ÉÉI 
MUâaT COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
C0M(91) 451 final 
Brussels, 15 November 1991 
ilirfâpilliigbffo Proposal for a 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) 
amending Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 
on the tariff and statistical nomenclature 
on the Common Customs Tariff 
(presented by the Commission) 
ItîïBtfiK 
iM 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
In the framework of the multilateral GATT negotiations on the introduction 
of the Harmonized System, the customs duty on seaweeds was increased. 
This increase in customs duties on seaweeds used for industrial purposes 
(perfumery, pharmacy and food for human consumption) proved disadvantageous 
to Community economic operators. 
Consequently, since 1 March 1988 the duty on seaweeds and other algae for 
the processing industry, other than for the production of animal fodder has 
been suspended (OJ No L 51 of 25 February 1988). 
In addition, since the amount of seaweed imported for the production of 
animal fodder is very small, 2% protection is no longer justified. 
It therefore seems advisable, while maintaining the balance of concessions 
and obligations under the GATT, to incorporate the suspended rate 
(exemption) into the Common Customs Tariff by reducing the autonomous rate 
of duty to this level. 
Z 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) 
amending Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 
on the tariff and statistical nomenclature 
on the Common Customs Tariff 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community 
and in particular Article 28 thereof. 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Whereas during the GATT negotiations on the introduction of the Harmonized 
System, customs duties on the import of seaweeds were increased; 
Whereas this increase in customs duties is proving disadvantageous to 
economic operators; whereas it is therefore expedient to apply the customs 
duties in force prior to the negotiations; 
Whereas the balance of concessions and obligations under the GATT should 
not, however, be called into question; 
Whereas it is expedient to amend the autonomous customs duties applied to 
seaweeds; whereas therefore Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87,1 as last 
amended by Regulation (EEC) No .../..,2 should be amended accordingly, 
1 OJ No L 256, 7.9.1987, p.l. 
2 OJ No L 
3 
- 2 -
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: 
Article 1 
1. The Combined Nomenclature attached to Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 is 
hereby amended in accordance with the Annex. 
2. The amendments to Combined Nomenclature subheadings provided for in this 
Regulation shall be applied as Taric subdivisions until their insertion 
in the Combined Nomenclature under the conditions laid down in 
Article 12 of Regulation (EEC) No 2658/89. 
Article 2 
This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following that of 
its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. 
It shall apply from 1 January 1992. 
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in 
all Member States. 
Done at Brussels, For the Council 
The President 
H 
ANNEX 
CN code 
1 
1212 
1212 10 
to 
1212 10 99 
1212 20 00 
1212 30 00 
to 
1212 99 90 Description 
2 
(unchanged) 
- seaweeds 
(unchanged) Rate of duty 
autonomous 
3 
Free conventional 
4 
2 Supplementary 
unit 
5 
-
Taric code 1992: 1212 20 00 * 00 
5~ 

ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(91) 451 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 02 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-91-498-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-77392-8 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
Lr2985 Luxembourg