Brussels, 30/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - With the adoption of the report by Cristiana Muscardini (EPP) on the country of origin marking of products (19 votes for, 2 against and 2 abstentions), on Wednesday 29 September, the European Parliament's international trade committee submitted its request for a system of clear rules that guarantees consumers can make informed choices, with a view to protect against health risks, counterfeiting and unfair competition.
Pursuant to the amended draft regulation, country of origin marking of goods imported from third countries should clearly state the country of origin of those products. Also, the words, “made in”, and the name of the country, should be given in a “language that is easily understood by consumers in the member state where the goods are to be marketed”. In this respect, MEPs introduced an amendment aimed at authorising the use of English as a possible alternative throughout the EU. They nonetheless specify that the country of origin should be marked on most products, except in the case where marking can harm the goods, or when it is impossible for technical reasons. Furthermore, if the goods are packaged, country of origin marking should be placed on the packaging and on the product. As amended in committee, the regulation will only apply to products intended for end consumers, and will not apply to fish, aquaculture products or foodstuffs, or goods produced in the EU or from Turkey, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. The very long list of products covered includes glassware, textiles and pharmaceuticals, tools, screws, taps and furniture but may be extended in the future at a proposal from the European Commission and with the endorsement of the Parliament and Council. Finally, MEPs call on the Commission, which had not foreseen this in its initial text, to suggest a harmonised system of penalties to ensure that this system of rules is applied in a uniform manner in all member states. Once adopted by Parliament and Council, the regulation on country of origin markings will apply in all member sates, one year after it is published in the EU Official Journal. The Commission is to assess the impact of the text three years after its implementation. (E.H./transl.jl)