Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION opening an autonomous quota for imports of high-quality beef

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

The Community's interest is developing harmonious trade relations with third countries. Some of the countries benefiting from the full use of the high quality beef arrangements, are suffering a major economic and social crisis.

In order to give particular support in situations of major difficulties it is proposed to open an additional reduced-tariff-quota on high quality beef for a limited period of time that would satisfy not only supplier interests but also the consumer interests.

The particular demand of consumers of high quality beef is specially increasing in the Community. The beef market is now becoming more stable recovering levels previous to the BSE crisis.

Consequently, the Commission proposes the opening of an autonomous erga omnes tariff quota of 10 000 tonnes of high quality fresh, chilled or frozen beef at a duty-rate of 20% ad valorem. This measure will be limited to a period from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003

In order to give guaranties of equal and continuous access for all operators concerned in the Community to the said quota an appropriate monitoring of the quota should be ensured. To this end, the utilisation of the quota should be based on the presentation of a certificate of authenticity guaranteeing the type and origin of the products.

2002/0094 (ACC)

Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION opening an autonomous quota for imports of high-quality beef

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 133 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission [1],

[1] OJ C ..., ..., p. ...

Whereas:

(1) In view of the Community's interest in developing harmonious trade relations with third countries and the major economic and social difficulties currently facing some supplier countries, provision should be made for opening, as an autonomous measure and on a temporary basis, a Community import tariff quota of 10 000 tonnes of high-quality fresh, chilled or frozen beef.

(2) The beef market is now on the way to becoming more stable. Demand of consumers in the Community is increasing, especially for high-quality beef. An additional reduced-tariff-quota for high-quality beef would satisfy at the same time the consumer interests as well as supplier interests.

(3) Equal and continuous access to the quota should be offered to all operators concerned in the Community and appropriate monitoring of the quota should be ensured. To this end, the utilisation of the quota should be based on the presentation of a certificate of authenticity guaranteeing the type and origin of the products.

(4) Under Article 32 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1254/1999 of 17 May 1999 on the common organisation of the market in beef and veal [2], tariff quotas for the products covered by the present Regulation are to be administered by the Commission in accordance with detailed rules adopted under the procedure laid down in Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 1254/1999,

[2] OJ L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 21. Regulation last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 2345/2001 (OJ L 315, 1.12.2001, p. 29).

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

1. An annual Community import tariff quota of 10 000 tonnes, expressed in product weight, of high-quality fresh, chilled or frozen beef falling within CN codes 0201 3000, 0202 3090, 0206 1095 and 0206 2991 of the Common Customs Tariff is opened.

2. The applicable duty for the quota shall be 20% ad valorem.

3. The quota shall run from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.

Article 2

Detailed rules for the application of this Regulation, adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No 1254/1999, shall include provisions making the utilisation of the quota referred to in Article 1 subject to the presentation of a certificate of authenticity guaranteeing the type and origin of the products.

Article 3

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

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

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President

>TABLE POSITION>