52003XC1002(06)

Notice to importers who have imported or wish to import into the Community certain prepared or preserved citrus fruits (namely mandarins, etc.) classifiable within CN codes 2008 30 55 and 2008 30 75 relative to possible provisional safeguard measures under Regulations (EC) Nos 519/94, 3285/94 and 2201/96

(2003/C 236/08)

On 11 July 2003, the Commission opened a safeguard investigation under Council Regulations (EC) Nos 519/94(1), 3285/94(2) and 2201/96(3) in relation to imports of prepared or preserved mandarins (including tangerines and satsumas), clementines, wilkings and other similar citrus hybrids, not containing added spirit, containing added sugar ("the product concerned")(4).

The product concerned is currently classified within CN codes 2008 30 55 and 2008 30 75. These CN codes are given only for information.

1. Consideration of possible provisional safeguard measures

The Commission is currently analysing the results of its preliminary investigation to determine whether provisional safeguard measures are justified and, if so, the form of any such measures.

In this regard, consideration is being given to the possibility of setting a tariff quota, to be allocated to importers according to criteria still to be determined, beyond which safeguard duty would be payable.

In order to provide the Commission with the necessary information to allow such a system to operate, importers having imported or wishing to import the product concerned into the Community are hereby invited to provide information to the Commission.

2. Information requested from importers

The Commission invites all importers having imported or wishing to import the product concerned into the Community

(a) to notify the Commission whether they wish to import the product concerned within the tariff quota, and the volume (tonnes, net weight) sought, and

(b) provide the Commission with the following information:

(i) name, address, fax number and e-mail address of the importer;

(ii) the volume (tonnes, net weight) of their imports of the product concerned to the EU in each of the following periods 1.10.1999-30.9.2000, 1.10.2000-30.9.2001, 1.10.2001-30.9.2002 and 1.10.2002-30.9.2003

(iii) the anticipated volume of their imports of the product concerned in the period 1.10.2003-30.9.2004.

Note:

Supporting documentation for the information given in response to questions (ii) and (iii) must be supplied with your response (this can be in the form of copies of contracts, purchase invoices or any other documentation which can demonstrate the accuracy of the figures provided).

3. Time limit

All completed responses must be received by the Commission within 7 days of the publication of this Notice.

4. Written responses and correspondence

All relevant information is to be communicated to the Commission in writing (not in electronic format, unless otherwise specified), and must indicate the name, address, e-mail address, telephone and fax, and/or telex numbers of the interested party.

The Commission address for correspondence is: European Commission Directorate General for Trade

Directorate B

Office: J-79 5/16 B - 1049 Brussels Fax (32-2) 295 65 05 Telex COMEU B 21877.

(1) OJ L 349, 31.12.1994, p. 53.

(2) OJ L 67, 10.3.1994, p. 67.

(3) OJ L 297, 21.11.1996, p. 29.

(4) OJ C 162, 11.7.2003, p. 2.