1. Quotas shall be allocated among applicants as soon as possible after they have been opened. It may be decided, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 22(2), to allocate them in several tranches.

2. Quotas may, inter alia , be administered using one of the following methods, or a combination of those methods:

a method based on traditional trade flows, in accordance with Articles 6 to 11;

a method based on the order in which applications are submitted (on a ‘first come, first served’ basis), in accordance with Article 12;

a method allocating quotas in proportion to the quantities requested when the applications are submitted (using the ‘simultaneous examination’ procedure), in accordance with Article 13.

3. The allocation method to be used shall be determined in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 22(2).

4. If it is apparent that none of the methods indicated in paragraph 2 of this Article is appropriate to the specific requirements of a quota which has been opened, any other appropriate method shall be determined in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 22(2).

5. Quantities that are not allocated, assigned or used shall be redistributed in accordance with Article 14 in time to allow them to be used before the end of the period covered by the quota.

If it is found that it has not been possible to redistribute such quantities in time, their possible redistribution during the following quota period shall be decided on a case-by-case-basis, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 22(2).

6. Save where other provisions are adopted when the quota is set, the release for free circulation or export of products subject to quotas shall be conditional on the presentation of an import or export licence issued by the Member States in accordance with this Regulation.

7. Member States shall designate the administrative authorities competent to carry out implementing measures for which they are responsible under this Regulation. They shall notify the Commission of the authority thus designated.

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 717/2008 of 17 July 2008 establishing a Community procedure for administering quantitative quotas (Codified version) ANNEX I ANNEX II