Notwithstanding Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No 612/2009, proof of completion of customs formalities for import shall not be required for payment of refunds fixed in a contract awarded for refunds on exports to all third countries, provided that the operator provides proof that a quantity of at least 1 500 tonnes of cereal product have left the customs territory of the Union on board a vessel suitable for sea transport.
Such proof shall be furnished by the insertion of one of the entries listed in Annex III certified by the competent authority, on the control copy referred to in Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 612/2009, the export declaration referred to in Article 787 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93(1) or the national document proving that the goods have left the customs territory of the Union.