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The free movement of goods is one of the cornerstones of the European Single
Market.
The removal of national barriers to the free movement of goods within the EU
is one of the principles enshrined in the EU Treaties. From a traditionally
protectionist starting point, the countries of the EU have continuously been
lifting restrictions to form a ‘common’ or single market. This commitment to
create a European trading area without frontiers has led to the creation of more
wealth and new jobs, and has globally established the EU as a world trading
player alongside the United States and Japan.
Despite Europe’s commitment to breaking down all internal trade barriers,
not all sectors of the economy have been harmonised. The European Union decided
to regulate at a European level sectors which might impose a higher risk for
Europe’s citizens – such as pharmaceuticals or construction products. The
majority of products (considered a ‘lower risk’) are subject to the
application of the so-called principle of mutual recognition, which means that
essentially every product legally manufactured or marketed in one of the Member
States can be freely moved and traded within the EU internal market.
Limits to the free movement of goods
The EU Treaty gives Member States the right to set limits to the free
movement of goods when there is a specific common interest such as protection of
the environment, citizens’ health, or public policy, to name a few. This means
for example that if the import of a product is seen by a Member State’s
national authorities as a potential threat to public health, public morality or
public policy, it can deny or restrict access to its market. Examples of such
products are genetically modified food or certain energy drinks.
Even though there are generally no limitations for the purchase of goods in
another Member State, as long as they are for personal use, there is a series of
European restrictions for specific categories of products, such as alcohol and
tobacco.
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
Reproduction is authorised.
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