EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 327/3

AGREEMENT

in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and the State of Israel on the adjustment of the regime for imports into the Community of oranges originating in Israel

Sir,

I have the honour to refer to the negotiations between the Israeli authorities and the European Commission on the regime applied on the import of oranges into the Community originating in Israel.

These negotiations were conducted on the basis of an exchange of letters on the implementation of the new WTO rules following the Uruguay Round, which forms part of the Association Agreement, signed on 20 November 1995, and of the Interim Agreement, signed on 18 December 1995, between the European Community and Israel.

By way of derogation from Protocol 1 of the said Agreements, it has been agreed that for fresh oranges falling within the code ex 0805 10:

1. From 1 July to 30 June of each season, 200 000 tonnes of oranges originating in Israel are exempted from ad valorem duties upon import into the Community. Ad valorem duties shall be reduced by 60 % in respect of quantities imported in excess of this quota.

2. Within this tariff quota, the specific duties will be reduced to zero during the period of 1 December to 31 May if the following entry price levels are respected: 1996/1997: 273 ECU/tonne 1997/1998: 271 ECU/tonne 1998/1999: 268 ECU/tonne 1999/2000: 266 ECU/tonne 2000/2001: and thereafter 264 ECU/tonne.

3. If the entry price of a particular lot is up to 2 %, 4 %, 6 % or 8 % lower than the entry price agreed upon under paragraph 2, the specific duty shall be 2 %, 4 %, 6 % or 8 % of the agreed entry price as appropriate.

4. If the entry price of a particular lot is less than 92 % of the agreed entry price the specific duty bound within the WTO shall apply.

This Agreement shall enter into force upon signature of both parties. It shall be applicable with effect from 1 July 1996.

I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the contents of this letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date which reads as follows:

‘I have the honour to refer to the negotiations between the Israeli authorities and the European Commission on the regime applied on the import of oranges into the Community originating in Israel.

These negotiations were conducted on the basis of an exchange of letters on the implementation of the new WTO rules following the Uruguay Round, which forms part of the Association Agreement, signed on 20 November 1995, and of the Interim Agreement, signed on 18 December 1995, between the European Community and Israel.

By way of derogation from Protocol 1 of the said Agreements, it has been agreed that for fresh oranges falling within the code ex 0805 10:

1. From 1 July to 30 June of each season, 200 000 tonnes of oranges originating in Israel are exempted from ad valorem duties upon import into the Community. Ad valorem duties shall be reduced by 60 % in respect of quantities imported in excess of this quota.

2. Within this tariff quota, the specific duties will be reduced to zero during the period of 1 December to 31 May if the following entry price levels are respected: 1996/1997: 273 ECU/tonne 1997/1998: 271 ECU/tonne 1998/1999: 268 ECU/tonne 1999/2000: 266 ECU/tonne 2000/2001: and thereafter 264 ECU/tonne.

3. If the entry price of a particular lot is up to 2 %, 4 %, 6 % or 8 % lower than the entry price agreed upon under paragraph 2, the specific duty shall be 2 %, 4 %, 6 % or 8 % of the agreed entry price as appropriate.

4. If the entry price of a particular lot is less than 92 % of the agreed entry price the specific duty bound within the WTO shall apply.

This Agreement shall enter into force upon signature of both parties. It shall be applicable as from 1 July 1996.

I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the contents of this letter.’

I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the contents of your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.