(1)

From 1 July 2005, eggs sold on a local public market must be stamped with a code designating the producer’s distinguishing number and permitting the farming method to be identified in accordance with Article 7(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 1907/90 of 26 June 1990 on certain marketing standards for eggs (2). In some Member States, this requirement could create difficulties for small, low-income holdings, where egg production is often only a sideline. As the possibility of selling these table eggs on local public markets is of great economic and social importance for such holdings, Member States should be permitted to exempt them from the compulsory marking requirement. A derogation should therefore be laid down to this end for holdings with up to 50 laying hens.

(2)

Given the urgency of the matter, it is imperative to grant an exception to the six-week period referred to in paragraph I(3) of the Protocol on the role of national parliaments in the European Union, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaties establishing the European Communities.

(3)

Regulation (EEC) No 1907/90 should therefore be amended accordingly,