The application period for cereals, tomatoes and skimmed milk products has opened and will run until 21 July, the Department of Information has said.

These applications have to be submitted between 8.30am and 12.30pm at the Rural Affairs and the Environment Ministry, Department of Policy Development, BS Buildings, State Aid Unit, N/S Off Mosta Road, Hal-Lija, BZN 09.

Applications will cover the period July-December. When applying, importers who are eligible for registration as either traditional importers or non-traditional importers are required to provide details of their purchase plans for the next six months, commencing July-December.

Prospective importers are required to provide a bank guarantee to the Rural Affairs and the Environment Ministry. Such guarantee will be released within four weeks of the physical delivery and Customs clearance of the goods in Malta.

The products covered by these applications are:

• Cereals

• Maize (corn, excluding barley seeds)

CN Codes 10059000, 11031310, 11031390;

• Barley (excluding barley seeds)

CN Codes 10030090;

• Semi-processed tomatoes products

• Prepared tomatoes in dry matter >30% in packs >50 kg

CN Code 20029091;

• Skimmed milk products

• Milk cream in powder or other solid form, fat content <1.5%;

CN Codes 04021011, 04021019.

Interested applicants are requested to note that importers who have applied for temporary state aid during the year 2005, are required to present information regarding imports during 2005. This applies, however, if such information was not presented to the State Aid Unit. Guidelines and application forms can be obtained through the website: www.mrae.gov.mt/downloads.asp