Article 7a F1

As regards release for free circulation in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia as of 1 May 2004 of the steel products covered by this Commission Decision, an import licence is required, even if the steel products have been shipped before that date. If the steel products are shipped to a new Member State before 1 May 2004 , the import licence is granted automatically without quantitative limitation on presentation of the bill of lading or another transport document deemed to be equivalent by the Community licensing offices proving the shipment date and after approval from the Commission’s office responsible for the management of licences (SIGL). If the steel products are shipped to a new Member State on 1 May 2004 or after that date, they are subject to the specific rules governing quantitative limits as defined in this Commission Decision.