Duration for keeping due diligence docs? SMEs included? Start?
How long must operators keep due diligence documentation? Should SME operators retain relevant product information? What marks the beginning of this duration?
1 Answer
Operators gather, organize, and retain information collected for five years from the date of product marketing or exportation, accompanied by evidence.
As per Article 10(4) and Article 11(3), operators must demonstrate due diligence execution and retained mitigation measures documentation for at least five years post due diligence exercise.
Operators also maintain due diligence declaration records for five years from submission date in the Information System, preceding product marketing or exportation. Non-SME traders have similar obligations to operators.
SME traders preserve information listed in Article 5(3), including due diligence reference numbers, for at least five years from product marketing or exportation date.