Validity of unique identifiers and deactivation
Article 5
1. Unique identifiers generated by ID issuers may be used to mark unit packets or aggregated packaging, as provided for by Articles 6 and 10, within a maximum period of six months from the date of receipt of the unique identifiers by the economic operator. After this time period unique identifiers shall become invalid and economic operators shall ensure that they are not used to mark unit packets or aggregated packaging. 2. The repositories system shall ensure that the unique identifiers that have not been used within the six months period referred to in paragraph 1 shall be automatically deactivated. 3. At any time, manufacturers and importers may obtain the deactivation of unique identifiers by transmitting a deactivation request to the relevant primary repository. Other economic operators may obtain the deactivation of the unique identifiers by transmitting a deactivation request via the router. The deactivation request shall be introduced electronically, in accordance with Article 36, and shall contain the information listed in point 2.3 of Section 2 of Chapter II of Annex II, in the format indicated therein. The deactivation shall not interfere with the integrity of the information already stored related to the unique identifier.