The Stop Now Orders (E.C. Directive) Regulations 2001

Designation of other UK qualified entities

4.—(1) On application to him in writing, supported by such evidence as he may require, the Secretary of State may designate any organisation whose purpose is to protect the collective interests of consumers included in the Directives as an other UK qualified entity where he considers that the organisation meets the criteria in paragraph (2) below.

(2) The criteria are—

(a) that the organisation is so constituted, managed and controlled as to be expected to act independently, impartially and with complete integrity;

(b) that the organisation has demonstrated the ability to protect the collective interests of consumers included in the Directives by promoting high standards of integrity and fair dealing in the conduct of business in relation to such consumers;

(c) that the organisation is ready and willing to co-operate, by the sharing of information and otherwise, with the Director, other qualified entities and any other authority, body or person having responsibility for the regulation of the matters covered by these Regulations.

(3) An organisation shall not be regarded as failing to meet the criterion set out in paragraph (2)(a) above by reason only of a connection with a person carrying on business of a kind that could be affected, directly or indirectly, by action taken under these Regulations so long as that person does not control the organisation and any profits of the business are used for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (2)(b) above.

(4) A designation under this regulation may be for all purposes under these Regulations or in relation only to particular types of Community infringement and shall be published in such manner as appears to the Secretary of State best calculated for bringing it to the attention of persons who may be concerned.

(5) At the request of an organisation designated under this regulation the Secretary of State shall communicate to the European Commission that the organisation is qualified to bring proceedings under these Regulations and the name and purpose of the organisation.

(6) The Secretary of State may withdraw or amend a designation under this regulation at the request of an organisation or if it no longer appears to him that the organisation meets the criteria in paragraph (2) above generally or in relation to particular types of Community infringement.

(7) Where a designation is withdrawn or amended under paragraph (6) above the Secretary of State shall publish the withdrawal or amendment in accordance with paragraph (4) and, if he has communicated to the European Commission under paragraph (5) above, he shall make a further communication accordingly.