CELEX: 51991PC0451
Language: en
Date: 1991-11-15
Title: Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION ( EEC ) amending Regulation ( EEC ) No 2658/87 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature on the Common Customs Tariff

ÉÉI
                  MUâaT
                        COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN                     COMMUNITIES
                                                           C0M(91) 451 final
                                                           Brussels, 15 November 1991
                                                Proposal for a
                                           COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC)
ilirfâpilliigbffo                    amending Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87
                                  on the tariff and statistical nomenclature
                                         on the Common Customs Tariff
                                        (presented by the Commission)
    ItîïBtfiK
                  iM
 ---pagebreak--- 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
 ---pagebreak---                                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
 ---pagebreak---                                     - 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
 ---pagebreak---                                                                        ANNEX
CN code       Description                Rate of duty       Supplementary
                                                               unit
                                  autonomous   conventional
   1               2                   3            4               5
1212
1212 10
to          (unchanged)
1212 10 99
1212 20 00  - seaweeds              Free              2               -
1212 30 00
to
1212 99 90  (unchanged)
Taric code 1992:  1212 20 00 * 00
                                                                             5~
 ---pagebreak---  ---pagebreak---                                                                      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