Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1785/2003 of 29 September 2003 on the common organisation of the market in rice^f1,

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1301/2006 of 31 August 2006 laying down common rules for the administration of import tariff quotas for agricultural products managed by a system of import licences^f2, and in particular Article 7(2) thereof,

Whereas:

Commission Regulation (EC) No 955/2005^f3 opened an annual import tariff quota for 5 605 tonnes of rice falling within CN code 1006 originating in Egypt (serial No 09.4097).

The notification made in accordance with Article 5(a) of Regulation (EC) No 955/2005 shows that the applications lodged until 4 January 2008, at 13.00 (Brussels time) in accordance with Article 4(1) of that Regulation exceed the quantities available. The extent to which licences may be issued should therefore be determined and the allocation coefficient to be applied to the quantities applied for should be laid down.

No further import licences should be issued under Regulation (EC) No 955/2005 for the current quota period,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: