Article 12 Deadlines

When issuing a prior authorization, the Member States competent authorities shall fix a period during which the goods must undergo temporary export formalities. This period shall not exceed six months. Nevertheless, at the request of the holder, the competent authorities may extend the period to a total duration of nine months.

The competent authorities shall fix a time limit for the reimportation of the compensating products taking account of the period necessary for the processing of the goods. This period shall be calculated from the date of completion of the temporary export formalities. The period may be extended at the holder's request if circumstances so warrant.

The holder of a prior authorization shall return the authorization to the competent authorities as soon as it has been fully utilized or as soon as it becomes apparent that it will not be fully used. If the holder needs the authorization for outstanding reimports of compensating products, he shall contact the competent authorities who will take the appropriate measures and inform the customs supervising office.