AGREEMENT in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Economic Community and Romania concerning a new experimental import scheme ('Testausschreibung`)

A. Letter from the Community

Brussels, ...

Sir,

Since the beginning of 1980 a new import scheme aimed at subsequent further liberalization ('Testausschreibung`) has been introduced by the Federal Republic of Germany covering almost half of the industrial products still subject to quantitative restrictions (apart from textile and steel products). This scheme provides on an experimental and temporary basis for the issue of import licences above and beyond the limits set by the quotas.

The 'Testausschreibung` is intended to permit an assessment, in the course of future years, of the sectors in which quantitative restrictions on imports of industrial products might be removed. During the examination of the results of the 'Testausschreibung`, the particular importance which Romania attaches to the expansion of economic relations and Romania's contractual relations with the Community will be taken into consideration.

If, in particular instances, as a result of Romanian exports to the Federal Republic of Germany, market trends make it necessary to discontinue this practice, Romania will be informed to this effect immediately and prior consultation may take place if Romania so requests.

I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the above.

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

On behalf of

the Council of the European Communities

B. Letter from Romania

Brussels, ...

Sir,

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

'Since the beginning of 1980 a new import scheme aimed at subsequent further liberalization ('Testausschreibung`) has been introduced by the Federal Republic of Germany covering almost half of the industrial products still subject to quantitative restrictions (apart from textile and steel products). This scheme provides on an experimental and temporary basis for the issue of import licences above and beyond the limits set by the quotas.

The 'Testausschreibung` is intended to permit an assessment, in the course of future years, of the sectors in which quantitative restrictions on imports of industrial products might be removed. During the examination of the results of the 'Testausschreibung`, the particular importance which Romania attaches to the expansion of economic relations and Romania's contractual relations with the Community will be taken into consideration.

If, in particular instances, as a result of Romanian exports to the Federal Republic of Germany, market trends make it necessary to discontinue this practice, Romania will be informed to this effect immediately and prior consultation may take place if Romania so requests.

I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the above.`

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.

For the Government of

Romania

Joint Declaration on Article 9

The Community and Romania agree that the obligation contained in Article 9 for the Community to open quotas for imports from Romania of the products referred to in the said Article in no way prejudges the volume of the said import quotas.

(1)See page 13 of this Offical Journal.