1.For the sector referred to in Article 1(2), point (a), at the request of a third country, the Commission may approve checks on conformity to marketing standards carried out by that third country prior to import into the Union.
2.The approval referred to in paragraph 1 may be granted to third countries where the Union marketing standards, or at least equivalent standards, are met for products exported to the Union in accordance with Article 8(2) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2430 8.
3.The approval shall only apply to products originating in the third country concerned and may be limited to certain products.
However, the Commission may approve checks of conformity to marketing standards carried out by Moroccan competent authorities in respect of products originating in the non-self-governing territory of Western Sahara that are subject to the control of Moroccan custom authorities.
4.In order to obtain the approval referred to in paragraph 1, the third country inspection bodies that will be in charge of checks on conformity to marketing standards, must:
be official bodies or bodies officially recognised by a third country’s competent authority;
provide satisfactory guarantees and dispose of the necessary personnel, equipment and facilities to carry out checks in accordance with the methods referred to in Article 10(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2430 or equivalent methods.