----

----

I Acts whose publication is obligatory

----

            COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 564/2006

of 6 April 2006         

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

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 3223/94 of 21 December 1994 on detailed rules for the application of the import arrangements for fruit and vegetables (1), and in particular Article 4(1) thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The standard import values referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 3223/94 shall be fixed as indicated in the Annex hereto.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 7 April 2006.

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

Done at Brussels, 6 April 2006.

For the Commission

J. L. DEMARTY            

Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

----

(1)OJ L 337, 24.12.1994, p. 66. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 386/2005 (OJ L 62, 9.3.2005, p. 3).

----

ANNEX

to Commission Regulation of 6 April 2006 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

----

(1)  Country nomenclature as fixed by Commission Regulation (EC) No 750/2005 (OJ L 126, 19.5.2005, p. 12). Code ‘            999            ’ stands for ‘of other origin’.

----

----

            COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 565/2006

of 6 April 2006         

imposing testing and information requirements on the importers or manufacturers of certain priority substances in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 on the evaluation and control of the risks of existing substances

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 of 23 March 1993 on the evaluation and control of risks of existing substances (1), and in particular Articles 10(2) thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The manufacturers and importers of the substances listed in the Annex, who have submitted information in accordance with the requirements of Articles 3, 4, 7 and 9 of Regulation (EEC) No 793/93, shall provide the information and perform the tests indicated in the Annex and shall deliver the results to the relevant rapporteurs.

The tests shall be performed according to the protocols specified by the rapporteurs.

The results shall be delivered within the time limits laid down in the Annex.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day following 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, 6 April 2006.

For the Commission

Stavros DIMAS            

Member of the Commission

----

(1)OJ L 84, 5.4.1993, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).

----

ANNEX

----

(1)  Substance listed in the Annex to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1179/94 (OJ L 131, 26.5.1994, p. 3; priority list 1).

(2)  Substance listed in the Annex to Commission Regulation (EC) No 2364/2000 (OJ L 273, 23.10.2000, p. 5; priority list 4).

(3)  Substance listed in the Annex to Commission Regulation (EC) No 143/97 (OJ L 25, 27.1.1997, p. 13; priority list 3).

----

----

            COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 566/2006

of 6 April 2006         

amending and derogating from Regulation (EC) No 2014/2005 on licences under the arrangements for importing bananas into the Community in respect of bananas released into free circulation at the common customs tariff rate of duty and amending Regulation (EC) No 219/2006 opening and providing for the administration of the tariff quota for bananas falling under CN code 0803 00 19 originating in ACP countries for the period 1 March to 31 December 2006         

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1964/2005 of 29 November 2005 on the tariff rates for bananas (1), and in particular Article 2 thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Regulation (EC) No 2014/2005 is hereby amended as follows:

Article 2

Regulation (EC) No 219/2006 is hereby amended as follows:

Article 3

Notwithstanding Article 2(1)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 2014/2005 as amended by this Regulation, the information relating to the quantities covered by licences used and returned to the issuing body in January and February 2006 shall be sent to the Commission within seven days following the entry into force of this Regulation.

Article 4

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

Article 1(1)(d) shall apply to licences valid from 1 January 2006.

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

Done at Brussels, 6 April 2006.

For the Commission

Mariann FISCHER BOEL            

Member of the Commission

----

(1)OJ L 316, 2.12.2005, p. 1.

(2)OJ L 324, 10.12.2005, p. 3.

(3)OJ L 152, 24.6.2000, p. 1. Regulation last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 410/2006 (OJ L 71, 10.3.2006, p. 7).

(4)OJ L 38, 9.2.2006, p. 22.

(5)OJ L 324, 10.12.2005, p. 5.

(6)OJ L 126, 8.5.2001, p. 6.

----

ANNEX

                     ‘ANNEX

Competent authorities of the Member States:

----

----

            COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 567/2006

of 6 April 2006         

fixing the representative prices and the additional import duties for molasses in the sugar sector applicable from 7 April 2006         

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/2001 of 19 June 2001 on the common organisation of the market in sugar (1), and in particular Article 24(4) thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The representative prices and the additional duties applying to imports of the products referred to in Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No 1422/95 are fixed in the Annex hereto.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 7 April 2006.

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

Done at Brussels, 6 April 2006.

For the Commission

J. L. DEMARTY            

Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

----

(1)OJ L 178, 30.6.2001, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 39/2004 (OJ L 6, 10.1.2004, p. 16).

(2)OJ L 141, 24.6.1995, p. 12. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 79/2003 (OJ L 13, 18.1.2003, p. 4).

(3)OJ L 145, 27.6.1968, p. 12. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1422/95.

----

ANNEX

Representative prices and additional duties for imports of molasses in the sugar sector applicable from 7 April 2006

----

(1)  This amount replaces, in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1422/95, the rate of the Common Customs Tariff duty fixed for these products.

(2)  For the standard quality as defined in Article 1 of amended Regulation (EEC) No 785/68.

----

----

            COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 568/2006

of 6 April 2006         

fixing the export refunds on white sugar and raw sugar exported in its unaltered state

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/2001 of 19 June 2001 on the common organisation of the markets in the sugar sector (1), and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 27(5) thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The export refunds on the products listed in Article 1(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1260/2001, undenatured and exported in the natural state, are hereby fixed to the amounts shown in the Annex hereto.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 7 April 2006.

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

Done at Brussels, 6 April 2006.

For the Commission

Mariann FISCHER BOEL            

Member of the Commission

----

(1)OJ L 178, 30.6.2001, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 39/2004 (OJ L 6, 10.1.2004, p. 16).

(2)OJ L 214, 8.9.1995, p. 16.

----

ANNEX

REFUNDS ON WHITE SUGAR AND RAW SUGAR EXPORTED WITHOUT FURTHER PROCESSING APPLICABLE FROM 7 APRIL 2006 (1)

----

(1)  The amounts set out in this Annex are not applicable with effect from 1 February 2005 pursuant to Council Decision 2005/45/EC of 22 December 2004 concerning the conclusion and the provisional application of the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation amending the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation of 22 July 1972 as regards the provisions applicable to processed agricultural products (OJ L 23, 26.1.2005, p. 17).

(1)  This amount is applicable to raw sugar with a yield of 92 %. Where the yield for exported raw sugar differs from 92 %, the refund amount applicable shall be calculated in accordance with Article 28(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1260/2001.

----

----

            COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 569/2006

of 6 April 2006         

fixing the maximum export refund for white sugar to certain third countries for the 23rd partial invitation to tender issued within the framework of the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1138/2005

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/2001 of 19 June 2001 on the common organisation of the markets in the sugar sector (1) and in particular the second indent of Article 27(5) thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

For the 23rd partial invitation to tender for white sugar issued pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1138/2005 the maximum amount of the export refund shall be 28,797 EUR/100 kg.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 7 April 2006.

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

Done at Brussels, 6 April 2006.

For the Commission

Mariann FISCHER BOEL            

Member of the Commission

----

(1)OJ L 178, 30.6.2001, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 39/2004 (OJ L 6, 10.1.2004, p. 16).

(2)OJ L 185, 16.7.2005, p. 3.

----

----

            COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 570/2006

of 6 April 2006         

fixing the export refunds on cereals and on wheat or rye flour, groats and meal

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1784/2003 of 29 September 2003 on the common organisation of the market in cereals (1), and in particular Article 13(3) thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The export refunds on the products listed in Article 1(a), (b) and (c) of Regulation (EC) No 1784/2003, excluding malt, exported in the natural state, shall be as set out in the Annex hereto.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 7 April 2006.

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

Done at Brussels, 6 April 2006.

For the Commission

Mariann FISCHER BOEL            

Member of the Commission

----

(1)OJ L 270, 21.10.2003, p. 78. Regulation as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1154/2005 (OJ L 187, 19.7.2005, p. 11).

(2)OJ L 147, 30.6.1995, p. 7. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 777/2004 (OJ L 123, 27.4.2004, p. 50).

----

ANNEX

to the Commission Regulation of 6 April 2006 fixing the export refunds on cereals and on wheat or rye flour, groats and meal

----

----

            COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 571/2006

of 6 April 2006         

concerning tenders notified in response to the invitation to tender for the export of barley issued in Regulation (EC) No 1058/2005

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1784/2003 of 29 September 2003 on the common organisation of the market in cereals (1), and in particular Article 13(3) thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

No action shall be taken on the tenders notified from 31 March to 6 April 2006 in response to the invitation to tender for the refund for the export of barley issued in Regulation (EC) No 1058/2005.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 7 April 2006.

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

Done at Brussels, 6 April 2006.

For the Commission

Mariann FISCHER BOEL            

Member of the Commission

----

(1)OJ L 270, 21.10.2003, p. 78. Regulation as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1154/2005 (OJ L 187, 19.7.2005, p. 11).

(2)OJ L 174, 7.7.2005, p. 12.

(3)OJ L 147, 30.6.1995, p. 7. Regulation as last modified by Regulation (EC) No 777/2004 (OJ L 123, 27.4.2004, p. 50).

----

----

            COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 572/2006

of 6 April 2006         

fixing the maximum export refund on common wheat in connection with the invitation to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 1059/2005

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1784/2003 of 29 September 2003 on the common organisation of the market in cereals (1), and in particular Article 13(3) thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

For tenders notified from 31 March to 6 April 2006, pursuant to the invitation to tender issued in Regulation (EC) No 1059/2005, the maximum refund on exportation of common wheat shall be 4,00 EUR/t.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 7 April 2006.

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

Done at Brussels, 6 April 2006.

For the Commission

Mariann FISCHER BOEL            

Member of the Commission

----

(1)OJ L 270, 21.10.2003, p. 78. Regulation as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1154/2005 (OJ L 187, 19.7.2005, p. 11).

(2)OJ L 174, 7.7.2005, p. 15.

(3)OJ L 147, 30.6.1995, p. 7. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 777/2004 (OJ L 123, 27.4.2004, p. 50).

----

----

            COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 573/2006

of 6 April 2006         

concerning tenders notified in response to the invitation to tender for the import of sorghum issued in Regulation (EC) No 2094/2005

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1784/2003 of 29 September 2003, on the common organisation of the market in cereals (1), and in particular Article 12(1) thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

No action shall be taken on the tenders notified from 31 March to 6 April 2006 in response to the invitation to tender for the reduction in the duty on imported sorghum issued in Regulation (EC) No 2094/2005.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 7 April 2006.

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

Done at Brussels, 6 April 2006.

For the Commission

Mariann FISCHER BOEL            

Member of the Commission

----

(1)OJ L 270, 21.10.2003, p. 78. Regulation as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1154/2005 (OJ L 187, 19.7.2005 p. 11).

(2)OJ L 335, 21.12.2005, p. 4.

(3)OJ L 177, 28.7.1995, p. 4. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1558/2005 (OJ L 249, 24.9.2005, p. 6).

----

II Acts whose publication is not obligatory

Commission

----

            COMMISSION DECISION         

of 8 February 2006         

State aid C 22/2004 (ex N 648/2001) on tax deductions for professional fishermen (Sweden)

(notified under document number C(2006) 265)

(Only the Swedish version is authentic)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2006/269/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community and in particular the first paragraph of Article 88(2) thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 of 22 March 1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 93 of the EC Treaty (1), and in particular Article 14 thereof,

Having invited interested parties to submit their comments, in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 88(2) of the EC Treaty,

Whereas:

I.

PROCEDURE

II.

DESCRIPTION

Existing tax system

Proposed scheme

Budget

III.

GROUNDS FOR OPENING THE FORMAL INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE

IV.

COMMENTS FROM THE SWEDISH AUTHORITIES

V.

ASSESSMENT

A.   Existence of State aid

B.   Compatibility with the common market

Article 87 of the EC Treaty

Equality in terms of taxation

Better use of administrative resources

Conclusion

VI.

CONCLUSION

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The draft Bill amending the Income Tax Act (1999:1229) ‘Tax deductions for professional fishermen’ as proposed by Sweden, is incompatible with the common market.

Sweden may not implement the aid scheme referred to in the first paragraph.

Article 2

This Decision is addressed to the Kingdom of Sweden.

Done at Brussels, 8 February 2006.

For the Commission

Joe BORG            

Member of the Commission

----

(1)OJ L 83, 27.3.1999, p. 1. Regulation as amended by the 2003 Act of Accession.

(2)OJ C 258, 20.10.2004, p. 2.

(3)  Case 173/73 Italy v Commission [1974] ECR 709, paragraph 17.

(4)OJ C 19, 20.1.2001, p. 7.

(5)  Case C 313/90 Comité international de la rayonne et des fibres synthétiques v Commission [1993] ECR I-1125.

(6)  Case C 482/99 France v Commission [2003] ECR I-1487.

----

----

            COMMISSION DECISION         

of 4 April 2006         

amending Decision 92/452/EEC as regards certain embryo collection and production teams in the United States of America

(notified under document number C(2006) 1248)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2006/270/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 89/556/EEC of 25 September 1989 on animal health conditions governing intra-Community trade in and importation from third countries of embryos of domestic animals of the bovine species (1), and in particular Article 8 (1) thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Annex to Decision 92/452/EEC is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Decision.

Article 2

This Decision shall apply from 10 April 2006.

Article 3

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 4 April 2006.

For the Commission

Markos KYPRIANOU            

Member of the Commission

----

(1)OJ L 302, 19.10.1989, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Decision 2006/60/EC (OJ L 31, 3.2.2006, p. 24).

(2)OJ L 250, 29.8.1992, p. 40. Decision as last amended by Decision 2006/85/EC (OJ L 40, 11.2.2006, p. 24).

----

ANNEX

The Annex to Decision 92/452/EEC is amended as follows:

----

----

            COMMISSION DECISION         

of 5 April 2006         

amending Decision 2002/613/EC as regards the approved porcine semen collection centres of Canada

(notified under document number C(2006) 1258)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2006/271/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 90/429/EEC of 26 June 1990 laying down the animal health requirements applicable to intra-Community trade in and imports of semen of domestic animals of the porcine species (1) and in particular Article 8(1) thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Annex V to Decision 2002/613/EC is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Decision.

Article 2

This Decision shall apply from 10 April 2006.

Article 3

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 5 April 2006.

For the Commission

Markos KYPRIANOU            

Member of the Commission

----

(1)OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 62. Directive as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 806/2003 (OJ L 122, 16.5.2003, p. 1).

(2)OJ L 196, 25.7.2002, p. 45. Decision as last amended by Decision 2004/456/EC (OJ L 156, 30.4.2004, p. 49, corrected by OJ L 202, 7.6.2004, p. 33).

----

ANNEX

In Annex V to Decision 2002/613/EC, the following row is added to the list for Canada:

----

----

            COMMISSION DECISION         

of 5 April 2006         

amending Decision 2004/453/EC as regards Sweden and the United Kingdom

(notified under document number C(2006) 1259)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2006/272/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 91/67/EEC of 28 January 1991 concerning the animal health conditions governing the placing on the market of aquaculture animals and products (1), and in particular Article 12(3), and Article 13(3) thereof,

Having regard to Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June 1990 concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market (2), and in particular Article 10 thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Annexes I, II and V to Decision 2004/453/EC are amended as follows:

Article 2

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 5 April 2006.

For the Commission

Markos KYPRIANOU            

Member of the Commission

----

(1)OJ L 46, 19.2.1991, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Regulation 806/2003 (OJ L 122, 16.5.2003 p. 1).

(2)OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 29. Directive as last amended by Directive 2002/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 315, 19.11.2002, p. 14).

(3)OJ L 156, 30.4.2004, p. 5; corrected version in OJ L 202, 7.6.2004, p. 4.

----

ANNEX I

                     ‘CHAPTER II

Territories with approved freedom of certain diseases referred to in Column 1, List III of Annex A to Council Directive 91/67/EEC

----

ANNEX II

                     ‘CHAPTER II

Territories with approved control and eradication programmes of certain diseases referred to in Column 1, List III of Annex A to Council Directive 91/67/EEC

----

----

            COMMISSION DECISION         

of 6 April 2006         

amending Decision 2005/393/EC as regards the restricted zones in relation to bluetongue in Spain

(notified under document number C(2006) 1262)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2006/273/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 2000/75/EC of 20 November 2000 laying down specific provisions for the control and eradication of bluetongue (1), and in particular Article 8(3)(c) and the third paragraph of Article 19 thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

In Annex I to Decision 2005/393/EC, in the part for Zone C,

                  ‘Spain

Islas Baleares (where serotype 16 is absent)’,

is deleted.

Article 2

This Decision shall apply from the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 3

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 6 April 2006.

For the Commission

Markos KYPRIANOU            

Member of the Commission

----

(1)OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 74.

(2)OJ L 130, 24.5.2005, p. 22. Decision as last amended by Decision 2006/828/EC (OJ L 311, 26.11.2005, p. 37).

----

----

            COMMISSION DECISION         

of 6 April 2006         

concerning certain protection measures relating to classical swine fever in Germany and repealing Decision 2006/254/EC

(notified under document number C(2006) 1556)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2006/274/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June 1990 concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market (1), and in particular Article 10(4) thereof,

Whereas:

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

1.   Germany shall ensure that no pigs are dispatched from its territory to other Member States and to third countries.

2.   By derogation from paragraph 1, Germany may authorise the direct transport of slaughter pigs to a slaughterhouse outside Germany for immediate slaughter, provided that the pigs have been resident for at least 60 days, or since birth if less than 60 days of age, on a single holding which

3.   The competent veterinary authority of Germany shall ensure that the notification of the dispatch of pigs to other Member States is communicated to the central and local veterinary authorities of the Member State of destination and any Member State of transit at least three days before the date of dispatch.

Article 2

1.   Without prejudice to the measures provided for in Directive 2001/89/EC, and in particular Articles 9, 10 and 11 thereof, Germany shall ensure that

2.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1(a) and not earlier than 10 days after coming into force of this Decision the competent authority may authorise the transport of pigs from a holding situated within the areas listed in Annex I:

Article 3

Germany shall ensure that no consignments of the following commodities are dispatched to other Member States and to third countries:

Article 4

Germany shall ensure that the health certificate provided for in:

Article 5

Germany shall ensure that:

Article 6

1.   Member States shall not send pigs to slaughterhouses in the areas listed in Annex I.

2.   Member States shall ensure that:

Article 7

The Member States shall amend the measures they apply to trade so as to bring them into compliance with this Decision and they shall give immediate appropriate publicity to the measures adopted. They shall immediately inform the Commission thereof.

Article 8

This Decision shall apply until 15 May 2006.

Article 9

Decision 2006/254/EC is repealed.

Article 10

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 6 April 2006.

For the Commission

Markos KYPRIANOU            

Member of the Commission

----

(1)OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 29. Directive as last amended by Directive 2002/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 315, 19.11.2002, p. 14).

(2)OJ L 91, 29.3.2006, p. 61.

(3)OJ L 316, 1.12.2001, p. 5. Directive as amended by the 2003 Act of Accession.

(4)OJ 121, 29.7.1964, p. 1977/64. Directive as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 (OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1).

(5)OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 62. Directive as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 806/2003 (OJ L 122, 16.5.2003, p. 1).

(6)OJ L 275, 18.11.1995, p. 30.

(7)OJ L 39, 9.2.2002, p. 71.

----

ANNEX I

Areas in Germany referred to in Articles 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6:

The whole of the territory of North Rhine-Westfalia.

----

ANNEX II

In accordance with Article 5(2), Germany shall ensure that in the areas listed in Annex I the following surveillance measures are implemented:

----