Decision of the European Central Bank of 25 November 2010 on the quality accreditation procedure for manufacturers of euro banknotes (ECB/2010/22) (2010/773/EU) (repealed)

Article 8 Initiation request and appointment of a quality pre-audit team

1. If a manufacturer:

(i)

has not carried out a euro banknote production activity in the 24 months preceding the request for temporary quality accreditation; or

(ii)

has not carried out any euro banknote production activity but has been requested by an NCB or a printing works to start a euro banknote production activity;

it shall make a written request to the ECB to initiate the procedure for temporary quality accreditation.

This request shall include all of the following:

(a) a specification of the manufacturing site and its location and the euro banknote production activity for which the manufacturer seeks temporary quality accreditation;

(b) information on the euro banknote production activity to be carried out;

(c) a copy of the certificate referred to in Article 4(2)(a).

2. A manufacturer whose temporary quality accreditation has expired may apply for a new temporary quality accreditation. In addition to the information required under paragraph 1, it shall specify in the written request to the ECB the reasons for not having (a) tendered for; or (b) been commissioned to carry out a euro banknote production activity as referred to in Article 4(3).

3. The ECB shall check whether the manufacturer has conformed with the requirements laid down in paragraphs 1 and 2 and inform the manufacturer of the outcome of this evaluation within 30 ECB working days from the date of receipt of the initiation request. The ECB may extend this time limit once with written notice to the manufacturer. While the ECB is carrying out this evaluation, it may request additional information from the manufacturer in relation to the requirements listed in paragraphs 1 and 2. If the ECB requests additional information, it shall inform the manufacturer of the outcome of the evaluation within 20 ECB working days from the date of receipt of the additional information. The ECB may agree with the manufacturer to extend the deadlines mentioned in this paragraph.

4. In the event of a positive evaluation, the ECB shall inform the manufacturer that a quality pre-audit will be carried out at the manufacturer’s premises. The quality pre-audit team shall be appointed as laid down in Article 5(3).

5. The ECB shall reject the initiation request and inform the manufacturer in writing of its rejection and the reasons if any of the following applies:

(a) the manufacturer fails to provide the information required pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2;

(b) it fails to supply any additional information requested by the ECB pursuant to paragraph 3 within a reasonable period to be mutually agreed;

(c) the ECB has revoked its temporary or full quality accreditation and the period of prohibition on reapplication specified in the revocation decision has not elapsed;

(d) the location of the manufacturing site does not meet the requirements laid down in Article 4(2)(d) and (e);

(e) the manufacturer plans to produce euro secure items and the ECB has not granted it security accreditation as referred to in Article 4(2)(c).

6. Subject to paragraph 2, if an accredited manufacturer wishes to have its quality accreditation renewed, and provided it re-applies for temporary quality accreditation before the date established in accordance with Article 10(2)(c), its quality accreditation shall remain valid until the ECB has taken a decision pursuant to Article 10(1).