The applicant shall be informed in writing within a reasonable time of the decision to issue or refuse a permit, and in any case not later than six months from the date of application, excluding time when an applicant provides additional information if the advisory committee so requests.

F1The appropriate authority may request to have applications and risk assessments regarding marine organisms reviewed by ICES prior to the issuing of an opinion by the advisory committee. In such cases an additional period of six months shall be allowed.