PART IPRELIMINARY
Citation and commencement1
1
These Regulations may be cited as the Measuring Instruments (Capacity Serving Measures) Regulations 2006.
2
This regulation, regulations 2, 7, 9 and 10 and Part 1 of Schedule 2 shall come into force on 30th May 2006.
3
The remaining regulations shall come into force on 30th October 2006.
Interpretation2
1
In these Regulations—
“authorised representative” means a person who is established in a member State and is authorised by a manufacturer, in writing, to act on his behalf;
“brim measure” means a capacity serving measure for which the internal volume is equal to the nominal capacity;
“capacity” means the internal volume for brim measures or internal volume to a filling mark for line measures;
“capacity serving measure” means a capacity measure designed to determine a specified volume of liquid (other than a pharmaceutical product) which is sold for immediate consumption;
“CE marking” means the CE marking referred to in regulation 12;
“the Commission” means the European Commission;
“compliance notice” means a notice served in accordance with regulation 17(2);
“conformity assessment procedure” means any procedure referred to in regulation 6;
“the Directive” means Directive 2004/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31st March 2004 on measuring instruments M1;
“disqualification sticker” means a sticker the design of which is published by the Secretary of State and which is affixed to a capacity serving measure in accordance with the regulation 20;
“enforcement authority” means any person who is, pursuant to regulation 16, authorised to enforce these Regulations;
“enforcement notice” means a notice served in accordance with regulation 18(2);
“enforcement officer” means—
- a
an inspector; or
- b
a person appointed by the Secretary of State to act on his behalf to enforce Part II of these Regulations;
- a
“essential requirements” means the requirements set out in Schedule 1;
“harmonised standard” means a technical specification adopted by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC) or the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) or jointly by two or all of these organisations, at the request of the Commission pursuant to Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22nd June 1998 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations and of rules on Information Society Services M2, as amended by Directive 98/48/ECM3, and prepared in accordance with the General Guidelines agreed between the Commission and one or more of CEN, CENELEC and ETSI;
“in writing” includes text that is—
- a
transmitted by electronic means;
- b
received in legible form; and
- c
capable of being used for subsequent reference;
- a
“line measure” means a capacity serving measure marked with a line to indicate nominal capacity;
“M marking” means the M marking referred to in regulation 12;
“manufacturer” means a person responsible for the conformity of a capacity serving measure with these Regulations with a view to either placing it on the market under his own name or putting it into use for his own purposes, or both;
“normative document” means a document containing technical specifications adopted by the Organisation Internationale de Métrologie Légale, subject to the procedure stipulated in Article 16.1, the reference of which is published by the Commission in the Official Journal of the European Union pursuant to Article 16.1(b);
“notified body” means—
- a
the Secretary of State; or
- b
a United Kingdom notified body; and
- c
for the purposes of regulations 4(1)(c), 18(1)(b), 20(1)(c) and 22(6), a person designated by another member State,
who has been notified to the Commission and the other member States pursuant to Article 11.1;
- a
“notified body criteria” means the criteria set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2;
“place on the market” means making available for the first time in a member State a capacity serving measure intended for an end user, whether for reward or free of charge;
“put into use” means the first use of a capacity serving measure intended for the end user for the purposes for which it was intended;
“relevant national standard” means a standard applicable to a capacity serving measure—
- a
implementing a harmonised standard that has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union C series; and
- b
the reference of which is published—
- i
in the United Kingdom by the Secretary of State; or
- ii
in another member State by the competent authority pursuant to the third sub-paragraph of Article 13.1;
- i
- a
“relevant normative document” means a normative document applicable to a capacity serving measure, the reference of which is published—
- a
in the United Kingdom by the Secretary of State; or
- b
in another member State by the competent authority pursuant to the third sub-paragraph of Article 13.2;
- a
“re-qualification sticker” means a sticker the design of which is published by the Secretary of State and which is affixed to a capacity serving measure in accordance with regulation 21;
“transfer measure” means a capacity serving measure from which it is intended that a liquid is decanted prior to consumption; and
“United Kingdom notified body” means a person designated under regulation 7.
2
Other expressions used in these Regulations have the same meanings as in the Weights and Measures Act 1985.
3
In these Regulations, a reference to a member State includes Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein M4.
4
References in these Regulations to an Article, Annex or a part of an Annex are references to an Article, Annex, or a part of an Annex to the Directive.
Application3
1
Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), these Regulations apply to a capacity serving measure described in Schedule 3 which is —
a
for use for trade; and
b
first placed on the market or put into use on or after 30th October 2006.
2
These Regulations do not apply to a capacity serving measure which has been first passed as fit for use for trade and stamped before 30th October 2006 under the Capacity Serving Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) Regulations 1988 M5 or the Measuring Equipment (Capacity Measures and Testing Equipment) Regulations 1995 M6 and placed on the market before that date.
3
These Regulations do not apply to a capacity serving measure which is not compliant with the essential requirements and which is displayed or presented at a trade fair, exhibition or demonstration, if a sign displayed visibly on or near the measure clearly indicates that the measure—
a
is not compliant with those requirements; and
b
cannot be acquired or used until it is made compliant with those requirements by the manufacturer.
PART IIPLACING ON THE MARKET AND PUTTING INTO USE OF CAPACITY SERVING MEASURES
Requirements for placing on the market and putting into use4
1
No person shall place on the market or put into use a capacity serving measure unless the following requirements, or the corresponding requirements of the Directive as implemented under the law of another member State, are met—
a
the measure is compliant with the essential requirements;
b
the manufacturer has demonstrated its compliance with the essential requirements in accordance with regulation 5; and
c
the measure has affixed to it the CE marking, the M marking and the identification number of the notified body which carried out the conformity assessment procedure in respect of the measure.
2
A person who fails to comply with the requirements of paragraph (1) shall be guilty of an offence and any capacity serving measure to which the offence relates shall be liable to be forfeited.
Compliance with the essential requirements5
1
A manufacturer may demonstrate that a capacity serving measure is compliant with the essential requirements by—
a
using any technical solution that is compliant with the essential requirements;
b
correctly applying solutions set out in the relevant national standard; or
c
correctly applying solutions set out in the relevant normative document,
and selecting and following one of the conformity assessment procedures.
2
A capacity serving measure which is compliant with the relevant national standard or relevant normative document shall be presumed to be compliant with the essential requirements.
3
Where the capacity serving measure is compliant only in part with the relevant national standard or relevant normative document, it shall be presumed to be compliant only with that part of the essential requirements which corresponds to the elements of the relevant national standard or relevant normative document with which the measure is compliant.
4
Where a capacity serving measure includes or is connected to a device which is not used for trade—
a
that device shall not be subject to the essential requirements; and
b
the measure may be considered to be compliant with the essential requirements notwithstanding that the compliance of that device with the essential requirements has not been established.
Conformity assessment procedures6
1
The conformity assessment procedures are the procedures as follows—
a
A1;
b
B and D;
c
B and E;
d
D1;
e
E1;
f
F1; or
g
H.
2
The manufacturer or his authorised representative shall provide to the notified body carrying out the relevant conformity assessment procedure the technical documentation set out in Schedule 4.
3
In this regulation—
a
“A1” means declaration of conformity based on internal production control plus product testing by a notified body, set out in Annex A1;
b
“B” means type examination, set out in Annex B;
c
“D” means declaration of conformity to type based on quality assurance of the production process, set out in Annex D;
d
“D1” means declaration of conformity based on quality assurance of the production process, set out in Annex D1;
e
“E” means declaration of conformity to type based on quality assurance of final product inspection and testing, set out in Annex E;
f
“E1” means declaration of conformity based on quality assurance of final product inspection and testing, set out in Annex E1;
g
“F1” means declaration of conformity based on product verification, set out in Annex F1; and
h
“H” means declaration of conformity based on full quality assurance, set out in Annex H.
Designation of United Kingdom notified bodies7
1
The Secretary of State may, on the application of a person, designate that person to be a United Kingdom notified body.
2
The Secretary of State shall not make a designation under paragraph (1) unless he is satisfied that the person meets the notified body criteria.
3
A person who meets the criteria laid down in a national standard shall be presumed to meet that part of the notified body criteria which corresponds to the criteria in the national standard.
4
A designation under paragraph (1)—
a
shall be in writing;
b
may be made subject to such conditions as may be specified in the designation, which may include conditions which—
i
are to apply upon or following termination of the designation;
ii
require the use of test equipment for the purpose of conformity assessment appropriate to the capacity serving measure being assessed; and
iii
limit the description of any capacity serving measure for which the person is designated;
c
subject to regulation 10, may last for such period as may be specified in the designation;
d
shall specify the conformity assessment procedures and specific tasks (which may be framed by reference to any circumstances) which the person has been designated to carry out; and
e
may include a requirement to publish from time to time the scale of fees which the person charges pursuant to regulation 11 or such information about the basis of calculation of such fees as may be specified.
5
In exercising the power conferred on him by paragraph (1), the Secretary of State may (in addition to the matters of which he is required to satisfy himself pursuant to paragraph (2)) have regard to any matter appearing to him to be relevant.
6
For the purposes of paragraph (3), “national standard” means a standard applicable to the designation of notified bodies—
a
implementing a harmonised standard that has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union; and
b
the reference of which is published—
i
in the United Kingdom by the Secretary of State; or
ii
in another member State by the competent authority pursuant to Article 11.2.
Functions of notified bodies8
A notified body shall carry out the functions set out in Part 2 of Schedule 2.
Provisions supplemental to regulation 79
1
The Secretary of State shall, from time to time, publish a list of notified bodies indicating, in the case of each United Kingdom notified body, the description of any capacity serving measure in respect of which that notified body is designated; and such a list may include information concerning any condition to which the designation of any United Kingdom notified body is subject.
2
The Secretary of State shall, from time to time, carry out an inspection of each United Kingdom notified body with a view to verifying that it—
a
meets the notified body criteria;
b
complies with any condition to which its designation is subject; and
c
complies with these Regulations,
but, unless it appears to him that there are circumstances which make it necessary or expedient to do so, he shall not carry out an inspection within two years from the date of designation under regulation 7, or of any later inspection under this paragraph.
Variation and termination of designations10
1
The Secretary of State may vary a designation made under regulation 7 if—
a
the United Kingdom notified body so requests; or
b
it appears to him necessary or expedient to do so.
2
The Secretary of State may terminate a designation made under regulation 7 —
a
on the expiry of 90 days' notice in writing at the request of the United Kingdom notified body;
b
if it appears to him that any condition of the designation is not complied with; or
c
if in his opinion the United Kingdom notified body ceases to satisfy the notified body criteria.
3
Where the Secretary of State is minded to—
a
vary a designation pursuant to paragraph (1)(b); or
b
terminate a designation pursuant to paragraph (2)(b) or (c),
he shall—
i
give notice in writing to the United Kingdom notified body of his reasons; and
ii
give that notified body the opportunity to make representations within a period of 21 days from the date of that notice and consider any representations made to him within that period.
4
If a designation is terminated under paragraph (2), the Secretary of State may—
a
give such directions (either to the United Kingdom notified body the subject of the termination or to another United Kingdom notified body) for the purposes of making arrangements for the determination of outstanding applications as he considers appropriate; and
b
notwithstanding sub-paragraph (a), authorise another United Kingdom notified body to take over the functions of the United Kingdom notified body the subject of the termination in respect of such cases as he may specify.
Fees11
1
A United Kingdom notified body may charge such fees in connection with, or incidental to, the carrying out of the conformity assessment procedures or specific tasks as it may determine.
2
The fees referred to in paragraph (1) shall not exceed the following—
a
the costs incurred or to be incurred by the United Kingdom notified body in performing the relevant function; and
b
an amount on account of profit which is reasonable in the circumstances having regard to—
i
the character and extent of the work done or to be done by that notified body on behalf of the applicant; and
ii
the commercial rate normally charged on account of profit for that work or similar work.
3
The power in paragraph (1) includes the power to require the payment of fees or a reasonable estimate of such fees in advance of carrying out the work requested by the applicant.
4
Where any fees payable to a United Kingdom notified body pursuant to this regulation remain unpaid 28 days after either the work has been completed or payment of the fees has been requested in writing, whichever is the later, that notified body may by 14 days' notice in writing provide that, unless the fees are paid before the expiry of the notice, the certificate or notification appropriate to the relevant conformity assessment procedure may be suspended until payment of the fees has been received.
Marking and identification requirements12
1
Where a capacity serving measure is compliant with the essential requirements—
a
the manufacturer shall affix the CE marking and the M marking to the measure; and
b
the notified body which carries out the conformity assessment procedure in respect of that measure shall affix its identification number to the measure, or may agree that the manufacturer shall do so on its behalf.
2
Any other marking may be affixed to the capacity serving measure provided that the visibility and legibility of the CE marking, the M marking and the identification number of the notified body are not reduced.
3
For the purposes of paragraph (1)—
a
the CE marking means the symbol “CE”, which shall be compliant with the requirements of paragraphs 1, 4 and 5 of Schedule 5;
b
the M marking means the capital letter “M” which shall be compliant with the requirements of paragraphs 2, 4 and 5 of Schedule 5; and
c
the identification number of the notified body shall be compliant with the requirements of paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of Schedule 5.
Conformity with other directives13
1
Where a capacity serving measure falls within the scope of other directives which provide for the affixing of the CE marking, the affixing of the CE marking under these Regulations shall indicate that the measure is also presumed to be compliant with the requirements of those other directives.
2
Where paragraph (1) applies, the publication reference of such other directives in the Official Journal of the European Union must be given in the documents, notices or instructions required to accompany the capacity serving measure.
PART IIIUSE FOR TRADE OF CAPACITY SERVING MEASURES
Requirements for use for trade14
No person shall use for trade a capacity serving measure unless—
a
it is compliant with the essential requirements;
b
the requirements of regulation 15 are complied with; and
c
it does not bear any decorations or designs which might cause confusion in use.
Manner of use15
No person shall use for trade a capacity serving measure for the measurement of intoxicating liquor before its transfer to a container in which the buyer is to receive it, unless the buyer has a clear and unobstructed view of the measurement and transfer.
PART IVENFORCEMENT
Enforcement authority16
1
It shall be the duty of every local weights and measures authority to enforce these Regulations within its area.
2
The Secretary of State may enforce Part II of these Regulations and for that purpose may appoint any person to act on his behalf.
3
No proceedings for an offence under these Regulations may be instituted in England and Wales except by or on behalf of an enforcement authority.
4
Nothing in these Regulations shall authorise an enforcement authority to bring proceedings in Scotland for an offence.
Compliance notice procedure17
1
Where an enforcement authority establishes that, in the case of a capacity serving measure that has been placed on the market or put into use, the CE marking or the M marking has, or both have, been affixed unduly, the following provisions of this regulation shall have effect.
2
The enforcement authority shall serve a compliance notice on the manufacturer or his authorised representative which shall—
a
be in writing;
b
describe the capacity serving measure to which it relates in a manner sufficient to identify that measure;
c
state that the enforcement authority is of the opinion that the CE marking or the M marking has, or both have, been affixed unduly to the capacity serving measure and give reasons for its opinion;
d
require the person on whom the notice is served to end the infringement under conditions specified in the notice;
e
specify the date, being not less than 21 days from the date of the notice, by which the infringement must be ended; and
f
warn that person that, where the non-conformity continues beyond the date specified in sub-paragraph (e), the enforcement authority may take further action under regulation 18 in respect of that capacity serving measure.
3
For the purposes of paragraph (1)—
a
the CE marking shall be considered to have been affixed unduly if it is not compliant with the requirements of regulation 12(3)(a); and
b
the M marking shall be considered to have been affixed unduly if it is not compliant with the requirements of regulation 12(3)(b).
4
Where a compliance notice is served by an enforcement authority other than the Secretary of State, it shall, at the same time as it serves that notice, send a copy to the Secretary of State.
Immediate enforcement action18
1
Where an enforcement authority has reasonable grounds for considering that—
a
the manufacturer or his authorised representative has failed to comply with a compliance notice;
b
a capacity serving measure, which is placed on the market or put into use, does not bear one or more of the CE marking, the M marking and the identification number of the notified body which carried out the conformity assessment procedure in respect of that measure; or
c
a capacity serving measure which bears the marking and identification requirements referred to in sub-paragraph (b) does not meet the essential requirements when placed on the market, or properly installed and put into use in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions,
the following provisions of this regulation shall have effect.
2
The enforcement authority shall serve an enforcement notice on the manufacturer or his authorised representative which shall—
a
be in writing;
b
describe the capacity serving measure to which it relates in a manner sufficient to identify that measure;
c
specify, with reasons, the respects in which, in the opinion of the enforcement authority, the requirements of these Regulations have not been complied with;
d
specify the date, being not less than 21 days from the date of the notice, by which the person to whom the notice is given is required to comply with it; and
e
inform that person of the judicial remedies available to him and of the time limits to which those remedies are subject.
3
A notice under paragraph (2) may—
a
require the capacity serving measure to be withdrawn from the market; or
b
prohibit or restrict the placing on the market or putting into use of the capacity serving measure; and
c
specify that unless steps are taken which ensure—
i
that the capacity serving measure is compliant with the requirements of these Regulations; or
ii
that the manufacturer or his authorised representative acts as required under sub-paragraph (a) or (b),
any certificate or notification, issued by a notified body in accordance with the relevant conformity assessment procedure applicable to the capacity serving measure that the measure satisfies the essential requirements, may be withdrawn by that notified body.
4
Where an enforcement notice is served by an enforcement authority other than the Secretary of State, it shall, at the same time as it serves that notice, send a copy to the Secretary of State.
5
In the case of a certificate or notification referred to in paragraph (3)—
a
which is granted by a United Kingdom notified body, if the Secretary of State is of the opinion that consideration ought to be given to whether the certificate or notification should be withdrawn, he shall inform that notified body of that fact; and
b
which is granted under the law of another member State, if the Secretary of State is of the opinion that consideration ought to be given to whether the certificate or notification should be withdrawn, he shall inform the relevant competent authority of that fact.
Review by the Secretary of State19
1
Where a person is aggrieved by a compliance notice or an enforcement notice served by an enforcement authority other than the Secretary of State, that person may apply to the Secretary of State to review such notice.
2
An application under paragraph (1) shall—
a
be in writing;
b
state the grounds on which the application is made; and
c
be sent to the Secretary of State within 21 days from the date of the notice referred to in paragraph (1).
3
The Secretary of State may—
a
hold an inquiry in connection with the notice which is the subject of his review; and
b
appoint an assessor for the purposes of assisting him with his review.
4
The Secretary of State shall, within a reasonable time, inform the aggrieved person and the enforcement authority referred to in paragraph (1) in writing of his decision whether to uphold the notice served by that authority, together with reasons for his decision.
5
Where the Secretary of State does not uphold any notice referred to in paragraph (1), he shall give instructions for the withdrawal of that notice.
Disqualification20
1
If it appears to an inspector that a capacity serving measure which bears—
a
the CE marking;
b
the M marking; and
c
the identification number of the notified body which carried out the conformity assessment procedure in respect of the capacity serving measure,
is used for trade in circumstances where—
i
the measure is no longer compliant with one or more of the requirements of regulation 14; or
ii
by reason of any adjustment, alteration, addition, repair or replacement it is likely that the measure has ceased to be compliant with one or more of the requirements of regulation 14,
the inspector may affix a disqualification sticker to the capacity serving measure.
2
Where one or more of the markings and identification requirements referred to in paragraph (1) is not affixed to a capacity serving measure, the inspector may affix a disqualification sticker to the measure.
3
Where it appears to the inspector that the nature or degree of non-compliance of the capacity serving measure under paragraph (1) is not such that a disqualification sticker should be immediately affixed to it, he may give to any person in possession of the measure a notice requiring that person to rectify the non-compliance before the expiry of a stated period not less than 14 days and not exceeding 28 days from the date of the notice.
4
If a notice given under paragraph (3) is not complied with, the inspector shall affix a disqualification sticker to the capacity serving measure.
5
A disqualification sticker which is affixed to a capacity serving measure shall be affixed in such a position that it is clearly visible when the measure is in use.
6
A person shall be guilty of an offence if he uses for trade a capacity serving measure to which there is affixed a disqualification sticker, unless a re-qualification sticker has been affixed to the measure in accordance with regulation 21.
Re-qualification21
1
Where—
a
a disqualification sticker has been affixed to a capacity serving measure in accordance with regulation 20(1), 20(2) or 20(4);
b
a notice has been served under regulation 20(3); or
c
a capacity serving measure is intended to be used for trade in the circumstances referred to in regulation 20(1)(i) or (ii) or 20(2) but a disqualification sticker has not been affixed to the measure,
a person requiring a re-qualification sticker to be affixed to the measure shall submit it, in such manner as may be directed, to an inspector or approved verifier and provide such assistance as the inspector or approved verifier may reasonably require.
2
An inspector or approved verifier may affix a re-qualification sticker to that capacity serving measure if satisfied that the measure is compliant with—
a
the essential requirements; and
b
the requirements of regulation 14(b) and (c).
3
For the purposes of being satisfied that a re-qualification sticker may be affixed to a capacity serving measure, an inspector or approved verifier may take such steps as he considers appropriate, including testing the measure by means of such test equipment as he considers appropriate and suitable for the purpose.
4
There may be charged in respect of any steps taken under paragraph (3)—
a
by an inspector, such reasonable fees as the local weights and measures authority may determine; and
b
by an approved verifier, such reasonable fees as he may determine,
having regard to the character and extent of the work done or to be done.
5
The inspector or approved verifier shall keep a record of any test carried out under paragraph (3).
6
Where a re-qualification sticker is affixed to a capacity serving measure pursuant to paragraph (2), it shall be affixed in such a position that it obliterates as far as possible any disqualification sticker.
Unauthorised application of authorised marks22
1
Subject to paragraph (2), a person shall be guilty of an offence if, in the case of a capacity serving measure, he—
a
affixes an authorised mark to the measure otherwise than in accordance with these Regulations;
b
alters or defaces an authorised mark affixed to the measure;
c
removes an authorised mark affixed to the measure; or
d
affixes any other marking to the measure which is likely to deceive any person as to the meaning or form, or both, of an authorised mark.
2
Where the alteration or defacement of an authorised mark is occasioned solely—
a
in the course of the adjustment or repair of a capacity serving measure by a person regularly engaged in the business of repair of such measures, or by his authorised agent; or
b
by an enforcement officer or approved verifier in the carrying out of any of his functions under these Regulations,
that person or his authorised agent, enforcement officer or approved verifier shall not be guilty of an offence under paragraph (1)(b).
3
A person shall be guilty of an offence if he places on the market, puts into use or uses for trade a capacity serving measure—
a
which, to his knowledge, bears—
i
an authorised mark affixed otherwise than in accordance with these Regulations;
ii
an authorised mark that has been altered or defaced otherwise than in the circumstances referred to in paragraph (2); or
iii
any marking which is likely to deceive any person as to the meaning or form, or both, of an authorised mark; or
b
from which, to his knowledge, an authorised mark has been removed.
4
A capacity serving measure in respect of which an offence under this regulation has been committed and any implement used in the commissioning of the offence shall be liable to be forfeited.
5
A reference in this regulation to other provisions of these Regulations includes a reference to corresponding provisions under the laws of other member States.
6
In this regulation, “authorised mark” means the CE marking, the M marking, the identification number of the notified body which carried out the conformity assessment procedure in respect of the capacity serving measure, disqualification sticker or re-qualification sticker.
Powers of entry and inspection23
F31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
If an enforcement officer or other person who enters any work-place F1for the purposes of these Regulations discloses to any person any information obtained by him in the work-place with regard to any secret manufacturing process or trade secret, he shall, unless the disclosure was made in the performance of his duty, be guilty of an offence.
7
It shall not be an offence under paragraph (6) for a person to disclose information in circumstances where—
a
the person from whom the information was received has consented to its disclosure; or
b
the information is disclosed more than 50 years after it was received.
F28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Obstruction of enforcement officerF424
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Penalties for offences25
A person guilty of an offence under Part II or Part IV shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
Defence of due diligence26
1
Subject to the following provisions of this regulation, in proceedings against a person for an offence under these Regulations, it shall be a defence for that person to show that he took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence.
2
Where in proceedings against a person for such an offence the defence provided by paragraph (1) involves an allegation that the commission of the offence was due to—
a
the act or default of another; or
b
reliance on information given by another,
that person shall not, without the leave of the court, be entitled to rely on the defence, unless, not less than seven clear days before the hearing of the proceedings, (or, in Scotland, the trial diet), he has served a notice in accordance with paragraph (3) on the person bringing the proceedings.
3
A notice under this paragraph shall give such information identifying or assisting in the identification of the person who committed the act or default or gave the information as is in the possession of the person serving the notice at the time he serves it.
4
A person shall not be entitled to rely on the defence provided by paragraph (1) by reason of his reliance on information supplied by another, unless he shows it was reasonable in all the circumstances for him to have relied on the information, having regard in particular to—
a
the steps which he took, and those which might reasonably have been taken, for the purpose of verifying the information; and
b
whether he had any reason to disbelieve the information.
Liability of persons other than the principal offender27
1
Where the commission by a person of an offence under these Regulations is due to the act or default of another person in the course of any business of his, that other person shall be guilty of the offence and may be proceeded against and punished, whether or not proceedings are taken against the first person.
2
Where a body corporate commits an offence and it is proved that the offence was committed—
a
with the consent or connivance of an officer of the body corporate; or
b
as a result of the negligence of an officer of the body corporate,
the officer, as well as the body, shall be guilty of the offence.
3
In paragraph (2) a reference to an officer of a body corporate includes a reference to—
a
a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate;
b
a person purporting to act as a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer; and
c
if the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, a member.
4
In this regulation references to a “body corporate” include references to a partnership in Scotland, and in relation to such partnership, any reference to a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of a body corporate is a reference to a partner.
PART VMISCELLANEOUS AND SUPPLEMENTAL
Service of documents28
1
Any document required or authorised by these Regulations to be served on a person may be so served—
a
by delivering it to him or by leaving it at his proper address or by sending it by post to him at that address;
b
if the person is a body corporate, by serving it in accordance with sub-paragraph (a) on the secretary or clerk of that body; or
c
if the person is a partnership, by serving it in accordance with sub-paragraph (a) on a partner or on a person having control or management of the partnership business.
2
For the purposes of paragraph (1), and for the purposes of section 7 of the Interpretation Act 1978 M7 (which relates to the service of documents by post) in its application to that paragraph, the proper address of any person on whom a document is to be served by virtue of these Regulations shall be his last known address except that—
a
in the case of service on a body corporate or its secretary or clerk, it shall be the address of the registered or principal office of the body corporate; and
b
in the case of service on a partnership or a partner or a person having the control or management of a partnership business, it shall be the principal office of the partnership,
and for the purposes of this paragraph the principal office of a company registered outside the United Kingdom or of a partnership carrying on business outside the United Kingdom is its principal office within the United Kingdom.
Savings for certain privilegesF529
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adaptation for Northern Ireland30
In their application to Northern Ireland, these Regulations shall have effect subject to Schedule 6.