1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 18 April 2016. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those measures.

2. Notwithstanding paragraph 1 of this Article, Member States may postpone the application of Article 40(1) until 18 October 2018, except where use of electronic means is mandatory pursuant to Articles 52, 53, 54, Article 55(3), Article 71(2) or Article 73.

Notwithstanding paragraph 1 of this Article, Member States may postpone the application of Article 40(1) for central purchasing bodies pursuant to Article 55(3) until 18 April 2017.

Where a Member State chooses to postpone the application of Article 40(1), that Member State shall provide that contracting entities may choose between the following means of communication for all communication and information exchange:

(a) electronic means in accordance with Article 40;

(b) post or other suitable carrier;

(c) fax;