Mutual Recognition Regulation

Briefing 13-06-2017

The internal market for goods is one of the EU’s greatest achievements at European level, as well as one of its most important and continuing priorities. Despite its undeniable success, the single market has yet to reach its full potential, and barriers to free exchange of goods continue to limit opportunities for businesses and citizens. Since 2009, Regulation EC 764/2008, also known as the Mutual Recognition Regulation, has strengthened the free trade of goods within the EU. This regulation requires that all Member States provide information on their national technical rules for products lawfully marketed in another Member State and sets out a standard procedure for enforcing these rules. The European Commission is now preparing new measures aimed at improving this regulation and making it easier for businesses to market their products in another EU country. This briefing highlights some key elements of the single market for goods and focuses on the revision of Regulation EC 764/2008.