A decision under paragraph 1(b) extending the action taken until the biocidal product is authorised may specify deadlines by which applications to approve the active substances that the biocidal product contains, consists of or generates, or to authorise the biocidal product, must be submitted.

By way of derogation from point (a) of Article 19(1) and until an active substance is approved, the competent authority may authorise, for a period not exceeding three years, a biocidal product containing a new active substance.

Such a provisional authorisation may be issued only if, after dossiers have been evaluated in accordance with Article 8, the competent authority has produced an assessment report and evaluation conclusions on the new active substance and consider that the biocidal product is expected to comply with points (b), (c) and (d) of Article 19(1) taking into account the factors set out in Article 19(2).

If the Secretary of State decides not to approve the new active substance, the competent authority shall cancel that authorisation.

Where a decision on the approval of the new active substance has not yet been made by the Secretary of State when the period of three years expires, the competent authority may extend the provisional authorisation for a period not exceeding one year, provided that there are good reasons to believe that the active substance will satisfy the conditions laid down in Article 4(1) or, where applicable, the conditions set out in Article 5(2).

By way of derogation from point (a) of Article 19(1), the Secretary of State or a Devolved Authority shall issue a decision allowing the competent authority to authorise a biocidal product containing a non-approved active substance if the Secretary of State or a Devolved Authority is satisfied that that active substance is essential for the protection of cultural heritage and that no appropriate alternatives are available. To obtain such a derogation, the competent authority shall apply to the Secretary of State or a Devolved Authority providing due justification.

The Scottish Ministers have competence to grant a derogation under paragraph 1 or 3 if, or to the extent that, the exercise of the function to take that measure is within devolved competence (within the meaning of section 54 of the Scotland Act 1998).

The Welsh Ministers have competence to exercise a derogation under paragraph 1 or 3 if, or to the extent that, the exercise of the function to take that measure is within devolved competence (within the meaning of section 58A(7) and (8) of the Government of Wales Act 2006).

Where the Secretary of State grants a derogation, the Secretary of State must immediately inform the Devolved Authorities giving reasons for the decision. Where a Devolved Authority exercises a derogation, it must immediately inform the other Devolved Authority and the Secretary of State giving reasons for the decision.

By way of derogation from Article 17, an experiment or a test for the purposes of scientific or product and process-orientated research and development involving an unauthorised biocidal product or a non-approved active substance intended exclusively for use in a biocidal product (‘experiment’ or ‘test’) may take place only under the conditions provided for in this Article.

Persons carrying out an experiment or test shall draw up and maintain written records detailing the identity of the biocidal product or active substance, labelling data, quantities supplied and the names and addresses of those persons receiving the biocidal product or active substance, and shall compile a dossier containing all available data on possible effects on human or animal health or impact on the environment. They shall make this information available to the competent authority on request.

Any person intending to carry out an experiment or test that may involve, or result in, release of the biocidal product into the environment shall first notify the competent authority F4.... The notification shall include the identity of the biocidal product or active substance, labelling data and quantities supplied, and all available data on possible effects on human or animal health or impact on the environment. The person concerned shall make available any other information requested by the competent F5authority.

In the absence of an opinion from the competent authority within 45 days of the notification referred to in the first subparagraph, the notified experiment or test may take place.

If the experiments or tests could have harmful effects, whether immediate or delayed, on the health of humans, particularly of vulnerable groups, or animals, or any unacceptable adverse effect on humans, animals or the environment, the F6competent authority may prohibit them or allow them subject to such conditions as it considers necessary to prevent those consequences. F7...

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