Evidence
Article 16
1. In proceedings before the Board of Appeal, the means of taking evidence may include: (a) requests for information; (b) the production of documents and items; (c) hearing the parties or witnesses; (d) opinions by experts. Detailed rules on the taking of evidence shall be laid down in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 27(3). 2. If the Board of Appeal considers it necessary for a party, witness or expert to give evidence orally, it shall summon the person concerned to appear before it. 3. The parties shall be informed where a witness or expert is to be heard before the Board of Appeal. They shall have the right to be present and to put questions to the witness or expert. The parties may object to an expert or witness on the grounds of lack of competence in relation to the appeal. Where such an objection is raised, the matter shall be resolved by the Board of Appeal. 4. Prior to giving evidence, each expert or witness shall declare any personal interest which he may have in the case, or if he has previously been involved as a representative of one of the parties, or if he participated in the decision under appeal. Where the expert or witness fails to make such a declaration himself, the parties may bring the matter to the attention of the Board of Appeal. 5. An objection to a witness or to an expert shall be raised within two weeks of the parties being given notice of the summoning of the witness or appointing the expert. The party shall present the grounds of its objection and indicate the nature of any evidence offered to support it. 6. Where a witness or expert has given evidence, that evidence shall be reproduced in the minutes.