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COMMISSION REGULATION (EEC) No 3580/82

of 23 December 1982

extending protective measures on beach slippers originating in and coming from the People's Republic of China and imported into France

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN

COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1766/82 of 30 June 1982 on common rules for imports from the People's Republic of China (1), and in particular Article 11 thereof,

Whereas the Commission, by Regulation (EEC) No 625/82 of 17 March 1982 (2), introduced protective measures in respect of imports into France of beach slippers falling within heading No ex 64.04 of the Common Customs Tariff (NIMEXE code ex 64.04-90), originating in and coming from the People's Republic of China;

Whereas, by virtue of this Regulation, imports into France of beach slippers originating in and coming from China were limited to an annual quota of 1 650 000 pairs in 1982;

Whereas, on 6 December 1982, the French Government submitted a request to the Commission for authorization to extend these measures for 1983;

Whereas the Advisory Committee established under the said Regulation (EEC) No 1766/82 was consulted on 6 December 1982;

Whereas the information received from France indicates that in spite of the limit established by the abovementioned protective measures, the imports into France of beach slippers originating in China amounted to 2 900 000 pairs in the first nine months of 1982;

Whereas the average price cif of Chinese beach slippers is about FF 5;50, while the average ex-factory price of the French producers has increased from FF 9;80 in March 1982 to FF 10;65 at present;

Whereas the situation of the French producers remains serious particularly as regards their fall in production from 10 400 000 pairs in 1979 to 8 500 000 pairs in 1981 and the estimated production of 7 500 000 pairs in 1982; whereas employment in the industrial branch in question, which is concentrated in the south-west of the country, has fallen from 2 500 persons in 1979 to 1 900 persons in 1981 and to 1 800 persons in 1982; whereas this negative evolution seems to persist;

Whereas consumption of the products in question in France has fallen from 11 860 000 pairs in 1980 to 10 158 000 pairs in 1981; whereas estimated consumption for 1982 amounts to 9 890 000 pairs;

Whereas it is clear from the above facts that the circumstances which led the Commission to introduce the abovementioned protective measures still persist; whereas their non-extension would be likely to aggravate later the situation of the French industry;

Whereas contacts and discussions are taking place with the People's Republic of China in order to seek a mutually acceptable solution; whereas this Regulation shall not prejudice in any way the results of these contacts;

Whereas it is appropriate to extend the abovementioned protective measures,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Imports of beach slippers originating in and coming from the People's Republic of China, falling within heading No ex 64.04 of the Common Customs Tariff (NIMEXE code ex 64.04-90) and put into free circulation in France, remain in 1983 subject to the production of an import authorization to be granted by the French authorities. Such authorization shall be granted up to a total of 1 750 000 pairs.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 1 January 1983.

It shall apply until 31 December 1983.

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

Done at Brussels, 23 December 1982.

For the Commission

Étienne DAVIGNON

Vice-President

(1) OJ No L 195, 5. 7. 1982, p. 1.

(2) OJ No L 75, 19. 3. 1982, p. 17.