Article 4
1. For the purposes of allocating the portion of each quota set aside for traditional importers, "traditional" importers shall mean importers who can show that they have imported goods in either the calendar year 1998 or 1999. 2. The evidence referred to in Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 520/94 shall relate to the release into free circulation during either calendar year 1998 or 1999, as indicated by the importer, of products originating in the People's Republic of China which are covered by the quota in respect of which the application is made. 3. Instead of the evidence referred to in the first indent of Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 520/94: - applicants may enclose with their licence applications documents drawn up and certified by the competent national authorities on the basis of available customs information as evidence of the imports of the product in question during calendar year 1998 or 1999 carried out by themselves or, where applicable, by the operator whose activities they have taken over, - applicants already holding import licences issued for 2003 under Commission Regulation (EC) No 2077/2002(8), for products covered by the licence application may enclose a copy of their previous licences with their licence applications. In that case they shall indicate in their licence application the aggregate quantity of imports of the product in question during the chosen reference period.