Processed agricultural products as goods: trade arrangements, Uruguay round follow-up (amend. Regulation (EC) No 3448/93)

The Council has agreed the proposal concerning the IPT (inward processing traffic) subject to the amendments accepted at the meetings of the Special Committee on Agriculture on 29 February and 13 March 2000. These amendments reflect the Commission's undertaking to use this instrument with caution and flexibility, as a last resort. In this connection, the Commission has expressed support for flexible management of supply balances and the regular updating thereof, whilst also taking account of the availability of commodities for IPT. Furthermore, the Council asks the Commission, in the context of the implementing procedures, to review the threshold of 20 000 euros for small and medium-sized exporters. The Council is waiting for the European Parliament's Opinion in order to take a decision as soon as possible on this proposal. The Council requests the Commission, as it did in December 1999, to monitor closely the development of the export market for the various products exported in the form on non-Annex I goods and the relevant budgetary situation, and where necessary to take appropriate steps without delay. The Council asks the Commission to report to the Council if required before the end of June 2001.�