Artikel 8

1. Requests for assistance under this Agreement shall be addressed directly to the customs administration of the other Contracting Party. Requests shall be made in writing or electronically and shall be accompanied by any information deemed useful for compliance with the request. The requested administration may require written confirmation of electronic requests. Where the circumstances so require, requests may be made verbally. Such requests shall be confirmed as soon as possible either in writing, or, if acceptable to both customs administrations, electronically.
2. Requests shall include as much information as possible to assist the requested administration in responding, including but not limited to the following details:
a) the name of the requesting administration;
b) the matter at issue, type of assistance requested, and reasons for the request;
c) a brief description of the case under review and the legal and administrative provisions that apply;
d) the names and addresses of the persons to whom the request relates, if known.
3. Original files, documents and other materials shall only be requested in cases where copies would be insufficient and shall be returned at the earliest opportunity. The rights of the requested administration or of third parties relating thereto shall remain unaffected.