The matters covered by this Part A are directed to the formalities staff of the EPO whether they be in The Hague, Munich or Berlin. They are directed primarily to the Receiving Section which is specifically responsible under the EPC for ensuring that the formal requirements for European patent applications are adhered to. Once the application is transferred to the Examining Division, the latter accepts responsibility for the formalities of the application, although it should be understood that reference to the Examining Division is intended to cover the formalities officer to which this work is entrusted.