(25)In order to ensure the effective implementation of its tasks under this Regulation, in particular with regard to carrying out investigations, the Commission should be able to request the assistance of other Union bodies, offices or agencies with an appropriate mandate. Those tasks could include: processing submissions of information, supporting the allocation of investigations, conducting the preliminary investigations and investigations, facilitating cooperation with and among authorities of Member States, facilitating international cooperation, supporting the development of support tools and, if appropriate, supporting implementation by customs authorities and supporting the Commission in preparing decisions to ban products made with forced labour. This is without prejudice to the Commission’s task, in its role as a lead competent authority, to take decisions to prohibit the placing on the market of products made with forced labour. The Commission, in its role as a lead competent authority, should exercise its powers impartially, transparently and with due respect for obligations of professional secrecy and should have the necessary expertise. The Commission should have the means to finance the necessary staff and related costs to carry out the tasks entrusted to it under this Regulation and build the required expertise.