1.Notwithstanding the general rules on fishing licences and special fishing permits provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1627/94, fishing in waters of third countries shall be subject to the holding of a licence issued by the authorities of the third country.
However, the first subparagraph shall not apply to the following Community vessels, when fishing in Norwegian waters of the North Sea:
(a)vessels of a tonnage equal to or less than 200 GT;
(b)vessels carrying out fisheries for human consumption for species other than mackerel;
(c)vessels flying the flag of Sweden, in line with established practice.
2.The maximum number of licences and other associated conditions shall be fixed as set out in Part I of Annex VI. Requests for licences shall indicate the types of fishing and the name and characteristics of the vessels for which licences are to be issued and shall be addressed by the authorities of the Member States to the Commission. The Commission shall submit these requests to the authorities of the third country concerned.
If one Member State transfers quota to another Member State (swap) in the fishing areas set out in Part I of Annex VI, the transfer shall include an appropriate transfer of licences and shall be notified to the Commission. However, the total number of licences for each fishing area, as set out in Part I of Annex VI, shall not be exceeded.
3.Community vessels shall comply with the conservation and control measures and all other provisions governing the zone in which they operate.