Division 2 The characteristics referred to in point 1, which may give natural mineral water properties favourable to health, shall have been assessed:

1. (a)

   from the following points of view:

   1. (i)

      geological and hydrological;

   2. (ii)

      physical, chemical and physico-chemical;

   3. (iii)

      microbiological;

   4. (iv)

      if necessary, pharmacological, physiological and clinical;

2. (b)

   according to the criteria listed in Section II;

3. (c)

   according to scientific methods approved by the responsible authority.

The analyses referred to in point (a)(iv) of the first subparagraph may be optional where the water presents the compositional characteristics on the strength of which it was considered a natural mineral water in the Member State of origin prior to 17 July 1980. This is the case in particular when the water in question contains, per kg, both at source and after bottling, a minimum of 1 000 mg of total solids in solution or a minimum of 250 mg of free carbon dioxide.