Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1784/2003 of 29 September 2003 on the common organisation of the market in cereals^f1, and in particular the second paragraph of Article 24 thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1785/2003 of 29 September 2003 on the common organisation of the market in rice^f2, and in particular Article 25(2) thereof,

Whereas:

Council Regulation (EC) No 2007/2000^f3, which has introduced exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association process, admits cereals and rice originating in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the customs territories of Montenegro, Serbia or Kosovo for import into the Community without quantitative restrictions and with exemption from customs duties.

Article 16 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1342/2003 of 28 July 2003 laying down special detailed rules for the application of the system of import and export licences for cereals and rice^f4 provides for the communication by the Member States to the Commission of requests for import or export licences. In these communications, the indication of the origin is not required for cereals other than common wheat.

In order to provide for a close follow-up of cereals and rice imports the Member States should communicate the origins indicated on the import licences for all cereals and rice.

Regulation (EC) No 1342/2003 should be amended accordingly.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for cereals,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: