THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to European Parliament and Council Directive 98/13/EC of 12 February 1998 regarding telecommunications terminal equipment and satellite earth station equipment, including the mutual recognition of their conformity1, and in particular Article 7(2), second indent, thereof,

Whereas the Commission has adopted the measures identifying the type of terminal equipment for which a common technical regulation is required, as well as the associated scope statement according to Article 7(2), first indent;

Whereas the corresponding harmonised standards, or parts thereof, implementing the essential requirements which are to be transformed into common technical regulations should be adopted;

Whereas in order to ensure continuity of access to markets for manufacturers, it is necessary to lay down transitional provisions regarding equipment approved under Commission Decision 96/629/EC2;

Whereas Decision 96/629/EC should be repealed with effect from the end of the transitional period;

Whereas Decision 97/527/EC3 should be repealed on 24 October 1998;

Whereas the proposal has been submitted to the Committee (ACTA), according to Article 29(2);

Whereas the common technical regulation to be adopted in this Decision is in accordance with the opinion of ACTE,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: