| Author (Person) | Davies, Eric |
|---|---|
| Publisher | ProQuest Information and Learning |
| Series Title | In Focus |
| Series Details | 26.7.02 |
| Publication Date | 26/07/2002 |
| Content Type | News, Overview, Topic Guide | In Focus |
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The European Commission has published its second biennial report on mutual recognition of products and services in the Single Market. The principle of mutual recognition - originally established in the 'Cassis de Dijon' case - concerns products and services for which there are no EU-level rules on harmonisation. Under mutual recognition, such products and services can legally be sold or provided in all EU Member States providing they meet the relevant legal requirements in the manufacturer's or service provider's own Member State (there are some exceptions based on 'overriding requirements of general public importance', such as public health, and consumer or environmental protection). In 1999, the Commission adopted a communication on the application of the mutual recognition principle and published its First Report On the Application of the Principle of Mutual Recognition In Product and Services Markets. The Second biennial Report on the Application of the Principle of Mutual Recognition in the Single Market assesses progress made since 1999 and highlights areas where there are still problems. Mutual recognition covers an estimated The Commission suggests that mutual recognition works less well for these types of products primarily because 'a number of economic operators and national administrations are unfamiliar with the principle' and suffer from a lack of information and cooperation. To help improve the situation, the Commission intends to produce guidelines, explaining the rights and obligations of the parties concerned. Where Member States' rules differ so widely that mutual recognition is not appropriate (as in the cases of fortified foodstuffs and construction products), the Commission confirms that harmonisation will remain the most appropriate solution. Introducing the Second Report, the European Commissioner responsible for the Single Market, Frits Bolkestein, said:
Links: Eric Davies The European Commission published its second biennial report on mutual recognition of products and services in the Single Market in July 2002. |
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| Subject Categories | Internal Markets |
430 billion worth of products traded between Member States; its application is therefore seen as a critical element in the effectiveness of the Single Market. However, the Second Report shows that although the principle generally works well for simple products (e.g. bicycles, tanks and containers), there are problems associated with more complex products. Two categories of problem products are identified: those which are technically complex (e.g. buses, lorries, construction products, precious metals) and those which can pose health or safety risks (e.g. food supplements, fortified products).