Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2008)362 - Community position within the Joint Committee established by the agreement with Switzerland of 22 July 1972 on the adaptation of Protocol No 3, concerning the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative co-operation, pursuant to the 2007 enlargement of the EU - Main contents
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| dossier | COM(2008)362 - Community position within the Joint Committee established by the agreement with Switzerland of 22 July 1972 on the ... |
|---|---|
| source | COM(2008)362  |
| date | 17-06-2008 |
Grounds for and objectives of the proposal
Bulgaria and Romania acceded to the European Union on 1 January 2007. The Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation of 22 July 1972 applies directly to these two Member States as of their day of accession.
The accession of the new Member States implies that Protocol No 3 concerning the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative cooperation, which was last amended by Decision No 3/2005 of the EC-Switzerland Joint Committee i requires some technical amendments.
According to Article 39 of Protocol No 3, the provisions of this Protocol may be amended by decision of the Joint Committee.
The text of the draft decision includes some technical amendments and some transitional provisions, aiming at smoothing the transitional process and at guaranteeing legal security.
Point 4 of Annex V of the 2005 Act of Accession provides for similar transitional provisions.
Moreover, Annex II to Protocol No 3 has been amended in order to take into account the changes introduced into the Nomenclature governed by the Convention on the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System (Harmonised System) as from 1 January 2007.
These amendments were discussed by the experts of both Contracting Parties at the Joint Committee meeting, as well as at the Customs Committee.
General context
The accession of new Member States to the EU implies that the protocol on rules of origin, included in the Community agreements with third countries, has to be amended by a decision of the joint committee, or equivalent, foreseen by the agreement.
The impact of the changes introduced in the Harmonised System 2007 on the rules of origin has lead to the amendment of the list rules contained in Annex II to any origin protocol.
Existing provisions in the area of the proposal
The proposal provides for amendments to Protocol No 3 to the Agreement between the EEC and Switzerland of 1972. This protocol concerns the definition of the concept of originating products and methods of administrative cooperation, and was last amended by Decision No 3/2005 of the EC-Switzerland Joint Committee.
Consistency with the other policies and objectives of the Union
The proposed decision is consistent with the enlargement policy of the Union, as it is a direct consequence of the enlargement process.
consultation of int ERESTED PARTIES AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Consultation of interested parties
Further to the discussions at the Customs Committee held on 23 November 2006, the customs administrations on both sides would already autonomously implement the content of this draft Decision.
Collection and use of expertise
There was no need for external expertise.
Impact assessment
There is no need for an impact assessment insofar as the amendments proposed are merely technical and do not modify the substance of the current origin protocol.
Summary of the proposed action
The draft decision lays down the necessary amendments to Protocol No 3 pursuant to the enlargement of the EU:
- Articles 3 i and 4 i: deletion of the new Member States;
- Annexes IVa and IVb: addition of the new language versions;
- transitional provisions on proofs of origin and administrative cooperation and for goods in transit;
- Annex II: modified further to the amendments of the Harmonised System 2007 in order to maintain the origin rules unchanged.
Legal basis
Article 133 in conjunction with Article 300 paragraph 2, second subparagraph of the Treaty establishing the European Community.
Subsidiarity principle
The proposal falls under the exclusive competence of the Community. The subsidiarity principle therefore does not apply.
Proportionality principle
The proposal complies with the proportionality principle for the following reason(s).
There is no other option in the present case. Therefore this is the simplest measure possible.
There is no extra financial and administrative burden.
Choice of intruments
Proposed instruments: Council decision
Other means would not be adequate for the following reason(s).
The accession of new Member States to the EU and the entry into force of the Harmonised System 2007 imply an amendment of the protocol on rules of origin. Article 39 of the protocol provides for the Joint Committee to amend the provisions of this Protocol.
The proposal has no implication for the Community budget.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A review, revision or sunset clause is not foreseen .