lOMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
C0M(92) 535 final 
Brussels, 7 December 1992 
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2«T RecommendatIon for a 
COUNCIL PECl?tQN 
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mm concerning the extension of the adaptations to the voluntary 
restraint agreements between the European Economic Community 
and Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay 
on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
(presented by the Commission) 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
1. The existing adaptations to the voluntary restraint agreements 
(VRA's) between the European Economic Community and Argentina, 
Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay on trade in sheepmeat and 
goatmeat are due to expire on 31 December 1992. The adaptations to 
the basic VRA's were put in place in 1989 and 1990. They provide 
for reduced import quantities to the Community but at 0% levy, 
instead of 10%, and with specific limitations on the quantity of 
chilled, as opposed to frozen, sheepmeat. 
2. As it is now clear that the GATT Uruguay Round Negotiations will 
not be completed in time to permit the application of the new 
multilateral framework for agricultural trade to enter into effect 
before 1 January 1994, it is necessary to provide for interim 
access arrangements for sheepmeat and goatmeat for 1993. Therefore 
on the Commission's recommendation, the Council decided on ... 1992 
to authorise the Commission to open negotiations with the third 
countries with which the Community has concluded voluntary 
restraint agreements in the sheepmeat and goatmeat sector. 
3. Negotiations have been concluded with Argentina, Australia, New 
Zealand and Uruguay on the extension of the adaptations of the 
VRA's to provide for the necessary interim access arrangements for 
1993. The agreements for 1993 provide for retention of the 
existing annual ceilings at the OX levy with increases in the 
quantity of chilled meat in line with the increases which have 
taken place each year since 1989. 
4. The understanding with New Zealand regarding the sensitivity of 
certain areas within the Community market expired in 1990. Due to 
the impending completion of the Community Internal Market, this 
understanding can not be reintroduced. However, assurances as 
outlined in the Annex will be obtained from New Zealand, as well as 
from Argentina, Australia and Uruguay, to market sheepmeat in a way 
so as not to disturb the Community market but to contribute to its 
stability and strength. 
5. With respect to the Canary Islands, which are now subject to the 
Common Agricultural Policy, it is necessary to make provision to 
allow the traditional import of New Zealand sheepmeat to continue 
within the context of extending the adaptation to the VRA for 
1993. 
6. It is therefore recommended that the Council approves the 
agreements in the form of the exchanges of letters annexed hereto 
and publishes its Decision in the Official Journal of the European 
Commun i t i es. 
Small and medium Enterprises : No competitive or cost impact for small 
and medium enterprises 
Financial impact : No financial impact on Community budget. 
£ 
ANNEX 
Text of Side Letter to be obtained from Argentina. Australia 
New Zealand and Uruguay 
The Government and meat industry share with the Commission of 
the European Communities and with Member States an interest in 
maintaining the stability and strength of the Community market for 
sheepmeat. is aware that there remain areas and times of 
special sensitivity within the Community market and it recognises that 
the way in which sheepmeat is placed on the market can affect the price 
levels achieved. 
Against this background and within the commercial and legal constraints 
of the Community's Single Market, the ... authorities will urge 
exporters of sheepmeat to the European Community to arrange their 
sendings to the Community market in such a way as to contribute to the 
stability and strength of the market. The ... meat industry is 
committed to marketing chilled lamb in a responsible way so as not to 
disturb the markets of the Community. 
3 
Recommendation for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
of 
concerning the extension of the adaptations to the voluntary 
restraint agreements between the European Economic Community 
and Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay 
on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic 
Community, and in particular Article 113 thereof, 
Having regard to the recommendation from the Commission, 
Whereas the voluntary restraint agreements between the European 
Economic Community and Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay on 
trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat were adapted in 1989 and 1990 in the 
context of measures taken to stabilise the markets in this sector; 
whereas the said adaptations shall cease to have effect on 31 December 
1992; 
Whereas it is necessary to provide for interim arrangements for trade 
in the sheepmeat and goatmeat sectors pending the conclusion of the 
negotiations regarding agricultural trade in the framework of the 
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade-, 
Whereas it is appropriate in these circumstances to extend the 
adaptations to the said voluntary restraint agreements for one year; 
Whereas the effect of the implementation of the Single Market from 
1 January 1993 should be taken into account; 
Whereas the Commission has conducted negotiations in this connection 
with Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay which have resulted 
in Agreements; 
Whereas the Agreements should be approved; 
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS 
Article 1 
The Agreements In the form of Exchanges of Letters between the European 
Economic Community and Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay 
concerning the extension of the adaptations to the voluntary restraint 
agreements between the European Economic Community and Argentina, 
Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay on trade in mutton, lamb and 
goatmeat are hereby approved on behalf of the European Economic 
Community. 
The text of the Agreements are attached to this Decision. 
- 2 -
Art icle 2 
The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the 
person empowered to sign the Agreements in order to bind the Community. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the CounciI 
The President 
<; 
AGREEMENT 
in the form of an Exchange of Letters extending the adaptation to the 
Agreement between the European Economic Community and 
Argentina on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
LETTER No 1 
Sir, 
I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 
constituting an Agreement between the Community and Argentina adapting 
the Principal Agreement concluded in 1980 between the Community and 
Argentina on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters shall continue in 
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments : 
1. the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the 
Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement as modified by 
Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the ceiling figure of 
23,000 tonnes representing the annual ceiling in metric tonnes on 
the total quantity of imports each year into the Community of 
mutton, lamb and goatmeat from Argentina, shall be deemed to have 
been replaced by the figure of 19,000 tonnes. This ceiling shall 
be deemed to include a maximum in 1989 of 1,000 metric tonnes of 
lamb imported into the European Community from Argentina in a form 
which has never been frozen, a maximum of 1,200 metric tonnes in 
1990, a maximum of 1,400 metric tonnes in 1991, a maximum of 
1,600 metric tonnes in 1992, and a maximum of 1,800 metric tonnes 
in 1993." 
2. in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993" 
shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992". 
3. in paragraph 5 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall 
be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992". 
I have the honour to propose, that if the foregoing is acceptable to 
your Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of 
Argentina on the matter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Council of the European Communities 
LETTER NO 2 
Sir , 
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date 
which reads as follows -. 
"I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 
constituting an Agreement between the Community and Argentina adapting 
the Principal Agreement concluded in 1980 between the Community and 
Argentina on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters shall continue in 
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments : 
1. the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the 
Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement as modified by 
Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the ceiling figure of 
23,000 tonnes representing the annual ceiling in metric tonnes on 
the total quantity of imports each year into the Community of 
mutton, lamb and goatmeat from Argentina, shall be deemed to have 
been replaced by the figure of 19,000 tonnes. This ceiling shall 
be deemed to include a maximum in 1989 of 1,000 metric tonnes of 
lamb imported into the European Community from Argentina in a form 
which has never been frozen, a maximum of 1,200 metric tonnes in 
1990, a maximum of 1,400 metric tonnes in 1991, a maximum of 
1,600 metric tonnes in 1992, and a maximum of 1,800 metric tonnes 
in 1993." 
2. in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993" 
shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992". 
3. in paragraph 5 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall 
be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992". 
I have the honour to propose, that if the foregoing is acceptable to 
your Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of 
Argentina on the matter." 
I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with 
the contents of your letter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of 
the Governement of Argentina 
¥ 
AGREEMENT 
in the form of an Exchange of Letters extending the adaptation to the 
Agreement between the European Economic Community and 
Australia on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
LETTER No 1 
Sir, 
I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 
constituting an Agreement between the Community and Australia adapting 
the Principal Agreement concluded in 1980 between the Community and 
Australia on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters shall continue in 
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments : 
1. the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the 
Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement as modified by 
Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the quantity of 17,500 metric 
tonnes expressed in carcase weight shall be deemed to include a 
maximum in 1989 of 1,500 metric tonnes of lamb imported into the 
European Community from Australia in a form which has never been 
frozen, a maximum of 2,000 metric tonnes in 1990, a maximum of 
2,500 metric tonnes in 1991, a maximum of 3.000 metric tonnes in 
1992, and a maximum of 3,500 metric tonnes in 1993." 
2. in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993" 
shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992". 
3. in paragraph 5 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall 
be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992". 
I have the honour to propose, that if the foregoing is acceptable to 
your Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of 
Australia on the matter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Council of the European Communities 
f 
LETTER No 2 
Sir, 
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date 
which reads as follows : 
"I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 
constituting an Agreement between the Community and Australia adapting 
the Principal Agreement concluded in 1980 between the Community and 
Australia on trade in mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters shall continue in 
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments : 
1. the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the 
Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement as modified by 
Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the quantity of 17,500 metric 
tonnes expressed in carcase weight shall be deemed to include a 
maximum in 1989 of 1,500 metric tonnes of lamb imported into the 
European Community from Australia in a form which has never been 
frozen, a maximum of 2,000 metric tonnes in 1990, a maximum of 
2,500 metric tonnes in 1991, a maximum of 3,000 metric tonnes in 
1992, and a maximum of 3,500 metric tonnes in 1993." 
2. in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993" 
shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992". 
3. in paragraph 5 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall 
be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992". 
I have the honour to propose, that if the foregoing is acceptable to 
your Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of 
Australia on the matter." 
I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with 
the contents of your letter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of 
the Governement of Australia 
Oy 
AGREEMENT 
in the form of an Exchange of Letters extending the adjustment 
of the Agreement between the European Economic Community and 
New Zealand on trade in mutton, iamb and goatmeat. 
A. LETTER No 1 
Sir, 
I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 18 October 
1989 constituting an Agreement between the Community and New Zealand 
relating to the adjustments of the Principal Agreement concluded in 
1980 between the Community and New Zealand on trade in mutton, lamb and 
goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters shall continue in 
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments : 
1. the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the 
Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement, as modified by 
Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the ceiling figure of 
"245,500", representing the annual ceiling, in metric tonnes, on 
the total quantity of imports each year into the Community of 
mutton, lamb and goatmeat from New Zealand shall be deemed to have 
been replaced by "205,000". This ceiling shall be deemed to 
include a maximum in 1989 of 6,000 metric tonnes of lamb imported 
into the European Community from New Zealand in a form which has 
never been frozen, a maximum of 7,500 metric tonnes in 1990, a 
maximum of 9,000 metric tonnes in 1991, a maximum of 10,500 metric 
tonnes in 1992, and a maximum of 12,000 metric tonnes in 1993." 
2. in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993" 
shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992". 
3. in paragraph 7 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall 
be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992". 
I have the honour to propose, that if the foregoing is acceptable to 
your Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of New 
Zealand on the matter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Council of the European Communities 
A. LETTER No 2 
Sir, 
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date 
which reads as follows : 
"I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 18 October 
1989 constituting an Agreement between the Community and New Zealand 
relating to the adjustments of the Principal Agreement concluded in 
1980 between the Community and New Zealand on trade in mutton, lamb and 
goatmeat. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters shall continue in 
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments : 
1. the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the 
Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement, as modified by 
Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the ceiling figure of 
"245,500", representing the annual ceiling, in metric tonnes, on 
the total quantity of imports each year into the Community of 
mutton, lamb and goatmeat from New Zealand shall be deemed to have 
been replaced by "205,000". This ceiling shall be deemed to 
include a maximum in 1989 of 6,000 metric tonnes of lamb imported 
into the European Community from New Zealand in a form which has 
never been frozen, a maximum of 7,500 metric tonnes in 1990, a 
maximum of 9,000 metric tonnes in 1991, a maximum of 10,500 metric 
tonnes in 1992, and a maximum of 12,000 metric tonnes in 1993." 
2. in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993" 
shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992". 
3. in paragraph 7 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall 
be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992". 
I have the honour to propose, that if the foregoing is acceptable to 
your Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of New 
Zealand on the matter." 
I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with 
the contents of your letter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of 
the Government of New Zealand 
/A 
AGREEMENT 
in the form of an Exchange of Letters relating to the extension 
of the adjustment of the Agreement between the European 
Economic Community and New Zealand on trade in mutton, 
lamb and goatmeat. 
B. Letter No 1 
Sir, 
I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 18 October 
1989 as extended constituting an Agreement between the Community and 
New Zealand relating to the adjustments of the Principal Agreement 
concluded in 1980 between the Community and New Zealand on trade in 
mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Having regard to Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement and to the 
integration of the Canary Islands into the Community's customs 
territory and into the common agricultural policy, New Zealand 
undertakes to ensure that the annual quantity exported to the Canary 
Islands does not exceed 600 metric tonnes in 1993, such an increase 
representing the average annual import of New Zealand mutton, lamb and 
goatmeat into the Canary Islands since the accession of Spain to the 
Community. These exports shall not be included within the overall 
ceiling of 205,000 metric tonnes in Clause 2 of the Agreement as 
amended. 
I have the honour to propose, that if the foregoing is acceptable to 
your Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of New 
Zealand on the matter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Council of the European Communities 
At 
B. Letter No 2 
Sir, 
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date 
which reads as follows : 
"I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 18 October 
1989 as extended constituting an Agreement between the Community and 
New Zealand relating to the adjustments of the Principal Agreement 
concluded in 1980 between the Community and New Zealand on trade in 
mutton, lamb and goatmeat. 
Having regard to Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement and to the 
integration of the Canary Islands into the Community's customs 
territory and into the common agricultural policy, New Zealand 
undertakes to ensure that the annual quantity exported to the Canary 
Islands does not exceed 600 metric tonnes in 1993, such an increase 
representing the average annual import of New Zealand mutton, lamb and 
goatmeat into the Canary Islands since the accession of Spain to the 
Community. These exports shall not be included within the overall 
ceiling of 205,000 metric tonnes in Clause 2 of the Agreement as 
amended. 
I have the honour to propose, that if the foregoing is acceptable to 
your Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of New 
Zealand on the matter." 
I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with 
the contents of your letter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Government of New Zealand 
X> 
AGREEMENT 
in the form of an Exchange of Letters extending the adaptation to the 
Agreement between the European Economic Community and 
the Eastern Republic of Uruguay on trade in mutton and lamb. 
LETTER No 1 
Sir, 
I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 
constituting an Agreement between the Community and the Eastern 
Republic of Uruguay adapting the Principal Agreement concluded in 1980 
between the Community and Uruguay on trade in mutton and iamb. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters shall continue in 
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments : 
1. the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the 
Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement, as modified by 
Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the ceiling figure of 5,800 
metric tonnes shall be replaced by the figure of 5,220 metric 
tonnes. This ceiling shall include a maximum in 1989 of 2,000 
metric tonnes of lamb imported into the European Community from 
Uruguay in a form which has never been frozen, a maximum of 2,200 
metric tonnes in 1990, a maximum of 2,400 metric tonnes in 1991, a 
maximum of 2,600 metric tonnes in 1992, and a maximum of 2,800 
metric tonnes in 1993." 
2. in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993" 
shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992". 
3. in paragraph 5 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall 
be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992". 
I have the honour to propose, that if the foregoing is acceptable to 
your Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of 
Uruguay on the matter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of the 
Council of the European Communities 
LETTER No 2 
Sir, 
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date 
which reads as follows : 
"I have the honour to refer to the Exchange of Letters of 
constituting an Agreement between the Community and the Eastern 
Republic of Uruguay adapting the Principal Agreement concluded in 1980 
between the Community and Uruguay on trade in mutton and lamb. 
Further to recent discussions, I have the honour to propose that the 
Agreement set out in the above Exchange of Letters shall continue in 
force from 31 December 1992 subject to the following amendments : 
1. the following shall be substituted for Clause 1, paragraph A of the 
Agreement : "In Clause 2 of the Principal Agreement, as modified by 
Clause 6 of the Principal Agreement, the ceiling figure of 5,800 
metric tonnes shall be replaced by the figure of 5,220 metric 
tonnes. This ceiling shall include a maximum in 1989 of 2,000 
metric tonnes of lamb imported into the European Community from 
Uruguay in a form which has never been frozen, a maximum of 2,200 
metric tonnes in 1990, a maximum of 2,400 metric tonnes in 1991, a 
maximum of 2,600 metric tonnes in 1992, and a maximum of 2,800 
metric tonnes in 1993." 
2. in Clause 4 of the Agreement the words : "until 31 December 1993" 
shall be substituted for the words, "until 31 December 1992". 
3. in paragraph 5 of the Annex the words : "by the end of 1993" shall 
be substituted for the words, "by the end of 1992". 
I have the honour to propose, that if the foregoing is acceptable to 
your Government, this letter and your confirmatory reply shall together 
constitute an Agreement between the Community and the Government of 
Uruguay on the matter." 
I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with 
the contents of your letter. 
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. 
On behalf of 
the Government of Uruguay 
fi 

ISSN 0254-1475 
COM (92) 535 final 
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