The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Designation of an International Agreement) Order 2004
Section 1(4) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 puts the Secretary of State under a duty to secure that no request for mutual assistance relating to the interception of communications and requiring the use of a warrant or equivalent instrument is made on behalf of a person in the United Kingdom to the competent authorities of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom except with lawful authority (lawful authority is defined in section 1(5)). The duty on the Secretary of State only applies to a request for mutual assistance made under a designated international agreement. This Order designates the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Members States of the European Union established by Council Act of 29th May 2000 (2000/C197/01) as such an agreement.