Where a Member State, as a result of new information or of a reassessment of existing information considers that a maximum level fixed in Annex II endangers human or animal health, and therefore requires swift action to be taken, that Member State may temporarily reduce the level in its own territory. In that case, it shall immediately notify the other Member States and the Commission of the measures, attaching a statement of the reasons therefor.

The Commission shall quickly examine the reasons given by the Member State referred to in paragraph 14 and shall consult the Member States within the Standing Committee on Plant Health, hereinafter referred to as ‘the committee’; it shall then deliver its opinion forthwith and take the appropriate measures. The Commission shall immediately notify the Council and the Member States of any measures taken. Any Member State may refer the Commission's measures to the Council within 15 days of such notification. The Council acting by a qualified majority may take a different decision within 15 days of the date on which the matter was referred to it.

If the Commission considers that the maximum levels laid down in Annex II should be amended to resolve the difficulties mentioned in paragraph 1 and to guarantee public health protection, it shall initiate the procedure laid down in Article 13, with a view to adopting those amendments. In this case, the Member State which has taken measures under paragraph 1 may maintain them until the Council or the Commission has taken a decision in accordance with the said procedure.