1.Where the potential or known environmental effects of a proposed movement of an organism are liable to affect neighbouring Member States, the competent authority shall notify the Member State or States concerned and the Commission of its intention to grant a permit by sending a draft decision, accompanied by an explanatory memorandum and a summary of the environmental risk assessment as specified in Annex II, Part 3.
2.Within two months of the date of notification, the other Member States concerned may submit written comments to the Commission.
3.Within six months of the date of notification, the Commission shall, after consulting the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), established under Article 33 of Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 and the Advisory Committee for Fisheries and Aquaculture, established by Decision 1999/478/EC, confirm, reject or amend the proposed decision to grant a permit.
4.Within 30 days of the date of the Commission's decision, the Member States concerned may refer that decision to the Council. Within a further 30 day period, the Council, acting by qualified majority, may take a different decision.