Council Decision of 27 January 1997 authorizing certain Member States to apply reductions in, or exemptions from, excise duties on certain mineral oils used for specific purposes, in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 8 (4) of Directive 92/81/EEC

COUNCIL DECISION of 27 January 1997 authorizing certain Member States to apply reductions in, or exemptions from, excise duties on certain mineral oils used for specific purposes, in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 8 (4) of Directive 92/81/EEC (97/93/EC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 92/81/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the harmonization of the structures of excise duties on mineral oils (1), and in particular Article 8 (4) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
Whereas, under Article 8 (4) of Directive 92/81/EEC, the Council, acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commission, may authorize any Member State to introduce exemptions from, or reductions in, excise duties on mineral oils on grounds of specific policy considerations;
Whereas the French and Portuguese authorities have notified the Commission that they wish to continue to charge a reduced rate of excise duty on heavy fuel oil with a low sulphur content;
Whereas the Greek and Spanish authorities have notified the Commission that they wish to apply varying excise-duty rates, corresponding to different environmental categories, to unleaded petrol;
Whereas the other Member States have been informed thereof;
Whereas the Commission and all the Member States accept that these exemptions and reductions are justified on grounds of specific policy considerations and that they will not give rise to distortions of competition or hinder the operation of the internal market;
Whereas the Council will reexamine the situation by 30 June 1997 at the latest;
Whereas the Commission regularly reviews reductions and exemptions to check that they are compatible with the operation of the internal market or with Community policy on protection of the environment,