E1999C0162

EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY DECISION

No 162/1999/COL

of 9 July 1999

releasing Norway from the obligation to apply to certain species the Act referred to in Point 1.4 of Chapter III of Annex I to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre plants (Council Directive 69/208/EEC)

THE EFTA SURVEILLANCE AUTHORITY,

Having regard to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, as adjusted by the Protocol adjusting the agreement on the European Economic Area, in particular Article 17 and Protocol 1(4)(d) thereof,

Having regard to the Act refferred to in Point 1.4 of Chapter III of Annexf I to the Agreement on the European Economic Area on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre plants (Council Directive 69/208/EEC), and in particular Article 22 thereof,

Having regard to the Agreement between the EFTA States on the establishment of a surveillance authority and a court of justice, as adjusted by the Protocol adjusting the agreement between the EFTA States on the establishment of a survaillance authority and a court of justice, and in particular Article 5(2)(d) and Protocol 1, Article 1(c) thereof,

Having regard to a request by Norway,

Whereas seed of hemp and opium poppy is not normally reproduced and marketed in Norway;

Whereas as long as those conditions obtain, Norway should be released from the obligation to apply the provisions of the aforementioned Act to the species in question;

Whereas such release shall be without prejudice to the marketing in Norway of seeds produced, in accordance with the Act, in another contracting party to the EEA Agreement;

Whereas the measures provided for in this Decisions are in accordance with the opinion of the EFTA Plants and Animal Feedingstuffs Committee assisting the EFTA Surveillance Authority,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

1. Norway is hereby released from the obligation to apply the Act referred to in point 1.4 of chapter III of Annex I to the Agreement on the European Economic Area on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre plants (Council Directive 69/208/EEC), with the execption of the provisions of Article 13(1), to the following species:

Cannabis sativa L. - Hemp

Papaver somniferum L. - Opium poppy

2. This Decision shall enter into force on 19 July 1999.

3. This Decision is addressed to Norway.

4. This Decision shall be authentic in the English language.

Done at Brussels, 9 July 1999.

For the EFTA Surveillance Authority

Hannes HAFSTEIN

College Member