Article 4

Following the notification referred to in Article 3(5), the Commission shall decide as soon as possible to which extent the applications can be met.

If the quantities covered by applications as referred to in Article 3 exceed those available for the period in question, the Commission shall fix a single percentage reduction to be applied to the quantities applied for.

Where application of the reduction coefficient provided for in the first subparagraph gives a figure of less than 100 head per application, the quantity available shall be awarded by the Member States concerned by drawing lots for import rights covering 100 head each. Where the remainder lot is less than 100 head it shall be considered a single lot.

Licences shall be issued as soon as possible subject to the Commission's decision regarding acceptance of the applications.