Article 2
1. Import licences under this Regulation may be issued for 1997 only for 178 000 animals falling within CN code 0102 90 05 originating in the countries listed in Annex I. 2. For those animals, the ad valorem duty and the specific duties fixed in the Common Customs Tariff (CCT) shall be reduced by 80 %. 3. The quantity referred to in paragraph 1 shall be divided into two parts, as follows: (a) the first part, equal to 70 %, i.e. 124 600 head, shall be allocated among: - importers from the Community as constituted on 31 December 1994 who can furnish proof of having imported animals falling within CN code 0102 90 05 during 1994, 1995 and 1996 in the context of the Regulations referred to in Annex II, and - importers from the new Member States who can furnish proof of having imported, into the Member State where they are established: - animals falling within the abovementioned CN code during 1994 from countries which were for them third countries on 31 December 1994, and - animals during 1995 or 1996 in the context of the Regulations referred to at (b) of Annex II; (b) the second part, equal to 30 %, i.e. 53 400 head, shall be allocated among importers who can furnish proof of having imported and/or exported during 1996 at least 100 live bovine animals falling within CN code 0102 90 apart from those under (a). Importers must be registered for VAT purposes in a Member State. 4. The 124 600 head shall be allocated among the eligible importers in proportion to their imports of animals within the meaning of paragraph 3 (a) during 1994, 1995 and 1996 proven in accordance with paragraph 6. 5. The 53 400 head shall be allocated in proportion to the quantities applied for by the eligible importers. 6. Proof of import and export shall be provided exclusively by means of the customs document of release for free circulation or the export document duly stamped by the customs authorities. Member States may accept copies of the abovementioned documents duly certified by the issuing authority where the applicant can prove to the satisfaction of the competent authority that he was not able to obtain the original documents.