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 codes 0201, 0202, 0206 10 95 or 0206 29 91 imported by him/her or on his behalf under the relevant customs provisions, between 1 May 2004 and 30 April 2005.

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 a duly endorsed copy for the consignee of the customs declaration for release for free circulation.