Article 3

Applications for import rights are valid only from operators who are entered in a national VAT register.

Operators who at 1 January 2003 have ceased their activities in the beef and veal sector shall not qualify for any allocation under Article 2.

A company formed by the merger of companies each having reference imports pursuant to Article 2 may use those reference imports as basis for its application under that Article.

Proof of import shall be provided exclusively by means of customs documents of release for free circulation duly endorsed by the customs authorities.

Member States may accept copies of the above documents duly certified by the competent authorities.