1.Where, following a request from the Agency pursuant to Article 10 (2)(b), the Commission decides to further pursue the non-compliance procedure, it may request in writing the certificate holder to provide written or oral explanations, or particulars or documents. In such a case, the Commission shall inform the certificate holder of the periodic penalty payments provided for in Article 16(1) (c) and (d) for failing to comply with the request or for supplying incorrect or misleading information.
The Commission may also request the Agency, national aviation authorities or any natural or legal persons to provide information relating to the alleged breach.
2.The Commission shall ensure that the certificate holder can provide any written explanation or particular or documents in support of its case. Certificate holders may request an oral hearing but the Commission shall have the right to agree to such request only when it considers it necessary.
Having regard to the report of the Agency, the observations of the certificate holder on the basis of that report, and other relevant information, the Commission may consider that additional information is needed. In that case it may return the file to the Agency. The Commission shall clearly indicate to the Agency the points of fact which the Agency needs to investigate further and, if appropriate, suggest possible measures of inquiry to that effect, as provided for in Regulation (EC) No 216/2008. Section 1 of Chapter II of this Regulation shall apply to the conduct of the new period of inquiry.