Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/96 of 28 October 1996 on the common organisation of the markets in processed fruit and vegetable products^f1, and in particular Articles 6b(3) and 6c(7) thereof,

Whereas:

Article 9(2) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1535/2003^f2 provides that amendments to contracts may increase the quantity originally stipulated in the contract by no more than 30 %. However, for dried figs intended for the production of fig pastes, that percentage may be up to 100 % of the quantities originally stipulated in the contract between the producer and the processor. That derogation applies only until the 2003/04 marketing year.

Since the reasons for the derogation, i.e. the fact that production and exportation extend over the whole of the marketing year, continue to apply, it should be made permanent.

Regulation (EC) No 1535/2003 should therefore be amended accordingly.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Products Processed from Fruit and Vegetables,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: