Limitation period for the enforcement of penalties

The power of the Commission to enforce decisions taken pursuant to Articles 74 and 76 shall be subject to a limitation period of five years.¶

Time shall begin to run on the day on which the decision becomes final.¶

The limitation period for the enforcement of penalties shall be interrupted:¶

1. a)
   by notification of a decision varying the original amount of the fine or periodic penalty payment or refusing an application for variation; ¶
2. b)
   by any action of the Commission, or of a Member State acting at the request of the Commission, designed to enforce payment of the fine or periodic penalty payment. ¶

Each interruption shall start time running afresh.¶

The limitation period for the enforcement of penalties shall be suspended for so long as:¶

1. a)
   time to pay is allowed; ¶
2. b)
   enforcement of payment is suspended pursuant to a decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union or to a decision of a national court. ¶

   Supervision