Electronic access to applicable information systems, databases and networks
Article 5
1. Upon request from the Union, the United Kingdom shall grant Union representatives ongoing and continuous electronic access on a real-time basis to relevant information contained in the United Kingdom networks, information systems and databases and United Kingdom national modules of Union systems (hereinafter: ‘IT systems’) listed in Annex 1, to the extent necessary for Union representatives there to exercise the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol. The Union shall ensure that its representatives protect such information in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4. 2. Upon request from the Union, the United Kingdom shall also grant Union representatives electronic access to relevant information contained in the IT systems referred to in Annex 2, to the extent necessary for Union representatives to exercise the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol. The Union shall ensure that its representatives protect such information in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4. 3. The access granted, which can also be exercised remotely, is subject to adherence by Union representatives to the security and other user requirements of each of these IT systems. 4. The Union shall ensure that its representatives may use information as referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 only for the purpose of exercising the rights under Article 12(2) of the Protocol. The Union shall ensure that its representatives do not disclose information accessed pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2 other than to the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union as well as the authorities of the United Kingdom, unless they have been so authorised by the customs authorities of the United Kingdom and by the competent institution, body, office or agency of the Union. The customs authorities of the United Kingdom may not decline to authorise such disclosure except for duly stated reasons. 5. The United Kingdom shall communicate any change as regards the existence, scope or operation of the IT systems listed in Annex 1 and 2 to the Union, in good time before such changes become effective.