Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 of 28 October 1996 on the common organisation of the market in fruit and vegetables^f1, and in particular Article 2(2) thereof,

Whereas:

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1615/2001^f2 lays down the marketing standard for melons, particularly as regards marking.

With a view to clarity and to ensure international transparency, account should be taken of the recent amendments made to standard FFV-23 concerning the marketing and commercial quality control of melons by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Working Party on Standardisation of Perishable Produce and Quality Development.

Melons are identified and marketed on the basis of commercial type. The main commercial types are listed in a brochure published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), setting out the main commercial types of melon, along with comments and illustrations. The purpose of the brochure is to facilitate a common interpretation of the standards in force, in particular UNECE Standard FFV-23, on which Regulation (EC) No 1615/2001 is based.

Regulation (EC) No 1615/2001 should be amended accordingly.

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

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: