THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 of 22 October 2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation),
Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1301/2006 of 31 August 2006 laying down common rules for the administration of import tariff quotas for agricultural products managed by a system of import licences, and in particular Article 7(2) thereof,
Whereas:
(1)
Commission Regulation (EC) No 341/2007 opens and provides for the administration of tariff quotas and introduces a system of import licences and certificates of origin for garlic and other agricultural products imported from third countries.
(2)
The quantities for which ‘A’ licence applications have been lodged by traditional importers and by new importers during the first seven working days of April 2011, pursuant to Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) No 341/2007 exceed the quantities available for products originating in China, and all third countries other than China and Argentina.
(3)
Therefore, in accordance with Article 7(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1301/2006, it is now necessary to establish the extent to which the ‘A’ licence applications sent to the Commission by 14 April 2011 can be met in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 341/2007.
(4)
In order to ensure sound management of the procedure of issuing import licences, the present Regulation should enter into force immediately after its publication,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: