Role of certificates in rules of origin

19.2.2004

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0615/04
by Jules Maaten (ELDR)
to the Commission

1. In answer to my written question of 8 May 2003 (E-1590/03[1]), the Commission says that it '(...) does not have any information about problems encountered by business as a result of errors by Member State authorities which issue certificates of origin (...)'.

 

Is the Commission aware of the van der Rijken/Hoogerwerff case (application REM 4/2002)?

 

2. Does the Commission consider that it is fair and reasonable and consistent with the general principles of sound administration that a trader such as Mr van der Rijken who relies on legally valid certificates of origin issued by a Member State should incur penalties in another Member State as a result of mistakes made by the Member State that issued the original certificate?

 

3. Is the Commission prepared to re-examine in this case, particularly since Mr van der Rijken was acting in good faith and the matter has now been going on for some time?

 

• [1]  OJ C 111 E, 15.1.2004, p. 201.