EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL

The Republic of Croatia acceded to the European Union on 1 July 2013. The Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation of 22 July 1972 applies directly to Croatia as of its day of accession.

The accession of Croatia implies that Protocol 3 to that Agreement concerning the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative cooperation, which was last amended by Decision No 2/2009 of the EC-Switzerland Joint Committee1 requires some technical amendments.

According to Article 39 of Protocol 3, the provisions of this Protocol may be amended by decision of the Joint Committee.

The text of the draft decision includes technical amendments and transitional provisions aiming at smoothing the transitional process and at guaranteeing legal security.

Annex IV, item 5 of Croatia's Act of Accession provides similar transitional measures and procedures.

2. RESULTS OF CONSULTATIONS WITH THE INTERESTED PARTIES AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

There is no need for an impact assessment insofar as the amendments proposed are merely technical and do not modify the substance of the current Origin Protocol.

3. LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSAL

The draft decision lays down the necessary amendments to Protocol 3 following the accession of Croatia to the EU:

– Annexes IVa and IVb: addition of the new language versions;

– Transitional provisions on proofs of origin and administrative cooperation and for goods in transit.

4. BUDGETARY IMPLICATION

The proposal has no implication for the European Union's budget.

5. OPTIONAL ELEMENTS

A review, revision or sunset clause is not foreseen.

2014/0066 (NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union within the Joint Committee established by the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation of 22 July 1972 as regards the adaptation of Protocol No 3 to the Agreement (Definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative co-operation) following Croatia's accession to the European Union

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 207, in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal of the Commission,

Whereas:

(1) The Republic of Croatia ("Croatia") acceded to the European Union on 1 July 2013.

(2) Upon Croatia’s accession, trade between Croatia and the Swiss Confederation ("Switzerland") is covered by the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation, signed in Brussels on 22 July 1972[1] ("the Agreement") and the application of the trade agreements concluded between Croatia and Switzerland is discontinued.

(3) With effect from Croatia's accession, goods originating in that country imported into Switzerland in the framework of the Agreement are to be treated as of Union origin.

(4) In order to ensure a smooth transition process and guarantee legal security, some technical amendments to Protocol 3 to the Agreement concerning the definition of the concept of "originating products" and methods of administrative co-operation, as well as transitional measures, are required.

(5) Pursuant to Article 39 of Protocol 3, the Joint Committee established by it may decide to amend the provisions of that Protocol.

(6) Protocol 3 should therefore be amended accordingly.

(7) The position of the Union in the EU-Switzerland Joint Committee should be based on the attached draft decision,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The position to be taken on the Union's behalf within the EU-Switzerland Joint Committee with regard to an amendment to Protocol 3 to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation of 22 July 1972, shall be based on the draft Decision of the Joint Committee attached to this Decision.

Article 2

Transitional provisions shall apply as provided in Article 2 of the draft Decision of the Joint Committee.

Article 3

The provisions of the Agreement shall be applied to goods exported from either Croatia to Switzerland or from Switzerland to Croatia, which comply with the provisions of Protocol 3 and that on the date of accession are either in transit or in temporary storage, in a customs warehouse or in a free zone in Croatia or in Switzerland.

Article 4

The representative of the European Union in the Joint Committee is hereby empowered to adopt the draft Decision attached to this Decision to the Joint Committee.

Article 5

The Decision of the Joint Committee shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, as well as the date of its entry into force.

Article 6

This decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

It shall apply from 1 July 2013.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President

[1] OJ L 300, 31.12.1972, p. 189.

ANNEX

DECISION No x/2014 OF THE EU-SWITZERLAND JOINT COMMITTEE

of … 2014

amending Protocol No 3 of the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation concerning the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative cooperation

THE JOINT COMMITTEE,

Having regard to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation, signed in Brussels on 22 July 1972, hereinafter referred to as "the Agreement", and in particular its Article 11 thereof,

Having regard to Protocol No 3 to the Agreement concerning the definition of the concept of "originating products" and methods of administrative cooperation, hereinafter referred to as "the Protocol No 3", and in particular Article 39 thereof,

Whereas:

(1) The Republic of Croatia, hereinafter referred to as "Croatia", acceded to the European Union on 1 July 2013.

(2) Upon Croatia's accession, trade between Croatia and the Swiss Confederation ("Switzerland"), is covered by the Agreement and the application of the trade agreements concluded between Switzerland and Croatia is discontinued.

(3) With effect from Croatia's accession, goods originating in that country imported into Switzerland in the framework of the Agreement are to be treated as of Union origin.

(4) Trade between Croatia and Switzerland should therefore be subject from 1 July 2013 to the Agreement as amended by this Act.

(5) In order to ensure a smooth transition process and guarantee legal security, some technical amendments to Protocol No 3, as well as transitional measures, are required.

(6) Similar transitional measures and procedures are provided for in Annex IV No 5 to the 2012 Act of Accession.

(7) Protocol No 3, subject to the following transitional dispositions, should therefore apply from 1 July 2013,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1

Technical amendments to the text of the Protocol

Article 1

Rules of origin

Protocol No 3 is amended as follows:

(a) Annex IVa is replaced by the text set out in Annex I to this Decision;

(b) Annex IVb is replaced by the text set out in Annex II to this Decision.

Section 2

Transitional provisions

Article 2

Proof of origin and administrative cooperation

1. Proofs of origin properly issued by either Croatia or Switzerland or made out in the framework of a preferential agreement applied between them shall be accepted in the respective countries, provided that:

(a) the acquisition of such origin confers preferential tariff treatment on the basis of the preferential tariff measures contained in the Agreement;

(b) the proof of origin and the transport documents were issued or made out no later than the day before the date of accession; and

(c) the proof of origin is submitted to the customs authorities within the period of four months from the date of accession.

Where goods were declared for importation in either Croatia or Switzerland, prior to the date of accession, under a preferential agreement applied between Croatia and Switzerland at that time, proof of origin issued retrospectively under that agreement may also be accepted provided that it is submitted to the customs authorities within the period of four months from the date of accession.

2. Croatia is authorised to retain the authorisations with which the status of ‘approved exporters’ has been granted in the framework of a preferential agreement applied between Croatia and Switzerland prior to the date of accession, provided that:

(a) such a provision is also provided for in the agreement concluded prior to the date of accession between Switzerland and the Community; and

(b) the approved exporters apply the rules of origin in force under that agreement.

These authorisations shall be replaced no later than one year after the date of accession, by new authorisations issued under the conditions of the Agreement.

3. Requests for subsequent verification of proof of origin issued under the preferential agreement referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be accepted by the competent customs authorities of either Switzerland or Croatia for a period of three years after the issue of the proof of origin concerned and may be made by those authorities for a period of three years after acceptance of the proof of origin submitted to those authorities in support of an import declaration.

Article 3

Goods in transit

1 The provisions of the Agreement may be applied to goods exported from either Croatia to Switzerland or Switzerland to Croatia, which comply with the provisions of Protocol No 3 and that on the date of accession are either in transit or in temporary storage, in a customs warehouse or in a free zone in Croatia or in Switzerland.

2. Preferential treatment may be granted in such cases, subject to the submission to the customs authorities of the importing country, within four months of the date of accession, of a proof of origin issued retrospectively by the customs authorities of the exporting country.

Article 4

Entry into force

This decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

It shall apply from 1 July 2013.

Done at ,

For the Joint Committee

The Chairman

ANNEX I

"ANNEX IVa

TEXT OF THE INVOICE DECLARATION

The invoice declaration, the text of which is given below, must be made out in accordance with the footnotes. However, the footnotes do not have to be reproduced.

Bulgarian version

Износителят на продуктите, обхванати от този документ — митническо разрешение № … (1), декларира, че освен където ясно е отбелязано друго, тези продукти са с … преференциален произход (2).

Spanish version

El exportador de los productos incluidos en el presente documento [autorización aduanera no … (1)] declara que, salvo indicación en sentido contrario, estos productos gozan de un origen preferencial … (2).

Czech version

Vývozce výrobků uvedených v tomto dokumentu (číslo povolení… (1)) prohlašuje, že kromě zřetelně označených, mají tyto výrobky preferenční původ v … (2).

Danish version

Eksportøren af varer, der er omfattet af nærværende dokument, (toldmyndighedernes tilladelse nr. … (1)), erklærer, at varerne, medmindre andet tydeligt er angivet, har præferenceoprindelse i … (2).

German version

Der Ausführer (Ermächtigter Ausführer; Bewilligungs-Nr. … (1)) der Waren, auf die sich dieses Handelspapier bezieht, erklärt, dass diese Waren, soweit nicht anders angegeben, präferenzbegünstigte … (2) Ursprungswaren sind.

Estonian version

Käesoleva dokumendiga hõlmatud toodete eksportija (tolliameti kinnitus nr. … (1)) deklareerib, et need tooted on … (2) sooduspäritoluga, välja arvatud juhul kui on selgelt näidatud teisiti.

Greek version

Ο εξαγωγέας των προϊόντων που καλύπτονται από το παρόν έγγραφο [άδεια τελωνείου υπ' αριθ. … (1)] δηλώνει ότι, εκτός εάν δηλώνεται σαφώς άλλως, τα προϊόντα αυτά είναι προτιμησιακής καταγωγής … (2).

English version

The exporter of the products covered by this document (customs authorization No … (1)) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of … (2) preferential origin.

French version

L'exportateur des produits couverts par le présent document [autorisation douanière no … (1)] déclare que, sauf indication claire du contraire, ces produits ont l'origine préférentielle … (2).

Croatian version

Izvoznik proizvoda obuhvaćenih ovom ispravom (carinsko ovlaštenje br ... (1)) izjavljuje da su, osim ako je drukčije izričito navedeno, ovi proizvodi... (2) preferencijalnog podrijetla.

Italian version

L'esportatore delle merci contemplate nel presente documento [autorizzazione doganale n. … (1)] dichiara che, salvo indicazione contraria, le merci sono di origine preferenziale … (2).

Latvian version

Eksportētājs produktiem, kuri ietverti šajā dokumentā (muitas pilnvara Nr. … (1)), deklarē, ka, izņemot tur, kur ir citādi skaidri noteikts, šiem produktiem ir priekšrocību izcelsme no … (2).

Lithuanian version

Šiame dokumente išvardytų prekių eksportuotojas (muitinės liudi- jimo Nr. … (1)) deklaruoja, kad, jeigu kitaip nenurodyta, tai yra … (2) preferencinės kilmės prekės.

Hungarian version

A jelen okmányban szereplő áruk exportőre (vámfelhatalmazási szám: … (1)) kijelentem, hogy eltérő jelzés hianyában az áruk kedvezményes … (2) származásúak.

Maltese version

L-esportatur tal-prodotti koperti b'dan id-dokument (awtorizzazzjoni tad-dwana nru. … (1)) jiddikjara li, ħlief fejn indikat b'mod ċar li mhux hekk, dawn il-prodotti huma ta' oriġini preferenzjali … (2).

Dutch version

De exporteur van de goederen waarop dit document van toepassing is (douanevergunning nr. … (1)), verklaart dat, behoudens uitdrukkelijke andersluidende vermelding, deze goederen van preferentiële … oorsprong zijn (2).

Polish version

Eksporter produktów objętych tym dokumentem (upoważnienie władz celnych nr … (1)) oświadcza, że – jeśli wyraźnie nie określono inaczej – produkty te mają … (2) pochodzenie preferencyjne.

Portuguese version

O exportador dos produtos cobertos pelo presente documento [autorização aduaneira n.o … (1)], declara que, salvo expressamente indicado em contrário, estes produtos são de origem preferencial … (2).

Romanian version

Exportatorul produselor ce fac obiectul acestui document [autorizația vamală nr. … (1)] declară că, exceptând cazul în care în mod expres este indicat altfel, aceste produse sunt de origine preferențială … (2).

Slovak version

Vývozca výrobkov uvedených v tomto dokumente (číslo povolenia… (1)) vyhlasuje, že okrem zreteľne označených majú tieto výrobky preferenčný pôvod v … (2)

Slovenian version

Izvoznik blaga, zajetega s tem dokumentom (pooblastilo carinskih organov št. … (1)) izjavlja, da, razen če ni drugače jasno navedeno, ima to blago preferencialno … (2) poreklo.

Finnish version

Tässä asiakirjassa mainittujen tuotteiden viejä (tullin lupa n:o … (1)) ilmoittaa, että nämä tuotteet ovat, ellei toisin ole selvästi merkitty, etuuskohteluun oikeutettuja … alkuperätuotteita (2)

Swedish version

Exportören av de varor som omfattas av detta dokument (tullmyn- dighetens tillstånd nr … (1)) försäkrar att dessa varor, om inte annat tydligt markerats, har förmånsberättigande … ursprung (2)

.............................................................................................................................................. (3)

(Place and date)

.............................................................................................................................................. (4)

(Signature of the exporter, in addition the name of the person signing the declaration has to be indicated in clear script)

……………………

(1) When the invoice declaration is made out by an approved exporter, the authorisation number of the approved exporter must be entered in this space. When the invoice declaration is not made out by an approved exporter, the words in brackets shall be omitted or the space left blank.

(2) Origin of products to be indicated. When the invoice declaration relates in whole or in part, to products originating in Ceuta and Melilla, the exporter must clearly indicate them in the document on which the declaration is made out by means of the symbol “CM”.

(3) These indications may be omitted if the information is contained on the document itself.

(4) In cases where the exporter is not required to sign, the exemption of signature also implies the exemption of the name of the signatory."

ANNEX II

"ANNEX IVb

TEXT OF THE INVOICE DECLARATION EUR-MED

The invoice declaration EUR-MED, the text of which is given below, must be made out in accordance with the footnotes. However, the footnotes do not have to be reproduced.

Bulgarian version

Износителят на продуктите, обхванати от този документ — митническо разрешение № … (1) декларира, че освен където ясно е отбелязано друго, тези продукти са с … преференциален произход (2).

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Spanish version

El exportador de los productos incluidos en el presente documento [autorización aduanera n o … (1)] declara que, salvo indicación en sentido contrario, estos productos gozan de un origen preferencial … (2).

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Czech version

Vývozce výrobků uvedených v tomto dokumentu (číslo povolení … (1)) prohlašuje, že kromě zřetelně označených mají tyto výrobky preferenční původ v … (2).

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Danish version

Eksportøren af varer, der er omfattet af nærværende dokument, (toldmyndighedernes tilladelse nr. … (1)), erklærer, at varerne, medmindre andet tydeligt er angivet, har præferenceoprindelse i … (2).

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

German version

Der Ausführer (Ermächtigter Ausführer; Bewilligungs-Nr. … (1)) der Waren, auf die sich dieses Handelspapier bezieht, erklärt, dass diese Waren, soweit nicht anders angegeben, präferenzbegünstigte … (2) Ursprungswaren sind.

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Estonian version

Käesoleva dokumendiga hõlmatud toodete eksportija (tolliamenti kinnitus nr … (1)) deklareerib, et need tooted on … (2) sooduspäritoluga, välja arvatud juhul, kui on selgelt näidatud teisiti

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Greek version

Ο εξαγωγέας των προϊόντων που καλύπτονται από το παρόν έγγραφο [άδεια τελωνείου υπ'αριθ. … (1)] δηλώνει ότι, εκτός εάν δηλώνεται σαφώς άλλως, τα προϊόντα αυτά είναι προτιμησιακής καταγωγής … (2).

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

English version

The exporter of the products covered by this document (customs authorisation No … (1)) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of … (2) preferential origin.

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

French version

L’exportateur des produits couverts par le présent document [autorisation douanière n o … (1)] déclare que, sauf indication

claire du contraire, ces produits ont l’origine préférentielle … (2).

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Croatian version

Izvoznik proizvoda obuhvaćenih ovom ispravom (carinsko ovlaštenje br ...(1) izjavljuje da su, osim ako je drukčije izričito navedeno, ovi proizvodi...(2) preferencijalnog podrijetla;

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Italian version

L’esportatore delle merci contemplate nel presente documento [autorizzazione doganale n. … (1)] dichiara che, salvo

indicazione contraria, le merci sono di origine preferenziale … (2).

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Latvian version

To produktu eksportētājs, kuri ietverti šajā dokumentā (muitas atļauja Nr. … (1)), deklarē, ka, izņemot tur, kur ir citādi

skaidri noteikts, šiem produktiem ir preferenciāla izcelsme … (2):

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Lithuanian version

Šiame dokumente išvardytų prekių eksportuotojas (muitinės liudijimo Nr. … (1)) deklaruoja, kad, jeigu kitaip nenurodyta,

tai yra … (2) preferencinės kilmės prekės.

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Hungarian version

A jelen okmányban szereplő áruk exportőre (vámfelhatalmazási szám: … (1)) kijelentem, hogy eltérő jelzés hiányában az

áruk kedvezményes … (2) származásúak.

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Maltese version

L-esportatur tal-prodotti koperti b’dan id-dokument (awtorizzazzjoni tad-dwana Nru … (1)) jiddikjara li, ħlief fejn indikat b’mod ċar li mhux hekk, dawn il-prodotti huma ta’ oriġini preferenzjali … (2).

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Dutch version

De exporteur van de goederen waarop dit document van toepassing is (douanevergunning nr. … (1)), verklaart dat, behoudens uitdrukkelijke andersluidende vermelding, deze goederen van preferentiële … oorsprong zijn (2).

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Polish version

Eksporter produktów objętych tym dokumentem (upoważnienie władz celnych nr … (1)) deklaruje, że z wyjątkiem gdzie jest to wyraźnie określone, produkty te mają … (2) preferencyjne pochodzenie.

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Portuguese version

O abaixo-assinado, exportador dos produtos abrangidos pelo presente documento [autorização aduaneira n. o … (1)], declara que, salvo indicação expressa em contrário, estes produtos são de origem preferencial … (2).

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Romanian version

Exportatorul produselor ce fac obiectul acestui document [autorizația vamală nr. … (1)] declară că, exceptând cazul în care în mod expres este indicat altfel, aceste produse sunt de origine preferențială … (2).

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Slovak version

Vývozca výrobkov uvedených v tomto dokumente [číslo povolenia … (1)] vyhlasuje, že okrem zreteľne označených, tieto výrobky majú preferenčný pôvod v … (2).

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Slovenian version

Izvoznik blaga, zajetega s tem dokumentom (pooblastilo carinskih organov št. … (1)) izjavlja, da, razen če ni drugače jasno navedeno, ima to blago preferencialno … (2) poreklo.

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Finnish version

Tässä asiakirjassa mainittujen tuotteiden viejä (tullin lupa n:o … (1)) ilmoittaa, että nämä tuotteet ovat, ellei toisin ole selvästi merkitty, etuuskohteluun oikeutettuja … alkuperätuotteita (2).

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

Swedish version

Exportören av de varor som omfattas av detta dokument (tullmyndighetens tillstånd nr … (1)) försäkrar att dessa varor, om inte annat tydligt markerats, har förmånsberättigande … ursprung (2).

— cumulation applied with ........................................... (name of the country/countries)

— no cumulation applied (3)

.........................................................................................................................................(4)

(Place and date)

.........................................................................................................................................(5)

(Signature of the exporter, in addition the name of the person signing the declaration has to be indicated in clear script)

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

(1) When the invoice declaration is made out by an approved exporter, the authorisation number of the approved exporter must be entered in this space. When the invoice declaration is not made out by an approved exporter, the words in brackets shall be omitted or the space left blank.

(2) Origin of products to be indicated. When the invoice declaration relates in whole or in part, to products originating in Ceuta and Melilla, the exporter must clearly indicate them in the document on which the declaration is made out by means of the symbol “CM”.

(3) Complete and delete where necessary.

(4) These indications may be omitted if the information is contained on the document itself.

(5) In cases where the exporter is not required to sign, the exemption of signature also implies the exemption of the name of the signatory.”