Conference on the internal market
Representatives from authorities as well as from industry acknowledged the fact that the principle of mutual recognition does not function very well within the EU. The principle means that if a product is lawfully marketed in one EU member state, it is also to be considered lawfully marketed in all other member states. Public authorities may not prevent the free circulation of such products. Companies find the existence of different national rules, such as requirements on the use of specific test methods or pre-approval, as legally uncertain and authorities have difficulties applying the current regulation on mutual recognition.
Complex and unclear legislation, rogue traders, limited resources and lengthy court procedures make market surveillance difficult and demands for better conditions for authorities to fulfil their obligations were put forward.
Programme, presentations, video and minutes from the conference can be found here.