2.1 Requirements 

On request, the EPO may hear oral evidence or carry out an inspection without delay, in order to conserve evidence of facts liable to affect a decision, where there is reason to fear that it might subsequently become more difficult or even impossible to take this evidence. This could be the case, for example, where an important witness is about to emigrate to a distant country or where perishable matter, e.g. a foodstuff, is adduced as involving a use made accessible to the public.