Transitional arrangements required in the agricultural sector, Uruguay round

The Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 3290/94, which lays down the adaptations and transitional measures required in the agricultural sector in order to implement the agreements concluded during the Uruguay Round, and particularly the Agreement on Agriculture (accompanied by the Agreement on Safeguards and on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Tights). The Agreement on Agriculture, on which the present Regulation is based, essentially lays down a six-year timetable for the extension of access to the Community market for agricultural products from third countries, on the one hand, and the gradual reduction in the level of support granted by the Community for exports of agricultural products, on the other. At the same time, the Agreement requires the abolition of variable import levies and other charges which restrict the import of agricultural products (tarification). The present Regulation therefore seeks to adapt the agricultural legislation relating to trade with third countries with a view to bringing it into line with the measures provided for under the Agreement on Agriculture. The adaptations apply to the following products: cereals, rice, dried fodder, sugar, oils and fats, flax and hemp, milk products, beef and veal, sheepmeat, goatmeat, pigmeat, poultrymeat, eggs and egg products, fruit and vegetables (including processed fruit and vegetables), bananas, wine, tobacco, hops, live plants, cut flowers and seeds. Derogations may be provided to facilitate the switch-over from the existing arrangements to those resulting from the adaptations to the requirements of the Agreement. These measures may only be adopted during a period which expires on 30.06.1996, and shall not apply beyond that date. Before 30.06.1997 the Commission shall submit a report to the Council and the European Parliament on the operation of the new arrangements and on any amendments arising out of the results of that report. As regards comitology, the administration of tariff quotas (current and minimum access) shall be undertaken by the Commission using the management committee procedure. The Regulation enters into force on 01.01.1995 and shall be applicable from 01.07.1995 (apart from its specific derogations). �