Article 18b
1
Notwithstanding the periods set out in paragraph 2 and provided that this does not significantly distort competition, Member States with difficulties in implementing the new minimum levels of taxation shall be allowed a transitional period until
1 January 2007
, particularly in order to avoid jeopardising price stability.
2
The Republic of Cyprus may apply a transitional period until
1 January 2008
to adjust its national level of taxation on gas oil and kerosene used as propellant to the new minimum level of EUR
302
per
1 000
l and until
1 January 2010
to reach EUR
330
. However, the level of taxation on gas oil and kerosene used as propellant shall be not less than EUR
245
per
1 000
l as from
1 May 2004
.
The Republic of Cyprus may apply a transitional period until
1 January 2010
to adjust its national level of taxation on unleaded petrol used as propellant to the new minimum level of EUR
359
per
1 000
l. However, the level of taxation on unleaded petrol shall be not less than EUR
287
per
1 000
l as from
1 May 2004
.
3
Within the transitional periods established, Member States shall progressively reduce their respective gaps with respect to the new minimum levels of taxation. However, where the difference between the national level and the minimum level does not exceed
3
% of that minimum level, the Member State concerned may wait until the end of the period to adjust its national level.
Inserted by Council Directive 2004/75/EC of 29 April 2004 amending Directive 2003/96/EC as regards the possibility for Cyprus to apply, in respect of energy products and electricity, temporary exemptions or reductions in the levels of taxation.
Inserted by Corrigendum to Council Directive 2004/75/EC of 29 April 2004 amending Directive 2003/96/EC as regards the possibility for Cyprus to apply, in respect of energy products and electricity, temporary exemptions or reductions in the levels of taxation (Official Journal of the European Union L 157 of 30 April 2004).