Article 5 Applicants

Applicants shall submit, at the time of their first application for a given import tariff quota period to the competent authorities of the Member State in which they are established and in which they are registered for VAT purposes the application referred to in Article 6(1) accompanied by proof that at the time their application is submitted, they have been engaged in trade with third countries in products covered by the relevant common market organisation:

• during the 12 month period immediately prior to the time of that application, and

• during the 12 month period immediately prior to the 12 month period referred to in the first indent.

Proof of trade with third countries shall be furnished exclusively either by means of the customs documents of release for free circulation, duly endorsed by the customs authorities and containing a reference to the applicant concerned as being the consignee, or by means of the customs document of exportation duly endorsed by the customs authorities.

Customs agents or representatives shall not apply for import licences under the quotas falling within the scope of this Regulation.