The competent authority shall approve establishments only where an on-site visit, prior to start-up of any activity, has demonstrated that they meet the relevant requirements of this Regulation.

The competent authority may grant conditional approval if it appears, from the on-site visit, that the establishment meets all the infrastructure and equipment requirements. It shall grant full approval only if it appears, from a new on-site visit carried out within three months of granting conditional approval, that the establishment meets the other requirements referred to in paragraph 1. If clear progress has been made, but the establishment still does not meet all of these requirements, the competent authority may prolong conditional approval. However, conditional approval shall not exceed a total of six months.