PURPOSE : to extend by 4 years the period during which transitional measures may be adopted with regard to the fat content requirements for milk intended for human consumption in Finland and in Sweden.
COMMUNITY MEASURE : Council Regulation 2703/1999/EC amending Regulation 2596/97/EC extending the period provided for in Article 149(1) of the Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden.
CONTENT : in order to take account of the difficulties in adapting to the Community rules relating to milk for human consumption, Finland and Sweden have benefitted since their accession from a derogation from provisions relating to the fat content of milk for human consumption. This derogation has already been extended several times ; the last extension ran until 31.12.1999.
Taking into consideration the persistence of the difficulties which have necessitated this derogation, this Regulation provides for a new extension of 4 years, that is until 31.12.2003.
Finland and Sweden shall notify the Commission before 31.12.2001 of the measures adopted with a view to adapting to the Community rules. On that basis, the Commission shall present to the Council a mid-term report on the progress made by the Member States concerned.
ENTRY INTO FORCE : 01.01.2000.�