5.11.1.Renewal fee 

5.11.001The renewal fees for a pending Euro-PCT application must be paid to the EPO. These fees are due in respect of the third and each subsequent year, calculated from the date of filing of the Euro-PCT application as accorded by the receiving Office. They may not be paid more than three months before they fall due, except for the third-year renewal fee, which may be paid up to six months before it falls due. As a consequence, it may be paid together with the other fees payable within the 31-month time limit. 

5.11.002If the renewal fee for the third year falls due within the 31-month time limit for entry into the European phase, the due date is deferred and the fee may be paid without surcharge up to expiry of the 31-month time limit. If a renewal fee is not paid on time, it may still be paid within six months of the due date ("grace period"), provided it is paid with a 50% surcharge ("additional fee"). If the third-year renewal fee falls due on expiry of the 31-month time limit but is not paid, this six-month period is computed from the date of expiry of the 31-month time limit.