1.Where a host Member State requires of its own nationals wishing to take up any activity referred to in Article 1 proof of good repute and proof of no previous bankruptcy, or proof of either of these, that State shall accept as sufficient evidence, in respect of nationals of other Member States, the production of an extract from the "judicial record" or, failing this, of an equivalent document issued by a competent judicial or administrative authority in the country of origin or the country whence the foreign national comes, showing that these requirements have been met.
2.Where the country of origin or the country whence the foreign national comes does not issue such documentary proof of good repute or documentary proof of no previous bankruptcy, such proof may be replaced by a declaration on oath — or in States where there is no provision for declaration on oath, by a solemn declaration — made by the person concerned before a competent judicial or administrative authority, or where appropriate a notary, in the country of origin or in the country whence that person comes; such authority or notary will issue a certificate attesting the authenticity of the declaration on oath or solemn declaration. A declaration in respect of no previous bankruptcy may also be made before a competent professional or trade body in the said country.
3.Documents issued in accordance with paragraph 1 or with paragraph 2 may not be produced more than three months after their date of issue.
4.Member States shall, within the time limit laid down in Article 6, designate the authorities and bodies competent to issue these documents and shall forthwith inform the other Member States and the Commission thereof.