Export refunds for ovalbumin
28.8.2003
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2696/03
by Heinz Kindermann (PSE)
to the Commission
The production of egg products generates greater quantities of albumin than the European market can absorb, while third countries have a substantial need for high-grade albumin. In order to be capable of competing on the world market, the European egg production industry is dependent on export refunds.
Ovalbumin is regarded as a non-Annex I product (CN Code 3502) and so, for the purpose of export refunds, is bracketed with wheat and milk products rather than eggs in shell (CN Code 0408). On account of increased exports in the wheat and milk products sectors, the Commission recently introduced a reduction of over 90% for export licence applications, a reduction which also applies to ovalbumin, although exports in that sector have not increased.
Ovalbumin accounts for a very small proportion of the total products covered by CN Code 3502, but is very important for small and medium-sized undertakings in the egg production industry.
- What is the Commission’s assessment of the effects on the ovalbumin sector of the measures decided?
- Is the Commission prepared to change the tariff classification of ovalbumin by reclassifying it under agricultural products, thus placing it on the same footing as other egg products such as eggs in shell, egg yolk and whole egg (CN Code 0408)? If so, what timescale does it have in mind? If not, why not?
OJ C 70 E, 20/03/2004