‘Electronic data exchange systems’, as referred to in the first subparagraph of Article 122(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 shall mean mechanisms and instruments allowing the electronic exchange of documents and data, including audiovisual media supports, scanned documents and electronic files.

The exchange of documents and data shall include reporting on progress, payment claims and exchange of information related to management verifications and audits.

The electronic data exchange systems shall enable administrative verification in respect of each application for reimbursement by beneficiaries under Article 125(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 and audits to rely on information and documents available through the electronic data exchange systems, when such information and documents are exchanged in electronic form in compliance with Article 122(3) of that regulation. Paper documents may only be requested by these responsible authorities in exceptional cases, following a risk analysis, and only if paper documents are the true source of the scanned documents uploaded in the electronic data exchange systems.