Two types of request for information (RFI)

Article 18 of Regulation 1/2003 provides for two types of request for information (RFI), namely:

1. •

   simple RFIs, which are not mandatory: recipients are under no obligation to provide the requested information; if recipients decide to answer, they may leave certain questions blank. However, recipients cannot provide incorrect or misleading information. A simple RFI should:

   1. ◦

      state the legal basis and purpose of the request

   2. ◦

      specify what information, including documents containing such information, is requested

   3. ◦

      set the time-limit to provide the information, and

   4. ◦

      indicate the penalties for supplying incorrect or misleading information

2. •

   RFIs by decision, which are mandatory: recipients are under the obligation to provide all the requested information. A RFI by decision shall:

   1. ◦

      state the