52004XC0206(03)

Notice to importers

Imports of sugar into the Community from Serbia and Montenegro

(2004/C 33/04)

The European Commission reminds importers of the notice to importers published in the Official Journal of the European Communities C 152 of 26.6.2002, p. 14. Community operators were thereby informed that there was reasonable doubt as to the proper application of the preferential arrangements for sugar of headings CN 1701 and CN 1702, which was declared at import as originating in the countries of the western Balkans in order to benefit from preferential tariff measures.

The preferential arrangements provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 2007/2000 for sugar of CN codes 1701 and 1702 imported from Serbia and Montenegro were suspended for a period of three months by Commission Regulation (EC) No 764/2003. This suspension was extended for an additional period of six months by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1343/2003. The suspension measure was decided on the basis of findings that the system of certification and control of the preferential origin of sugar did not allow the competent authorities of this beneficiary country to verify the originating status of the products and to provide administrative cooperation as required for the verification of evidence of origin.

The deficiencies identified in Serbia and Montenegro's system of certification and control of preferential origin persist to date. The Commission therefore informs operators that it may decide to extend the current suspension beyond its expiry date of 7 February 2004.

The present notice to importers replaces the one published in the Official Journal of the European Union C 177 of 26.7.2003, p. 2.