* -sir COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 19.04.19% 
COM(96) 85 final 
96/0054 (ACC) 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an 
exchange of letters between the European Community 
and the Arab Republic of Egypt on the adjustment of the 
regime for imports into the European Community of 
oranges originating in and imported from Egypt 
(presented by the Commission) 

Explanatory Memorandum 
Following the agreements concluded during the Uruguay Round of 
the GATT negotiations, some changes have been made to the 
legislation on imports into the Community of oranges as from 1 
December 1995. 
An additional specific duty is now levied on imports of oranges 
between the period from December to May, a period during which 
the reference price system previously applied. A shipment can be 
exempted from this specific duty may haveif a given entry price 
is complied with. This new regime a negative effect on the 
Community's traditional imports from Egypt. 
Article 22 of the Cooperation Agreement between the European 
Economic Community and the Republic of Egypt provides for 
adjustments to the Agreement when changes are introduced by the 
Community in the current rules. Egypt has requested the 
introduction of changes in the Cooperation Agreement in order to 
permit the continuation of its traditional exports of oranges. 
Negotiations have been held with Egypt and an agreement has been 
reached which enables the concessions previously granted to be 
maintained. The arrangement provides a special entry price for 
8,000 tonnes of Egyptian oranges during the period from December 
to May. This quantity corresponds to Egyptian traditional exports 
to the Community during that period. This special entry price 
is equal to that agreed with Morocco and Israel. (See Council 
Regulation (EC) No 3057/95 of 22.12.1995, OJ No L326/3). 
The provisions of this Agreement shall commence on 1st December 
1996. 
This Agreement is contained in an exchange of letters (attached) 
which the Commission herewith recommends to the Council for 
adoption. 
a 
Proposai for a 
COUNCIL DFCISTON 
on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an 
exchange of letters between the European Community 
and the Arab Republi : of Egypt on the adjustment of'rh-
regime for import:; into the European Community of 
oranges originating in and imported from Egypt 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, 
and in particular Article 113 in conjunction with the first 
sentence of Article 228 (2) thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Whereas, in the context of the Uruguay Round of multilateral 
trade negotiations the import regime for oranges has been 
changed; 
Whereas, this new regime may have a negative effect on the 
Community's traditional imports from Eygpt; 
Whereas Article 22 of the Cooperation Agreement between the 
European Economic Community and the Arab Republic of Egypt1 
provides that, where the existing rules are modified, the 
Community may amend the regime set out in the Agreement for the 
products concerned; 
Whereas the Community has agreed with Egypt that, pending the 
conclusion of a new Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, the said regime 
will be adjusted on the basis of an Agreement in the form of an 
exchange of letters; 
Whereas this Agreement should now be approved; 
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 
Article 1 
The Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the 
European Community and the Arab Republic of Egypt on the 
adjustment of the regime for imports into the European Community 
of oranges originating in and imported from Egypt is hereby 
approved on behalf of the European Community. 
The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision. 
OJ No L 266 of 27.9.1978, p. 1 
3 
Arlicit? 2 
The President of the Council is hereby authorized to designate 
the person empowered to sign the Agreement so as to bind the 
Community. 
Article 3 
If necessary, the Commission shall adopt detailed rules for the 
application of this Decision, in accordance with the procedure 
laid down in Article 33 of Regulation (EEC) No 1035/722, as last 
amended by Regulation (EC) No 1363/95.3 
Done at Brussels, 1996 
For the Council 
The President 
2 OJ No L 118 of 20.5.1972, p. 1 
3 OJ No L 132 of 16.6.1995, p. 8 
AGREEMENT 
in the form of an exchange of letters between the European 
Community and the Arab Republic of Egypt concerning the import 
regime in the Community of oranges from Egypt 
Letter from the Community 
Sir 
I have the honour to refer to the consultations held between the 
Egyptian authorities and the services of the European Commission 
on the implementation of the new WTO commitments following the 
Uruguay Round. 
The aim of these consultations was to grant to Egypt, pending the 
conclusion of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement and according to 
Article 22 of the Cooperation Agreement, preferences equivalent 
to those provided for in the Cooperation Agreement between the 
European Economic Community and the Arab Republic of Egypt. 
It has been agreed that for fresh oranges falling within the code 
ex 080510 : 
1. From 1 December to 31 May and for a maximum quantity of 8,000 
tonnes, the entry price level from which specific duties will be 
reduced to zero shall be Ecu 273 Ecu/tonne. 
2. This agreed entry price shall be reduced in the same 
proportion and at the same pace as the entry prices bound within 
the WTO. 
3. If the entry price of a particular lot is 2%, 4%, 6% or 8r. 
below the agreed entry price, the specific customs duty shall be 
2%, 4%, 6% or 8% of the agreed entry price as appropriate. 
4. If the entry price of a particular lot is below 92% of the 
agreed entry price, the specific customs duty bound within the 
WTO shall apply. 
This Agreement shall enter into force upon signature of both 
parties. It shall be applicable as from 1 December 1996. 
I should be grateful if you would kindly inform me whether your 
government is in agreement with the above. 
Please accept, the assurance of my highest consideration 
For the Council of the European Union 
5" 
AGREEMENT 
in the form of an exchange of letters between the European 
Community and the Arab Republic of Egypt concerning the import 
regime in the Community of oranges from Egypt 
Letter from the Arab Republic of Egypt 
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 consultations held between the 
Egyptian authorities and the services of the European Commission 
on the implementation of the new WTO commitments following the 
Uruguay Round. 
The aim of these consultations was to grant to Egypt, pending 
the conclusion of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement and according 
to Article 22 oL the Cooperation Agreement, preferences 
equivalent to those provided for in the Cooperation Agreement 
between the European Economic Community and the Arab Republic of 
Egypt. 
It has been agreed that for fresh oranges falling within the code 
ex 080510 : 
1. From 1 December to 31 May and for a maximum quantity of 8,000 
tonnes the entry price level from which specilic duties will be 
reduced to zero shall be Ecu 273 Ecu/tonne. 
2. This agreed entry price shall be reduced in the same 
proportion and at the same pace as the entry prices bound with 
the WTO. 
3. If the entry price of a particular lot is 2%, 4%, 6% or 8% 
below the agreed entry price, the specific customs duty shall be 
2%, 4%, 6% or 8% of the agreed entry price as appropriate. 
4. If the entry price of a particular lot is below 92% of the 
agreed entry price, the specific customs duty bound within the 
WTO shall apply. 
This Agreement shall enter into force upon signature of both 
parties. It shall be applicable as from 1 December 1996. 
I should be grateful if you would kindly inform mo whether your 
qovernement is in agreement: with t ho above..1. 
Please accept the assurance of my highest consideration" 
I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement 
with the contents of your letter. 
Please accept the assurance of my consideration 
For the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt 
6 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(96) 85 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 02 11 03 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-96-093-EN-C 
ISBN 92-78-01193-2 
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