A request for extension of time limits or postponement of the dates for replying to questionnaires, to submitting additional information, for on-the-spot visits, or for comments on disclosures shall first be addressed by any interested party to the Commission services responsible for the investigation. Such a request must be made in due time before the expiry of the original time limit. Where such a request is rejected or where the interested party considers that the extension given is too short, it may submit, before the expiry of the original time limit, a reasoned request to the hearing officer to review the matter. After hearing the Director responsible or his delegate, the hearing officer may extend the time limits or reject the request.

The Commission services shall not act in the matter referred before the hearing officer has decided.

The hearing officer shall decide with due regard to the specific circumstances of the request concerned and the time constraints of the proceeding.