Following a discussion, Commission members decided to keep import quotas on beef, pork and poultry meat in 2010-2012 and agreed on the distribution of quotas: it was recommended to distribute 70% of a quota on historical principles and 30% through tenders. It was also agreed to adopt a 3-year period (2007-2009) for the historical distribution of quota shares among market participants. This approach, in the opinion of Commission members, is the best and ensures healthy competition on the meat market.

With a view to increasing customs control over the import certain types of wines and spirits the Commission agreed to harmonise on a temporary basis (nine months) import customs duties on wine supplied bottled and unbottled (the current rate is 20%) and on must (the current rate is 5%). The proposed rate makes 15% of customs value.

The equal customs rates on these commodities will reduce instances of must being supplied as unbotttled wine.

Commission members kept the existing customs export rates on unprocessed timber in 2010 unchanged.

In view of the unavailability of similar goods on the Russian market, the Commission reduced, on a temporary basis (nine months), import customs duties on certain types of chalk overlay paper and cardboard, from 15% to 5%. The decision was taken to support and boost the Russian printing market.

Following the meeting, the Commission will recommend the Government to extend import customs duties on combine harvesters for another nine months and keep the import of high-speed electric trains duty-free.

Current import customs duties will also be extended on certain types of rolled steel and non-ferrous pipes, with the exception of 4 separate pipe types (Commodity Classification of Foreign Trade Products codes 7304 41 009, 7304 49 100 0, 7304 49 920 0, and 7306 11900 0).

In conclusion, Commission members decided against extending zero import customs duties on certain types of cold-rolled flats.