Article 2
1. The intervention agency shall conclude storage contracts only when the following conditions are met: (a) the quantity of cheese to which the contract relates is not less than two tonnes; (b) the cheese was manufactured at least 90 days before the date specified in the contract as being the date of commencement of storage, and after 30 November 1996; (c) the cheese has undergone tests which show that it meets the condition laid down in (b) and that it is of first quality; (d) the storer undertakes: - to keep the cheese during the entire period of storage in premises where the maximum temperature is + 16 °C, - not, during the term of the contract, to alter the composition of the batch which is the subject of the contract without authorization from the intervention agency. If the condition concerning the minimum quantity fixed for each batch continues to be met, the intervention agency may authorize an alteration which is limited to the removal or replacement of cheeses which are found to have deteriorated to such an extent that they can no longer be stored. In the event of release from store of certain quantities: (i) if the aforesaid quantities are replaced with the authorization of the intervention agency, the contract is deemed not to have undergone any alteration; (ii) if the aforesaid quantities are not replaced, the contract is deemed to have been concluded ab initio for the quantity permanently retained. Any supervisory costs arising from an alteration shall be met by the storer, - to keep stock accounts and to inform the intervention agency each week of the quantity of cheese put into storage during the previous week, and of any planned withdrawals. 2. The storage contract shall be concluded: (a) in writing, stating the date when storage covered by the contract begins; this may not be earlier than the day following that on which the operations connected with putting the batch of cheese covered by the contract into storage were completed; (b) after completion by the operations connected with putting the batch of cheese covered by the contract into storage and at the latest 40 days after the date on which the storage covered by the contract begins.