(1) If the preliminary inquiry cannot be discontinued as per § 15, the case is referred for formal investigation, which is conducted by the Committee of Inquiry on Allegations of Scientific Misconduct. 

(2) The complainant and the respondent must be informed of the referral for formal investigation; the respondent should be informed of the reasons for the decision. It should be pointed out to the complainant that the decision is confidential. 

(3) The respondent must be given the opportunity to submit a statement in response to all allegations raised. If an allegation does not become the subject of the procedure until after the formal investigation has been initiated, the investigation may be extended to include this allegation.