Verification visits
Article 12
1. The Commission may carry out visits to examine the records of importers, exporters, traders, agents, producers, trade associations and organisations and other interested parties to verify information provided on products that may require safeguard measures. 2. The Commission may carry out investigations in third countries as required, provided that it obtains the agreement of the economic operators concerned, that it notifies the representatives of the government of the country in question and that the latter does not object to the investigation. As soon as the agreement of the economic operators concerned has been obtained the Commission should notify the authorities of the exporting country of the names and addresses of the economic operators to be visited and the dates agreed. 3. The economic operators concerned shall be advised of the nature of the information to be verified during verification visits and of any information which needs to be provided during such visits. Further information may be requested. 4. In investigations carried out pursuant to paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, the Commission shall be assisted by officials of those Member States who so request.