Notwithstanding Article 28b of Regulation (EC) No 2847/93, vessels flying the flag of Norway of less than 200 GT shall be exempt from the obligation to have a licence and a fishing permit.

The licence and special fishing permit shall be kept on board. However, vessels registered in the Faroe Islands or Norway shall be exempt from that obligation.

Vessels from third countries authorised to fish on 31 December 2004 may continue to fish as from 1 January 2005 until the list of vessels authorised to fish is submitted to and approved by the Commission.