New EU rule in the offing to improve free movement of goods in single market

A new EU regulation will be implemented from April 19 with the view to improve free movement of goods across the EU Single Market.

It will apply in situations where the legislation or administrative provisions of a member state lay down national requirements for products that are not the subject of harmonisation at EU level, said an official press release.

It is estimated that nearly half of all products in the single market will be covered by the regulation.

The new regulation will replace the existing one on mutual recognition of goods and is part of the EU’s ‘goods package,’ aiming to improve the functioning of the single market.

The member states’ authorities must observe the obligations laid down in the regulation when they perform their duties, such as the assessment of goods.

Using a voluntary mutual recognition declaration (self-declaration), companies can demonstrate that their products are lawfully marketed in another EU member state. In addition, companies can use the single market problem-solving network (SOLVIT) to assess whether an authority has applied the principle of mutual recognition appropriately.

The regulation-obligations apply to national authorities who apply national legislation or administrative provisions that have not been harmonised at the EU level. The regulation applies to administrative decisions that affect market access of goods.

The principle of mutual recognition is based on free movement of goods within the single market, unless a decision has been made to restrict or deny market access.

The regulation on mutual recognition applies to all types of goods, including agricultural products. Food and construction products are among the most common sectors where the current regulation has been applied. It is possible to apply the regulation even in other sectors and to other goods that can be interpreted as merchandise, such as waste and works of art.