(1)

Article 8 of Regulation (EEC) No 2777/75 provides that the difference between prices on the world market for the products listed in Article 1(1) of that Regulation and prices for those products on the Community market may be covered by an export refund.

(2)

It follows from applying these rules and criteria to the present situation on the market in poultrymeat that the refund should be fixed at an amount which would permit Community participation in world trade and would also take account of the nature of these exports and their importance at the present time.

(3)

Article 21 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 800/1999 of 15 April 1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of the system of export refunds on agricultural products (2) stipulates that no refund is granted if the products are not of sound and fair marketable quality on the date on which the export declaration is accepted. In order to ensure uniform application of the rules in force, it should be stated that, in order to qualify for the refund, the poultrymeat listed in Article 1 of Regulation (EEC) No 2777/75 must bear the health mark as laid down in Council Directive 71/118/EEC of 15 February 1971 on health problems affecting trade in fresh poultrymeat (3).

(4)

The Management Committee for Poultrymeat and Eggs has not delivered an opinion within the time limit set by its chairman,