Article 2 of the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (Designation of Prosecuting Authorities) Order 2004 designated certain prosecuting authorities for the purposes of section 7(5) of the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003. Designated prosecuting authorities can issue a request for assistance in obtaining outside the United Kingdom any evidence for use in criminal proceedings or investigations in the United Kingdom without the need to apply for judicial authority to do so under section 7(1) of that Act.