1. Interruption of the limitation period in proceedings. Any action taken by the Commission, or by any Member State, acting at the request of the Commission, for the purpose of the preliminary investigation or proceedings in respect of an infringement shall interrupt the limitation period in proceedings.
2. In the Community this relates to the rights of the defence, comprising the right to be heard, third party rights, provisions on prescription, the protection of business secrets and confidentiality a well as the right to judicial review.
