Application of time-limits
1. The time-limits laid down in this Regulation shall run from the day following receipt of a communication or delivery thereof by hand.
Where the certificate holder is required to submit observations or information within a time-limit, it shall be sufficient for the submission to have been dispatched by registered post before the expiry of the time-limit.
2. Where a time-limit falls to expire on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, it shall be extended up to the end of the following working day.
3. In setting the time-limits provided for in this Regulation, the Commission and the Agency, as the case may be, shall have regard both to the time required for preparation of the submission and to the urgency of the case.
4. Where appropriate and upon reasoned request made before the expiry of the original time-limit, time-limits may be extended.
Limitation periods for the imposition of fines and periodic penalty payments
1. The right of the Commission to adopt a decision imposing fines and periodic penalty payments pursuant to Article 13 shall expire after five years.
In the case of the periodic penalty payments provided for in Article 16, the right of the Commission to adopt a decision imposing such a penalty shall expiry after three years.
Time shall begin to run on the day on which the breach is committed. However, in case of continuing or repeated breaches, time shall begin to run on the day on which the breach ceases.
2. Any action taken by the Commission or the Agency for the purpose of the investigation or non-compliance procedure shall interrupt the limitation periods provided for in paragraph 1. The limitation period shall be interrupted with effect from the date on which the action is notified to the certificate holder.
3. Each interruption shall start time running afresh. The limitation period shall, however, not exceed a period equal to twice the initial limitation period, except where limitation is suspended pursuant to paragraph 4. In that case, the limitation period shall be extended by the time during which limitation is suspended.
4. The limitation period for the imposition of periodic penalty payments shall be suspended for as long as the decision of the Commission is the subject of proceedings pending before the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Limitation periods for the collection of fines and periodic penalty payments
1. The right to start a recovery procedure shall expire one year after the decision pursuant to Article 13 or 16 has become final.
2. The limitation period for the recovery of fines and periodic penalty payments shall be interrupted by any action of the Commission or of a Member State, acting at the request of the Commission, designed to enforce payment of the fines or periodic penalty payments.
3. Each interruption shall start time running afresh.
4. The limitation period for the recovery of fines and periodic penalty payments shall be suspended for so long as:
(a)
time to pay is allowed;
(b)
enforcement of payment is suspended pursuant to a decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
