Article 17
Experts from the Commission may, where necessary in order to ensure the uniform application of this Directive and in collaboration with the competent authorities, carry out on-the-spot checks. For this purpose they may inspect a representative percentage of holdings in order to verify whether the competent authorities monitor compliance with the provisions of this Directive. The Commission shall notify the Member States of the results of the checks carried out.
The Member State on whose territory a check is carried out shall provide the experts with all the necessary assistance in the performance of their task.
The general implementing rules for this article shall be laid down in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 20(2).