The competent authority may, in exceptional cases and subject to approval where required by paragraph 2, require quarantine in accordance with Article 15(2), (3) and (4) before release of species from non-routine translocations into open aquaculture facilities.

Where the appropriate authority is a different person to the competent authority, prior approval of the appropriate authority is required. The request for approval by the appropriate authority must indicate the reasons why quarantine is required. The appropriate authority must reply to such requests within 30 days.