ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 167

European flag  

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 59
11 May 2016


Contents

page

 

II   Information

 

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

 

European Commission

2016/C 167/01

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.7859 — OMV/Econgas) ( 1)

1

2016/C 167/02

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.7998 — Pacific Mezz/Oaktree/Railpool) ( 1)

1

2016/C 167/03

Non-opposition to a notified concentration (Case M.7959 — APG/DV4/QDREIC/JV) ( 1)

2


 

IV   Notices

 

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

 

European Commission

2016/C 167/04

Euro exchange rates

3

2016/C 167/05

Euro exchange rates

4

2016/C 167/06

Euro exchange rates

5

2016/C 167/07

Euro exchange rates

6


 

V   Announcements

 

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

 

European Commission

2016/C 167/08

Notice of initiation of an expiry review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of melamine originating in the People's Republic of China

7

 

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

 

European Commission

2016/C 167/09

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.8007 — Avril/Bpifrance/BPT Israel/Evertree) — Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1)

17

2016/C 167/10

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.7986 — Sysco/Brakes) ( 1)

18

2016/C 167/11

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.8026 — Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Colombia/RCI Banque/JV) — Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1)

19

2016/C 167/12

Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.8028 — Fairfax Financial Holdings/OPG Commercial Holdings/Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holding) — Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1)

20

 

OTHER ACTS

 

European Commission

2016/C 167/13

Publication pursuant to Article 26(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs as regards a name of traditional speciality guaranteed

21


 


 

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

EN

 


II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

11.5.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 167/1


Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.7859 — OMV/Econgas)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 167/01)

On 29 April 2016, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in German and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

in the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes,

in electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32016M7859. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.


(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.


11.5.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 167/1


Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.7998 — Pacific Mezz/Oaktree/Railpool)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 167/02)

On 28 April 2016, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in the English language and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

In the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes.

In electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32016M7998. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.


(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.


11.5.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 167/2


Non-opposition to a notified concentration

(Case M.7959 — APG/DV4/QDREIC/JV)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 167/03)

On 28 April 2016, the Commission decided not to oppose the above notified concentration and to declare it compatible with the internal market. This decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1). The full text of the decision is available only in the English language and will be made public after it is cleared of any business secrets it may contain. It will be available:

In the merger section of the Competition website of the Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/). This website provides various facilities to help locate individual merger decisions, including company, case number, date and sectoral indexes.

In electronic form on the EUR-Lex website (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=en) under document number 32016M7959. EUR-Lex is the online access to European law.


(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.


IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Commission

11.5.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 167/3


Euro exchange rates (1)

5 May 2016

(2016/C 167/04)

1 euro =


 

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1439

JPY

Japanese yen

122,51

DKK

Danish krone

7,4401

GBP

Pound sterling

0,78860

SEK

Swedish krona

9,2575

CHF

Swiss franc

1,1018

ISK

Iceland króna

 

NOK

Norwegian krone

9,2985

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

27,028

HUF

Hungarian forint

312,84

PLN

Polish zloty

4,4234

RON

Romanian leu

4,5035

TRY

Turkish lira

3,3166

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5266

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4665

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,8775

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6577

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5531

KRW

South Korean won

1 333,95

ZAR

South African rand

17,0751

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,4410

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5150

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

15 260,95

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,5819

PHP

Philippine peso

54,171

RUB

Russian rouble

75,0559

THB

Thai baht

40,191

BRL

Brazilian real

4,0282

MXN

Mexican peso

20,2155

INR

Indian rupee

76,0745


(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.


11.5.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 167/4


Euro exchange rates (1)

6 May 2016

(2016/C 167/05)

1 euro =


 

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1427

JPY

Japanese yen

122,23

DKK

Danish krone

7,4390

GBP

Pound sterling

0,78850

SEK

Swedish krona

9,2753

CHF

Swiss franc

1,1070

ISK

Iceland króna

 

NOK

Norwegian krone

9,3513

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

27,021

HUF

Hungarian forint

313,68

PLN

Polish zloty

4,4198

RON

Romanian leu

4,5005

TRY

Turkish lira

3,3363

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5501

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4717

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,8678

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6702

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5526

KRW

South Korean won

1 339,64

ZAR

South African rand

17,0959

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,4300

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5020

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

15 276,76

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,5845

PHP

Philippine peso

53,884

RUB

Russian rouble

75,9135

THB

Thai baht

40,189

BRL

Brazilian real

4,0650

MXN

Mexican peso

20,5185

INR

Indian rupee

76,1410


(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.


11.5.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 167/5


Euro exchange rates (1)

9 May 2016

(2016/C 167/06)

1 euro =


 

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1395

JPY

Japanese yen

123,39

DKK

Danish krone

7,4393

GBP

Pound sterling

0,78998

SEK

Swedish krona

9,2730

CHF

Swiss franc

1,1053

ISK

Iceland króna

 

NOK

Norwegian krone

9,3330

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

27,022

HUF

Hungarian forint

315,05

PLN

Polish zloty

4,4142

RON

Romanian leu

4,4905

TRY

Turkish lira

3,3446

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5544

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4743

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,8455

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6746

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5572

KRW

South Korean won

1 337,36

ZAR

South African rand

17,2127

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,4207

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,4793

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

15 135,96

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,5854

PHP

Philippine peso

53,832

RUB

Russian rouble

75,1908

THB

Thai baht

40,059

BRL

Brazilian real

3,9971

MXN

Mexican peso

20,4320

INR

Indian rupee

75,8960


(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.


11.5.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 167/6


Euro exchange rates (1)

10 May 2016

(2016/C 167/07)

1 euro =


 

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,1375

JPY

Japanese yen

124,12

DKK

Danish krone

7,4396

GBP

Pound sterling

0,78760

SEK

Swedish krona

9,2778

CHF

Swiss franc

1,1079

ISK

Iceland króna

 

NOK

Norwegian krone

9,3520

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CZK

Czech koruna

27,023

HUF

Hungarian forint

314,50

PLN

Polish zloty

4,4201

RON

Romanian leu

4,4885

TRY

Turkish lira

3,3450

AUD

Australian dollar

1,5486

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4744

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

8,8299

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,6884

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,5577

KRW

South Korean won

1 334,99

ZAR

South African rand

17,3215

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

7,4130

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,5034

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

15 138,32

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,6196

PHP

Philippine peso

53,126

RUB

Russian rouble

75,6404

THB

Thai baht

40,074

BRL

Brazilian real

3,9647

MXN

Mexican peso

20,6230

INR

Indian rupee

75,8435


(1)  Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.


V Announcements

PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMON COMMERCIAL POLICY

European Commission

11.5.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 167/7


Notice of initiation of an expiry review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of melamine originating in the People's Republic of China

(2016/C 167/08)

Following the publication of a Notice of impending expiry (1) of the anti-dumping measures in force on the imports of melamine originating in the People's Republic of China, the European Commission (‘the Commission’) has received a request for review pursuant to Article 11(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 of 30 November 2009 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community (2) (‘the basic Regulation’).

1.   Request for review

The request was lodged on 10 February 2016 by Borealis Agrolinz Melamine GmbH, OCI Nitrogen BV and Grupa Azoty Zaklady Azotow Pulawy SA (‘the applicants’) on behalf of producers representing more than 25 % of the total Union production of melamine.

2.   Product under review

The product subject to this review is melamine (‘the product under review’), currently falling within CN code 2933 61 00.

3.   Existing measures

The measures currently in force are a definitive anti-dumping duty imposed by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 457/2011 (3).

4.   Grounds for the review

The request is based on the grounds that the expiry of the measures would be likely to result in recurrence of dumping and recurrence of injury to the Union industry.

4.1.    Allegation of likelihood of recurrence of dumping

Since, in view of the provisions of Article 2(7) of the basic Regulation, the People's Republic of China (‘the country concerned’) is considered to be a non-market economy country, the applicants established normal value on the basis of a constructed normal value (manufacturing costs, selling, general and administrative costs (SG&A) and profit) in a market economy third country, namely the United States of America (‘USA’). The allegation of likelihood of recurrence of dumping is based on a comparison of the normal value, as set out in preceding sentences, with the average export price from the country concerned to all destinations in the world, in view of the current absence of reliable import prices from the People's Republic of China to the Union.

On the basis of the above comparison, which shows dumping, the applicants allege that there is a likelihood of recurrence of dumping from the country concerned.

4.2.    Allegation of likelihood of recurrence of injury

The applicants allege the likelihood of recurrence of injury. In this respect the applicants have provided prima facie evidence that, should measures be allowed to lapse, the current import level of the product under review from the country concerned to the Union is likely to increase due to the existence of substantial spare capacities in the People's Republic of China and the attractiveness of the Union market in terms of, inter alia, the level of prices.

The applicants finally allege that the removal of injury has been mainly due to the existence of measures and that any recurrence of substantial imports at dumped prices from the country concerned would likely lead to a recurrence of injury to the Union industry should measures be allowed to lapse.

5.   Procedure

Having determined, after consulting the Committee established by Article 15(1) of the basic Regulation, that sufficient evidence exists to justify the initiation of an expiry review, the Commission hereby initiates a review in accordance with Article 11(2) of the basic Regulation.

5.1.    Review investigation period and period considered

The investigation of a continuation or recurrence of dumping will cover the period from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016 (‘the review investigation period’). The examination of trends relevant for the assessment of the likelihood of a continuation or recurrence of injury will cover the period from 1 January 2012 to the end of the investigation period (‘the period considered’).

5.2.1.   Investigating exporting producers

Procedure for selecting exporting producers to be investigated in the People's Republic of China

Sampling

In view of the potentially large number of exporting producers in the People's Republic of China involved in this expiry review and in order to complete the investigation within the statutory time limits, the Commission may limit the exporting producers to be investigated to a reasonable number by selecting a sample (this process is also referred to as ‘sampling’). The sampling will be carried out in accordance with Article 17 of the basic Regulation.

In order to enable the Commission to decide whether sampling is necessary, and if so, to select a sample, all exporting producers, or representatives acting on their behalf, including the ones who did not cooperate in the investigation leading to the measures subject to the present review, are hereby requested to make themselves known to the Commission. These parties have to do so within 15 days of the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless otherwise specified, by providing the Commission with the information on their companies requested in Annex I to this Notice.

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for the selection of the sample of exporting producers, the Commission will also contact the authorities of the People's Republic of China and may contact any known associations of exporting producers.

All interested parties wishing to submit any other relevant information regarding the selection of the sample, excluding the information requested above, must do so within 21 days of the publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless otherwise specified.

If a sample is necessary, the exporting producers will be selected based on the largest representative volume of production, sales or exports which can reasonably be investigated within the time available. All known exporting producers, the authorities of the country concerned and associations of exporting producers will be notified by the Commission, via the authorities of the country concerned if appropriate, of the companies selected to be in the sample.

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for its investigation with regard to exporting producers, the Commission will send questionnaires to the exporting producers selected to be in the sample, to any known association of exporting producers and to the authorities of the People's Republic of China.

All exporting producers selected to be in the sample, will have to submit a completed questionnaire within 37 days from the date of notification of the sample selection, unless otherwise specified.

Without prejudice to the possible application of Article 18 of the basic Regulation, companies that have agreed to their possible inclusion in the sample but are not selected to be in the sample will be considered to be cooperating (‘non-sampled cooperating exporting producers’).

5.2.2.   Additional procedure with regard to exporting producers in the non-market economy country concerned

Selection of a market economy third country

In accordance with Article 2(7)(a) of the basic Regulation, in the case of imports from the People's Republic of China, normal value will be determined on the basis of the price or constructed value in a market economy third country.

In the previous investigation Indonesia was used as a market economy third country for the purpose of establishing normal value in respect of the People's Republic of China. Since then all the production facilities in Indonesia were closed down. Therefore for the purpose of the current investigation, based on the information contained in the request it is envisaged to use the United States of America as analogue country. According to the information available to the Commission, other market economy producers may be located, inter alia, in Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago and Japan. The Commission will examine whether there is production and sales of the product under review in those market economy third countries for which there are indications that production of the product under review is taking place. Interested parties are hereby invited to comment on the appropriateness of the choice of the analogue country within 10 days of the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

5.2.3.   Investigating unrelated importers (4) (5)

Unrelated importers of the product under review from the People's Republic of China to the Union are invited to participate in this investigation.

In view of the potentially large number of unrelated importers involved in this expiry review and in order to complete the investigation within the statutory time limits, the Commission may limit to a reasonable number the unrelated importers that will be investigated by selecting a sample (this process is also referred to as ‘sampling’). The sampling will be carried out in accordance with Article 17 of the basic Regulation.

In order to enable the Commission to decide whether sampling is necessary and, if so, to select a sample, all unrelated importers, or representatives acting on their behalf, including the ones who did not cooperate in the investigation leading to the measures subject to the present review, are hereby requested to make themselves known to the Commission. These parties must do so within 15 days of the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless otherwise specified, by providing the Commission with the information on their companies requested in Annex II to this Notice.

In order to obtain information it deems necessary for the selection of the sample of unrelated importers, the Commission may also contact any known associations of importers.

All interested parties wishing to submit any other relevant information regarding the selection of the sample, excluding the information requested above, must do so within 21 days of the publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless otherwise specified.

If a sample is necessary, the importers may be selected based on the largest representative volume of sales of the product under review in the Union which can reasonably be investigated within the time available. All known unrelated importers and associations of importers will be notified by the Commission of the companies selected to be in the sample.

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for its investigation, the Commission will send questionnaires to the sampled unrelated importers and to any known association of importers. These parties must submit the completed questionnaire within 37 days from the date of the notification of the sample selection, unless otherwise specified.

5.3.    Procedure for the determination of a likelihood of a continuation or recurrence of injury

In order to establish whether there is a likelihood of a recurrence of injury to the Union industry, Union producers of the product under review are invited to participate in the Commission investigation.

Investigating Union producers

In view of the large number of Union producers involved in this expiry review and in order to complete the investigation within the statutory time limits, the Commission has decided to limit to a reasonable number the Union producers that will be investigated by selecting a sample (this process is also referred to as ‘sampling’). The sampling is carried out in accordance with Article 17 of the basic Regulation.

The Commission has provisionally selected a sample of Union producers. Details can be found in the file for inspection by interested parties. Interested parties are hereby invited to consult the file (for this they should contact the Commission using the contact details provided in section 5.7 below). Other Union producers, or representatives acting on their behalf that consider that there are reasons why they should be included in the sample must contact the Commission within 15 days of the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

All interested parties wishing to submit any other relevant information regarding the selection of the sample must do so within 21 days of the publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless otherwise specified.

All known Union producers and/or associations of Union producers will be notified by the Commission of the companies finally selected to be in the sample.

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for its investigation, the Commission will send questionnaires to the sampled Union producers and to any known associations of Union producers. These parties must submit a completed questionnaire within 37 days from the date of the notification of the sample selection, unless otherwise specified.

5.4.    Procedure for the assessment of Union interest

Should the likelihood of continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury be confirmed, a decision will be reached, pursuant to Article 21 of the basic Regulation, as to whether maintaining the anti-dumping measures would not be against the Union interest. Union producers, importers and their representative associations, users and their representative associations, and representative consumer organisations are invited to make themselves known within 15 days of the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless otherwise specified. In order to participate in the investigation, the representative consumer organisations have to demonstrate, within the same deadline, that there is an objective link between their activities and the product under review.

Parties that make themselves known within the above deadline may provide the Commission with information on the Union interest within 37 days of the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless otherwise specified. This information may be provided either in a free format or by completing a questionnaire prepared by the Commission. In any case, information submitted pursuant to Article 21 will only be taken into account if supported by factual evidence at the time of submission.

5.5.    Other written submissions

Subject to the provisions of this Notice, all interested parties are hereby invited to make their views known, submit information and provide supporting evidence. Unless otherwise specified, this information and supporting evidence must reach the Commission within 37 days of the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

5.6.    Possibility to be heard by the Commission investigation services

All interested parties may request to be heard by the Commission investigation services. Any request to be heard must be made in writing and must specify the reasons for the request. For hearings on issues pertaining to the initial stage of the investigation the request must be submitted within 15 days of the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union. Thereafter, a request to be heard must be submitted within the specific deadlines set by the Commission in its communication with the parties.

5.7.    Instructions for making written submissions and sending completed questionnaires and correspondence

Information submitted to the Commission for the purpose of trade defence investigations shall be free from copyrights. Interested parties, before submitting to the Commission information and/or data which is subject to third party copyrights, must request specific permission to the copyright holder explicitly allowing (a) the Commission to use the information and data for the purpose of this trade defence proceeding and (b) to provide the information and/or data to interested parties to this investigation in a form that allows them to exercise their rights of defence.

All written submissions, including the information requested in this Notice, completed questionnaires and correspondence provided by interested parties for which confidential treatment is requested shall be labelled ‘Limited’ (6).

Interested parties providing ‘Limited’ information are required to furnish non-confidential summaries of it pursuant to Article 19(2) of the basic Regulation, which will be labelled ‘For inspection by interested parties’. These summaries must be sufficiently detailed to permit a reasonable understanding of the substance of the information submitted in confidence. If an interested party providing confidential information does not furnish a non-confidential summary of it in the requested format and quality, such information may be disregarded.

Interested parties are invited to make all submissions and requests by email including scanned powers of attorney and certification sheets, with the exception of voluminous replies which shall be submitted on a CD-ROM or DVD by hand or by registered mail. By using email, interested parties express their agreement with the rules applicable to electronic submissions contained in the document ‘CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION IN TRADE DEFENCE CASES’ published on the website of the Directorate-General for Trade: http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2011/june/tradoc_148003.pdf. The interested parties must indicate their name, address, telephone and a valid email address and they should ensure that the provided email address is a functioning official business email which is checked on a daily basis. Once contact details are provided, the Commission will communicate with interested parties by email only, unless they explicitly request to receive all documents from the Commission by another means of communication or unless the nature of the document to be sent requires the use of a registered mail. For further rules and information concerning correspondence with the Commission including principles that apply to submissions by email, interested parties should consult the communication instructions with interested parties referred to above.

Commission address for correspondence:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Trade

Directorate H

Office: CHAR 04/039

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

E-mail:

For dumping

:

TRADE-MELAMINE-DUMPING@ec.europa.eu

For injury

:

TRADE-MELAMINE-INJURY@ec.europa.eu

6.   Non-cooperation

In cases where any interested party refuses access to or does not provide the necessary information within the time limits, or significantly impedes the investigation, findings, affirmative or negative, may be made on the basis of facts available, in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation.

Where it is found that any interested party has supplied false or misleading information, the information may be disregarded and use may be made of facts available.

If an interested party does not cooperate or cooperates only partially and findings are therefore based on facts available in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation, the result may be less favourable to that party than if it had cooperated.

Failure to give a computerised response shall not be deemed to constitute non-cooperation, provided that the interested party shows that presenting the response as requested would result in an unreasonable extra burden or unreasonable additional cost. The interested party should immediately contact the Commission.

7.   Hearing Officer

Interested parties may request the intervention of the Hearing Officer in trade proceedings. The Hearing Officer acts as an interface between the interested parties and the Commission investigation services. The Hearing Officer reviews requests for access to the file, disputes regarding the confidentiality of documents, requests for extension of time limits and requests by third parties to be heard. The Hearing Officer may organise a hearing with an individual interested party and mediate to ensure that the interested parties' rights of defence are being fully exercised.

A request for a hearing with the Hearing Officer should be made in writing and should specify the reasons for the request. For hearings on issues pertaining to the initial stage of the investigation the request must be submitted within 15 days of the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union. Thereafter, a request to be heard must be submitted within specific deadlines set by the Commission in its communication with the parties.

The Hearing Officer will also provide opportunities for a hearing involving parties to take place which would allow different views to be presented and rebuttal arguments offered on issues pertaining, among other things, to the likelihood of a recurrence of dumping and injury, and Union interest.

For further information and contact details interested parties may consult the Hearing Officer's web pages on DG Trade's website: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/trade-policy-and-you/contacts/hearing-officer/

8.   Schedule of the investigation

The investigation will be concluded, pursuant to Article 11(5) of the basic Regulation within 15 months of the date of the publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.

9.   Possibility to request a review under Article 11(3) of the basic Regulation

As this expiry review is initiated in accordance with the provisions of Article 11(2) of the basic Regulation, the findings thereof will not lead to the existing measures being amended but will lead to those measures being repealed or maintained in accordance with Article 11(6) of the basic Regulation.

If any interested party considers that a review of the measures is warranted so as to allow for the possibility to amend the measures, that party may request a review pursuant to Article 11(3) of the basic Regulation.

Parties wishing to request such a review, which would be carried out independently of the expiry review mentioned in this Notice, may contact the Commission at the address given above.

10.   Processing of personal data

Any personal data collected in this investigation will be treated in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data (7).


(1)  OJ C 280, 25.8.2015, p. 6.

(2)  OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 51.

(3)  Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 457/2011 of 10 May 2011 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty and collecting definitively the provisional duty imposed on imports of melamine originating in the People's Republic of China (OJ L 124, 13.5.2011, p. 2).

(4)  Only importers not related to exporting producers can be sampled. Importers that are related to exporting producers have to fill in Annex I to the questionnaire for these exporting producers. For the definition of a related party see footnote 3 of Annex II to this Notice.

(5)  The data provided by unrelated importers may also be used in relation to aspects of this investigation other than the determination of dumping.

(6)  A ‘Limited’ document is a document which is considered confidential pursuant to Article 19 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 51) and Article 6 of the WTO Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-Dumping Agreement). It is also a document protected pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43).

(7)  OJ L 8, 12.1.2001, p. 1.


ANNEX I

Image

Text of image

☐ ‘Limited’ version (1)

☐ Version ‘For inspection by interested parties’

(tick the appropriate box)

ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING CONCERNING IMPORTS OF MELAMINE ORIGINATING IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

INFORMATION FOR THE SELECTION OF THE SAMPLE OF EXPORTING PRODUCERS IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

This form is designed to assist exporting producers in the People’s Republic of China in responding to the request for sampling information made in point 5.2.3 of the notice of initiation.

Both the ‘Limited’ version and the version ‘For inspection by interested parties’ should be returned to the Commission as set out in the notice of initiation.

1. IDENTITY AND CONTACT DETAILS

Supply the following details about your company:

Company name

Address

Contact person

Email address

Telephone

Fax

2. TURNOVER, SALES VOLUME, PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTION CAPACITY

Indicate the turnover in the accounting currency of the company during the review investigation period (export sales to the Union for each of the 28 Member States (2) separately and in total and domestic sales) of melamine as defined in the notice of initiation and the corresponding weight or volume. State the unit of weight or volume and the currency used.

Table I

Turnover, sales volume

Specify the unit of measurement

Value in accounting currency

Specify the currency used

Export sales to the Union, for each of the 28 Member States separately and in total, of the product under review, manufactured by your company

Total:

Name each Member State (1):

Export sales of the product under review, manufactured by your company to the rest of the world

Total:

Name the 5 biggest importing countries and give the respective volumes and values (1)

(1) This document is for internal use only. It is protected pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43). It is a confidential document pursuant to Article 19 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 51) and Article 6 of the WTO Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-Dumping Agreement).

(2) The 28 Member States of the European Union are: Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Croatia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Image

Text of image

Specify the unit of measurement

Value in accounting currency

Specify the currency used

Domestic sales of the product under review, manufactured by your company

(1) Add additional rows where necessary.

Table II

Production and production capacity

Specify the unit of measurement

Your company’s overall production of the product under review

Your company’s production capacity of the product under review

3. ACTIVITIES OF YOUR COMPANY AND RELATED COMPANIES (3)

Give details of the precise activities of the company and all related companies (please list them and state the relationship to your company) involved in the production and/or selling (export and/or domestic) of the product under review. Such activities could include but are not limited to purchasing the product under review or producing it under sub-contracting arrangements, or processing or trading the product under review.

Company name and location

Activities

Relationship

4. OTHER INFORMATION

Please provide any other relevant information which the company considers useful to assist the Commission in the selection of the sample.

5. CERTIFICATION

By providing the above information, the company agrees to its possible inclusion in the sample. If the company is selected to be part of the sample, this will involve completing a questionnaire and accepting a visit at its premises in order to verify its response. If the company indicates that it does not agree to its possible inclusion in the sample, it will be deemed not to have cooperated in the investigation. The Commission’s findings for non-cooperating exporting producers are based on facts available and the result may be less favourable to that company than if it had cooperated.

Signature of authorised official:

Name and title of authorised official:

Date:

(3) In accordance with Article 143 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 concerning the implementation of the Community Customs Code, persons shall be deemed to be related only if: (a) they are officers or directors of one another’s businesses; (b) they are legally recognised partners in business; (c) they are employer and employee; (d) any person directly or indirectly owns, controls or holds 5 % or more of the outstanding voting stock or shares of both of them; (e) one of them directly or indirectly controls the other; (f) both of them are directly or indirectly controlled by a third person; (g) together they directly or indirectly control a third person; or (h) they are members of the same family. Persons shall be deemed to be members of the same family only if they stand in any of the following relationships to one another: (i) husband and wife; (ii) parent and child; (iii) brother and sister (whether by whole or half blood); (iv) grandparent and grandchild; (v) uncle or aunt and nephew or niece; (vi) parent-in-law and son-in-law or daughter-in-law; (vii) brother-in-law and sister-in-law (OJ L 253, 11.10.1993, p. 1). In this context ‘person’ means any natural or legal person.


ANNEX II

Image

Text of image

☐ ‘Limited’ version (1)

☐ Version ‘For inspection by interested parties’

(tick the appropriate box)

ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING CONCERNING IMPORTS OF MELAMINE ORIGINATING IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

INFORMATION FOR THE SELECTION OF THE SAMPLE OF UNRELATED IMPORTERS

This form is designed to assist unrelated importers in responding to the request for sampling information made in point 5.2.3 of the notice of initiation.

Both the ‘Limited’ version and the version ‘For inspection by interested parties’ should be returned to the Commission as set out in the notice of initiation.

1. IDENTITY AND CONTACT DETAILS

Supply the following details about your company:

Company name

Address

Contact person

Email address

Telephone

Fax

2. TURNOVER AND SALES VOLUME

Indicate the total turnover in euros (EUR) of the company, and the turnover and weight or volume for imports into the Union (2) and re-sales on the Union market after importation from the People’s Republic of China, during the review investigation period, of melamine as defined in the notice of initiation and the corresponding weight or volume. State the unit of weight or volume used.

Specify the unit of measurement

Value in euros (EUR)

Total turnover of your company in euros (EUR)

Imports of the product under review into the Union

Re-sales on the Union market after importation from the People’s Republic of China of the product under review

(1) This document is for internal use only. It is protected pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43). It is a confidential document pursuant to Article 19 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 (OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 51) and Article 6 of the WTO Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-Dumping Agreement).

(2) The 28 Member States of the European Union are: Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Croatia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Image

Text of image

3. ACTIVITIES OF YOUR COMPANY AND RELATED COMPANIES (3)

Give details of the precise activities of the company and all related companies (please list them and state the relationship to your company) involved in the production and/or selling (export and/or domestic) of the product under review. Such activities could include but are not limited to purchasing the product under review or producing it under sub-contracting arrangements, or processing or trading the product under review.

Company name and location

Activities

Relationship

4. OTHER INFORMATION

Please provide any other relevant information which the company considers useful to assist the Commission in the selection of the sample.

5. CERTIFICATION

By providing the above information, the company agrees to its possible inclusion in the sample. If the company is selected to be part of the sample, this will involve completing a questionnaire and accepting a visit at its premises in order to verify its response. If the company indicates that it does not agree to its possible inclusion in the sample, it will be deemed not to have cooperated in the investigation. The Commission’s findings for non-cooperating importers are based on the facts available and the result may be less favourable to that company than if it had cooperated.

Signature of authorised official:

Name and title of authorised official:

Date:

(3) In accordance with Article 143 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 concerning the implementation of the Community Customs Code, persons shall be deemed to be related only if: (a) they are officers or directors of one another’s businesses; (b) they are legally recognised partners in business; (c) they are employer and employee; (d) any person directly or indirectly owns, controls or holds 5 % or more of the outstanding voting stock or shares of both of them; (e) one of them directly or indirectly controls the other; (f) both of them are directly or indirectly controlled by a third person; (g) together they directly or indirectly control a third person; or (h) they are members of the same family. Persons shall be deemed to be members of the same family only if they stand in any of the following relationships to one another: (i) husband and wife; (ii) parent and child; (iii) brother and sister (whether by whole or half blood); (iv) grandparent and grandchild; (v) uncle or aunt and nephew or niece; (vi) parent-in-law and son-in-law or daughter-in-law; (vii) brother-in-law and sister-in-law (OJ L 253, 11.10.1993, p. 1). In this context ‘person’ means any natural or legal person.


PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY

European Commission

11.5.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 167/17


Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.8007 — Avril/Bpifrance/BPT Israel/Evertree)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 167/09)

1.   

On 29 April 2016, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 and following a referral pursuant to Article 4(5) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Avril Protein Solutions SAS (‘Avril Holding’, France), controlled by Bpifrance Investissement SAS (‘Bpifrance’, France) and Avril Industrie SAS (‘Avril’, France) on one hand, and Biopolymer Technologies Ltd (‘BPT Israel’, Israel) on the other, acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) and 3(4) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the Evertree SAS (‘Evertree’, France) by way of purchase of shares in a newly created company constituting a joint venture.

2.   

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for Avril: active in the field of human food, animal feed, biofuel and biochemical extraction, valorisation, marketing and sales of vegetable oils and proteins, in the EEA,

—   for Bpifrance: an investment fund offering funds and direct investments to industrial projects, including projects deemed to boost the development of the French economy in the frame of the French State project ‘Programme d'investissements d'avenir’, active mainly in France, and also in the EEA,

—   for BPT Israel: an R&D and IP start-up active in the development and testing of a broad range of intellectual property related to the use of protein in applications,

—   for Evertree: active in the field of research, development, marketing and manufacturing of products and solutions derived from vegetable proteins (oilseed meals) in applications such as additives in the resins used for the manufacture of wood composite boards, wood adhesives and any relevant application that could be further developed, in the EEA.

3.   

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in this Notice.

4.   

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.8007 — Avril/Bpifrance/BPT Israel/Evertree, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË


(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.


11.5.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 167/18


Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.7986 — Sysco/Brakes)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 167/10)

1.   

On 29 April 2016, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Sysco Corporation (‘Sysco’, USA) (which exercises its activities in Europe mainly through its wholly owned subsidiary Pallas Foods Ltd) acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of the whole of the undertaking Brakes Group (‘Brakes’, United Kingdom), belonging to the holding company Cucina Lux Investments Limited, by way of purchase of shares.

2.   

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for Sysco/Pallas: selling, marketing and distributing food and related products, such as equipment and supplies, to the foodservice sector and hospitality industries,

—   for Brakes: distributing food and related products to the foodservice sector and holding separate divisions specialising in catering supplies and equipment.

3.   

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

4.   

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.7986 — Sysco/Brakes, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË


(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).


11.5.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 167/19


Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.8026 — Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Colombia/RCI Banque/JV)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 167/11)

1.   

On 29 April 2016, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertakings RCI Banque SA (‘RCI’, France), ultimately controlled by the Renault Group (‘Renault’, France), and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Colombia SA (‘BBVA Colombia’, Colombia), ultimately controlled by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA (‘BBVA’, Spain), acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of a newly created company constituting a joint venture (the ‘JV’), by way of purchase of shares.

2.   

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   BBVA: international financial group,

—   BBVA Colombia: provision of financial and non-financial services at wholesale and retail level to a range of market segments in Colombia, including consumer finance (auto and consumer finance), and capital markets and securities operations,

—   Renault: automotive industry,

—   RCI: provision of financing to Renault and Nissan dealers as well as to private and commercial customers who purchase cars in Renault or Nissan dealerships,

—   JV: provision of retail and wholesale financing to Renault purchasers and dealers in Colombia.

3.   

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in this Notice.

4.   

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.8026 — Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Colombia/RCI Banque/JV, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË


(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.


11.5.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 167/20


Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.8028 — Fairfax Financial Holdings/OPG Commercial Holdings/Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holding)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2016/C 167/12)

1.   

On 29 April 2016, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (‘Fairfax’, Canada) and OPG Commercial Holdings SARL (‘OPG’), belonging to the OMERS Group (‘OMERS’, Canada), acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings SA (Greece) by way of purchase of shares.

2.   

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for Fairfax: through its subsidiaries, it is engaged in property and casualty insurance, as well as reinsurance and investment management. Fairfax is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange,

—   for OPG: is a Luxembourg-incorporated holding company part of Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Primary Pension Plan (OMERS),

—   for Eurolife: through its subsidiaries, it is engaged in life, non-life insurance, reinsurance and insurance distribution in Greece and Romania.

3.   

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under the Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in this Notice.

4.   

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (+32 22964301), by email to COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu or by post, under reference number M.8028 — Fairfax Financial Holdings/OPG Commercial Holdings/Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holding, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË


(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.


OTHER ACTS

European Commission

11.5.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 167/21


Publication pursuant to Article 26(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs as regards a name of traditional speciality guaranteed

(2016/C 167/13)

In accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 26(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1), the Czech Republic submitted (2) the names ‘Tradiční Lovecký salám’/‘Tradičná Lovecká saláma’ and ‘Tradiční Špekáčky’/‘Tradičné Špekačky’ as names of a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG), which comply with Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. The names ‘Lovecký salám’/‘Lovecká saláma’ and ‘Špekáčky’/‘Špekačky’, had previously been registered (3) without reservation of name in accordance with Article 13(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 509/2006 (4) as traditional specialities guaranteed and they are currently protected in accordance with Article 25(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

Following the national opposition procedure referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 26(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012:

the names ‘Lovecký salám’/‘Lovecká saláma’ were complemented by the terms ‘Tradiční’ and ‘Tradičná’ respectively,

the names ‘Špekáčky’/‘Špekačky’ were complemented by the terms ‘Tradiční’ and ‘Tradičné’ respectively.

These complementing terms identify the traditional character of the names, in accordance with the third subparagraph of Article 26(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

In the light of the above, the Commission hereby publishes the names

‘TRADIČNÍ LOVECKÝ SALÁM’/‘TRADIČNÁ LOVECKÁ SALÁMA’

and

‘TRADIČNÍ ŠPEKÁČKY’/‘TRADIČNÉ ŠPEKAČKY’

in view of enabling them to be registered in the register of Traditional Specialities Guaranteed provided for in Article 22 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

This publication confers the right to oppose that the names ‘Tradiční Lovecký salám’/‘Tradičná Lovecká saláma’ and ‘Tradiční Špekáčky’/‘Tradičné Špekačky’ are entered in the register of Traditional Specialities Guaranteed provided for in Article 22 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, pursuant to Article 51 of that Regulation.

In case the names ‘Tradiční Lovecký salám’/‘Tradičná Lovecká saláma’ and ‘Tradiční Špekáčky’/‘Tradičné Špekačky’ are entered in the register, in accordance with Article 26(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the current product specifications of the TSG ‘Lovecký salám’/‘Lovecká saláma’ and ‘Špekáčky’/‘Špekačky’ shall be deemed to be the specifications referred to in Article 19 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 for the TSG ‘Tradiční Lovecký salám’/‘Tradičná Lovecká saláma’ and ‘Tradiční Špekáčky’/‘Tradičné Špekačky’ respectively, protected with reservation of name.

For sake of completeness and in accordance with Article 26(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, this publication includes the specifications of the TSG ‘Lovecký salám’/‘Lovecká saláma’ and ‘Špekáčky’/‘Špekačky’ as already published in the Official Journal of the European Union (5).

TSG REGISTRATION APPLICATION

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 509/2006

on agricultural products and foodstuffs as traditional specialities guaranteed

‘LOVECKÝ SALÁM’ or ‘LOVECKÁ SALÁMA’

EC No: SK-TSG-0007-0044 — 4.8.2006

1.   Name and address of the applicant group

Name:

Český svaz zpracovatelů masa

Address:

Libušská 319

142 00 Praha 4

Písnice

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

Tel.

+420 244092404

Fax

+420 244092405

Email:

reditel@cszm.cz

Name:

Slovenský zväz spracovateľov mäsa

Address:

Kukučínova 22

831 03 Bratislava

SLOVENSKO

Tel.

+421 255565162

Fax

+421 255565162

Email:

slovmaso@slovmaso.sk

2.   Member State or non-member country

Czech Republic

Slovakia

3.   Product Specification

3.1.   Name(s) proposed for registration:

‘Lovecký salám’ (CS)

‘Lovecká saláma’ (SK)

3.2.   Name

is specific in itself

expresses the specific character of the agricultural product or foodstuff

The name ‘Lovecký salám’ or ‘Lovecká saláma’ is specific in itself because it is well known in the Czech Republic and in Slovakia and has a long, traditional association with a specific long-keeping fermented meat product having a characteristic flat rectangular block shape and a characteristic taste.

3.3.   Where reservation of the name is sought under Article 13(2) of Regulation (EC) No 509/2006:

Registration with name reservation

Registration without name reservation

3.4.   Type of product

Class 1.2: Meat products (cooked, salted, smoked, etc.)

3.5.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff to which the name under point 3.1 applies

‘Lovecký salám’ or ‘Lovecká saláma’ is a long-keeping fermented meat product intended for direct consumption, usually as a cold cut.

Physical characteristics:

The product characteristically has the shape of a flat rectangular block with a gut casing having an average diameter of 50-55 mm and a length of around 40 cm.

Chemical properties:

—   Water activity: max. 0,93

—   pH: less than 5,5

—   Net muscle protein content: min. 15 % by weight

—   Fat content: max. 45 % by weight

—   Salt content: max. 4,2 % by weight

Organoleptic characteristics:

External appearance and colour: product made from a mixture of beef and pigmeat; dark brown in colour, moderately wrinkled surface, visible granulation beneath casing.

Appearance and colour of cut surface: mosaic of grains of up to 5 mm for the most part, without clusters of fat and lean particles; tiny air cavities permitted; the lean particles are a meaty red colour towards the middle of the product and darker towards the edges; fat grains are of a light colour. The cut surface of the product has a rectangular shape.

Aroma and taste: distinct aroma from the smoking process; very spicy and salty taste.

Consistency: fairly solid; elastic.

3.6.   Description of the production method for the agricultural product or foodstuff to which the name under 3.1 applies

‘Lovecký salám’ or ‘Lovecká saláma’ is produced from beef with up to 10 % fat content, pigmeat with up to 20 % fat content, pork offcuts with up to 30 % fat content, pork offcuts with up to 50 % fat content, pig fat, nitrite salting mix, antioxidant (E 315 or E 316 (max. 500 mg/kg expressed as erythorbic acid)), ground black pepper, sugar, garlic (in the form of flakes, concentrate or powder in an amount corresponding to a standardised quantity of fresh garlic), ground cloves, starter cultures (a combined culture containing lactic acid bacterial strains (Lactobacillus and/or Pediococcus genus) and coagulase-negative Micrococcaceae) and collagen casings.

The following are used to produce 100 kg of the finished product ‘Lovecký salám’ or ‘Lovecká saláma’:

    Beef with up to 10 % fat content: 5,0 kg

    Pigmeat with up to 20 % fat content: 75,0 kg

    Pork offcuts with up to 30 % fat content: 10,0 kg

    Pork offcuts with up to 50 % fat content: 50,0 kg

    Pig fat: 20,0 kg

    Nitrite salting mix: 3,4 kg

    Ground black pepper: 0,35 kg

    Sugar: 0,30 kg

    Garlic: 0,08 kg

    Ground cloves: 0,04 kg

    Antioxidant E 315 or E 316: max. 0,05 kg

   Starter cultures

   Collagen casing

The pork offcuts with up to 50 % fat content and the pig fat are frozen. All the raw materials and ingredients and the spices are combined to prepare a mixture with grain size of 3-5 mm, which is fed into casings 50-55 mm in diameter and approximately 40 cm long. The product is then formed into a flat rectangular block shape. The shaped products are laid close together in clean boxes or other suitable containers and left to mature in a refrigerating chamber at a temperature of 2-4 °C for 24-48 hours. The products are then hung on smoking rods and smoked in cold smoke for approximately seven days at a temperature of up to approximately 24 °C. Once the smoking process is complete, the products are dried. The product must not be attacked by mould during the drying process. When the prescribed water activity value is achieved, the product may be dispatched. The drying time is approximately 14 days in order to ensure that the product undergoes sufficient fermentation at temperatures and a relative air humidity enabling the starter cultures to grow and the product to dry evenly (temperature range: 16-27 °C; relative air humidity range: 75 % to 92 %).

3.7.   Specificity of the agricultural product or foodstuff:

‘Lovecký salám’ or ‘Lovecká saláma’ differs from other long-keeping fermented meat products first by its characteristic flat rectangular block shape, obtained by shaping during the maturing process. It also has a taste specific to the product, determined by the prescribed composition of the key ingredients and the spices and also imparted by the fermentation process.

3.8.   Traditional character of the agricultural product or foodstuff:

The origin of the product ‘Lovecký salám’ or ‘Lovecká saláma’ in the Czech Republic can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th century. At that time it was made mainly in winter because of the more favourable conditions for the maturing process and in view of the difficulty associated with treating raw materials by means of moderate freezing, a precondition for their successful granulation. Later, with improved cooling methods and smokehouse machinery, production was concentrated mainly on supplies for the Easter and Christmas markets and the summer tourist season. Today it is a traditional and popular long-keeping product made all year round.

The product ‘Lovecký salám’ or ‘Lovecká saláma’ was featured in the publication Technológia mäsového priemyslu (Meat Industry Technology) (Part II, 1955, Hlavná správa mäsového a rybného priemyslu (Meat and Fish Industry Main Report), Ministry of the Food Industry) and was subsequently included in the Technical and Economic Standards for Meat Products (Part 1, rules applicable as from 1 January 1977, Food Industry Directorate-General, Prague) as Czechoslovak national standard No ČSN 57 7269, which resulted in the expansion of production according to this standard throughout the former Czechoslovakia. A stable recipe developed from gradual changes in manufacturing techniques that came about in response to the limited availability of some ingredients and the objective of improving the safety of the end-product. This recipe is set out in the description of the production method for ‘Lovecký salám’ or ‘Lovecká saláma’ — see point 3.6 of this application. The characteristics of the traditional product have been preserved despite these changes.

3.9.   Minimum requirements and procedures to check the specific character

The checks include:

observance of the proportions of the raw materials, ingredients and spices in the recipe; the checks are conducted by comparing the quantities of raw materials, ingredients and spices with the recipe during the preparation of the product mixture;

observance of the specified shape, external appearance, colour and consistency of the product: a visual check is carried out upon completion of the drying of the finished product;

observance of the specified appearance and colour of the cut cross-section of the product; a visual check is carried out upon completion of the drying of the finished product;

observance of the specified consistency, aroma and taste of the product; checks are carried out by sensory analysis of the finished product;

observance of the specified physical and chemical parameters of the product; the finished product is examined using approved laboratory methods.

Checks by the authority or body verifying compliance with the product specification are carried out at least once per year on the premises of every manufacturer of the product.

4.   Authorities or bodies verifying compliance with the product specification

4.1.   Name and address

Authorities or bodies verifying compliance with the product specification in the Czech Republic

Name:

Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce

Address:

Květná 15

603 00 Brno

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

Tel.

+420 543540111

Email:

sekret.oklc@szpi.gov.cz

☒ Public

☐ Private

Name:

Státní veterinární správa České republiky

Address:

Slezská 7

120 00 Praha 2

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

Tel.

+420 227010137

Email:

hygi@svscr.cz

☒ Public

☐ Private

Authorities or bodies verifying compliance with the product specification in Slovakia

Name:

BEL/NOVAMANN International, s r.o.

Address:

Továrenská 14

815 71 Bratislava

SLOVENSKO

P.O. BOX 11

820 04 Bratislava 24

SLOVENSKO

Tel.

+421 250213376

Email:

tomas.ducho@ba.bel.sk

☐ Public

☒ Private

Name:

Štátna veterinárna a potravinová správa SR

Address:

Botanická 17

842 13 Bratislava

SLOVENSKO

Tel.

+421 260257427

Email:

buchlerova@svssr.sk

☒ Public

☐ Private

4.2.   Specific tasks of the authority or body

The inspection bodies referred to in point 4.1 are responsible for checking that the specification has been met in full.

TSG REGISTRATION APPLICATION

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 509/2006

on agricultural products and foodstuffs as traditional specialities guaranteed

‘ŠPEKÁČKY’ or ‘ŠPEKAČKY’

EC No: SK-TSG-0007-0055 — 21.5.2007

1.   Name and address of the applicant company

Name:

Český svaz zpracovatelů masa

Address:

Libušská 319

142 00 Praha 4

Písnice

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

Tel.

+420 244092404

Fax

+420 244092405

Email:

reditel@cszm.cz

Name:

Slovenský zväz spracovateľov mäsa

Address:

Kukučínova 22

831 03 Bratislava

SLOVENSKO

Tel.

+421 255565162

Fax

+421 255565162

Email:

slovmaso@slovmaso.sk

2.   Member State or third country

Czech Republic

Slovakia

3.   Product specification

3.1.   Name(s) to be registered:

‘Špekáčky’ (Czech)

‘Špekačky’ (Slovak)

3.2.   Whether the name:

is specific in itself

expresses the specific character of the agricultural product or foodstuff

The name Špekáčky/Špekačky expresses the specific character of the agricultural product or foodstuff, which derives from the unevenly distributed pieces of bacon (špek) in a coarse mixture with a smallish proportion of collagen particles.

3.3.   Is reservation of the name sought under Article 13(2) of Regulation (EC) No 509/2006?

Registration with name reservation

Registration without name reservation

3.4.   Type of product

Class 1.2: Meat products (cooked, salted, smoked, etc.)

3.5.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff to which the name under point 3.1 applies

Špekáčky/Špekačky are a heat-processed meat product made from a continuous strand several metres long stuffed into casing made of pork small intestine or beef rounds, and are golden-brown in colour.

Physical properties: Continuous strand, divided off with string into individual segments weighing 65 to 85 g, about 4,0 to 4,6 cm in diameter and 8 to 9 cm in length.

Chemical properties:

Net muscle protein content: min. 6 % by weight

Fat content: max. 45 % by weight

Salt content: max. 2,5 % by weight

Organoleptic properties:

External appearance and colour: the product is made from a mixture of beef and pork meat in natural intestine casing divided off with string. The product is golden-brown in colour — a darker or lighter shade is permitted, without any marked smoke-mottling. On the surface of the product dried drops of juice and lighter areas at the contact points of the individual pieces are permitted. The surface is smooth or slightly wrinkled. Bulking out the product with fat or aspic is not permitted.

Appearance and colour in section: the slice section is pale to dark red, with unevenly distributed pieces of bacon. Small, soft collagen particles and air cavities are permitted.

Taste and aroma: mild when freshly smoked, moderately salty from the seasoning; juicy when cooked.

Consistency: firm, tender, compact.

3.6.   Description of the production method for the agricultural product or foodstuff to which the name under 3.1 applies

The ingredients of Špekáčky/Špekačky are as follows: beef with fat content of up to 30 %, pork meat with fat content of up to 50 %, bacon, drinking water (in the form of scaly ice), potato starch, nitrate salting mix, ground black pepper, sweet paprika (100 ASTA), garlic (in the form of flakes, concentrate or powder in amounts corresponding to the standard amount of fresh garlic), ground nutmeg, polyphosphates E 450 and E 451 (3 g/kg as P2O5), ascorbic acid E 300 (0,5 g/kg), casing of beef rounds or pork small intestine; tied with string.

100 kg of Špekáčky/Špekačky as finished product contains:

    Beef with fat content of up to 30 % 38,5 kg

    Pork with fat content of up to 50 % 17,5 kg

    Bacon 27,0 kg

    Water (ice) 23,0 kg

    Potato starch 2,5 kg

    Nitrate salting mix 2,0 kg

    Ground sweet paprika (100 ASTA) 0,22 kg

    Ground black pepper 0,16 kg

    Garlic (flakes, concentrate, powder) 0,09 kg

    Ground nutmeg 0,03 kg

    Polyphosphates E 450 and E 451 0,3 kg

    Ascorbic acid E 300 0,05 kg

    Casing: beef rounds or pork small intestine

   Divided by tying with string

Those ingredients (apart from the bacon), additives and seasoning are used to produce a mixture with particles of between 0,1 mm and 2,5 mm. Bacon, chopped into pieces up to approximately 8 mm, is then added to the mixture, which is stuffed into beef rounds or pork small intestine casing with a maximum diameter of 4,0 to 4,6 cm.

The mixture is then divided off into individual segments with string. The strands of the product are tied to a smoking stick, then taken to a smokehouse, where they are dried and smoked in order to achieve their distinctive colour and smell. The smoked product is then heat-processed at 75 ° to 78 °C until the middle of the product reaches 70 °C for at least ten minutes. After heat-processing, the product is sprayed with cold water and left to cool. The Špekáčky/Špekačky are then stored in a cool, dark room.

3.7.   Specificity of the agricultural product or foodstuff:

Špekáčky/Špekačky differ from other heat-processed meat products in the uneven distribution of the pieces of bacon (‘špek’) in a coarse mixture with a smallish proportion of collagen particles, which gives rise to the distinctive appearance of the product when sliced. A further distinctive feature of the product is the continuous strand in the natural intestine casing, in which the individual Špekáčky/Špekačky are divided off with string. A further significant distinguishing feature is the balance of seasoning, which, along with the beef and bacon, gives rise to the inimitable flavour and smell of the product when heated.

3.8.   Traditional character of the agricultural product or foodstuff

In terms of their consumption, ingredients and production processes, Špekáčky/Špekačky have been known in what is now the Czech Republic for over 100 years. They began to be produced on a large scale in the second half of the 19th century, with the development of the smoked meats industry, and came to be regarded as a high-quality meat product in beef round casing. In 1891, they were exhibited at an agricultural fair in Prague, where a fully equipped smokehouse — the like of which had never been on public display before — was set up. Špekáčky/Špekačky were smoked on site and, when still hot, served on an attractive paper plate with horseradish and a salty bread-roll for eight grajciars (Czech coin of that time). The emergence of Špekáčky/Špekačky as a classic Czech smoked-meat product can be traced back to that period. The exceptional quality of the Špekáčky/Špekačky produced then is evidenced by the ingredients: 50 % of the product was rump beef from young animals, 20 % high-quality skinless pork and 30 % diced bacon. Depending on the consistency of the product, small amounts of sausage meat (binding agent produced from beef) were sometimes added. The product was seasoned with garlic, black pepper and occasionally a little nutmeg too. Another option was to impale the Špekáčky/Špekačky on a stick, and attach them with flax string. Because the product was sold by the piece, the total weight had to correspond to the number of pieces. In order to achieve the high quality, the product also had to be properly smoked. The early part of the 20th century saw the further development of the smoking process and, alongside párky and klobásy (other traditional types of sausage), Špekáčky/Špekačky became a mainstay among soft-meat products. Some companies, especially in large cities, became famous for their Špekáčky/Špekačky. Among the more noted manufacturers were Koula and Macháček in Prague’s New Town area, and Šereda in the suburb of Vinohrady, whose Špekáčky/Špekačky became known to the citizens of Prague as ‘Šeredky’. These soft-meat products were supplied to shops still hot after smoking, and, usually in the afternoon, there would be a wonderful smoky smell not only in the shops themselves but also in the whole of the surrounding area. By evening, the streets of old Prague would be aglow with golden gas lighting and filled with the smell, coming from one of the many street food stalls, of Špekáčky/Špekačky baking on charcoal.

The quality of meat products was not, at that time, subject to any rules and regulations. Public inspections focused mainly on flour, which was not allowed to be added to Špekáčky/Špekačky. After World War II, the key ingredient in Špekáčky/Špekačky, besides bacon, was still beef. Later, as pig farming increased, the composition of ingredients was: 40 % beef (front cuts), 30 % production-quality pork and 30 % bacon. At that time, the seasoning was changed with the addition of sweet paprika. After meat-producing and meat-processing businesses were nationalised, the composition of the ingredients, additives, casings and technological processes became subject to technical and economic standards, which continued to improve the quality of this traditional Czech product. Production of Špekáčky/Špekačky was covered by the technical and economic standards for meat products (Part 1 of the rules applicable from 1 January 1977, meat industry directorate-general, Prague) under No ČSN 57 7115. As a result, their manufacture according to those standards spread throughout the former Czechoslovakia. As the production technology gradually changed, and owing to the limited availability of certain ingredients or casings (for example, beef rounds), a set recipe was created, which is given above in the description of Špekáčky/Špekačky production methods — see point 3.6 of this application.

3.9.   Minimum requirements and procedures to check the specific character

Checks are made on the following:

compliance with the proportions of ingredients, additives and seasoning in accordance with the recipe; the preparation process involves cross-checking against the recipe;

checking that the bacon pieces (špek) are unevenly distributed in the thicker mixture with a smallish proportion of collagen particles; visual check carried out during the technological production process after the process of stuffing into the natural intestine and dividing the individual pieces with string;

compliance of the product’s shape, surface appearance, colour and consistency; visual check carried out after heat-processing, spraying and cooling of the finished product;

compliance of the appearance and colour when sliced; visual check carried out after heat-processing, spraying and cooling of the finished product;

compliance of flavour, smell, consistency and juiciness of the product; sensory check of the finished product carried out after heating;

compliance of the physical and chemical composition of the product; the finished product is examined by the approved laboratory methods.

Checks must be carried out by the verifying body or company at least once a year on the premises of every manufacturer of the product.

4.   Authorities or bodies verifying compliance with the product specification

4.1.   Name and address

Authorities or bodies verifying compliance with the product specification in the Czech Republic:

Name:

Státní zemědělská a potravinářská inspekce

Address:

Květná 15

603 00 Brno

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

Tel.

+420 543540111

Email:

sekret.oklc@szpi.gov.cz

☒ Public

☐ Private

Name:

Státní veterinární správa ČR

Address:

Slezská 7

120 00 Praha 2

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

Tel.

+420 227010137

Email:

hygi@svscr.cz

☒ Public

☐ Private

Authorities or bodies verifying compliance with the product specification in Slovakia:

Name:

BEL/NOVAMANN International, s r.o.

Address:

Továrenská 14

815 71 Bratislava

SLOVENSKO

P.O. BOX 11

820 04 Bratislava 24

SLOVENSKO

Tel.

+421 250213376

Email:

tomas.ducho@ba.bel.sk

☐ Public

☒ Private

Name:

Štátna veterinárna a potravinová správa SR

Address:

Botanická 17

842 13 Bratislava

SLOVENSKO

Tel.

+421 260257427

Email:

buchlerova@svssr.sk

☒ Public

☐ Private

4.2.   Specific tasks of the authority or body

The inspection bodies referred to in point 4.1 are responsible for checking that all specifications have been met.


(1)  Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs (OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1).

(2)  EU No CZ-TSG-0107-01405 — 18.12.2015.

(3)  Commission Regulations (EU) No 160/2011 of 21 February 2011 entering a name in the register of traditional specialities guaranteed (‘Lovecký salám’/‘Lovecká saláma’ (TSG)) (OJ L 47, 22.2.2011, p. 7) and Regulation (EU) No 158/2011 of 21 February 2011 entering a name in the register of traditional specialities guaranteed (‘Špekáčky’/‘Špekačky’ (TSG)) (OJ L 47, 22.2.2011, p. 3).

(4)  Council Regulation (EC) No 509/2006 of 20 March 2006 on agricultural products and foodstuffs as traditional specialities guaranteed (OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 1). Regulation repealed and replaced by Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.

(5)  ‘Lovecký salám’/‘Lovecká saláma’, EC No: SK-TSG-0007-0044 — 4.8.2006 (OJ C 96, 16.4.2010, p. 18).

‘Špekáčky’/‘Špekačky’, EC No: SK-TSG-0007-0055 — 21.5.2007 (OJ C 94, 14.4.2010, p. 18).