Drinking milk produced in Estonia: derogation from Regulation (EC) No 2597/97

PURPOSE: to extend a milk derogation to Estonia until 30 April 2009.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Regulation (EC) No 315/2007 laying down transitional measures derogating from Regulation (EC) No 2597/97 as regards drinking milk produced in Estonia

CONTENT: Council Regulation (EC) 2597/97 lays down common rules for the production and marketing of drinking milk.  The provisions stipulate that drinking milk should contain a minimum of 3.5% fat. By way of derogation the latter Regulation, Commission Regulation (EC) No 749/2004 of 22 April 2004 laying down transitional measures as regards drinking milk produced in Estonia provides for the possibility for drinking milk produced in Estonia with a fat content of 2.5 % to be delivered and sold in Estonia. That derogation expires on 30 April 2007.

In view of Estonian consumer habits and of the difficulties of adapting to Community rules and taking into account the fact that similar derogations in several other Member States will expire on 30 April 2009, this Regulation extends the derogation allowing the delivery and sale in Estonia of drinking milk produced in Estonia with a fat content of 2.5 %.

ENTRY INTO FORCE : 27/03/2007.

APPLICATION : The Regulation shall apply until 30 April 2009.