Council Regulation (EC) No 866/97 of 12 May 1997 amending Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 as regards the preliminary provisions of the tariff and statistical nomenclature

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 866/97 of 12 May 1997 amending Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 as regards the preliminary provisions of the tariff and statistical nomenclature
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 28 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
Whereas Section II D of the preliminary provisions of the combined nomenclature annexed to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 of 23 July 1987 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff (1) provides for a standard rate of customs duty to be charged at the flat rate of 10 % ad valorem on goods sent in small consignments to private individuals or contained in travellers' personal luggage, provided that such importations are not of a commercial nature and that the total value of such goods does not exceed ECU 200 per consignment or per traveller;
Whereas the flat rate of 10 % ad valorem has been fixed by Council Regulation (EEC) No 1544/69 of 23 July 1969 on the tariff applicable to goods contained in travellers personal luggage (2); whereas the ceiling of ECU 200 has been fixed by Regulation (EEC) No 1315/88 (3); whereas these provisions have not been adjusted since then;
Whereas the average of the customs duty has decreased since 1969 and will reach 3,5 % in 1999 in accordance with the latest round of negotiations within the framework of the GATT; whereas the trend in average prices in foreign trade should be taken into account;
Whereas it is appropriate to amend Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 in consequence,