Paragraph 3 Entry with warrant
Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, if a justice of the peace (in Scotland a justice of the peace or a sheriff) is satisfied, on sworn information in writing submitted on behalf of the Secretary of State, that—
admission to premises is reasonably required for the purpose of securing compliance with article 9 or 11 of this Order; and
the circumstances specified in sub-paragraph (2) are present,
the justice or sheriff may issue a warrant naming a person authorised by the Secretary of State and authorising that person to enter the premises, by force if necessary.
The circumstances in which a warrant may be issued are that either—
admission to the premises has been refused after, if the case is not one of urgency, not less than seven days' notice of the intention to enter had been given to the occupier; or
application for admission would defeat the object of the entry or the premises are unoccupied.
A person entering premises under the authority of the warrant may search the premises and take possession of any documents which that person finds there and which appear to that person to be relevant to the purposes for which the warrant was obtained.
Any documents of which possession is taken under this paragraph may be retained for a period of 3 months or, if within that period there are commenced any proceedings for an offence under this Order to which they are relevant, until the conclusion of those proceedings.
If the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is temporarily absent, the person entering them under the authority of the warrant shall leave them as effectively secured against trespassers as the person found them.
The warrant continues in force until the end of one month beginning with the date on which it was issued.
References in this paragraph to premises include vehicles and vessels, but not any premises used only as a dwelling.