ISSN 1977-0677
Official Journal
of the European Union
L 443
English edition
Legislation
Volume 63
30 December 2020
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Official Journal of the European Union |
L 443 |
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English edition |
Legislation |
Volume 63 |
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Contents |
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ACTS ADOPTED BY BODIES CREATED BY INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS |
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EN |
Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period. The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk. |
II Non-legislative acts
ACTS ADOPTED BY BODIES CREATED BY INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
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30.12.2020 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
L 443/1 |
DECISION No 2/2020 OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY THE AGREEMENT ON THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY
of 17 December 2020
setting the date from which the provisions of Title III of Part Two of the Agreement shall apply to the nationals of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Kingdom of Norway, and the Swiss Confederation [2020/2246]
THE JOINT COMMITTEE,
Having regard to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (1) (the 'Withdrawal Agreement'), and in particular Article 33(2) thereof,
Whereas:
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(1) |
Pursuant to Article 33(1) of the Withdrawal Agreement, the provisions of Title III of Part Two of the Agreement on the coordination of the social security systems, applicable to Union citizens, shall apply to nationals of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Kingdom of Norway, and the Swiss Confederation provided that these states have concluded and apply corresponding agreements, on the one hand, with the United Kingdom which apply to Union citizens and, on the other hand, with the Union which apply to United Kingdom nationals. |
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(2) |
Pursuant to Article 33(2) of the Withdrawal Agreement, upon notification from the United Kingdom and from the Union of the date of entry into force of these agreements, the Joint Committee shall set the date from which the provisions of Title III of Part Two of the Agreement shall apply to the nationals of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Kingdom of Norway, and the Swiss Confederation, as applicable. |
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(3) |
The Union has concluded corresponding agreements with Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway (2) and with the Swiss Confederation (3) which apply to United Kingdom nationals. The United Kingdom has concluded corresponding agreements with Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway (4) and with the Swiss Confederation (5) which apply to Union citizens. |
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(4) |
In view of the notifications from the United Kingdom and from the Union of the date of entry into force of the agreements referred to in recital (3), the date from which the provisions of Title III of Part Two of the Withdrawal Agreement shall apply to the nationals of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Kingdom of Norway, and the Swiss Confederation, should be 1 January 2021, |
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
The date from which the provisions of Title III of Part Two of the Withdrawal Agreement shall apply to the nationals of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Kingdom of Norway, and the Swiss Confederation shall be 1 January 2021.
Article 2
This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.
Done at Brussels, 17 December 2020.
For the Joint Committee
The Co-chairs
Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ
Michael GOVE
(2) Decision No 210/2020 of 11 December 2020 of the EEA Joint Committee amending Annex VI (Social Security) to the EEA Agreement.
(3) Decision No 1/2020 of the Joint Committee established under the Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other, on the free movement of persons of 15 December 2020 amending Annex II to that Agreement on the coordination of social security schemes.
(4) Agreement on arrangements between Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Kingdom of Norway and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the EEA Agreement and other agreements applicable between the United Kingdom and the EEA EFTA States by virtue of the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union signed in London on 28 January 2020.
(5) Agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Swiss Confederation on Citizens' Rights following the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union and the Free Movement of Persons Agreement signed in Bern on 25 February 2019.
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30.12.2020 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
L 443/3 |
DECISION No 3/2020 OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY THE AGREEMENT ON THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY
of 17 December 2020
amending the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community [2020/2247]
THE JOINT COMMITTEE,
Having regard to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (‘the Withdrawal Agreement’), and in particular point (d) of Article 164(5) thereof,
Whereas:
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(1) |
Point (d) of Article 164(5) of the Withdrawal Agreement enables the Joint Committee established under Article 164(1) thereof (‘the Joint Committee’) to adopt decisions amending the Withdrawal Agreement, provided that such amendments are necessary to correct errors, to address omissions or other deficiencies, or to address situations unforeseen when the Agreement was signed, and provided that such decisions do not amend essential elements of that Agreement. Pursuant to Article 166(2) of the Withdrawal Agreement, the decisions adopted by the Joint Committee are binding on the Union and the United Kingdom. The Union and the United Kingdom must implement such decisions, which have the same legal effect as the Withdrawal Agreement. |
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(2) |
Under Article 182 of the Withdrawal Agreement, the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (‘the Protocol’) forms an integral part of that Agreement. |
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(3) |
Two legal acts on the CO2 emission performance of new cars and vans registered in the Union which are listed under heading 9 of Annex 2 to the Protocol and made applicable to and in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland by Article 5(4) of that Protocol, do not relate to the placing on the market of such vehicles in the Union. They should therefore be removed from Annex 2 to the Protocol; |
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(4) |
Eight legal acts which are essential for the application of the rules of the internal market for goods in respect of Northern Ireland and which were omitted at the time of adoption, should be added to Annex 2 to the Protocol. |
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(5) |
In order to clarify the scope of application of certain acts already listed in Annex 2 to the Protocol, three notes should be added to that Annex; |
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION
Article 1
Annex 2 to the Protocol shall be amended as follows:
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1. |
under the heading ‘9. Motor vehicles, including agricultural and forestry tractors’, the following entries shall be deleted:
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2. |
under the heading ‘6. Regulations on bilateral safeguards’, the following entry shall be added:
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3. |
under the heading ‘23. Chemicals and related’, the following entry shall be added:
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4. |
under the heading ‘25. Waste’, the following entry shall be added:
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5. |
under the heading ‘29. Food - general’, the following entry shall be added:
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6. |
under the heading ‘42. Plant reproductive material’, the following entries shall be added:
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7. |
under the heading ‘47. Other’, the following entry shall be added:
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8. |
under the heading ‘4. General trade related aspects’, following the entry for ‘Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008’, the following note shall be inserted: ‘Without prejudice to the fact that the tariff preferences for eligible countries pursuant to the Union’s General Scheme of Preferences shall be applicable in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland:
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9. |
under the heading ‘5. Trade defence instruments’, directly under the heading, the following note shall be inserted: ‘Without prejudice to the fact that the Union’s trade defence measures shall be applicable in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, the references to “Member States” or “Union” in Regulation (EU) 2016/1036, Regulation (EU) 2016/1037, Regulation (EU) 2015/478 and Regulation (EU) 2015/755 shall not be read as including the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland. In addition, importers that paid Union anti-dumping or countervailing duties on the importation of goods that were customs cleared in Northern Ireland may only ask for a refund of such duties pursuant to Article 11(8) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 or Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1037, respectively.’; |
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10. |
under the heading ‘6. Regulations on bilateral safeguards’, directly under the heading, the following note shall be inserted: ‘Without prejudice to the fact that the Union’s bilateral safeguard measures shall be applicable in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, the references to “Member States” or “Union” in the regulations listed below shall not be read as including the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland.’; |
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11. |
under the heading ‘25. Waste’, following the entry for ‘Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment’, the following note shall be inserted: ‘In relation to the application of those Articles and Parts to and in the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, any reference to “3 July 2021” in Articles 4 (1), 14 and 17 (1) is to be read as “1 January 2022”. Articles 2, 3, 14 and 17, and Part F of the Annex, shall only apply insofar as they relate to Articles 4 to 7.’. |
Article 2
This Decision shall enter into force on the day following the date of its adoption.
Done at Brussels, 17 December 2020.
For the Joint Committee
The Co-chairs
Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ
Michael GOVE
(3) OJ L 155, 12.6.2019, p. 1.
(4) OJ L 334, 16.12.2011, p. 1.
(5) OJ 125, 11.7.1966, p. 2298.
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30.12.2020 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
L 443/6 |
DECISION No 4/2020 OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY THE AGREEMENT ON THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY
of 17 December 2020
on the determination of goods not at risk [2020/2248]
THE JOINT COMMITTEE
Having regard to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 5(2) thereof,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
Article 1
Subject matter
This Decision sets out rules for implementing Article 5(2) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (“the Protocol”) as regards:
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(a) |
the conditions for considering that a good brought into Northern Ireland from outside the Union will not be subject to commercial processing in Northern Ireland; |
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(b) |
the criteria for considering that a good brought into Northern Ireland from outside the Union is not at risk of subsequently being moved into the Union. |
Article 2
Non-commercial processing
A good shall not be considered to be subject to commercial processing where:
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(a) |
the person who lodges a declaration for release for free circulation in respect of that good or on whose behalf such declaration is lodged (“importer”) had a total annual turnover of less than GBP 500,000 in its most recent complete financial year; or |
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(b) |
the processing is in Northern Ireland and is for the sole purpose of:
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Article 3
Criteria for considering goods not to be at risk of subsequently being moved into the Union
1. A good shall be considered not to be at risk of subsequently being moved into the Union, where it is not considered to be subject to commercial processing in accordance with Article 2, and where:
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(a) |
in the case of goods brought into Northern Ireland from another part of the United Kingdom by direct transport,
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(b) |
in the case of goods brought into Northern Ireland by direct transport other than from the Union or another part of the United Kingdom,
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2. Paragraphs 1(a)(ii) and 1(b)(ii) shall not apply to goods subject to trade defence measures adopted by the Union.
Article 4
Determination of the applicable duties
For the purposes of Article 3(1)(a)(i) and 3(1)(b), the following rules shall apply:
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(a) |
the duty payable according to the Union Common Customs Tariff to a good shall be determined in accordance with the rules set out in the Union customs legislation; |
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(b) |
the duty payable according to the customs tariff of the United Kingdom to a good shall be determined in accordance with the rules set out in the customs legislation of the United Kingdom. |
Article 5
Authorisation for the purposes in Article 3
1. For the purposes of Articles 3(1)(a)(ii) and 3(1)(b)(ii), an application for an authorisation to bring goods into Northern Ireland by direct transport for sale to, or final use by, end-consumers shall be submitted to the competent authority of the United Kingdom.
2. The application for the authorisation referred to in paragraph 1 shall contain information on the applicant’s business activities, on the goods typically brought into Northern Ireland, as well as a description of the type of records, systems and controls put in place by the applicant to ensure that the goods covered by the authorisation are properly declared for customs purposes and evidence can be provided to support the undertaking in Article 6(b). The trader shall keep the evidence, e.g. invoices, for the past five years and shall provide it to the competent authorities upon their request. The data requirements of the application are set out in detail in the Annex to this Decision.
3. The authorisation shall at least indicate the following:
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(a) |
the name of the person to whom the authorisation has been granted (“authorisation holder”); |
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(b) |
a single reference number attributed by the competent customs authority to the decision (“authorisation reference number”); |
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(c) |
the authority having granted the authorisation; |
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(d) |
the date of taking effect of the authorisation. |
4. The provisions of Union customs legislation on decisions relating to the application of the customs legislation shall apply to applications and authorisations referred to in this Article, including as regards monitoring.
5. In cases where the competent customs authority of the United Kingdom observes deliberate mis-use of an authorisation or breaches of conditions for an authorisation set out in this Decision the authority shall suspend or revoke the authorisation.
Article 6
General conditions for authorisation
For the purposes of Articles 3(1)(a)(ii) and 3(1)(b)(ii), an authorisation may be granted to applicants who:
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(a) |
meet the following establishment criteria:
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(b) |
undertake to bring goods into Northern Ireland solely for sale to, or final use by, end-consumers, including where those goods have been subject to non-commercial processing in accordance with Article 2 before their sale to, or final use by, end-consumers; and, in the case of a sale to end-consumers in Northern Ireland, undertake that the sale will be from one or several physical outlets in Northern Ireland from which physical direct sales are made to end-consumers. |
Article 7
Specific conditions for authorisation
1. For the purposes of Articles 3(1)(a)(ii) and 3(1)(b)(ii), an authorisation to bring goods into Northern Ireland shall only be granted to applicants fulfilling the conditions set out in Article 6 and the following conditions:
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(a) |
the applicant declares they will declare for release for free circulation goods brought into Northern Ireland in accordance with Article 3(1)(a)(ii) or 3(1)(b)(ii); |
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(b) |
the applicant must not have committed any serious infringement or repeated infringements of customs legislation and taxation rules and must not have any record of serious criminal offences relating to their economic activity; |
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(c) |
in respect of goods to be declared as not at risk, the applicant shall demonstrate that they have a high level of control of their operations and of the flow of goods, by means of a system of managing commercial and, where appropriate, transport records which allow appropriate controls and provision of evidence to support the undertaking in Article 6(b). |
2. Authorisations shall be granted only if the customs authority considers that it will be able to carry out controls without disproportionate administrative effort, including control of any evidence that the goods were sold to, or subject to final use by, end-consumers.
3. During the period ending two months after the entry into force of this Decision, an authorisation may be granted on a provisional basis if the applicant has submitted a complete application, complies with paragraph 1(b), and declares that they meet the other conditions for authorisation. The duration of the provisional authorisation shall be limited to four months after which a permanent authorisation must have been granted for the trader to remain authorised.
Article 8
Exchange of information on the application of Article 5(1) and (2) of the Protocol
1. Without prejudice to its obligations pursuant to Article 5(4) of the Protocol, read in conjunction with Regulation (EC) No 638/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) and Regulation (EC) No 471/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2), the United Kingdom shall provide the Union with information on the application of Article 5(1) and (2) of the Protocol as well as of this Decision on a monthly basis. This information shall comprise volumes and values, in aggregated form and per consignment, as well as means of transport, relating to:
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(a) |
goods brought into Northern Ireland in relation to which no customs duties were payable in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 5(1) of the Protocol; |
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(b) |
goods brought into Northern Ireland in relation to which the customs duties payable were those applicable in the United Kingdom in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 5(1) of the Protocol; and |
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(c) |
goods brought into Northern Ireland in relation to which the customs duties payable were in accordance with the Union Common Customs Tariff. |
2. The United Kingdom shall provide the information referred to in paragraph 1 on the 15th working day of the following month for which the information is provided.
3. The information shall be provided using electronic data-processing techniques.
4. At the request of the Union representatives referred to in Decision 6/2020 of the Joint Committee of 17 December 2020 providing for the practical working arrangements relating to the exercise of the rights of Union representatives referred to in Article 12(2) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, and at least twice per year, the competent authorities of the United Kingdom shall provide information in aggregated and per authorisation form to these representatives on the authorisations granted pursuant to Articles 5 to 7, including numbers of accepted, rejected and revoked authorisations.
5. The regular transfer of information referred to above shall commence as soon as possible and no later than 15 April 2021. The first transfer of information shall cover information for the period from 1 January 2021 until the end of the month before the transfer.
Article 9
Review and termination
If either Party considers there is significant diversion of trade, or fraud or other illegal activities, that Party shall inform the other Party in the Joint Committee by 1 August 2023, and the Parties shall use their best endeavours to find a mutually satisfactory resolution of the matter. If the Parties do not find a mutually satisfactory resolution, Articles 3(1)(a)(ii), 3(1)(b)(ii) and 5 to 8 of this Decision shall cease to apply from 1 August 2024, unless the Joint Committee decides before 1 April 2024 to continue their application.
In case Articles 3(1)(a)(ii), 3(1)(b)(ii) and 5 to 8 of this Decision cease to apply in accordance with the first subparagraph, the Joint Committee shall amend this Decision by 1 August 2024 to make appropriate alternative provision applicable from 1 August 2024, having regard to the specific circumstances in Northern Ireland and fully respecting Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom’s customs territory.
Article 10
Entry into force
This Decision shall enter into force on 1 January 2021.
Done at Brussels, 17 December 2020.
For the Joint Committee
The Co-chairs
Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ
Michael GOVE
(1) Regulation (EC) No 638/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on Community statistics relating to the trading of goods between Member States and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3330/91 (OJ L102, 7.4.2004, p. 1).
(2) Regulation (EC) No 471/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 May 2009 on Community statistics relating to external trade with non-member countries and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1172/95 (OJ L 152, 16.6.2009, p. 23).
ANNEX
Application for Authorisation to bring goods into Northern Ireland for end-consumers (referred to in Article 5 of the Decision)
APPLICATION INFORMATION
1. Supporting documents
Mandatory supporting documents and information to be provided by all applicants:
Document of establishment / proof of a permanent business establishment
2. Other supporting documents and information to be provided by the applicant:
Any other supporting document or information that is considered relevant for checking the applicant’s compliance with the conditions referred to in Articles 6 and 7 of the Decision.
Provide information on the type and, if applicable, the identification number and/or the date of issue of the supporting document(s) attached to the application. Indicate also the total number of the documents attached.
3. Date and signature of the applicant
Applications made by using an electronic data-processing technique shall be authenticated by the person who lodges the application.
Date on which the applicant has signed or otherwise authenticated the application.
Details of the applicant
4. Applicant
The applicant is the person who applies to the customs authorities for a decision.
Enter the name and address of the person concerned.
5. Applicant identification number
The applicant is the person who applies to the customs authorities for a decision.
Enter the Economic Operators Registration and Identification number (EORI number), of the person concerned, as provided for in Article 1(18) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446 (1).
6. Legal status of the applicant
The legal status as mentioned in the document of establishment.
7. VAT identification number(s)
Where assigned, enter the VAT identification number.
8. Business activities
Enter information on the business activity of the applicant. Please describe briefly your commercial activity and state your role in the supply chain (e.g. manufacturer of goods, importer, retailer, etc.). Please describe:
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— |
the intended use of the imported goods, including a description of the type of goods and whether they undergo any type of processing. |
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an estimation on the number of customs declarations for release for free circulation for the goods concerned to be made per year. |
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the type of records, systems and controls put in place to support the undertaking in Article 6(b). |
9. Annual turnover
For the purposes of Article 2 of the Decision, enter the annual turnover for the most recent complete financial year. If a newly established business, provide such records and information as relevant to enable an assessment of anticipated turnover e.g. latest cash flow, balance sheet and profit and loss forecasts, approved by the directors/partners/sole proprietor.
10. Contact person responsible for the application
The contact person shall be responsible for keeping contact with customs as regards the application.
Enter the contact person’s name and any of the following: telephone number, e- mail address (preferably of a functional mailbox)
11. Person in charge of the applicant company or exercising control over its management
For the purposes of Article 7(b) of the Decision, enter the name(s) and full details of the person(s) concerned according to the legal establishment/form of the applicant company, in particular: director/manager of the company and board directors if any. Details should include: full name and address, and date of birth and National Identification Number.
Dates, times, periods and places
12. Date of establishment
With numbers – the day, month and year of establishment.
13. Address of establishment / address of residence
The full address of the place where the person is established/resides, including the identifier of the country or territory.
14. Place where records are kept
Enter full address of the location(s) where the applicant’s records are kept or intended to be kept. The UN/LOCODE may replace the address, if it provides an unambiguous identification of the location concerned.
15. Place(s) of processing or use
Please indicate the address of the place(s) where the goods will be processed, where applicable, and sold to the end-consumers.
(1) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446 of 28 July 2015 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards detailed rules concerning certain provisions of the Union Customs Code (OJ L343, 28.12.2015, p. 1).
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30.12.2020 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
L 443/13 |
DECISION No 5/2020 OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY THE AGREEMENT ON THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY
of 17 December 2020
determining the initial maximum exempted overall annual level of support and the initial minimum percentage referred to in Article 10(2) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community [2020/2249]
THE JOINT COMMITTEE
Having regard to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 10(2) thereof and Annex 6 thereto,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
Article 1
Overall annual level of support for agricultural products other than fisheries and aquaculture products
1. The initial maximum exempted overall annual level of support referred to in Article 10(2) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland for agricultural products other than fisheries and aquaculture products shall be GBP 382,2 million (1).
2. The United Kingdom may increase the maximum exempted overall annual level of support referred to in paragraph 1, up to an additional amount of GBP 25,03 million in a given year by the part of the amount of the maximum exempted overall annual level of support that has not been spent in the preceding calendar year.
3. The maximum exempted overall annual level of support referred to in paragraph 1 shall be increased by an amount of GBP 6,8 million for a given year:
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(a) |
where during that year the European Union has taken measures, covering the Republic of Ireland, under Part II, Title I, Chapter I or Articles 219, 220 or 221 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (2); or |
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(b) |
on account of:
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Point (b) only applies where the United Kingdom has informed the European Union at least 10 days prior to making use of the increased overall annual level of support.
Article 2
Overall annual level of support for fisheries and aquaculture products
1. The initial maximum exempted overall level of support referred to in Article 10(2) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland for fisheries and aquaculture products shall be GBP 16,93 million during the first five years after the entry into force of this Decision as well as during any subsequent period of five years. However, the exempted overall annual level of support for these products must not exceed GBP 4,01 million in any given year.
2. The following operations shall not be eligible for funding from the amounts referred to in paragraph 1:
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(a) |
operations increasing the fishing capacity of a vessel or equipment increasing the ability of a vessel to find fish; |
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(b) |
the construction of new fishing vessels or the importation of fishing vessels; |
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(c) |
the permanent cessation of fishing activities; |
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(d) |
the temporary cessation of fishing activities, unless related to any of the following:
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(e) |
exploratory fishing; |
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(f) |
the transfer of ownership of a business; and |
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(g) |
direct restocking, unless provided for in measures by the authorities of the United Kingdom, or the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland, to conserve fish stocks or the marine ecosystem, or in the case of experimental restocking. |
The exceptions provided for in point (d) are subject to the condition that the fishing activities carried out by the fishing vessel or by the fisher concerned are effectively suspended and that the funding is granted for a maximum duration of six months per vessel.
Article 3
Minimum percentage
The initial minimum percentage referred to in Article 10(2) of the Protocol shall be 83 % and shall apply to the amounts of the exempted overall annual level of support referred to in Article 1.
Article 4
Review
The Joint Committee shall regularly review this Decision and its implementation.
Article 5
Entry into force
This Decision shall enter into force on 1 January 2021.
Done at Brussels, 17 December 2020.
For the Joint Committee
The Co-chairs
Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ
Michael GOVE
(1) For the purpose of all calculations and amounts, set out in GBP in this Decision, in EUR, the 2019 Direct Payments exchange rate (€1 = £0.89092) is to be used.
(2) Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (OJ L 347 of 20.12.2013, p. 671).
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30.12.2020 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
L 443/16 |
DECISION No 6/2020 OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY THE AGREEMENT ON THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY
of 17 December 2020
providing for the practical working arrangements relating to the exercise of the rights of Union representatives referred to in Article 12(2) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland [2020/2250]
THE JOINT COMMITTEE
Having regard to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland annexed to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 12(3) thereof,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
Subject matter
1. This Decision sets out the practical working arrangements relating to the exercise of the rights of Union, through its representatives, referred to in Article 12(2) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (‘the Protocol’).
2. For the purposes of this Decision, “covered activities” means any activities of the authorities of the United Kingdom related to the implementation and application of provisions of Union law made applicable by the Protocol, as well as activities related to the implementation and application of Article 5 of the Protocol, including of Joint Committee decisions adopted thereunder, pursuant to Article 12(2) of the Protocol.
Article 2
Union representatives
1. The Union shall ensure that its representatives exercising the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol act in good faith and closely cooperate with the authorities of the United Kingdom carrying out covered activities, and that they keep in close communication with them.
2. Union representatives exercising the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol shall not engage in any activities which do not relate to the exercise of those rights.
3. Union representatives shall take into account the guidance communicated to them by the authorities of the United Kingdom concerning their safety and the safety of others when exercising their right to be present. They shall respect any requirement lawfully imposed by the authorities of the United Kingdom responsible for law enforcement, subject to Title XII and Title XIII (Articles 120 and 121) of Part Three of the Withdrawal Agreement.
4. The Union shall ensure that its representatives may not disclose information of which they have knowledge by reason of exercising the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol other than to the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union as well as the authorities of the United Kingdom, unless they have been authorised by the competent institution, body, office or agency of the Union.
5. Union representatives have the right to be present during covered activities in the United Kingdom, including at all places where goods or animals enter or exit Northern Ireland though ports or airports. Union representatives may only access facilities referred to in Article 3(1) when the representatives of the authorities of the United Kingdom are present and using them for the purpose of carrying out covered activities, or when a facility is otherwise to be operational for that purpose. Union representatives may accompany any representatives of the authorities of the United Kingdom whenever the latter is carrying out any of the covered activities, including for inspections of sites other than those referred to in the previous sentence.
6. The United Kingdom shall facilitate the presence of the Union representatives exercising the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol and shall provide any equipment, amenities and other facilities, such as adequately equipped work stations and adequate IT connections, necessary to carry out their tasks.
7. The archives of the Union concerning any information related to any covered activities shall be inviolable.
8. Union representatives present in the United Kingdom shall not be hindered from moving freely in the United Kingdom for the purpose of exercising the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol.
9. When exercising the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol, Union representatives shall carry a photographic identification card certifying their name, function, and institution, body, office or agency of the Union. The Union shall issue such identification cards using a specimen which the Union shall share with the United Kingdom within one month of the entry into force of this Decision.
10. Upon arrival at the places where rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol are exercised, the Union representative shall produce the identification card referred to in paragraph 9. Subject to paragraph 3, once duly identified, that Union representative shall immediately be granted access to the facility.
11. Union representatives shall be entitled to travel to the United Kingdom without prior notification or approval for the purpose of exercising the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol. They may travel to the United Kingdom using the laissez-passer issued by the Union.
12. Union representatives in the United Kingdom for the purpose of exercising the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol shall, together with their spouses and dependent members of their families, not be subject to immigration restrictions or to formalities for the registration of aliens.
13. While in the United Kingdom for the purpose of exercising the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol, Union representatives shall be accorded the same facilities in respect of currency or exchange regulations as are customarily accorded to officials of international organisations residing in the United Kingdom and shall be exempt from national taxation on their salaries, wages and emoluments paid by the Union or the member states. Such privileges and immunities from taxation shall not apply to a Union representative if they are a British national (other than a British national who is also a national of a Member State of the Union and not resident in the United Kingdom at the time of appointment) or a permanent resident of the United Kingdom.
14. While in the United Kingdom for the purpose of exercising the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol, Union representatives shall enjoy the right to import and re-export free of duty their furniture and effects, including motor vehicles.
15. The activities of the Union representatives in the United Kingdom pursuant to Article 12(2) of the Protocol shall be considered, for the purposes of Title XII and Title XIII (Articles 120 and 121) of Part Three of the Withdrawal Agreement, to be activities of the Union pursuant to the Withdrawal Agreement.
Article 3
Contact points
1. The United Kingdom shall provide the Union with a list of authorities carrying out covered activities and their facilities.
The United Kingdom shall designate a contact point for each of the authorities referred to in the first subparagraph, and provide the Union with relevant contact details.
2. The United Kingdom shall communicate any amendments to the list referred to in the first subparagraph of paragraph 1, or any change of contact point or details, to the Union expeditiously.
3. The Union shall designate a contact point for the purpose of paragraph 2.
Article 4
Modalities of requesting information
1. The United Kingdom representative or contact point, as the case may be, shall respond to any request for information expeditiously, thereby giving the Union representative sufficient time to assess the information for the purposes of exercising the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol.
2. If the authorities of the United Kingdom consider that a request for information or the relevance of such request is not clear, or that the scope of information requested would make compliance with a request excessively burdensome, they may ask the Union representative who made the request to clarify or refine its scope.
3. When exercising the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol, and with due consideration of their obligations referred to in Article 2(1) of this Decision, Union representatives shall have the right to examine and, where necessary, copy documents and records in the possession of the authorities of the United Kingdom which contain information relevant to the covered activities. The Union shall protect this information in accordance with Article 2(4).
4. Union representatives may request that authorities of the United Kingdom carrying out covered activities provide relevant information about those activities.
Article 5
Electronic access to applicable information systems, databases and networks
1. Upon request from the Union, the United Kingdom shall grant Union representatives ongoing and continuous electronic access on a real-time basis to relevant information contained in the United Kingdom networks, information systems and databases and United Kingdom national modules of Union systems (hereinafter: ‘IT systems’) listed in Annex 1, to the extent necessary for Union representatives there to exercise the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol. The Union shall ensure that its representatives protect such information in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4.
2. Upon request from the Union, the United Kingdom shall also grant Union representatives electronic access to relevant information contained in the IT systems referred to in Annex 2, to the extent necessary for Union representatives to exercise the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol. The Union shall ensure that its representatives protect such information in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4.
3. The access granted, which can also be exercised remotely, is subject to adherence by Union representatives to the security and other user requirements of each of these IT systems.
4. The Union shall ensure that its representatives may use information as referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 only for the purpose of exercising the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol. The Union shall ensure that its representatives do not disclose information accessed pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2 other than to the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union as well as the authorities of the United Kingdom, unless they have been so authorised by the customs authorities of the United Kingdom and by the competent institution, body, office or agency of the Union. The customs authorities of the United Kingdom may not decline to authorise such disclosure except for duly stated reasons.
5. The United Kingdom shall communicate any change as regards the existence, scope or operation of the IT systems listed in Annex 1 and 2 to the Union, in good time before such changes become effective.
Article 6
Modalities of requesting control measures
1. Union representatives may request control measures in individual cases, both orally and in writing. Such requests shall duly state the reasons for requesting the specific control measure. Requests shall ordinarily be directed at the relevant United Kingdom authority’s contact person, but oral requests may also be directed at a representative of the authorities of the United Kingdom.
2. The United Kingdom authorities shall carry out the requested control measure expeditiously.
3. If the authorities of the United Kingdom consider that the reasons given by Union representatives for their request are insufficient or unclear, the authorities of the United Kingdom may ask Union representatives to clarify or explain their reasons in greater detail.
Article 7
The Joint Committee shall review this Decision at the latest three years after its entry into force and following a request from the Union or the United Kingdom.
Article 8
Entry into force
This Decision shall enter into force on 1 January 2021.
Done at Brussels, 17 December 2020.
For the Joint Committee
The Co-chairs
Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ
Michael GOVE
ANNEX 1
IT systems containing information required for the implementation of Union legislation referred to in the first sentence of Article 5(3) of the Protocol and of Article 5(1) and (2) of the Protocol
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— |
Customs Declarations Service (CDS), including risk profiles and information on presentation and temporary storage of the goods where available |
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— |
Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) |
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— |
Freight Targeting System, including information collected by alternative means in relation to the UK declaration on export declarations |
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— |
National domain of Northern Ireland Import Control System (ICS), including risk profiles |
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— |
National domain of Northern Ireland New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) |
Other systems used by UK authorities to implement Articles 5(2) and (4) and 6(1) of the Protocol, including information regarding authorisations (UCC and Protocol relevant authorisations and decisions).
ANNEX 2
Other IT systems containing information required for carrying out covered activities
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— |
National Domain Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS) |
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— |
National Domain VAT Information Exchange System (VIES) and any directly relevant UK database, in order to consult registration data of NI traders and the information provided by NI traders to the UK Tax administration on taxable transactions in respect of intra-EU acquisitions of goods taking place in NI and that need to be declared by NI traders. |
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— |
National Domain (Import) One Stop Shop (IOSS and OSS) |
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— |
National Domain VAT Refund |
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30.12.2020 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
L 443/22 |
DECISION No 7/2020 OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY THE AGREEMENT ON THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY
of 22 December 2020
establishing a list of 25 persons who are willing and able to serve as members of an arbitration panel under the Agreement [2020/2251]
THE JOINT COMMITTEE,
Having regard to the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (1) (the ‘Withdrawal Agreement’), and in particular Article 171(1) thereof,
Whereas:
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(1) |
Pursuant to Article 171(1) of the Withdrawal Agreement, the Joint Committee shall, no later than by the end of the transition period set under that Agreement, establish a list of 25 persons who are willing and able to serve as members of an arbitration panel, |
|
(2) |
Pursuant to Article 171(2) of the Withdrawal Agreement, the list shall only comprise persons whose independence is beyond doubt, who possess the qualifications required for appointment to the highest judicial office in their respective countries or who are jurisconsults of recognised competence, and who possess specialised knowledge or experience of Union law and public international law. These persons shall not be members, officials or other servants of the Union institutions, of the government of a Member State, or of the government of the United Kingdom, |
|
(3) |
In view of the joint proposal by the Union and the United Kingdom of five persons for the function of chairperson of the arbitration panel, and the respective proposals by the Union and the United Kingdom of ten persons each for the function of members of the arbitration panel, |
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
The list of 25 persons willing and able to serve as arbitrators under the Withdrawal Agreement is set out in Annex I.
Article 2
This Decision shall enter into force on 1 January 2021.
Done at Brussels, 22 December 2020.
For the Joint Committee
The Co-chairs
Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ
Michael GOVE
ANNEX I
to Decision No 7/2020 of the Joint Committee
Chairpersons for the Withdrawal Agreement Arbitration Panel
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Ms Corinna WISSELS |
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Ms Angelika Helene Anna NUSSBERGER |
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Mr Jan KLUCKA |
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Sir Daniel BETHLEHEM |
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Ms Gabrielle KAUFMANN-KOHLER |
Ordinary members for the Withdrawal Agreement Arbitration Panel
EU:
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Mr Hubert LEGAL |
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Ms Helena JÄDERBLOM |
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Ms Ursula KRIEBAUM |
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Mr Jan WOUTERS |
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Mr Christoph Walter HERRMANN |
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Mr Javier DIEZ-HOCHLEITNER |
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Ms Alice GUIMARAES-PUROKOSKI |
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Mr Barry DOHERTY |
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Ms Tamara ĆAPETA |
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Mr Nico SCHRIJVER |
UK:
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Sir Gerald BARLING |
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Sir Christopher BELLAMY |
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Mr Zachary DOUGLAS |
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Sir Patrick ELIAS |
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Dame Elizabeth GLOSTER |
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Sir Peter GROSS |
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Mr Toby LANDAU QC |
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Mr Dan SAROOSHI QC |
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Ms Jemima STRATFORD QC |
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Sir Michael WOOD |