Strasbourg, 21/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - Although many European companies already use “made in” indications on a voluntary basis, the EU does not have harmonised rules on stating the origin of imported goods, except in certain cases in the agriculture sector. With its adoption of the report by Cristiana Muscardini (EPP, Italy) by 525 votes to 49, with 44 abstentions, in Strasbourg on Thursday 21 October, the European Parliament (EP) put forward its demands for a system of clear rules which ensure that consumers are provided with the best possible information, and for protection from health risks, counterfeits and unfair competition.
Under the amended draft regulation, goods imported from outside the EU should clearly state their country of origin. The words “Made in” and the name of the country must be stated “in a language that is easily understood by consumers in the member state where the goods are to be marketed”. MEPs adopted an amendment to allow the use of English, as a possible alternative, anywhere in the EU. They say that the country of origin should be marked on most goods, except where this marking may damage the goods or if it is impossible for technical reasons. The very wide range of products covered includes glassware, textiles, pharmaceutical products, tools, screws, taps and furniture, and may be extended in future following Commission proposals and with the approval of the Parliament and Council. As amended by the plenary session, the regulation will apply only to goods destined for final consumers, and will not cover fish, aquaculture products or foodstuffs, nor will it cover products from the European Union, Turkey, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. MEPs call on the Commission to propose a harmonised system of penalties - something that was not in the initial proposal - to ensure that the rules are applied uniformly across all member states.
Once finally adopted by both Parliament and Council, the new rules will be applicable in all member states starting one year after publication in the EU Official Journal. The Commission will evaluate the effect of the regulation three years after its implementation. (E.H./transl.rt)