The following shall apply with regard to the monitoring of conformity assessment bodies (CAB's) listed in subpart B of this part:

(a) Designating authorities shall assure that their CAB's listed in subpart B of this part are capable and remain capable of properly assessing conformity of products or processes, as applicable, and as covered in subpart B of this part. In this regard, designating authorities shall maintain, or cause to maintain, ongoing surveillance over their CAB's by means of regular audit or assessment;

(b) The parties undertake to compare methods used to verify that the CAB's listed in subpart B of this part comply with the relevant requirements of subpart B of this part. Existing systems for the evaluation of CAB's may be used as part of such comparison procedures;

(c) Designating authorities shall consult as necessary with their counterparts, to ensure the maintenance of confidence in conformity assessment procedures. With the consent of both parties, this consultation may include joint participation in audits/inspections related to conformity assessment activities or other assessments of CAB's listed in subpart B of this part; and

(d) Designating authorities shall consult, as necessary, with the relevant regulatory authorities of the other party to ensure that all technical requirements are identified and are satisfactorily addressed.