The Commission may, in accordance with the regulatory procedure referred to in Article 12(2), adopt technical formats for the purpose of processing and transmission of data, including statistical and cartographic data, to the Commission. The technical formats should be adopted at least two years before the dates indicated respectively in Articles 4(4), 6(8) and 7(5), taking into account existing standards as well as formats developed under relevant Community acts.

The Commission may, taking into account the periods for review and updating, adapt the Annex to scientific and technical progress.

These measures, designed to amend non-essential elements of this Directive, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 12(3).