(a) Amount and timing. The Secretary may issue certificates of quota eligibility to foreign countries for any quota period in such amounts and at such times as he or she determines are appropriate to enable the foreign country to fill its quota allocation for such quota period in a reasonable manner, taking into account traditional shipping patterns, harvesting period, U.S. import requirements, and other relevant factors.

(b) Adjustments. The Secretary may adjust the amount of certificates issued to a certifying authority for any quota period, provided that such adjustment will not have the effect of modifying the allocation of sugar made pursaunt to the provisions of subdivision (b) of additional U.S. Note 5 to reflect:

(1) The amount of sugar entered into warehouse during previous quota periods;

(2) Anticipated differences in actual weight and weight determined on a raw value basis; and

(3) Other relevant factors.