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COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 19.02.1998 
COM(1998) 83 final 
98/0055 (ACC) 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) 
laying down general rules for the importation of olive oil originating in Tunisia 
(presented by the Commission) 

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
The Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement between the European Communities 
and the Member States and the Republic of Tunisia, signed on 17 July 1995, provides a 
special regime for olive oil originating in Tunisia. 
This regime provides for the application of a reduced customs duty for untreated olive oil 
originating in Tunisia, during the entire period from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 
1999, and within the limit of 46,000 tonnes per marketing year. 
The attached Regulation lays down general rules for the importation of that oil designed 
to avoid market disturbance. To that end the Commission will administer the 
arrangements. ' 
The Commission asks the Council to adopt this measure. 
2-
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) N° ...798 
of ....1998 
laying down general rules for the importation of olive oil originating in Tunisia 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular 
Article 113 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Whereas Article 3 of Protocol 1 to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an 
association between the European Communities and their Member States and the 
Republic of Tunisia of the other part1, signed on 17 July 1995, provides for reduced 
customs duty of ECU 7.81/100 kg on imports into the Community between 1 January 
1996 and 31 December 1999 of 46 000 tonnes per marketing year of untreated olive oil 
of CN code 1509 10 10 or 1509 10 90 wholly obtained in Tunisia and transported 
directly to the Community; 
Whereas Council Regulation (EC) N° 447/962 lays down special measures applicable to 
importation of olive oil originating in Tunisia until entry into force of the above-
mentioned Agreement; whereas since this is on 1 March 1998 the Regulation should be 
formally repealed; 
t 
2 OJL 62, 13.3.1996, p. 1. 
Whereas the supply forecast for the Community market in olive oil indicates that this 
quantity can be absorbed without risk of market disturbance if imports are not 
concentrated in a short period of the marketing year; 
Whereas for the sake of efficient operation of the quota arrangements their management 
should be entrusted to the Commission, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: 
Article 1 
1. The quota of 46 000 tonnes per marketing year of untreated olive oil of CN code 1509 
10 10 or 1509 10 90, wholly obtained in Tunisia and transported directly to the 
Community, to which a customs duty of ECU 7.81/100 kg applies, shall be opened 
and managed by the Commission in line with arrangements adopted in accordance 
with the procedure laid down in Article 38 of Council Regulation N° 136/66/EEC of 
22 September 1996 on the establishment of a common organisation of the market in 
oils and fats3, as last amended by Regulation (EC) N° 1581/964. 
2. Import licences issued under Council Regulation (EC) N° 447/96 for the 1997/98 
marketing year shall be valid for the quota for the same period. 
3 OJ 172, 30.9.1966, p. 3025/66. 
4 OJL 206, 16.8.1996, p. 11. 
Article 2 
If the terms of the quota are changed the Commission shall adopt the necessary 
amendments to this Regulation in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 38 
of Council Regulation N° 136/667EEC. 
Article 3 
Council Regulation (EC) N° 447/96 is repealed. 
Article 4 
This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official 
Journal of the European Communities. It shall apply from 1 March 1998. 
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member 
States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council 
The President 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT 
1. BUDGET HEADING: 
CHAPTER 10 Agricultural duties APPROPRIATIONS: 
623.8 MECU 
TITLE: Proposal for a Council Regulation laying down general rules for importation of olive oil 
originating in Tunisia 
LEGAL BASIS: Article 113 of Treaty 
AIMS OF PROJECT: Allow reduced-duty importation of olive oil originating in Tunisia. 
5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 
(ECUm) PERIOD OF 12 
MONTHS CURRENT 
FINANCIAL 
YEAR (98) FOLLOWING 
FINANCIAL 
YEAR (99) 
5.0. EXPENDITURE 
- CHARGED TO THE EC BUDGET 
(REFUNDS/INTERVENTION) 
- NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION 
- OTHER 
5.1. REVENUE 
- OWN RESOURCES OF THE EC 
(LEVIES/CUSTOMS DUTIES) 
- NATIONAL +3.6 +3.6 +3.6 
5.0. 
1. 
5.1. 
1. 1998 
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE 
ESTIMATED REVENUE +3.6 1999 
+3.6 2000 2001 
5.2. METHOD OF CALCULATION: Customs duty: 12 months: 46 0001 x ECU(B) 78.1/1 = ECU(B) 
3.6m 
6.0. CAN THE PROJECT BE FINANCED FROM APPROPRIATIONS ENTERED IN THE 
RELEVANT CHAPTER OF THE CURRENT BUDGET? YES/ 
6.1. CAN THE PROJECT BE FINANCED BY TRANSFER BETWEEN CHAPTERS OF 
THE CURRENT BUDGET? 
6.2. IS A SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET NECESSARY? 
6.3. WILL FUTURE BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS BE NECESSARY? 
OBSERVATIONS: 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(98) 83 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 03 02 11 10 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-98-088-EN-C 
ISBN 92-78-31119-7 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg 
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