(1)

Article 7(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1342/2003 fixes the term of validity of export licences, in particular for products processed from maize. That term of validity extends to the end of the fourth month following that of issue of the licence. The term of validity is fixed in accordance with market requirements and the need for sound management.

(2)

The current situation on the maize market makes it desirable to limit the issuing of licences in order to avoid committing quantities from the new marketing year. Licences to be issued in forthcoming months must be reserved for exports before 8 September 2006. To that end, the term of validity of export licences to be issued for execution up to 7 September 2006 must be limited. A temporary derogation should accordingly be introduced to Article 7(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1342/2003.

(3)

In order to ensure sound management of the market and to prevent speculation, provision should be made for customs export formalities for export licences for products processed from maize to be completed by 7 September 2006 at the latest either as direct exports or exports under the arrangements laid down in Articles 4 and 5 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 565/80 of 4 March 1980 on the advance payment of export refunds in respect of agricultural products (3). Such limiting of the term of validity of export licences entails a derogation from Articles 28(6) and 29(5) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 800/1999 of 15 April 1999 laying down common detailed rules for the application of the system of export refunds on agricultural products (4).

(4)

The application of the measures provided for in this Regulation must coincide with its entry into force in order to avoid potential market disturbance.

(5)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Cereals,