(1)

Until 31 December 2006, trade in agricultural products between the Community and Bulgaria and Romania was subject to the presentation of an import or export license. As of 1 January 2007, those licenses could no longer be used for such trade.

(2)

Certain licenses which are still valid after 1 January 2007 have not been used at all or have been used only partially. Commitments entered into in connection with those licenses must be fulfilled failing which the security lodged would be forfeited. Given that such commitments can no longer be fulfilled after the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, it appears necessary to lay down, with effect from the date of accession of those two countries, a transitory measure providing for the release of the securities lodged.

(3)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the all the Management Committees concerned,

(a)

the country of destination, origin or provenance marked in the licenses or certificates is Bulgaria or Romania;

(b)

the validity of the licenses or certificates has not expired before 1 January 2007;

(c)

the licenses or certificates have been used only partially or not at all by 1 January 2007.