Commission Regulation (EC) No 1556/96 of 30 July 1996 introducing a system of import licences for certain fruit and vegetables imported from third countries

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1556/96 of 30 July 1996 introducing a system of import licences for certain fruit and vegetables imported from third countries
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1035/72 of 18 May 1972 on the common organization of the market in fruit and vegetables (1), as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1363/95 (2), and in particular Article 22 (2) thereof,
Whereas under Article 22 (1) of Regulation (EEC) No 1035/72 submission of import licences may be required for any imports into the Community of the products referred to in Article 1 (2);
Whereas, in order to ensure better knowledge of the trade pattern for certain sensitive products, a system of import licences should be introduced and the list of those products determined;
Whereas Commission Regulation (EEC) No 3719/88 of 16 November 1988, laying down common detailed rules for the application of the system of import and export licences and advance fixing certificates for agricultural products (3), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2137/95 (4), should apply to all matters not specifically dealt with by this Regulation;
Whereas licences should be issued without delay when they are applied for, whereas the amount of the security to be provided should be set at levels which enable the system to function properly; whereas, in the light of the market for the products in question, the term of the licences should be fixed at 30 days within the limit of the periods relating to the CN codes shown on the licences;
Whereas, in order the better to observe changes in trade with third countries, indication of the place of origin should be required and the importer should be required to import from that country; whereas, however, in view of the characteristics of trade in the products concerned, provision should be made to allow the country of origin to be changed once only;
Whereas, to facilitate the rapid and efficient management of the import licence arrangements, the Member States should periodically notify the Commission of the quantities for which licences have been applied for and of the quantities not used or only partially used; whereas Commission Regulation (EEC) No 886/87 of 27 March 1987, on the notification by the Member States to the Commission of the information relating to imports of dessert applies (5), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 997/95 (6), should be repealed;
Whereas the introduction of the import licence arrangements will not prevent their being replaced by a rapid computerized procedure for recording imports as soon as it is legally and practically possible to set one up; whereas there will be an evaluation in this respect by 31 December 1997;
Whereas the Management Committee for fresh Fruit and Vegetables has not delivered an opinion within the time limit set by its chairman,