2004/619/ECCouncil Decision of 11 August 2004 modifying the Community import regime with respect to rice

28.8.2004 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 279/29
COUNCIL DECISION
of 11 August 2004
modifying the Community import regime with respect to rice
(2004/619/EC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 133 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
Whereas:
(1) On 26 June 2003, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations under Article XXVIII of the GATT 1994 with a view to modify certain concessions for rice. Accordingly, the Community notified the WTO on 2 July 2003 of its intention to modify certain concessions in EC Schedule CXL.
(2) Negotiations have been conducted by the Commission in consultation with the Committee established by Article 133 of the Treaty and within the framework of the negotiating directives issued by the Council.
(3) The Commission has negotiated with the United States of America, having a principal supplying interest in products of HS subheading 1006 20 (husked rice) and substantial supplier interest in products of HS subheading 1006 30 (milled rice), Thailand, having a principal supplying interest in products of HS subheading 1006 30 (milled rice) and substantial supplier interest in products of HS subheading 1006 20 (husked rice) and India and Pakistan, each having a substantial supplier interest in products of HS subheading 1006 20 (husked rice).
(4) The Commission has negotiated an agreement with India and Pakistan in the form of an exchange of letters but has not been able to negotiate an acceptable agreement with the United States of America and Thailand.
(5) In order to allow the modifications of certain concessions concerning husked and milled rice in EC Schedule CXL, a new tariff rate for husked and milled rice should be established.
(6) As the fixing of a new tariff rate for husked and milled rice requires modification of Council Regulation (EC) No 1785/2003 of 29 September 2003 on the common organisation of the market in rice (1), the Commission should be authorised to adopt temporary derogations from that Regulation.
(7) The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (2),