Question

By 18 January 2016, Member States shall notify to

the Commission the list of professions for which a prior
check of qualifications is necessary under Article 7(4).

Sometimes I get confused when it comes to "by" and a date..
Does this mean that "the Member States shall notify to the Commission the list before 18 January 2016", or "starting from 18 January 2016", like, "after 18 January 2016"? Thanks in advance..

Answer 1

The use of by with the date means that you have until the specified date to accomplish with your duty. Then before is right and after is wrong.