1.Without prejudice to the operators’ obligation to exercise due diligence under Article 4(2), [F1the competent authority] may provide technical and other assistance and guidance to operators, taking into account the situation of small and medium-sized enterprises, in order to facilitate compliance with the requirements of this Regulation, in particular in relation to the implementation of a due diligence system in accordance with Article 6.
2.[F2The competent authority] may facilitate the exchange and dissemination of relevant information on illegal logging, in particular with a view to assisting operators in assessing risk as set out in Article 6(1)(b), and on best practices regarding the implementation of this Regulation.
3.Assistance shall be provided in a manner which avoids compromising the responsibilities of [F3the competent authority and preserves its] independence in enforcing this Regulation.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in Art. 13(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Timber and Timber Products and FLEGT (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1025), regs. 1(1), 6(12)(a) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1315, regs. 1(2), 2(2)(b)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F2Words in Art. 13(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Timber and Timber Products and FLEGT (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1025), regs. 1(1), 6(12)(b) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1315, regs. 1(2), 2(2)(b)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F3Words in Art. 13(3) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Timber and Timber Products and FLEGT (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1025), regs. 1(1), 6(12)(c) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1315, regs. 1(2), 2(2)(b)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)