The Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water (Scotland) Regulations 2007

Submission of samples to the Government Chemist

18.—(1) Where a sample has been retained under regulation 17 and–

(a) a decision has been made to send a report to the procurator fiscal or proceedings have been commenced against a person for an offence under these Regulations; and

(b) the result of the analysis carried out in accordance with regulation 17(7) is to be adduced as evidence,

paragraphs (2) to (6) apply.

(2) The authorised officer–

(a) may of the officer’s own volition; and

(b) shall–

(i) if requested by the prosecutor;

(ii) if the court so orders on the application of the prosecutor or the accused; or

(iii) if requested by the accused (subject to paragraph (5)),

send the retained part of the sample to the Government Chemist for analysis.

(3) The Government Chemist shall analyse the part sent under paragraph (2) and where the analysis is carried out–

(a) under paragraph (2)(a) or (b)(i) or (iii), provide the authorised officer; or

(b) under paragraph (2)(ii), provide the prosecutor and the accused,

with a certificate of analysis.

(4) The authorised officer shall immediately on receipt supply the prosecutor and the accused with a copy of the Government Chemist’s certificate of analysis.

(5) Where a request is made under paragraph (2)(b)(iii) the authorised officer may give notice in writing to the accused requesting payment of a fee specified in the notice in respect of the functions mentioned in paragraph (3), and in the absence of agreement by the accused to pay the fee the authorised officer may refuse to comply with the request.

(6) In this regulation “accused” includes a person who is intended to be the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal.