the Advisory Committee. Participation in the meetings shall be on such terms as the Advisory Committee or the Standing Committee may prescribe. |
| --- | --- |

b.

These organizations, as well as non-member governments and the public, may, with the approval of the host Member, be invited to attend sessions of the Advisory Committee. Participation in the meetings shall be on such terms as the Advisory Committee or the Standing Committee may prescribe.

ARTICLE XIII — AMENDMENTS

ARTICLE XIII — AMENDMENTS

These Rules and Regulations may only be amended by the Advisory Committee unless specifically referred for amendment to the Standing Committee.

ARTICLE XIV — SUPERSESSION

ARTICLE XIV — SUPERSESSION

These Rules and Regulations adopted June 16, 1972 supersede any prior act, resolution, or Rules and Regulations inconsistent with their provisions.

Index

Index

| Advisory Committee | 1-9, 12-13 |
| --- | --- |
| Agenda | 5-6, 8 |
| Assessment | 2-3, 5, 7-10 |
| Budget | 2, 5, 8-9, 12 |
| Chair (The) | 3-5, 7, 10, 12 |
| Cooperation | 5, 13 |
| Coordinating Agency | 9 |
| Executive Director | 1-6, 8-10, 12 |
| Finances | 4-5 |
| Funds | 9-10 |
| Information | 1-2, 4, 9, 11 |
| Languages | 12 |
| Membership | 1-4, 7 |
| Minutes | 5-6, 8, 12 |
| Plenary Meeting | 1-4, 7, 9, 12 |
| Quorum | 5 |
| Secretariat | 4-6, 8-11 |
| Secretary General | 3, 8 |
| Standing Committee | 1-10, 12-13 |
| Steering Committee | 3 |
| Vice Chair | 3, 6-7 |
| Voting | 12-13 |
| Work Program | 2, 4, 8, 11 |

Advisory Committee

1-9, 12-13

Agenda

5-6, 8

Assessment

2-3, 5, 7-10

Budget

2, 5, 8-9, 12

Chair (The)

3-5, 7, 10, 12

Cooperation

5, 13

Coordinating Agency

9

Executive Director

1-6, 8-10, 12

Finances

4-5

Funds

9-10

Information

1-2, 4, 9, 11

Languages

12

Membership

1-4, 7

Minutes

5-6, 8, 12

Plenary Meeting

1-4, 7, 9, 12

Quorum

5

Secretariat

4-6, 8-11

Secretary General

3, 8

Standing Committee

1-10, 12-13

Steering Committee

3

Vice Chair

3, 6-7

Voting

12-13

Work Program

2, 4, 8, 11

---

| 23.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 134/38 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 134/38

---

COMMISSION DECISION (EU) 2017/877

of 16 May 2017

on the proposed citizens' initiative entitled ‘Let us reduce the wage and economic differences that tear the EU apart!’

(notified under document C(2017) 3382)

(Only the English text is authentic)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 211/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 on the citizens' initiative (1), and in particular Article 4 thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | The subject-matter of the proposed citizens' initiative entitled ‘Let us reduce the wage and economic differences that tear the EU apart!’ refers to ‘Legal acts that clearly demonstrate the EU's intention to eliminate wage inequalities between Member States and which — to achieve this objective — allow for a more efficient cohesion of these states’. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The subject-matter of the proposed citizens' initiative entitled ‘Let us reduce the wage and economic differences that tear the EU apart!’ refers to ‘Legal acts that clearly demonstrate the EU's intention to eliminate wage inequalities between Member States and which — to achieve this objective — allow for a more efficient cohesion of these states’.

| (2) | The stated objectives of the proposed citizens' initiative are: ‘Due to significant wage differences the movement of workers is one-directional. Massive emigration leads to less-favoured Member States falling even further behind. Meanwhile, richer Member States experience a massive influx of workers as an intrusion upon their interests, which tears the EU apart. The EU needs to clearly demonstrate its intention to eliminate wage inequalities affecting the free movement of workers in order for which the EU needs a more efficient cohesion to ensure its survival.’ |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The stated objectives of the proposed citizens' initiative are: ‘Due to significant wage differences the movement of workers is one-directional. Massive emigration leads to less-favoured Member States falling even further behind. Meanwhile, richer Member States experience a massive influx of workers as an intrusion upon their interests, which tears the EU apart. The EU needs to clearly demonstrate its intention to eliminate wage inequalities affecting the free movement of workers in order for which the EU needs a more efficient cohesion to ensure its survival.’

| (3) | Legal acts of the Union for the purpose of implementing the Treaties can be adopted:






  — | on guidelines which the Member States shall take into account in their employment policies, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(3)

Legal acts of the Union for the purpose of implementing the Treaties can be adopted:

—

on guidelines which the Member States shall take into account in their employment policies,

| — | relating to the European Social Fund, which aims to render the employment of workers easier and to increase their geographical and occupational mobility within the Union, and to facilitate their adaptation to industrial changes and to changes in production systems, in particular through vocational training and retraining, |
| --- | --- |

—

relating to the European Social Fund, which aims to render the employment of workers easier and to increase their geographical and occupational mobility within the Union, and to facilitate their adaptation to industrial changes and to changes in production systems, in particular through vocational training and retraining,

| — | in order to define the tasks, priority objectives and the organisation of the Structural Funds provided that the actions to be financed lead to the strengthening of the economic, social and territorial cohesion of the Union. |
| --- | --- |

—

in order to define the tasks, priority objectives and the organisation of the Structural Funds provided that the actions to be financed lead to the strengthening of the economic, social and territorial cohesion of the Union.

| (4) | Legal acts of the Union for the purpose of implementing the Treaties in order to support and complement the activities of the Member States can be adopted, inter alia, in the fields of working conditions; of social security and social protection of workers; of protection of workers where their employment contract is terminated; of the information and consultation of workers; of representation and collective defence of the interests of workers and employers, including co-determination; of the integration of persons excluded from the labour market; of combating social exclusion; and of the modernisation of social protection systems. However, such acts may not apply to pay or to the rights of association, to strike or to impose lock-outs. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Legal acts of the Union for the purpose of implementing the Treaties in order to support and complement the activities of the Member States can be adopted, inter alia, in the fields of working conditions; of social security and social protection of workers; of protection of workers where their employment contract is terminated; of the information and consultation of workers; of representation and collective defence of the interests of workers and employers, including co-determination; of the integration of persons excluded from the labour market; of combating social exclusion; and of the modernisation of social protection systems. However, such acts may not apply to pay or to the rights of association, to strike or to impose lock-outs.

| (5) | The Treaty on European Union (TEU) reinforces citizenship of the Union and enhances further the democratic functioning of the Union by providing, inter alia, that every citizen is to have the right to participate in the democratic life of the Union by way of a European citizens' initiative. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The Treaty on European Union (TEU) reinforces citizenship of the Union and enhances further the democratic functioning of the Union by providing, inter alia, that every citizen is to have the right to participate in the democratic life of the Union by way of a European citizens' initiative.

| (6) | To this end, the procedures and conditions required for the citizens' initiative should be clear, simple, user-friendly and proportionate to the nature of the citizens' initiative so as to encourage participation by citizens and to make the Union more accessible. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

To this end, the procedures and conditions required for the citizens' initiative should be clear, simple, user-friendly and proportionate to the nature of the citizens' initiative so as to encourage participation by citizens and to make the Union more accessible.

| (7) | For those reasons, it is appropriate to consider that the proposed citizens' initiative does not fall manifestly outside the framework of the Commission's powers to submit a proposal for a legal act of the Union for the purpose of implementing the Treaties in accordance with Article 4(2)(b) of the Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

For those reasons, it is appropriate to consider that the proposed citizens' initiative does not fall manifestly outside the framework of the Commission's powers to submit a proposal for a legal act of the Union for the purpose of implementing the Treaties in accordance with Article 4(2)(b) of the Regulation.

| (8) | The proposed citizens' initiative entitled ‘Let us reduce the wage and economic differences that tear the EU apart!’ should therefore be registered. However, statements of support for this proposed citizens' initiative should be collected only inasmuch as it aims at proposals from the Commission for legal acts of the Union for the purpose of implementing the Treaties within the scope referred to in recitals 3 and 4, |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The proposed citizens' initiative entitled ‘Let us reduce the wage and economic differences that tear the EU apart!’ should therefore be registered. However, statements of support for this proposed citizens' initiative should be collected only inasmuch as it aims at proposals from the Commission for legal acts of the Union for the purpose of implementing the Treaties within the scope referred to in recitals 3 and 4,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

1.   The proposed citizens' initiative entitled ‘Let us reduce the wage and economic differences that tear the EU apart!’ is registered.

2.   However, statements of support for this proposed citizens' initiative may, in so far, as it aims at proposals from the Commission for legal acts of the Union for the purpose of implementing the Treaties in the fields of working conditions; of social security and social protection of workers; of protection of workers where their employment contract is terminated; of the information and consultation of workers; of representation and collective defence of the interests of workers and employers, including co-determination; of the integration of persons excluded from the labour market; of combating social exclusion; and of the modernisation of social protection systems; be colleted only inasmuch as those legal acts do not apply to pay or to the rights of association, to strike or to impose lock-outs.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on 22 May 2017.

Article 3

This Decision is addressed to the organisers (members of the citizens' committee) of the proposed citizens' initiative entitled ‘Let us reduce the wage and economic differences that tear the EU apart!’, represented by Mr Márton GYÖNGYÖSI and Mr Jaak MADISON acting as contact persons.

Done at Strasbourg, 16 May 2017.

For the Commission

Frans TIMMERMANS

First Vice-President

---

(1)  
  OJ L 65, 11.3.2011, p. 1.

1

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ACTS ADOPTED BY BODIES CREATED BY INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

| 23.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 134/40 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

23.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 134/40

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DECISION No 1/2015 OF THE EU-GEORGIA SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY SUBCOMMITTEE

of 20 March 2015

adopting its Rules of Procedure [2017/878]

THE EU-GEORGIA SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY SUBCOMMITTEE,

Having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part (1) (‘the Agreement’), and in particular Article 65 thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Article 431 of the Agreement, parts of the Agreement have been applied provisionally as of 1 September 2014. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In accordance with Article 431 of the Agreement, parts of the Agreement have been applied provisionally as of 1 September 2014.

| (2) | Pursuant to Article 65(2) of the Agreement, the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Subcommittee (‘SPS Subcommittee’) is to consider any matter relating to the implementation of Chapter 4 (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures) of Title IV (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of the Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Pursuant to Article 65(2) of the Agreement, the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Subcommittee (‘SPS Subcommittee’) is to consider any matter relating to the implementation of Chapter 4 (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures) of Title IV (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of the Agreement.

| (3) | Pursuant to Article 65(5) of the Agreement, the SPS Subcommittee is to adopt its own rules of procedure, |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Pursuant to Article 65(5) of the Agreement, the SPS Subcommittee is to adopt its own rules of procedure,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Rules of Procedure of the SPS Subcommittee, as set out in the Annex, are hereby adopted.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Tbilisi, 20 March 2015.

For the SPS Subcommittee

The Chair

Nodar KERESELIDZE

Secretaries

L. INAURI

R. FREIGOFAS

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(1)  
  OJ L 261, 30.8.2014, p. 4.

1

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ANNEX

RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE EU-GEORGIA SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY SUB-COMMITTEE

Article 1

General provisions

1.   The Sanitary and Phytosanitary Sub-Committee (‘SPS Sub-Committee’), established in accordance with Article 65(1) of the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other (‘the Agreement’) shall assist the Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 408(4) of the Agreement (‘the Association Committee in Trade configuration’) in the performance of its duties.

2.   The SPS Sub-Committee shall perform the functions set out in Article 65(2) of the Agreement in the light of the objectives of Chapter 4 of Title IV set out in Article 50 of the Agreement.

3.   The SPS Sub-Committee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and of Georgia, responsible for sanitary and phytosanitary matters.

4.   A representative of the European Commission or of Georgia who is responsible for sanitary and phytosanitary matters shall act as Chair of the SPS Sub-Committee in accordance with Article 2.

5.   The Parties in these Rules of Procedure shall be defined as provided for in Article 428 of the Agreement.

Article 2

Chairmanship

The Parties shall hold the chairmanship of the SPS Sub-Committee, alternately, for a period of 12 months. The first period shall begin on the date of the first Association Council meeting and end on 31 December of the same year.

Article 3

Meetings

1.   Save as otherwise agreed by the Parties, the SPS Sub-Committee shall meet within three months after the entry into force of the Agreement, at the request of either Party thereafter, or at least once a year.

2.   Each meeting of the SPS Sub-Committee shall be convened by its Chair at a place and on a date agreed by the Parties. The notice convening the meeting shall be issued by the Chair of the SPS Sub-Committee no later than 28 calendar days prior to the start of the meeting, unless the Parties agree otherwise.

3.   Whenever possible, the regular meeting of the SPS Sub-Committee shall be convened in due time in advance of the regular meeting of the Association Committee in Trade configuration.

4.   The meetings of the SPS Sub-Committee may be held by any agreed technological means such as video or audio-conference.

5.   The SPS Sub-Committee may address any issue out of session, by correspondence.

Article 4

Delegations

Before each meeting, the Parties shall be informed, by the Secretariat of the SPS Sub-Committee, of the intended composition of the delegation of each Party attending the meeting.

Article 5

Secretariat

1.   An official of the European Commission and an official of Georgia shall act jointly as Secretaries of the SPS Sub-Committee and shall execute secretarial tasks in a joint manner, in a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation.

2.   The Secretariat of the Association Committee in Trade configuration shall be informed of any decisions, opinions, recommendations, reports and other agreed actions of the SPS Sub-Committee.

Article 6

Correspondence

1.   Correspondence addressed to the SPS Sub-Committee shall be directed to the Secretary of either Party, who in turn will inform the other Secretary.

2.   The Secretariat of the SPS Sub-Committee shall ensure that correspondence addressed to the SPS Sub-Committee is forwarded to the Chair of the SPS Sub-Committee and circulated, where appropriate, as documents referred to in Article 7.

3.   Correspondence from the Chair shall be sent to the Parties by the Secretariat on behalf of the Chair. Such correspondence shall be circulated, where appropriate, as provided for in Article 7.

Article 7

Documents

1.   Documents shall be circulated by the Secretaries of the SPS Sub-Committee.

2.   A Party shall transmit its documents to its Secretary. The Secretary shall transmit those documents to the Secretary of the other Party.

3.   The Secretary of the Union shall circulate the documents to the relevant representatives of the Union and shall systematically copy the Secretary of Georgia and the Secretaries of the Association Committee in Trade configuration in such correspondence.

4.   The Secretary of Georgia shall circulate the documents to the relevant representatives of Georgia and shall systematically copy the Secretary of the Union and the Secretaries of the Association Committee in Trade configuration in such correspondence.

5.   The Secretaries of the SPS Sub-Committee shall serve as contact points for exchanges provided for in Article 58 of the Agreement.

Article 8

Confidentiality

Unless otherwise decided by the Parties, the meetings of the SPS Sub-Committee shall not be public. When a Party submits information designated as confidential to the SPS Sub-Committee, the other Party shall treat that information as such.

Article 9

Agendas for the meetings

1.   A provisional agenda for each meeting as well as draft operational conclusions as provided for in Article 10 shall be drawn up by the Secretariat of the SPS Sub-Committee on the basis of proposals made by the Parties. The provisional agenda shall include items in respect of which the Secretariat has received a request for inclusion in the agenda by a Party, supported by relevant documents, no later than 21 calendar days before the date of the meeting.

2.   The provisional agenda, together with the relevant documents, shall be circulated as provided for in Article 7 no later than 15 calendar days before the beginning of the meeting.

3.   The agenda shall be adopted by the SPS Sub-Committee at the beginning of each meeting. Items other than those appearing on the provisional agenda may be placed on the agenda if the Parties so agree.

4.   The Chair of the SPS Sub-Committee may, upon agreement of the other Party, invite representatives of other bodies of the Parties or independent experts in a subject area on an ad-hoc basis to attend the meetings of the SPS Sub-Committee in order to provide information on specific subjects. The Parties shall ensure that those observers or experts respect any confidentiality requirements.

5.   The Chair of the SPS Sub-Committee may reduce the time-limits specified in paragraphs 1 and 2, in consultation with the Parties, in order to take account of special circumstances.

Article 10

Minutes and operational conclusions

1.   Draft minutes of each meeting shall be drawn up jointly by the Secretaries of the SPS Sub-Committee.

2.   The minutes shall, as a general rule, include in respect of each item on the agenda:

| (a) | a list of participants at the meeting, a list of officials accompanying them and a list of any observers or experts who attended the meeting; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

a list of participants at the meeting, a list of officials accompanying them and a list of any observers or experts who attended the meeting;

| (b) | documentation submitted to the SPS Sub-Committee; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

documentation submitted to the SPS Sub-Committee;

| (c) | statements which the SPS Sub-Committee has asked to be entered in the minutes; and |
| --- | --- |

(c)

statements which the SPS Sub-Committee has asked to be entered in the minutes; and

| (d) | operational conclusions of the meeting, as provided for in paragraph 4. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

operational conclusions of the meeting, as provided for in paragraph 4.

3.   The draft minutes shall be submitted to the SPS Sub-Committee for approval. They shall be approved within 28 calendar days after each SPS Sub-Committee meeting. A copy shall be sent to each of the addressees referred to in Article 7.

4.   Draft operational conclusions of each meeting shall be drawn up by the Secretary of the SPS Sub-Committee of the Party holding the chairmanship of the SPS Sub-Committee, and circulated to the Parties together with the agenda, no later than 15 calendar days before the beginning of the meeting. That draft shall be updated as the meeting proceeds so that at the end of the meeting, unless agreed otherwise by the Parties, the SPS Sub-Committee adopts the operational conclusions, reflecting the follow-up actions agreed by the Parties. Once agreed, the operational conclusions shall be attached to the minutes and their implementation shall be reviewed during any subsequent meeting of the SPS Sub-Committee. To that end the SPS Sub-Committee shall adopt a template, allowing for each action to be tracked against a specific deadline.

Article 11

Decisions and recommendations

1.   The SPS Sub-Committee shall have the power to adopt decisions, opinions, recommendations, reports and joint actions as provided for in Article 65 of the Agreement. Those decisions, opinions, recommendations, reports and joint actions shall be adopted by consensus between the Parties after the completion of respective internal procedures for their adoption. The decisions shall be binding upon the Parties, who shall take appropriate measures to implement them.

2.   Each decision, opinion, recommendation or report shall be signed by the Chair of the SPS Sub-Committee and authenticated by the Secretaries of the SPS Sub-Committee. Without prejudice to paragraph 3, the Chair shall sign those documents during the meeting in which the relevant decision, opinion, recommendation or report is adopted.

3.   The SPS Sub-Committee may take decisions, make recommendations and adopt opinions or reports by written procedure, after completion of the respective internal procedures, if the Parties so agree. The written procedure shall consist of an exchange of notes between the Secretaries, acting in agreement with the Parties. For that purpose, the text of the proposal shall be circulated pursuant to Article 7, with a time-limit of no less than 21 calendar days within which any reservations or amendments shall be made known. The Chair may reduce that time-limit, in consultation with the Parties, in order to take account of special circumstances. Once the text is agreed, the decision, the opinion, the recommendation or the report shall be signed by the Chair and authenticated by the Secretaries.

4.   The acts of the SPS Sub-Committee shall be entitled ‘Decision’, ‘Opinion’, ‘Recommendation’ or ‘Report’ respectively. Each decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption unless the decision provides otherwise.

5.   The decisions, opinions, recommendations and reports shall be circulated to the Parties.

6.   Each Party may decide on the publication of the decisions, opinions and recommendations of the SPS Sub-Committee in its respective official publication.

Article 12

Reports

The SPS Sub-Committee shall submit a report to the Association Committee in Trade configuration on its activities and those of the technical working groups or the ad hoc groups set up by the SPS Sub-Committee. The report shall be submitted 25 calendar days before the regular annual meeting of the Association Committee in Trade configuration.

Article 13

Languages

1.   The working languages of the SPS Sub-Committee shall be English and Georgian.

2.   Unless otherwise decided, the SPS Sub-Committee shall base its deliberations on documentation prepared in those languages.

Article 14

Expenses

1.   Each Party shall meet any expenses it incurs as a result of participating in the meetings of the SPS Sub-Committee, both with regard to staff, travel and subsistence expenditure and with regard to postal and telecommunications expenditure.

2.   Expenditure in connection with the organisation of meetings and reproduction of documents shall be borne by the Party hosting the meeting.

3.   Expenditure in connection with interpreting at meetings and translation of documents into or from English and Georgian as referred to in Article 13(1) shall be borne by the Party hosting the meeting.

Interpreting and translation into or from other languages shall be borne directly by the requesting Party.

Article 15

Amendment of Rules of Procedure

These Rules of Procedure may be amended by a decision of the SPS Sub-Committee in accordance with Article 65(5) of the Agreement.

Article 16

Technical working groups and ad hoc groups

1.   The SPS Sub-Committee may by a decision pursuant to Article 65(6) of the Agreement create or abolish, where appropriate, technical working groups or ad hoc working groups, including scientific groups and expert groups.

2.   The membership of the ad hoc working groups need not be restricted to representatives of the Parties. The Parties shall ensure that the members of any groups created by the SPS Sub-Committee respect any appropriate confidentiality requirements.

3.   Unless otherwise decided by the Parties, the groups created by the SPS Sub-Committee shall work under the authority of the SPS Sub-Committee, to which they shall report.

4.   The meetings of the working groups may be held as the need arises, in person or by a video or audio-conference.

5.   The Secretariat of the SPS Sub-Committee shall receive a copy of all relevant correspondence, documents and communications pertaining to the activities of the working groups.

6.   The working groups shall have the power to make recommendations in writing to the SPS Sub-Committee. The recommendations shall be made by consensus and communicated to the Chair of the SPS Sub-Committee, who shall circulate the recommendations as provided for in Article 7.

7.   These Rules of Procedure shall be applied mutatis mutandis to any technical working group or an ad hoc working group created by the SPS Sub-Committee, unless otherwise provided for in this Article. The references to the Association Committee in Trade configuration shall be understood as references to the SPS Sub-Committee.

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| 23.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 134/46 |
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23.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 134/46

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DECISION No 1/2015 OF THE EU-GEORGIA GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE

of 25 November 2015

adopting its Rules of Procedure [2017/879]

THE EU-GEORGIA GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE,

Having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part (1) (‘the Agreement’), and in particular Article 179 thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Article 431 of the Agreement, parts of the Agreement have been applied provisionally as of 1 September 2014. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In accordance with Article 431 of the Agreement, parts of the Agreement have been applied provisionally as of 1 September 2014.

| (2) | Pursuant to Article 179 of the Agreement, the Geographical Indications Subcommittee (‘GI Subcommittee’) is to monitor the development of the Agreement in the field of geographical indications and is to serve as a forum for cooperation and dialogue on geographical indications. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Pursuant to Article 179 of the Agreement, the Geographical Indications Subcommittee (‘GI Subcommittee’) is to monitor the development of the Agreement in the field of geographical indications and is to serve as a forum for cooperation and dialogue on geographical indications.

| (3) | Pursuant to Article 179(2) of the Agreement, the GI Subcommittee is to determine its own rules of procedure, |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Pursuant to Article 179(2) of the Agreement, the GI Subcommittee is to determine its own rules of procedure,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Rules of Procedure of the GI Subcommittee, as set out in the Annex, are hereby adopted.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Tbilisi, 25 November 2015.

For the GI Subcommittee

The Chair

Nikolos GOGILIDZE

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(1)  
  OJ L 261, 30.8.2014, p. 4.

1

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ANNEX

RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE EU-GEORGIA GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE

Article 1

General provisions

1.   The Geographical Indications Subcommittee (‘GI Subcommittee’), established in accordance with Article 179 of the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part (‘the Agreement’) shall assist the Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 408(4) of the Agreement (‘the Association Committee in Trade configuration’), in the performance of its functions.

2.   The GI Subcommittee shall perform its functions set out in Article 179 of the Agreement.

3.   The GI Subcommittee shall be composed of representatives of the European Commission and of Georgia, responsible for matters relating to geographical indications.

4.   The Parties shall each appoint a Head of Delegation who shall be the contact person for all matters relating to the GI Subcommittee.

5.   The Heads of Delegation shall act as Chair of the GI Subcommittee in accordance with Article 2.

6.   Each Head of Delegation may delegate all or any of the functions of Head of Delegation to a nominated deputy, in which case all references hereafter to the Head of Delegation apply equally to the nominated deputy.

7.   The Parties in these Rules of Procedure shall be defined as provided for in Article 428 of the Agreement.

Article 2

Chairmanship

The Parties shall hold the chairmanship of the GI Subcommittee, alternately, for a period of 12 months. The first period shall begin on the date of the first Association Council meeting and end on 31 December of the same year.

Article 3

Meetings

1.   Save as otherwise agreed by the Parties, the GI Subcommittee shall meet at the request of either Party, alternately in the Union and in Georgia, and in any case no later than 90 calendar days from the request.

2.   Each meeting of the GI Subcommittee shall be convened by its Chair at a place and on a date agreed by the Parties. The notice of convening the meeting shall be issued by the Chair of the GI Subcommittee no later than 28 calendar days prior to the start of the meeting, unless the Parties agree otherwise.

3.   Whenever possible, the regular meeting of the GI Subcommittee shall be convened in due time in advance of the regular meeting of the Association Committee in Trade configuration.

4.   By way of exception, the meetings of the GI Subcommittee may be held by any technological means agreed by the Parties, including videoconference.

Article 4

Delegations

Before each meeting, the Parties shall be informed, by the Secretariat of the GI Subcommittee, of the intended composition of the delegation of each Party attending the meeting.

Article 5

Secretariat

1.   An official of the European Commission and an official of Georgia shall act jointly as Secretaries of the GI Subcommittee, as appointed by the Heads of Delegations, and shall execute secretarial tasks in a joint manner, in a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation.

2.   The Secretariat of the Association Committee in Trade configuration shall be informed of any decisions, reports and other agreed actions of the GI Subcommittee.

Article 6

Correspondence

1.   Correspondence addressed to the GI Subcommittee shall be directed to the Secretary of either Party, who in turn will inform the other Secretary.

2.   The Secretariat of the GI Subcommittee shall ensure that correspondence addressed to the GI Subcommittee is forwarded to the Chair of the GI Subcommittee and circulated, where appropriate, as documents referred to in Article 7.

3.   Correspondence from the Chair shall be sent to the Parties by the Secretariat on behalf of the Chair. Such correspondence shall be circulated, where appropriate, as provided for in Article 7.

Article 7

Documents

1.   Documents shall be circulated by the Secretaries of the GI Subcommittee.

2.   A Party shall transmit its documents to its Secretary. The Secretary shall transmit those documents to the Secretary of the other Party.

3.   The Secretary of the Union shall circulate the documents to the relevant representatives of the Union and shall systematically copy the Secretary of Georgia and the Secretaries of the Association Committee in Trade configuration in such correspondence.

4.   The Secretary of Georgia shall circulate the documents to the relevant representatives of Georgia and shall systematically copy the Secretary of the Union and the Secretaries of the Association Committee in Trade configuration in such correspondence.

Article 8

Confidentiality

Unless otherwise decided by the Parties, the meetings of the GI Subcommittee shall not be public. When a Party submits information designated as confidential to the GI Subcommittee, the other Party shall treat that information as such.

Article 9

Agendas for the meetings

1.   A provisional agenda for each meeting as well as draft operational conclusions as provided for in Article 10 shall be drawn up by the Secretariat of the GI Subcommittee on the basis of proposals made by the Parties. The provisional agenda shall include items in respect of which the Secretariat has received a request for inclusion in the agenda by a Party, supported by relevant documents, no later than 21 calendar days before the date of the meeting.

2.   The provisional agenda, together with the relevant documents, shall be circulated as provided for in Article 7 no later than 15 calendar days before the beginning of the meeting.

3.   The agenda shall be adopted by the Chair and the other Head of Delegation at the beginning of each meeting. Items other than those appearing on the provisional agenda may be placed on the agenda if the Parties so agree.

4.   The Chair of the GI Subcommittee may, upon agreement of the other Party, invite representatives of other bodies of the Parties or independent experts in a subject area on an ad hoc basis to attend its meetings in order to provide information on specific subjects. The Parties shall ensure that those observers or experts respect any confidentiality requirements.

5.   The Chair of the GI Subcommittee may reduce the time limits specified in paragraphs 1 and 2, in consultation with the Parties, in order to take account of special circumstances.

Article 10

Minutes and operational conclusions

1.   Draft minutes of each meeting shall be drawn up jointly by the Secretaries of the GI Subcommittee.

2.   The minutes shall, as a general rule, include in respect of each item on the agenda:

| (a) | a list of the participants in the meeting, a list of officials accompanying them and a list of any observers or experts who attended the meeting; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

a list of the participants in the meeting, a list of officials accompanying them and a list of any observers or experts who attended the meeting;

| (b) | documentation submitted to the GI Subcommittee; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

documentation submitted to the GI Subcommittee;

| (c) | statements which the GI Subcommittee has asked to be entered in the minutes; and |
| --- | --- |

(c)

statements which the GI Subcommittee has asked to be entered in the minutes; and

| (d) | operational conclusions of the meeting, if necessary, as provided for in paragraph 4. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

operational conclusions of the meeting, if necessary, as provided for in paragraph 4.

3.   The draft minutes shall be submitted to the GI Subcommittee for approval. They shall be approved within 28 calendar days after each GI Subcommittee meeting. A copy shall be sent to each of the addressees referred to in Article 7.

4.   Draft operational conclusions of each meeting shall be drawn up by the Secretary of the GI Subcommittee of the Party holding the chairmanship of the GI Subcommittee, and circulated to the Parties together with the agenda, no later than 15 calendar days before the beginning of the meeting. That draft shall be updated as the meeting proceeds so that at the end of the meeting, unless agreed otherwise by the Parties, the GI Subcommittee adopts the operational conclusions, reflecting the follow-up actions agreed by the Parties. Once agreed, the operational conclusions shall be attached to the minutes and their implementation shall be reviewed during any subsequent meeting of the GI Subcommittee. To that end the GI Subcommittee shall adopt a template, allowing for each action to be tracked against a specific deadline.

Article 11

Decisions

1.   The GI Subcommittee shall have the power to adopt decisions in the cases provided for in Article 179(3) of the Agreement. Those decisions shall be adopted by consensus between the Parties after completion of the respective internal procedures for their adoption. They shall be binding upon the Parties, which shall take appropriate measures to implement them.

2.   Each decision shall be signed by the Chair of the GI Subcommittee and authenticated by the Secretaries of the GI Subcommittee. Without prejudice to paragraph 4, the Chair shall sign those documents during the meeting in which the relevant decision is adopted.

3.   The GI Subcommittee may take decisions or adopt reports by written procedure, after completion of the respective internal procedures, if the Parties so agree. The written procedure shall consist of an exchange of notes between the Secretaries, acting in agreement with the Parties. For that purpose, the text of the proposal shall be circulated pursuant to Article 7, with a time limit of no less than 21 calendar days within which any reservations or amendments shall be made known. The Chair may reduce that time limit, in consultation with the Parties, in order to take account of special circumstances. Once the text is agreed, the decision or the report shall be signed by the Chair and authenticated by the Secretaries.

4.   The acts of the GI Subcommittee shall be entitled ‘Decision’ or ‘Report’ respectively. Each decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption unless the decision provides otherwise.

5.   The decisions shall be circulated to the Parties.

6.   Each Party may decide on the publication of the decisions of the GI Subcommittee in its respective official publication.

Article 12

Reports

The GI Subcommittee shall report to the Association Committee in Trade configuration on its activities at each regular meeting of the latter.

Article 13

Languages

1.   The working languages of the GI Subcommittee shall be English and Georgian.

2.   Unless otherwise decided, the GI Subcommittee shall base its deliberations on documentation prepared in those languages.

Article 14

Expenses

1.   Each Party shall meet any expenses it incurs as a result of participating in the meetings of the GI Subcommittee, both with regard to staff, travel and subsistence expenditure and with regards to postal and telecommunications expenditure.

2.   Expenditure in connection with the organisation of meetings and reproduction of documents shall be borne by the Party hosting the meeting.

3.   Expenditure in connection with interpreting at meetings and translation of documents into or from English and Georgian as referred to in Article 13(1) shall be borne by the Party hosting the meeting.

Interpreting and translation into or from other languages shall be borne directly by the requesting Party.

Article 15

Amendment of Rules of Procedure

These Rules of Procedure may be amended by a decision of the GI Subcommittee in accordance with Article 179(2) of the Agreement.

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Corrigenda

| 23.5.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 134/52 |
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23.5.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 134/52

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Corrigendum to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/220 of 8 February 2017 amending Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1106/2013 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain stainless steel wires originating in India following a partial interim review under Article 11(3) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council

(
  Official Journal of the European Union L 34 of 9 February 2017
  )

On page 28, Article 1, last row in table, second column ‘Duty (%)’:

for:

‘16,2’,

read:

‘12,5’.

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