49.—(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.