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Version status: Applicable | Document consolidation status: Updated to reflect all known changes
Version date: 17 January 2020 - onwards
Version 3 of 3

Article 5 Competent authorities and single liaison offices

1. Each Member State shall designate one or more competent authorities and the single liaison office that are responsible for the application of this Regulation.

2. Competent authorities shall fulfil their obligations under this Regulation as though acting on behalf of consumers in their own Member State and on their own account.

3. Within each Member State, the single liaison office shall be responsible for coordinating the investigation and enforcement activities of the competent authorities, other public authorities referred to in Article 6 and, if applicable, designated bodies, in relation to infringements covered by this Regulation.

4. Member States shall ensure that competent authorities and single liaison offices have the necessary resources for the application of this Regulation, including sufficient budgetary and other resources, expertise, procedures and other arrangements.

5. Where there is more than one competent authority in their territory, Member States shall ensure that the respective duties of those competent authorities are clearly defined and that they collaborate closely in order to discharge those duties effectively.