PART 4Notification of conformity assessment bodies

Changes to notifications49

1

Where the Secretary of State determines that a notified body no longer meets a notified body requirement, or that it is failing to fulfil its obligations under these Regulations other than a condition set in accordance with regulation 44(6)(b), the Secretary of State must restrict, suspend or withdraw the body’s status as a notified body under regulation 43.

2

With the consent of a notified body, or where the Secretary of State determines that a notified body no longer meets a condition set in accordance with regulation 44(6)(b), the Secretary of State may restrict, suspend or withdraw the body’s status as a notified body under regulation 43.

3

In deciding what action is required under paragraph (1) or (2), the Secretary of State must have regard to the seriousness of the non-compliance.

4

Before taking action under paragraph (1) or (2), the Secretary of State must—

a

give notice in writing to the notified body that the Secretary of State intends to take such action and the reasons for it; and

b

give the notified body an opportunity to make representations to the Secretary of State regarding the proposed action within a reasonable period from the date of the notice and consider any such representations.

5

Where the Secretary of State takes action under paragraph (1) or (2), the Secretary of State must immediately inform the Commission and the other member States.

6

Where the Secretary of State has taken action in respect of a notified body under paragraph (1) or (2), or where a notified body has ceased its activity, the notified body must, at the request of the Secretary of State—

a

transfer its files relating to the activities it has undertaken as a notified body to another notified body or to the Secretary of State; or

b

keep its files relating to the activities it has undertaken as a notified body available for the Secretary of State and market surveillance authorities for a period of 10 years from the date on which the relevant document was created.