THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 92/34/EEC of 28 April 1992 on the marketing of fruit plant propagating material and fruit plants intended for fruit production1, and in particular Article 4 thereof,

Whereas, in applying the provisions of this Directive, it is appropriate to take into account the production cycles of the various materials;

Whereas, pursuant to point (i) of Article 11 of Directive 92/34/EEC, requirements as to the supplier's document accompanying CAC propagating material and fruit plants shall be laid down in the schedule established pursuant to Article 4;

Whereas a system of certification for such material has (as far as certain species are concerned) been developed or is in the course of development at an international level by the European Plant Protection Organization (EPPO);

Whereas the conditions laid down in this Directive must be regarded as the minimum standard acceptable at this stage taking into account the current production conditions in the Community; whereas they will progressively be developed and refined in order ultimately to achieve high standards of quality;

Whereas the measures provided for in this Directive are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Propagating Material and Plants of Fruit Genera and Species,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: