The Council adopted a legislative package for the reform of the market in milk products, concerning respectively the introduction of flat-rate aid for the school milk scheme, whatever the fat content of the milk (EUR 16,11/100 kg), the alignment of the protein content of European milk with the international standard set at 34% (standardisation) and indication of the exact fat content, the latter measure being intended to improve consumer information (12750/07, 13004/07, 13006/07 and 12790 ADD1).

2. Before 15 May each year, purchasers shall forward to the competent authority of the Member State a declaration summarising the statements referred to in paragraph 1, showing at least the total quantity and the average fat content of the milk delivered to them and, where so required by decision of the Member State, for each producer, the reference quantity and the representative fat content, the quantity corrected in accordance with Article 10(1), the sum of the individual reference quantities and the corrected quantities and the average fat content of those producers' production.

1. At the end of each 12-month period, purchasers shall draw up a statement for each producer showing at least the quantity and fat content of the milk delivered by the latter during that period.

It should be stressed that under no circumstances may individual downward corrections of the fat content of delivered milk or the separation of milk into its different components result in a deduction from the levy payment of any quantity in excess of the guaranteed total quantity in a Member State.

(11) It is necessary to determine the way the fat content of milk is to be taken into account when drawing up the definitive statement of quantities delivered.

The new legislation introduces other provisions, however, which have resulted in the Commission initiating an infringement procedure under Article 169 regarding : - a) The application of certain national quality standards to imported butter, namely standards concerning its minimum fats and salt content. - b) The exclusion of all imported butter (satisfying German standards) which cannot lawfully be marketed in its country of origin.