32000Y0701(02)

Communication to operators in the banana sector

(2000/C 184/13)

Subject: Applications for the registration of operators for 2001

1. Articles 5 and 8 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 2362/98 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 404/93 regarding imports of bananas into the Community(1) stipulate that applications for the registration of traditional operators and newcomers must be submitted to Member States before 1 July, and that operators must at the same time forward to the competent national authorities the supporting documents necessary for determination of their reference quantities or annual allocations as appropriate.

2. At the present time the conditions under which bananas will be imported in 2001 are not yet known but it is possible that there will be adjustments to the current import arrangements.

3. As a result, operators are advised to retain for possible use by the competent national authorities any document attesting to their activities in the banana sector and not to submit any applications for registration until further notice.

(1) OJ L 293, 31.10.1998, p. 32.