Article 6 — Certification

1. By 17 December 2027, and every three years thereafter, economic operators that are large enterprises shall demonstrate that the handling process at each installation where plastic pellets in quantities equal to or above a threshold of 1500 tonnes have been handled in the previous calendar year is compliant with the requirements set out in Annex I, by obtaining a certificate issued by a certifier. 2. By 17 December 2028, and every four years thereafter, economic operators that are medium-sized enterprises shall demonstrate that the handling process at each installation where plastic pellets in quantities equal to or above a threshold of 1500 tonnes have been handled in the previous calendar year is compliant with the requirements set out in Annex I, by obtaining a certificate issued by a certifier. 3. By 17 December 2030, economic operators that are small enterprises shall demonstrate that the handling process at each installation where plastic pellets in quantities equal to or above a threshold of 1500 tonnes have been handled in the previous calendar year is compliant with the requirements set out in Annex I, by obtaining a certificate issued by a certifier. That certificate shall be valid for 5 years. The economic operators referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall comply with Article 5(2) after the expiry period of the certificate unless they choose to renew it in accordance with the first subparagraph of this paragraph. 4. Certifiers shall carry out spot checks, including, if accessible, at immediately surrounding areas, to ensure that the risk management plan is adequate to prevent plastic pellet losses and that all measures included therein are duly implemented. 5. Certificates shall meet the following requirements: (a) they are issued in accordance with the model form set out in Annex IV and in electronic form; (b) they specify the economic operator, the installation covered by the certificate, the date of each spot check carried out, and the period of validity; (c) they certify conformity of the installation covered by the certificate with the requirements set out in Annex I; 6. Without undue delay, certifiers shall notify the competent authority of the following: (a) certificates issued; (b) certificates suspended or withdrawn; (c) changes in certificates.