1. The competent authorities shall exchange information with the other Member States and the Commission on authorisations granted pursuant to paragraph 1 of Article 12b in relation to goods and technologies listed in Annex VII as well as in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2021/821. The exchange of information shall be carried out using the electronic system provided pursuant to Article 23(6) of Regulation (EU) 2021/821.
2. Information received as a result of the application of this Article shall be used only for the purpose for which it was requested, including the exchanges mentioned in paragraph 4 of Article 2d.
3. Member States and the Commission shall ensure the protection of confidential information acquired in the application of this Article in accordance with Union law and the respective national law.
4. Member States and the Commission shall ensure that classified information provided or exchanged under this Article is not downgraded or declassified without the prior written consent
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