1. Professional secrecy
Until 17 November 2002, Member States may conclude cooperation agreements, providing for exchanges of information, with the competent authorities of third countries only if the information disclosed is subject to guarantees of professional secrecy at least equivalent to those referred to in Article 16 of this Directive.
2. Activities and bodies excluded from this Directive
Until 1 January 2004, this Directive shall not concern mutual associations, where:
- the articles of association contain provisions for calling up additional contributions or reducing their benefits or claiming assistance from other persons who have undertaken to provide it, and
- the annual contribution income for the activities covered by this Directive does not exceed EUR 500 000 for three consecutive years. If this amount is exceeded for three consecutive years this Directive shall apply with effect from the fourth year.
3. Until 1 January 2004, Member States shall apply the following