1. Each Contracting State shall appoint one or more authorised assay offices for the control and marking of articles of precious metals as provided for in Annex II.
2. The authorised assay offices shall satisfy the following conditions:
– availability of staff and of the necessary means and equipment;
– technical competence and professional integrity of the staff;
– in carrying out the requirements of the Convention, the management and technical staff of the authorised assay office must be independent of all circles, grouping or persons with direct or indirect interest in the area concerned;
– staff must be bound by professional secrecy.
3. Each Contracting State shall notify the depositary of the appointment of such assay offices and of their marks and any withdrawal of this authorisation from any assay office previously appointed. The depositary shall immediately notify all other Contracting States accordingly.