Article 3

A Community operator may apply for import rights on the basis of a reference quantity which shall be the quantities of beef falling under CN code 0201, 0202, 0206 10 95 or 0206 29 91 imported by him/her or on his/her account under the relevant customs provisions, between 1 January 2003 and 30 April 2004.

Operators in the new Member States may apply for import rights on the basis of imports in the period and of the products referred to in the first subparagraph from countries which for them were third countries until 30 April 2004.

A company formed by the merger of companies each having reference imports may use those reference imports as basis for its application.

Proof of imports referred to in paragraph 1 shall accompany the application for import rights and shall be provided by means of duly endorsed copy for the consignee of the customs declaration for release for free circulation.