REGULATION (EU) No 37/2014 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 15 January 2014

amending certain regulations relating to the common commercial policy as regards the procedures for the adoption of certain measures

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 207(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (1),

Whereas:

A number of basic regulations relating to the common commercial policy provide that acts implementing the common commercial policy are to be adopted by the Council in accordance with the procedures set down in the various instruments concerned or by the Commission subject to specific procedures and control by the Council. Such procedures are not subject to Council Decision 1999/468/EC (2) .

It is appropriate to amend those basic regulations in order to ensure consistency with the provisions introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon. This should be done, where appropriate, through the granting of delegated powers to the Commission and by applying certain procedures set out in Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) .

The following regulations should therefore be amended accordingly:

In order to ensure legal certainty, the procedures for the adoption of measures which have been initiated but not completed before the entry into force of this Regulation should not be affected by this Regulation,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The Regulations listed in the Annex to this Regulation are hereby amended in accordance with the Annex.

Article 2

References to provisions of the Regulations listed in the Annex to this Regulation shall be construed as being made to those provisions as amended by this Regulation.

References made to the former names of committees shall be construed as being made to the new names of committees as provided for by this Regulation.

Throughout the Regulations listed in the Annex:

any reference to the words 'European Community', 'Community', 'European Communities' or 'Communities' shall be understood as a reference to the 'European Union' or 'Union';

any reference to the words 'common market' shall be understood as a reference to the 'internal market';

any reference to the words 'Committee provided for in Article 113', 'Committee provided for in Article 133', 'Committee referred to in Article 113' or 'Committee referred to in Article 133' shall be understood as a reference to 'Committee provided for in Article 207';

any reference to the words 'Article 113 of the Treaty' or 'Article 133 of the Treaty' shall be understood as a reference to 'Article 207 of the Treaty'.

Article 3

This Regulation shall not affect procedures initiated for the adoption of measures provided for in the Regulations listed in the Annex to this Regulation where, on or before the entry into force of this Regulation:

consultation is required under one of the Regulations listed in the Annex and such consultation has been initiated; or

a proposal is required under one of the Regulations listed in the Annex and the Commission has adopted such a proposal.

Article 4

This Regulation shall enter into force on the thirtieth 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.

(1) Position of the European Parliament of 14 March 2012 (OJ C 251 E, 31.8.2013, p. 126) and position of the Council at first reading of 15 November 2013 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Position of the European Parliament of 12 December 2013 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

(2) Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23).

(3) Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13).

(4) Regulation (EEC) No 2841/72 of the Council of 19 December 1972 on the safeguard measures provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation (OJ L 300, 31.12.1972, p. 284).

(5) Regulation (EEC) No 2843/72 of the Council of 19 December 1972 on the safeguard measures provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Iceland (OJ L 301, 31.12.1972, p. 162).

(6) Regulation (EEC) No 1692/73 of the Council of 25 June 1973 on the safeguard measures provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Norway (OJ L 171, 27.6.1973, p. 103).

(7) Council Regulation (EC) No 3286/94 of 22 December 1994 laying down Community procedures in the field of the common commercial policy in order to ensure the exercise of the Community's rights under international trade rules, in particular those established under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (OJ L 349, 31.12.1994, p. 71).

(8) Council Regulation (EC) No 385/96 of 29 January 1996 on protection against injurious pricing of vessels (OJ L 56, 6.3.1996, p. 21).

(9) Council Regulation (EC) No 2271/96 of 22 November 1996 protecting against the effects of the extra-territorial application of legislation adopted by a third country, and actions based thereon or resulting therefrom (OJ L 309, 29.11.1996, p. 1).

(10) Council Regulation (EC) No 1515/2001 of 23 July 2001 on the measures that may be taken by the Community following a report adopted by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body concerning anti-dumping and anti-subsidy matters (OJ L 201, 26.7.2001, p. 10).

(11) Council Regulation (EC) No 153/2002 of 21 January 2002 on certain procedures for applying the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, of the other part, and for applying the Interim Agreement between the European Community and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (OJ L 25, 29.1.2002 p. 16).

(12) Council Regulation (EC) No 427/2003 of 3 March 2003 on a transitional product-specific safeguard mechanism for imports originating in the People's Republic of China and amending Regulation (EC) No 519/94 on common rules for imports from certain third countries (OJ L 65, 8.3.2003, p. 1).

(13) Council Regulation (EC) No 452/2003 of 6 March 2003 on measures that the Community may take in relation to the combined effect of anti-dumping or anti-subsidy measures with safeguard measures (OJ L 69, 13.3.2003, p. 8).

(14) Council Regulation (EC) No 673/2005 of 25 April 2005 establishing additional customs duties on imports of certain products originating in the United States of America (OJ L 110, 30.4.2005, p. 1).

(15) Council Regulation (EC) No 1236/2005 of 27 June 2005 concerning trade in certain goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (OJ L 200, 30.7.2005, p. 1).

(16) Council Regulation (EC) No 1616/2006 of 23 October 2006 on certain procedures for applying the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Albania, of the other part, and for applying the Interim Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Albania (OJ L 300, 31.10.2006, p. 1).

(17) Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 of 20 December 2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements (OJ L 348, 31.12.2007, p. 1).

(18) Council Regulation (EC) No 140/2008 of 19 November 2007 on certain procedures for applying the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Montenegro, of the other part, and for applying the Interim Agreement between the European Community, of the one part, and the Republic of Montenegro, of the other part (OJ L 43, 19.2.2008, p. 1).

(19) Council Regulation (EC) No 55/2008 of 21 January 2008 introducing autonomous trade preferences for the Republic of Moldova and amending Regulation (EC) No 980/2005 and Commission Decision 2005/924/EC (OJ L 20, 24.1.2008, p. 1).

(20) Council Regulation (EC) No 594/2008 of 16 June 2008 on certain procedures for applying the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, of the other part, and for applying the Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters between the European Community, of the one part, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, of the other part (OJ L 169, 30.6.2008, p. 1).

(21) Council Regulation (EC) No 597/2009 of 11 June 2009 on protection against subsidised imports from countries not members of the European Community (OJ L 188, 18.7.2009, p. 93).

(22) Council Regulation (EC) No 260/2009 of 26 February 2009 on the common rules for imports (OJ L 84, 31.3.2009, p. 1).

(23) Council Regulation (EC) No 625/2009 of 7 July 2009 on common rules for imports from certain third countries (OJ L 185, 17.7.2009, p. 1).

(24) Council Regulation (EC) No 1061/2009 of 19 October 2009 establishing common rules for exports (OJ L 291, 7.11.2009, p. 1).

(25) Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 of 30 November 2009 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community (OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 51).

ANNEX

LIST OF REGULATIONS FALLING UNDER THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY AND AMENDED IN ADAPTATION TO ARTICLE 290 OF THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION OR TO THE APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF REGULATION (EU) No 182/2011

1. Regulation (EEC) No 2841/72

As regards Regulation (EEC) No 2841/72, the implementation of the bilateral safeguard clauses of the Agreement requires uniform conditions for the adoption of safeguard measures. Those measures should be adopted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

The Commission should adopt immediately applicable implementing acts where, in duly justified cases relating to situations referred to in Articles 24, 24a and 26 of the Agreement or in the case of export aids that have a direct and immediate effect on trade, imperative grounds of urgency so require.

Accordingly, Regulation (EEC) No 2841/72 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 1 is replaced by the following: "Article 1 The Commission may decide to refer to the Joint Committee established by the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation, hereinafter referred to as the 'Agreement', for the purpose of taking the measures provided for in Articles 22, 24, 24a and 26 of the Agreement. Where necessary, the Commission shall adopt those measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7(2) of this Regulation. The Commission shall inform the Member States should it decide to refer an issue to the Joint Committee.".

(2) In Article 2(1), the second sentence is replaced by the following: "Where necessary, the Commission shall adopt safeguard measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7(2) of this Regulation.".

(3) Article 4 is replaced by the following: "Article 4 1. Where exceptional circumstances require immediate action in the situations referred to in Articles 24, 24a and 26 of the Agreement or in the case of export aids that have a direct and immediate effect on trade, the precautionary measures provided for in Article 27(3)(e) of the Agreement may be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7(2) of this Regulation, or in cases of urgency, in accordance with Article 7(3). 2. Where the Commission is requested to take action by a Member State, it shall take a decision on that request within a maximum period of five working days of its receipt.".

(4) Article 5 is deleted.

(5) The following articles are added: "Article 7 1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee on Safeguards established by Article 4(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 260/2009 (1). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2). 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, in conjunction with Article 5 thereof, shall apply. Article 8 The Commission shall include information on the implementation of this Regulation in its annual report on the application and implementation of trade defence measures presented to the European Parliament and to the Council pursuant to Article 22a of Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (3).

2. Regulation (EEC) No 2843/72

As regards Regulation (EEC) No 2843/72, the implementation of the bilateral safeguard clauses of the Agreement requires uniform conditions for the adoption of safeguard measures. Those measures should be adopted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

The Commission should adopt immediately applicable implementing acts where, in duly justified cases relating to situations referred to in Articles 25, 25a and 27 of the Agreement or in the case of export aids that have a direct and immediate effect on trade, imperative grounds of urgency so require.

Accordingly, Regulation (EEC) No 2843/72 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 1 is replaced by the following: "Article 1 The Commission may decide to refer to the Joint Committee established by the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Iceland, hereinafter referred to as the 'Agreement', for the purpose of taking the measures provided for in Articles 23, 25, 25a and 27 of the Agreement. Where necessary, the Commission shall adopt those measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7(2) of this Regulation. The Commission shall inform the Member States should it decide to refer an issue to the Joint Committee.".

(2) In Article 2(1), the second sentence is replaced by the following: "Where necessary, the Commission shall adopt safeguard measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7(2) of this Regulation.".

(3) Article 4 is replaced by the following: "Article 4 1. Where exceptional circumstances require immediate action in the situations referred to in Articles 25, 25a and 27 of the Agreement or in the case of export aids that have a direct and immediate effect on trade, the measures provided for in Article 28(3)(e) of the Agreement may be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7(2) of this Regulation, or in cases of urgency, in accordance with Article 7(3). 2. Where the Commission is requested to take action by a Member State, it shall take a decision on that request within a maximum period of five working days of its receipt.".

(4) Article 5 is deleted.

(5) The following articles are added: "Article 7 1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee on Safeguards established by Article 4(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 260/2009 (4). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (5). 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, in conjunction with Article 5 thereof, shall apply. Article 8 The Commission shall include information on the implementation of this Regulation in its annual report on the application and implementation of trade defence measures presented to the European Parliament and to the Council pursuant to Article 22a of Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (6).

3. Regulation (EEC) No 1692/73

As regards Regulation (EEC) No 1692/73, the implementation of the bilateral safeguard clauses of the Agreement requires uniform conditions for the adoption of safeguard measures. Those measures should be adopted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

The Commission should adopt immediately applicable implementing acts where, in duly justified cases relating to situations referred to in Articles 24, 24a and 26 of the Agreement or in the case of export aids that have a direct and immediate effect on trade, imperative grounds of urgency so require.

Accordingly, Regulation (EEC) No 1692/73 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 1 is replaced by the following: "Article 1 The Commission may decide to refer to the Joint Committee established by the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Norway, hereinafter referred to as the 'Agreement', for the purpose of taking the measures provided for in Articles 22, 24, 24a and 26 of the Agreement. Where necessary, the Commission shall adopt those measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7(2) of this Regulation. The Commission shall inform the Member States should it decide to refer an issue to the Joint Committee.".

(2) In Article 2(1), the second sentence is replaced by the following: "Where necessary, the Commission shall adopt safeguard measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7(2) of this Regulation.".

(3) Article 4 is replaced by the following: "Article 4 1. Where exceptional circumstances require immediate action in the situations referred to in Articles 24, 24a and 26 of the Agreement or in the case of export aids that have a direct and immediate effect on trade, the precautionary measures provided for in Article 27(3)(e) of the Agreement may be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7(2) of this Regulation, or in cases of urgency, in accordance with Article 7(3). 2. Where the Commission is requested to take action by a Member State, it shall take a decision on that request within a maximum period of five working days of its receipt.".

(4) Article 5 is deleted.

(5) The following articles are added: "Article 7 1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee on Safeguards established by Article 4(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 260/2009 (7). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (8). 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, in conjunction with Article 5 thereof, shall apply. Article 8 The Commission shall include information on the implementation of this Regulation in its annual report on the application and implementation of trade defence measures presented to the European Parliament and to the Council pursuant to Article 22a of Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (9).

4. Regulation (EC) No 3286/94

As regards Regulation (EC) No 3286/94, the implementation of the examination procedures provided for in that Regulation requires uniform conditions for the adoption of decisions on the conduct of those examination procedures and measures resulting therefrom. Those measures should be adopted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

The advisory procedure should be used for the suspension of ongoing examinations given the effects of such measures and their sequential logic in relation to the adoption of measures.

The European Parliament and the Council should be kept informed of the developments under this Regulation, in order to enable them to consider their broader policy implications.

Moreover, in cases where an agreement with a third country appears to be the most appropriate means of resolving a dispute arising from an obstacle to trade, negotiations to this end should be conducted in accordance with the procedures established in Article 207 of the Treaty.

Accordingly, Regulation (EC) No 3286/94 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 5(3) is replaced by the following: "3. Where it becomes apparent that the complaint does not provide sufficient evidence to justify initiating an investigation, the complainant shall be so informed. The Commission shall inform the Member States should it decide that the complaint does not provide sufficient evidence to justify initiating an investigation.".

(2) Article 6(4) is replaced by the following: "4. Where it becomes apparent that the request does not provide sufficient evidence to justify initiating an investigation, the Member State shall be so informed. The Commission shall inform the Member States should it decide that the complaint does not provide sufficient evidence to justify initiating an investigation.".

(3) Article 7 is replaced by the following: "Article 7 Committee procedure 1. (a) The Commission shall be assisted by the Trade Barriers Committee, hereinafter referred to as 'the Committee'. That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (10). (b) Where reference is made to this point, Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. (c) Where reference is made to this point, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 2. The Commission shall also refer to the European Parliament and to the Council information provided pursuant to this Regulation, to allow them to consider any wider implications for the common commercial policy.

(4) Article 8(1) is replaced by the following: "1. Where it is apparent to the Commission that there is sufficient evidence to justify initiating an examination procedure and that it is necessary in the interest of the Union, the Commission shall: (a) announce the initiation of an examination procedure in the Official Journal of the European Union. Such announcement shall indicate the product or service and the countries concerned, give a summary of the information received, and provide that all relevant information is to be communicated to the Commission; it shall state the period within which interested parties may apply to be heard orally by the Commission in accordance with paragraph 5; (b) officially notify the representatives of the country or countries which are the subject of the procedure, with whom, where appropriate, consultations may be held; (c) conduct the examination at Union level, acting in cooperation with the Member States. The Commission shall inform the Member States should it decide that the complaint provides sufficient evidence to justify initiating an investigation.".

(5) In Article 9(2), point (a) is replaced by the following: "2. (a) The Commission and the Member States, including the officials of either, shall not reveal any information of a confidential nature received pursuant to this Regulation, or any information provided on a confidential basis by a party to an examination procedure, without specific permission from the party submitting such information.".

(6) Article 11 is replaced by the following: "Article 11 Termination and suspension of the procedure 1. When it is found, as a result of the examination procedure conducted pursuant to Article 8, that the interests of the Union do not require any action to be taken, the procedure shall be terminated by the Commission acting in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7(1)(c). 2. (a) When, after an examination procedure conducted pursuant to Article 8, the third country or countries concerned take(s) measures which are considered satisfactory, and therefore no action by the Union is required, the procedure may be suspended by the Commission acting in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 7(1)(b). (b) The Commission shall supervise the application of these measures, where appropriate on the basis of information supplied at intervals, which it may request from the third countries concerned and check as necessary. (c) Where the measures taken by the third country or countries concerned have been rescinded, suspended or improperly implemented or where the Commission has grounds for believing this to be the case or, finally, where a request for information made by the Commission as provided for by point (b) has not been granted, the Commission shall inform the Member States, and where necessary and justified by the results of the investigation and the new facts available any measures shall be taken in accordance with Article 13(2). 3. Where, either after an examination procedure conducted pursuant to Article 8, or at any time before, during or after an international dispute settlement procedure, it appears that the most appropriate means of resolving a dispute arising from an obstacle to trade is the conclusion of an agreement with the third country or countries concerned which may change the substantive rights of the Union and of the third country or countries concerned, the procedure shall be suspended by the Commission acting in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 7(1)(b) of this Regulation, and negotiations shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Article 207 of the Treaty.".

(7) Article 13 is replaced by the following: "Article 13 Decision-making procedures 1. Where the Union, as a result of a complaint pursuant to Article 3 or Article 4, or of a referral pursuant to Article 6, follows formal international consultation or dispute settlement procedures, decisions relating to the initiation, conduct or termination of such procedures shall be taken by the Commission. The Commission shall inform the Member States should it decide to initiate, conduct or terminate formal international consultations or dispute settlement procedures. 2. Where the Union, having acted in accordance with Article 12(2), has to take a decision on the measures of commercial policy to be adopted pursuant to Article 11(2)(c) or Article 12 of this Regulation, it shall act, without delay, in accordance with Article 207 of the Treaty and, as appropriate, any applicable procedures.".

(8) The following article is inserted: "Article 13a Report The Commission shall include information on the implementation of this Regulation in its annual report on the application and implementation of trade defence measures presented to the European Parliament and to the Council pursuant to Article 22a of Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (11).

(9) Article 14 is deleted.

5. Regulation (EC) No 385/96

As regards Regulation (EC) No 385/96, the implementation of the procedures provided for in that Regulation requires uniform conditions for the adoption of measures necessary for its implementation in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

Accordingly, Regulation (EC) No 385/96 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 5(11) is replaced by the following: "11. Without prejudice to Article 15(2), where it is apparent to the Commission that there is sufficient evidence to justify initiating a proceeding, it shall do so within 45 days of the date on which the complaint was lodged, or, in the case of initiation pursuant to paragraph 8, no later than six months from the time the sale of the vessel was known or should have been known, and shall publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union. Where insufficient evidence has been presented, the complainant shall be so informed within 45 days of the date on which the complaint was lodged with the Commission. The Commission shall provide information to the Member States once it has determined the need to initiate such a proceeding.".

(2) Article 7 is amended as follows: (a) paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: "2. Where measures are unnecessary the investigation or proceeding shall be terminated. The Commission shall terminate the investigation in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 10(2)."; (b) paragraph 4 is replaced by the following: "4. Where the facts as finally established show that there is injurious pricing and injury caused thereby, an injurious pricing charge shall be imposed on the shipbuilder by the Commission, in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 10(2). The amount of the injurious pricing charge shall be equal to the margin of injurious pricing established. The Commission shall, after having informed the Member States, take the necessary measures for the implementation of its decision, in particular the collection of the injurious pricing charge.".

(3) In Article 8, the first paragraph is replaced by the following: "The investigation may be terminated without the imposition of an injurious pricing charge if the shipbuilder definitively and unconditionally voids the sale of the injuriously priced vessel or complies with an alternative equivalent remedy accepted by the Commission.".

(4) Article 9(1) is replaced by the following: "1. If the shipbuilder concerned does not pay the injurious pricing charge imposed under Article 7, countermeasures under the form of denial of loading and unloading rights shall be imposed by the Commission on the vessels built by the shipbuilder in question. The Commission shall provide information to the Member States once the grounds for countermeasures referred to in the first subparagraph arise.".

(5) Article 10 is replaced by the following: "Article 10 Committee procedure 1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee established by Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (12). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (13). 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.

(6) Article 13(5) is replaced by the following: "5. The Commission and the Member States, including the officials of either, shall not reveal any information received pursuant to this Regulation for which confidential treatment has been requested by its supplier, without specific permission from that supplier. Exchanges of information between the Commission and the Member States, or any internal documents prepared by the authorities of the Union or the Member States, shall not be divulged except as specifically provided for in this Regulation.".

(7) Article 14(3) is replaced by the following: "3. Disclosure shall be effected in writing. It shall be effected, with due regard being had to the need to protect confidential information, as soon as possible and, normally, not less than one month before a definitive decision. Where the Commission is not in a position to disclose certain facts or considerations at that time, they shall be disclosed as soon as possible thereafter. Disclosure shall not prejudice any subsequent decision which may be taken by the Commission but, where such a decision is based on any different facts and considerations, they shall be disclosed as soon as possible.".

(8) The following article is inserted: "Article 14a Report The Commission shall include information on the implementation of this Regulation in its annual report on the application and implementation of trade defence measures presented to the European Parliament and to the Council pursuant to Article 22a of Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009.".

6. Regulation (EC) No 2271/96

As regards Regulation (EC) No 2271/96, the Commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) for the purpose of amending the Annex to that Regulation.

In order to adopt the provisions necessary for the application of that Regulation, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of adding or deleting laws to or from the Annex to that Regulation. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council.

The implementation of Regulation (EC) No 2271/96 requires uniform conditions for establishing criteria for the authorisation of persons to comply fully or partially with any requirement or prohibition, including requests of foreign courts, in cases where non-compliance would seriously damage their interests or those of the Union. Those measures should be adopted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

Accordingly, Regulation (EC) No 2271/96 is amended as follows:

(1) In Article 1, the second paragraph is replaced by the following: "The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 11a to add to the Annex to this Regulation laws, regulations or other legislative instruments of third countries having extraterritorial application and causing adverse effects on the interests of the Union and the interests of natural and legal persons exercising rights under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and to delete laws, regulations or other legislative instruments when they no longer have such effects.".

(2) In Article 7, point (c) is deleted.

(3) Article 8 is replaced by the following: "Article 8 1. For the purpose of implementing Article 7(b), the Commission shall be assisted by the Committee on Extra-territorial Legislation. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article. That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (14). 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.

(4) The following article is inserted: "Article 11a 1. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article. 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 1 shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from 20 February 2014. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period. 3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 1 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force. 4. As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council. 5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 1 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and to the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by four months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.".

7. Regulation (EC) No 1515/2001

As regards Regulation (EC) No 1515/2001, its implementation requires uniform conditions for adopting measures following a report adopted by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body concerning anti-dumping and anti-subsidy matters. Those measures should be adopted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

The advisory procedure should be used for the suspension of measures for a limited period of time given the effects of such measures.

Accordingly, Regulation (EC) No 1515/2001 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 1 is replaced by the following: "Article 1 1. Whenever the DSB adopts a report concerning a Union measure taken pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (15), to Council Regulation (EC) No 597/2009 (16) or to this Regulation ("disputed measure"), the Commission may take one or more of the following measures, whichever it considers appropriate, in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 3a(3): (a) repeal or amend the disputed measure; or (b) adopt any other special implementing measure deemed to be appropriate in the circumstances in order to bring the Union into conformity with the recommendations and rulings contained in the report. 2. For the purpose of taking a measure under paragraph 1, the Commission may request interested parties to provide all necessary information in order to complete the information obtained during the investigation that resulted in the adoption of the disputed measure. 3. Insofar as it is appropriate to conduct a review before or at the same time as taking any measure under paragraph 1, that review shall be initiated by the Commission. The Commission shall provide information to the Member States once it decides to initiate a review. 4. Insofar as it is appropriate to suspend the disputed or amended measure, such suspension shall be granted for a limited period of time by the Commission, acting in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 3a(2).

(2) Article 2 is replaced by the following: "Article 2 1. The Commission may also take any of the measures mentioned in Article 1(1) in order to take into account the legal interpretations made in a report adopted by the DSB with regard to a non-disputed measure, if it considers this appropriate. 2. For the purpose of taking a measure under paragraph 1, the Commission may request interested parties to provide all necessary information in order to complete the information obtained during the investigation that resulted in the adoption of the non-disputed measure. 3. Insofar as it is appropriate to conduct a review before or at the same time as taking any measure under paragraph 1, that review shall be initiated by the Commission. The Commission shall provide information to the Member States once it decides to initiate a review. 4. Insofar as it is appropriate to suspend the non-disputed or amended measure, that suspension shall be granted for a limited period of time by the Commission, acting in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 3a(2).".

(3) The following article is inserted: "Article 3a 1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee established by Article 15(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009. That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (17). 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.

(4) The following article is inserted: "Article 3b Report The Commission shall include information on the implementation of this Regulation in its annual report on the application and implementation of trade defence measures presented to the European Parliament and to the Council pursuant to Article 22a of Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009.".

8. Regulation (EC) No 153/2002

As regards Regulation (EC) No 153/2002, the implementation of the bilateral safeguard clauses of the Interim Agreement and of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement requires uniform conditions for the adoption of safeguard and other measures. Those measures should be adopted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

The Commission should adopt immediately applicable implementing acts where, in duly justified cases relating to exceptional and critical circumstances arising within the meaning of Article 24(4)(b) and Article 25(4) of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 37(4)(b) and Article 38(4) of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, imperative grounds of urgency so require.

Accordingly, Regulation (EC) No 153/2002 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 2 is replaced by the following: "Article 2 Concessions on baby-beef Detailed rules for the implementation of Article 14(2) of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 27(2) of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, concerning the tariff quota for 'baby-beef' products shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7fa(4) of this Regulation.".

(2) Article 3 is deleted.

(3) Article 4 is replaced by the following: "Article 4 Further concessions If additional concessions for fishery products are granted within tariff quotas, pursuant to Article 29 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and Article 16 of the Interim Agreement, detailed rules for the implementation of those tariff quotas shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7fa(4) of this Regulation.".

(4) Article 5 is deleted.

(5) Article 7 is replaced by the following: "Article 7 Technical adaptations Amendments and technical adaptations to the detailed rules on implementation adopted pursuant to this Regulation which are necessary following changes to the Combined Nomenclature codes and to the TARIC subdivisions, or arising from the conclusion of new agreements, protocols, exchanges of letters or other acts between the Union and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7fa(4)."

(6) Article 7a is amended as follows: (a) paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 are deleted; (b) in paragraph 6, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following: "On the completion of the consultations, and if no other arrangement proves possible, the Commission may decide in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7fa(4) of this Regulation either not to act or to adopt appropriate measures provided for in Articles 25 and 26 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Articles 37 and 38 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement."; (c) paragraphs 7, 8 and 9 are deleted; (d) paragraph 10 is replaced by the following: "10. The consultations within the Cooperation Council, and thereafter the Stabilisation and Association Committee, shall be deemed to be completed 30 days after the notification referred to in paragraph 5.".

(7) Article 7b is replaced by the following: "Article 7b Exceptional and critical circumstances Where exceptional and critical circumstances arise within the meaning of Article 25(4)(b) and Article 26(4) of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 38(4)(b) and Article 39(4) of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, the Commission may take immediate measures as provided for in Articles 25 and 26 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Articles 38 and 39 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7fa(4) of this Regulation, or in cases of urgency, in accordance with Article 7fa(5) of this Regulation. If the Commission receives a request from a Member State, it shall take a Decision thereon within five working days of receipt of the request.".

(8) In Article 7e, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: "1. In the case of a practice that may justify application by the Union of the measures provided for in Article 33 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 69 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, the Commission, after examining the case, on its own initiative or at the request of a Member State, shall decide whether such practice is compatible with the Agreement. Where necessary it shall adopt safeguard measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7fa(4), except in the cases of aid to which Council Regulation (EC) No 597/2009 (18) applies, where measures shall be taken in accordance with the procedures laid down in that Regulation. Measures shall be taken only under the conditions set out in Article 33(5) of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 69(5) of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

(9) Article 7f is amended as follows: (a) paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: "3. Pending a mutually satisfactory solution having been reached in the consultations referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article, the Commission may decide on other appropriate measures it deems necessary in accordance with Article 30 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 43 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, as well as with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7fa(4) of this Regulation."; (b) paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 are deleted.

(10) The following article is inserted: "Article 7fa Committee procedure 1. For the purpose of Article 2, the Commission shall be assisted by the Committee established by Article 195 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 (19). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (20). 2. For the purpose of Article 4, the Commission shall be assisted by the Customs Code Committee established by Article 184 of Regulation (EC) No 450/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (21). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 3. For the purpose of Articles 7a, 7b, 7e and 7f, the Commission shall be assisted by the Committee on Safeguards established by Article 4(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 260/2009 (22). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 4. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 5. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, in conjunction with Article 5 thereof, shall apply.

9. Regulation (EC) No 427/2003

As regards Regulation (EC) No 427/2003, the Commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) for the purpose of amending the Annex I to that Regulation.

In order to adopt the provisions necessary for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 427/2003, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of amendments to Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 625/2009, in order to remove countries from the list of third countries contained in that Annex when they become members of the WTO. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing-up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council.

Moreover, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission to adopt the measures necessary for the implementation of that Regulation in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

The advisory procedure should be used for the adoption of surveillance and provisional measures given the effects of such measures and their sequential logic in relation to the adoption of definitive safeguard measures. Where a delay in the imposition of measures would cause damage which would be difficult to repair, it is necessary to allow the Commission to adopt immediately applicable provisional measures.

Accordingly, Regulation (EC) No 427/2003 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 5(4) is replaced by the following: "4. Where it is apparent that there is sufficient evidence to justify initiating a proceeding and any consultations under paragraph 3 have not led to a mutually satisfactory solution, the Commission shall publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Commission shall provide information to the Member States once it has determined the need to initiate such a proceeding.".

(2) Article 7 is amended as follows: (a) paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: "1. Provisional safeguard measures shall be applied in critical circumstances where delay would cause damage which would be difficult to repair, after a preliminary determination that imports have caused or threatened to cause market disruption to the Union industry and if the Union interest calls for intervention. The Commission shall take such provisional measures in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 15(2). In cases of urgency, Article 15(4) shall apply."; (b) paragraph 3 is deleted.

(3) Article 8 is replaced by the following: "Article 8 Termination without measures Where bilateral safeguard measures are deemed unnecessary the investigation or proceeding shall be terminated in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 15(3).".

(4) Article 9 is amended as follows: (a) paragraphs 1 and 2 are replaced by the following: "1. Where the facts as finally established show that the conditions laid down in Articles 1, 2 and 3, as appropriate, are met, and the Union interest calls for intervention in accordance with Article 19, the Commission shall request consultations with the Government of China with a view to seeking a mutually satisfactory solution.; 2. If the consultations referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article do not lead to a mutually satisfactory solution within 60 days of the date of receipt of a request for consultations, a definitive safeguard or trade diversion measure shall be imposed in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 15(3). In cases of urgency, Article 15(5) shall apply."; (b) paragraphs 3 to 6 are deleted.

(5) In Article 12, paragraphs 3 and 4 are replaced by the following: "3. While any safeguard measure is in operation the Commission may either at the request of a Member State or on its own initiative examine the effects of the measure and ascertain whether its application is still necessary. Where the Commission considers that the application of the measure is still necessary it shall inform the Member States accordingly. 4. Where the Commission considers that any safeguard measure should be revoked or amended, it shall revoke or amend the safeguard measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 15(3).".

(6) Article 14(4) is replaced by the following: "4. In the Union interest, measures imposed pursuant to this Regulation may be suspended by a decision of the Commission in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 15(2) for a period of nine months. The suspension may be extended for a further period, not exceeding one year, by the Commission acting in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 15(2).".

(7) The following articles are inserted: "Article 14a Conferral of powers The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 14b of this Regulation concerning amendments of Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 625/2009 (23), in order to remove countries from the list of third countries contained in that Annex when they become members of the WTO. Article 14b Exercise of the delegation 1. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article. 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 22(3) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from 20 February 2014. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period. 3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 22(3) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of power specified in that decision. It shall take effect on the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or on a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force. 4. As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council. 5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 22(3) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

(8) Article 15 is replaced by the following: "Article 15 Committee procedure 1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee on Safeguards established by Article 4(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 260/2009 (24). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (25). 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 4. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, in conjunction with Article 4 thereof, shall apply. 5. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, in conjunction with Article 5 thereof, shall apply.

(9) Article 17(5) is replaced by the following: "5. The Commission and the Member States, including the officials of either, shall not reveal any information received pursuant to this Regulation for which confidential treatment has been requested by its supplier, without specific permission from that supplier. Exchanges of information between the Commission and the Member States, or any information relating to consultations made pursuant to Article 12, or consultations described in Article 5(3) and Article 9(1), or any internal documents prepared by the authorities of the Union or the Member States, shall not be divulged to the public or any party to the proceeding except as specifically provided for in this Regulation.".

(10) In Article 18(4), the last sentence is replaced by the following: "Disclosure shall not prejudice any subsequent decision which may be taken by the Commission, but where such a decision is based on any different facts and considerations, they shall be disclosed as soon as possible.".

(11) In Article 19, paragraphs 5 and 6 are replaced by the following: "5. The Commission shall examine the information which is properly submitted and the extent to which it is representative, and the results of such analysis, together with an opinion on its merits, shall be transmitted to the Committee as part of the draft measure submitted pursuant to Article 9 of this Regulation. The views expressed in the Committee should be taken into account by the Commission under the conditions provided for in Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 6. The parties which have acted in conformity with paragraph 2 may request that the facts and considerations on which final decisions are likely to be taken are made available to them. Such information shall be made available to the extent possible and without prejudice to any subsequent decision taken by the Commission.".

(12) The following article is inserted: "Article 19a Report 1. The Commission shall include information on the implementation of this Regulation in its annual report on the application and implementation of trade defence measures presented to the European Parliament and to the Council pursuant to Article 22a of Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (26).

(13) In Article 22, paragraph 3 is deleted.

10. Regulation (EC) No 452/2003

As regards Regulation (EC) No 452/2003, in order to ensure uniform conditions for its implementation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

Accordingly, Regulation (EC) No 452/2003 is amended as follows:

(1) In Article 1(1), the introductory wording is replaced by the following: "1. Where the Commission considers that a combination of anti-dumping or anti-subsidy measures with safeguard tariff measures on the same imports could lead to effects greater than is desirable in terms of the Union's trade defence policy, it may adopt such of the following measures as it deems appropriate, in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 2a(2):".

(2) The following article is inserted: "Article 2a 1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee established by Article 15(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (27). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (28). 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.

11. Regulation (EC) No 673/2005

As regards Regulation (EC) No 673/2005, the power to repeal that Regulation is given to the Council. That power should be removed, and Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should apply to the repeal of Regulation (EC) No 673/2005.

Accordingly, Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 673/2005 is deleted.

12. Regulation (EC) No 1236/2005

As regards Regulation (EC) No 1236/2005, the Commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) for the purpose of amending the Annexes to that Regulation.

In order to adopt the provisions necessary for the application of Regulation (EC) No 1236/2005, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of amending Annexes I, II, III, IV and V to this Regulation. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council.

Accordingly, Regulation (EC) No 1236/2005 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 12 is replaced by the following: "Article 12 The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts, in accordance with Article 15a, to amend Annexes I, II, III, IV and V. The data in Annex I regarding competent authorities of the Member States shall be amended on the basis of information supplied by the Member States.".

(2) Article 15 is deleted.

(3) The following article is inserted: "Article 15a Exercise of the delegation 1. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article. 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 12 shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from 20 February 2014. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period. 3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 12 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of power specified in that decision. It shall take effect on the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or on a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force. 4. As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council. 5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 12 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.".

(4) Article 16 is deleted.

13. Regulation (EC) No 1616/2006

As regards Regulation (EC) No 1616/2006, the implementation of the bilateral safeguard clauses of the Interim Agreement and of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement requires uniform conditions for the adoption of safeguard and other measures. Those measures should be adopted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

The Commission should adopt immediately applicable implementing acts where, in duly justified cases relating to exceptional and critical circumstances arising within the meaning of Article 26(4) of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 39(4) of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, imperative grounds of urgency so require.

Accordingly, Regulation (EC) No 1616/2006 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 2 is replaced by the following: "Article 2 Concessions for fish and fishery products Detailed rules for the implementation of Article 15(1) of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 28(1) of the SAA, concerning the tariff quotas for fish and fishery products, shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation.".

(2) Article 4 is replaced by the following: "Article 4 Technical adaptations Amendments and technical adaptations to the provisions adopted pursuant to this Regulation which are necessary following changes to the Combined Nomenclature codes and to the TARIC subdivisions, or arising from the conclusion of new or modified agreements, protocols, exchanges of letters or other acts between the Union and the Republic of Albania, shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation.".

(3) Article 5 is replaced by the following: "Article 5 General safeguard clause Where the Union needs to take a measure as provided for in Article 25 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 38 of the SAA, that measure shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation, unless otherwise specified in Article 25 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 38 of the SAA.".

(4) Article 6 is replaced by the following: "Article 6 Shortage clause Where the Union needs to take a measure as provided for in Article 26 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 39 of the SAA, that measure shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation.".

(5) In Article 7, the third, fourth and fifth paragraphs are replaced by the following: "The Commission shall take such measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3), or in cases of urgency, in accordance with Article 8a(4)."

(6) Article 8(2) is replaced by the following: "2. The Commission shall take such measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3), or in cases of urgency, in accordance with Article 8a(4)."

(7) The following article is inserted: "Article 8a Committee procedure 1. For the purpose of Articles 2, 4 and 11, the Commission shall be assisted by the Customs Code Committee established by Article 184 of Regulation (EEC) No 450/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (29). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (30). 2. For the purpose of Articles 5, 6, 7 and 8, the Commission shall be assisted by the Committee established by Council Regulation (EC) No 260/2009 (31). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 4. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, in conjunction with Article 5 thereof, shall apply.

(8) In Article 11, the third paragraph is replaced by the following: "The Commission may decide, in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation, to suspend temporarily the relevant preferential treatment of the products as provided for in Article 30(4) of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 43(4) of the SAA."

(9) Article 12 is deleted.

14. Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007

As regards Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007, the Commission should be empowered to adopt the measures necessary for its implementation in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

The advisory procedure should be used for the suspension of treatment given the nature of such suspensions. It should also be used for the adoption of surveillance and provisional safeguard measures given the effects of such measures. Where a delay in the imposition of measures would cause damage which would be difficult to repair, it is necessary to allow the Commission to adopt immediately applicable provisional measures.

Accordingly, Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 5 is amended as follows: (a) in paragraph 3, the introductory wording is replaced by the following: "3. Where the Commission, on the basis of information provided by a Member State or on its own initiative, finds that the conditions laid down in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article are fulfilled, the relevant treatment may be suspended in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 21(4), provided that the Commission has first:"; (b) paragraph 4 is replaced by the following: "4. The period of suspension under this Article shall be limited to the period necessary to protect the Union's financial interests. It shall not exceed six months, however that period may be renewed. At the end of that period, the Commission shall decide either to terminate the suspension or to extend the period of suspension in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 21(4)."; (c) in paragraph 6, the second subparagraph is replaced by the following: "The decision suspending the relevant treatment shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 21(4).".

(2) Article 6(3) is replaced by the following: "3. The detailed rules for implementing the tariff quotas referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article shall be determined in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 21(5).".

(3) Article 7(4) is replaced by the following: "4. The detailed rules for dividing by region and implementing the tariff quotas referred to in this Article shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 21(5).".

(4) Article 9(5) is replaced by the following: "5. The Commission shall adopt detailed rules on the subdivision of quantities provided for in paragraph 1 for the management of the system referred to in paragraphs 1, 3 and 4 of this Article, and on suspension decisions in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 21(5).".

(5) Article 10(4) is replaced by the following: "4. The Commission shall adopt detailed rules relating to the management of this system and to suspension decisions in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 21(5)."

(6) In Article 14, paragraphs 3 and 4 are replaced by the following: "3. Where it is apparent that there is sufficient evidence to justify the initiation of a proceeding, the Commission shall publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union. Initiation shall take place within one month of the date of receipt of information from a Member State. The Commission shall provide information to the Member States concerning its analysis of the information normally within 21 days of the date on which the information was provided to the Commission. 4. If the Commission takes the view that the circumstances set out in Article 12 exist, it shall immediately notify the region or states listed in Annex I concerned of its intention to initiate an investigation. The notification may be accompanied by an invitation for consultations with the aim of clarifying the situation and arriving at a mutually satisfactory solution.".

(7) Article 16 is amended as follows: (a) paragraphs 1 and 2 are replaced by the following: "1. Provisional safeguard measures shall be applied in critical circumstances where a delay would cause damage which it would be difficult to repair, pursuant to a preliminary determination that circumstances set out in Article 12 as appropriate exist. Provisional measures shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 21(4), or in cases of urgency, in accordance with Article 21(6). 2. In view of the particular situation of outermost regions and their vulnerability to any surge in imports, provisional safeguard measures shall be applied in proceedings that concern them where a preliminary determination has shown that imports have increased. Provisional measures shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 21(4), or, in cases of urgency, in accordance with Article 21(6)."; (b) paragraph 4 is deleted.

(8) Article 17 is replaced by the following: "Article 17 Termination of investigation and proceeding without measures Where bilateral safeguard measures are deemed unnecessary, the investigation and proceeding shall be terminated in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 21(5).".

(9) Article 18 is amended as follows: (a) paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: "2. If the consultations referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article do not lead to a mutually satisfactory solution within 30 days of the matter being referred to the region or state concerned, a decision to impose definitive bilateral safeguard measures shall be taken by the Commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 21(5) within 20 working days of the end of the consultation period.". (b) paragraphs 3 and 4 are deleted.

(10) Article 20(2) is replaced by the following: "2. The decision to impose surveillance shall be taken by the Commission in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 21(4).".

(11) Article 21 is replaced by the following: "Article 21 Committee procedure 1. For the purpose of Articles 16, 17, 18 and 20 of this Regulation, the Commission shall be assisted by the Committee on Safeguards established by Article 4(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 260/2009 (32). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (33). 2. For the purpose of Articles 4 and 5, the Commission shall be assisted by the Customs Code Committee established by Article 184 of Regulation (EC) No 450/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (34). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 3. For the purpose of Articles 6, 7 and 9, the Commission shall be assisted by the Committee established by Council Regulation (EC) No. 1234/2007 (35). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 4. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 5. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 6. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, in conjunction with Article 4 thereof, shall apply.

(12) Article 24 is deleted.

(13) The following article is inserted: "Article 24b Report The Commission shall include information on the implementation of this Regulation in its annual report on the application and implementation of trade defence measures presented to the European Parliament and to the Council pursuant to Article 22a of Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (36).

15. Regulation (EC) No 140/2008

As regards Regulation (EC) No 140/2008, the implementation of the bilateral safeguard clauses of the Interim Agreement and of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement requires uniform conditions for the adoption of safeguard and other measures. Those measures should be adopted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

The Commission should adopt immediately applicable implementing acts where, in duly justified cases relating to exceptional and critical circumstances arising within the meaning of Article 26(5)b and Article 27(4) of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 41(5)b and Article 42(4) of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, imperative grounds of urgency so require.

Accordingly, Regulation (EC) No 140/2008 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 2 is replaced by the following: "Article 2 Concessions for fish and fishery products Detailed rules on the implementation of Article 14 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 29 of the SAA, concerning the tariff quotas for fish and fishery products, shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation.".

(2) Articles 4, 5 and 6 are replaced by the following: "Article 4 Technical adaptations Amendments and technical adaptations to the provisions adopted pursuant to this Regulation which are necessary following changes to the Combined Nomenclature codes and to the TARIC subdivisions, or arising from the conclusion of new or modified agreements, protocols, exchanges of letters or other acts between the Union and the Republic of Montenegro, shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation. Article 5 General safeguard clause Where the Union needs to take a measure as provided for in Article 26 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 41 of the SAA, it shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation, unless otherwise specified in Article 26 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 41 of the SAA. Article 6 Shortage clause Where the Union needs to take a measure as provided for in Article 27 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 42 of the SAA, it shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation.".

(3) In Article 7, the third, fourth and fifth paragraphs are replaced by the following: "The Commission shall take such measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3). In cases of urgency, Article 8a(4) shall apply.".

(4) Article 8(2) is replaced by the following: "2. The Commission shall take such measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3). In cases of urgency, Article 8a(4) shall apply."

(5) The following article is inserted: "Article 8a Committee procedure 1. For the purpose of Article 4 of this Regulation, the Commission shall be assisted by the Customs Code Committee established by Article 184 of Regulation (EC) No 450/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (37). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (38). 2. For the purpose of Articles 5, 6, 7 and 8 of this Regulation, the Commission shall be assisted by the Committee established by Council Regulation (EC) No 260/2009 (39). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 4. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, in conjunction with Article 5 thereof, shall apply.

(6) In Article 11, the third paragraph is replaced by the following: "The Commission may decide, in accordance with the examination procedure set out in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation, to suspend temporarily the relevant preferential treatment of the products as provided for in Article 31(4) of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 46(4) of the SAA.".

(7) Article 12 is deleted.

16. Regulation (EC) No 55/2008

As regards Regulation (EC) No 55/2008, in order to ensure uniform conditions for its implementation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

The advisory procedure should be used for the adoption of surveillance and provisional measures and for the temporary suspension of preferential treatment given the effects of such measures and their sequential logic in relation to the adoption of definitive safeguard measures. Where a delay in the imposition of measures would cause damage which would be difficult to repair, it is necessary to allow the Commission to adopt immediately applicable provisional measures.

Accordingly, Regulation (EC) No 55/2008 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 3(3) is replaced by the following: "3. Notwithstanding other provisions of this Regulation, in particular Article 10, if imports of agricultural products cause serious disturbance to the Union markets and their regulatory mechanisms, the Commission may take the appropriate measures by means of implementing acts. Such implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 11a(5).".

(2) Article 4 is replaced by the following: "Article 4 Implementation of tariff quotas for dairy products The detailed rules for implementing the tariff quotas for headings 0401 to 0406 shall be determined by the Commission by means of implementing acts. Such implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 11a(5).".

(3) Article 8 is deleted.

(4) Article 10 is amended as follows: (a) in paragraph 1, the introductory wording is replaced by the following: "1. Where the Commission finds that there is sufficient evidence of fraud, irregularities or systematic failure by Moldova to comply, or to ensure compliance, with the rules of origin of products and the procedures related thereto, or to provide administrative cooperation as referred to in Article 2(1), or to comply with any of the other conditions defined in Article 2(1), it may take measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 11a(5) to suspend in whole or in part the preferential arrangements provided for in this Regulation for a period of not more than six months, provided that it has first:"; (b) paragraph 2 is deleted; (c) paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: "3. On conclusion of the period of suspension, the Commission shall decide either to terminate the provisional suspension measure or to extend the suspension measure in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 11a(5).".

(5) Article 11 is amended as follows: (a) paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: "1. Where a product originating in Moldova is imported on terms which cause, or threaten to cause, serious difficulties to a Union producer of like or directly competing products, Common Customs Tariff duties on that product may be reintroduced at any time by the Commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 11a(5)."; (b) paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 are replaced by the following: "5. The investigation shall be completed within six months after the publication of the notice referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article. The Commission may, in the case of exceptional circumstances, extend that period in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 11a(4). 6. The Commission shall take a decision within three months, in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 11a(5). Such a decision shall enter into force within one month from the date of its publication. 7. Where exceptional circumstances requiring immediate action make an investigation impossible, the Commission may take any preventive measure which is strictly necessary, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 11a(6).".

(6) The following article is inserted: "Article 11a Committee procedure 1. For the purpose of Article 3(3) and Articles 11 and 12 of this Regulation, the Commission shall be assisted by the Committee on Safeguards established by Article 4(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 260/2009 (40). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (41). 2. For the purpose of Article 4 of this Regulation, the Commission shall be assisted by the committee established by Article 195 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 (42). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 3. For the purpose of Article 10 of this Regulation, the Commission shall be assisted by the committee established by Article 184 of Regulation (EC) No 450/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (43). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 4. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 5. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 6. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, in conjunction with Article 4 thereof, shall apply.

(7) In Article 12, the second paragraph is replaced by the following: "If Moldova does not comply with the rules of origin or does not provide administrative cooperation, as required by Article 2, for the aforementioned Chapters 17, 18, 19 and 21, or if imports of products under these Chapters subject to the preferential arrangements granted under this Regulation significantly exceed the usual levels of exports of Moldova, appropriate measures shall be taken in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 11a(5).".

17. Regulation (EC) No 594/2008

As regards Regulation (EC) No 594/2008, the implementation of the bilateral safeguard clauses of the Interim Agreement and of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement requires uniform conditions for the adoption of safeguard and other measures. Those measures should be adopted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

The Commission should adopt immediately applicable implementing acts where, in duly justified cases relating to exceptional and critical circumstances arising within the meaning of Article 24(5)b and Article 25(4) of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 39(5)b and Article 40(4) of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, imperative grounds of urgency so require.

Accordingly, Regulation (EC) No 594/2008 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 2 is replaced by the following: "Article 2 Concessions for fish and fishery products Detailed rules on the implementation of Article 13 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 28 of the SAA, concerning the tariff quotas for fish and fishery products, shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation.".

(2) Articles 4, 5 and 6 are replaced by the following: "Article 4 Technical adaptations Amendments and technical adaptations to the provisions adopted pursuant to this Regulation which are necessary following changes to the Combined Nomenclature codes and to the TARIC subdivisions, or arising from the conclusion of new or modified agreements, protocols, exchanges of letters or other acts between the Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina, shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation. Article 5 General safeguard clause Where the Union needs to take a measure as provided for in Article 24 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 39 of the SAA, that measure shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation, unless otherwise specified in Article 24 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 39 of the SAA. Article 6 Shortage clause Where the Union needs to take a measure as provided for in Article 25 of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 40 of the SAA, that measure shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation.".

(3) In Article 7, the third, fourth and fifth paragraphs are replaced by the following: "The Commission shall adopt such measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3), or in cases of urgency, in accordance with Article 8a(4).".

(4) Article 8(2) is replaced by the following: "2. The Commission shall adopt such measures in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3), or in cases of urgency, in accordance with Article 8a(4).".

(5) The following article is inserted: "Article 8a Committee procedure 1. For the purpose of Articles 2, 4 and 11 of this Regulation, the Commission shall be assisted by the Customs Code Committee established by Article 184 of Regulation (EEC) No 450/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (44). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011of the European Parliament and of the Council (45). 2. For the purpose of Articles 5, 6, 7 and 8 of this Regulation, the Commission shall be assisted by the Committee on Safeguards established by Article 4(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 260/2009 (46). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. 3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 4. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, in conjunction with Article 5 thereof, shall apply.

(6) In Article 11, the third paragraph is replaced by the following: "The Commission may decide, in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 8a(3) of this Regulation, to suspend temporarily the relevant preferential treatment of the products as provided for in Article 29(4) of the Interim Agreement, and thereafter Article 44(4) of the SAA.".

(7) Article 12 is deleted.

18. Regulation (EC) No 597/2009

As regards Regulation (EC) No 597/2009, its implementation requires uniform conditions for adopting provisional and definitive duties, and for the termination of an investigation without measures. Those measures should be adopted by the Commission in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

The advisory procedure should be used for the adoption of provisional measures given the effects of such measures and their sequential logic in relation to the adoption of definitive measures. It should also be used for the acceptance of undertakings, initiation and non-initiation of expiry reviews, suspension of measures, extension of the suspension of measures and the reinstatement of measures given the effect of such measures as compared to definitive measures. Where a delay in the imposition of measures would cause damage which would be difficult to repair, it is necessary to allow the Commission to adopt immediately applicable provisional measures.

Accordingly, Regulation (EC) No 597/2009 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 10(8) is replaced by the following: "8. If, in special circumstances, the Commission decides to initiate an investigation without having received a written complaint by or on behalf of the Union industry for the initiation of such an investigation, this shall be done on the basis of sufficient evidence of the existence of countervailable subsidies, injury and causal link, as described in paragraph 2, to justify such initiation. The Commission shall provide information to the Member States once it has determined the need to initiate such an investigation.".

(2) Article 10(11) is replaced by the following: "11. Where it is apparent that there is sufficient evidence to justify initiating proceedings, the Commission shall do so within 45 days of the date of lodging of the complaint and shall publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union. Where insufficient evidence has been presented, the complainant shall be so informed within 45 days of the date on which the complaint is lodged with the Commission. The Commission shall provide information to the Member States concerning its analysis of the complaint normally within 21 days of the date on which the complaint is lodged with the Commission.".

(3) Article 12 is amended as follows: (a) in paragraph 1, point (b) is replaced by the following: "(b) a notice has been given to that effect and interested parties have been given an adequate opportunity to submit information and make comments in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 10(12);"; (b) paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: "3. The Commission shall adopt provisional measures in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 25(4)."; (c) paragraph 5 is deleted.

(4) Article 13 is amended as follows: (a) paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: "1. On the condition that a provisional affirmative determination of subsidisation and injury has been made, the Commission may in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 25(2) accept satisfactory voluntary undertakings offers under which: (a) the country of origin and/or export agrees to eliminate or limit the subsidy or take other measures concerning its effects; or (b) any exporter undertakes to revise its prices or to cease exports to the area in question as long as such exports benefit from countervailable subsidies, so that the Commission is satisfied that the injurious effect of the subsidies is thereby eliminated. In such a case and as long as such undertakings are in force, the provisional duties imposed by the Commission in accordance with Article 12(3) and the definitive duties imposed in accordance with Article 15(1) shall not apply to the relevant imports of the product concerned manufactured by the companies referred to in the Commission decision accepting undertakings and in any subsequent amendment of such decision. Price increases under such undertakings shall not be higher than necessary to offset the amount of countervailable subsidies, and should be less than the amount of countervailable subsidies if such increases would be adequate to remove the injury to the Union industry."; (b) paragraph 5 is replaced by the following: "5. Where undertakings are accepted the investigation shall be terminated. The Commission shall terminate the investigation in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 25(3)."; (c) in paragraph 9, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following: "9. In the case of breach or withdrawal of undertakings by any party to the undertaking, or in the case of withdrawal of acceptance of the undertaking by the Commission, the acceptance of the undertaking shall be withdrawn by the Commission, as appropriate, and the provisional duty which has been imposed by the Commission in accordance with Article 12, or the definitive duty which has been imposed in accordance with Article 15(1), shall apply, provided that the exporter concerned, or the country of origin and/or export has, except in the case of withdrawal of the undertaking by the exporter or such country, been given an opportunity to comment. The Commission shall provide information to the Member States when it decides to withdraw an undertaking."; (d) paragraph 10 is replaced by the following: "10. A provisional duty may be imposed in accordance with Article 12 on the basis of the best information available, where there is reason to believe that an undertaking is being breached, or in the case of breach or withdrawal of an undertaking, where the investigation which led to the undertaking has not been concluded.".

(5) Article 14(2) is replaced by the following: "2. Where protective measures are unnecessary the investigation or proceedings shall be terminated. The Commission shall terminate the investigation in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 25(3).".

(6) Article 15(1) is amended as follows: (a) the first subparagraph is replaced by the following: "1. Where the facts as finally established show the existence of countervailable subsidies and injury caused thereby, and the Union interest calls for intervention in accordance with Article 31, a definitive countervailing duty shall be imposed by the Commission acting in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 25(3). Where provisional duties are in force, the Commission shall initiate this procedure no later than one month before the expiry of such duties."; (b) the second and third subparagraphs are deleted.

(7) In Article 16(2), the first subparagraph is replaced by the following: "2. Where a provisional duty has been applied and the facts as finally established show the existence of countervailable subsidies and injury, the Commission shall decide, irrespective of whether a definitive countervailing duty is to be imposed, what proportion of the provisional duty is to be definitively collected.".

(8) In Article 20, the second paragraph is replaced by the following: "Such a review shall be initiated after Union producers have been given an opportunity to comment.".

(9) In Article 21(4), the first subparagraph is replaced by the following: "4. The Commission shall decide whether and to what extent the application should be granted, or it may decide at any time to initiate an interim review, whereupon the information and findings from such review, carried out in accordance with the provisions applicable for such reviews, shall be used to determine whether and to what extent a refund is justified.".

(10) Article 22 is amended as follows: (a) in paragraph 1, the fifth subparagraph is deleted; (b) paragraphs 2 and 3 are replaced by the following: "2. Reviews pursuant to Articles 18, 19 and 20 shall be initiated by the Commission. The Commission shall decide whether or not to initiate reviews pursuant to Article 18 in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 25(2). The Commission shall also provide information to the Member States once an operator or a Member State has submitted a request justifying the initiation of a review pursuant to Articles 19 and 20 and the Commission has completed its analysis thereof, or once the Commission has itself determined that the need for the continued imposition of measures should be reviewed. 3. Where warranted by reviews, measures shall, in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 25(3), be repealed or maintained pursuant to Article 18, or repealed, maintained or amended pursuant to Articles 19 and 20.".

(11) Article 23 is amended as follows: (a) in paragraph 4, the first, second and third subparagraphs are replaced by the following: "4. Investigations shall be initiated pursuant to this Article on the initiative of the Commission or at the request of a Member State or of any interested party on the basis of sufficient evidence regarding the factors set out in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3. Initiations shall be made by Commission Regulation which may also instruct the customs authorities to make imports subject to registration in accordance with Article 24(5) or to request guarantees. The Commission shall provide information to the Member States once an interested party or a Member State has submitted a request justifying the initiation of an investigation and the Commission has completed its analysis thereof, or where the Commission has itself determined that there is a need to initiate an investigation. Investigations shall be carried out by the Commission. The Commission may be assisted by customs authorities and the investigations shall be concluded within nine months. If the facts as finally ascertained justify the extension of measures, this shall be done by the Commission acting in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 25(3)."; (b) in paragraph 6, the fourth subparagraph is replaced by the following: "These exemptions are granted by decision of the Commission and shall remain valid for the period and under the conditions set down therein. The Commission shall provide information to the Member States once it has concluded its analysis."

(12) Article 24 is amended as follows: (a) paragraph 4 is replaced by the following: "4. In the Union interest, measures imposed pursuant to this Regulation may be suspended by a decision of the Commission in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 25(2) for a period of nine months. The suspension may be extended for a further period, not exceeding one year, by the Commission acting in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 25(2). Measures may only be suspended where market conditions have temporarily changed to an extent that injury would be unlikely to resume as a result of the suspension, and provided that the Union industry has been given an opportunity to comment and those comments have been taken into account. Measures may at any time be reinstated in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 25(2) if the reason for suspension is no longer applicable."; (b) the first subparagraph of paragraph 5 is replaced by the following: "5. The Commission may, after having informed the Member States in due time, direct the customs authorities to take the appropriate steps to register imports, so that measures may subsequently be applied against those imports from the date of such registration.".

(13) Article 25 is replaced by the following: "Article 25 Committee procedure 1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee established by Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (47). That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (48). 2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply. 3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation