No L 36/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 14. 2. 96 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 22 November 1993 concerning the conclusion of the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden and the Swiss Confederation relating to the amendment of the Convention of 20 May 1987 on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods (96/154/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 113 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Whereas Article 11 (2) of the Convention between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden and the Swiss Confederation on the simplification of formali- ties in trade in goods (') empowers the Joint Committee set up by that Convention to make recommendations for amendments to the Convention ; Whereas the Convention has been amended to allow for the accession of new Contracting Parties ; Whereas the amendments in question are set out in recommendation No 1/93 of the Joint Committee ; whereas the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters relating to that recommendation should be approved, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 The Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and the Republic of () OJ No L 134, 22. 5. 1987, p. 2. Austria, the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden and the Swiss Confederation relating to the amendment of the Convention of 20 May 1987 on the simplification of formalities in trade in goods is hereby approved on behalf of the Community. The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision. Article 2 The President of the Council is hereby authorized to designate the person empowered to sign the Agreement in order to bind the Community. Done at Brussels, 22 November 1993. For the Council The President Ph. MAYSTADT