AGREEMENT in the form of an exchange of letters relating to Article 9 of the Supplementary Protocol to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Portuguese Republic

Sir,

I have the honour to inform you that pursuant to Article 9 (3) of the Supplementary Protocol to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Portuguese Republic, signed on 19 December 1979, the Community has examined the Portuguese law governing wine covered by a registered designation of origin, to ascertain whether it is compatible with Community law in this field.

This examination which constituted a precondition for the granting of the tariff concessions provided for in Article 9, showed that the Portuguese law governing wine covered by a registered designation of origin, in so far as it relates to Verde and Dão wines, is equivalent to Community law.

I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the above.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

On behalf of the Council of the European Communities Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date, which reads as follows:

"I have the honour to inform you that pursuant to Article 9 (3) of the Supplementary Protocol to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Portuguese Republic, signed on 19 December 1979, the Community has examined the Portuguese law governing wine covered by a registered designation of origin, to ascertain whether it is compatible with Community law in this field.

This examination, which constituted a precondition for the granting of the tariff concessions provided for in Article 9, showed that the Portuguese law on wine covered by a registered designation of origin, in so far as it relates to Verde and Dão wines, is equivalent to Community law.

I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the above".

I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the contents of your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of the Portuguese Republic