26/11/2002 (Agence Europe) - By adopting the report by the Italian Luciano Caveri (ELDR) last week on the draft regulation banning organotin compound on ships - on 1 January 2003 for ships of Member states and 1 January 2008 for all ships entering a Community port - Parliament approved (first reading co-decision) the objective of reducing the harmful environmental effects of stain-repellent paints used on ships and encourages Member states to ratify the AFS Convention (see EUROPE of 12 July). It would, however, like to amend the date for entry into force of measures for Member States: whereas the European commission proposes that the majority of measures take effect on 1 January 2003, Parliament recommends three months after the regulation takes effect and before 1 July 2003.