If a PACE request has been filed, the EPO will also have to respect the six-month time limit provided for in Rules 161 and 162 EPC and will therefore not be able to start supplementary European search or examination before expiry of that time limit (see point 488). For this reason an applicant interested in acceleration of the procedure may consider waiving his right to the Rule 161 EPC/Rule 162 EPC communication. He can do so by ticking the first check box in Section 12.2 of EPO Form 1200. The further details are set out below (see point 494). In such a case the claims fee must not be paid by automatic debit order, since in that case the fees are debited – and thus paid – on the last day of the six-month period under Rule 162(2) EPC.
Source: http://www.epo.org/applying/international/guide-for-applicants/html/e/ga_e_i_10.html
Date retrieved: 30 December 2018