Mutual recognition in the single market after the Cassis de Dijon ruling

29.11.2016

Question for written answer E-008884-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Beatrix von Storch (EFDD)

The Cassis de Dijon ruling (judgment of the Court of Justice of 20 February 1979, Rewe-Zentral AG v Bundesmonopolverwaltung für Branntwein) established the principle that, in essence, products sold lawfully in one Member State may not be prohibited from sale in another. It further held that Member States may only place restrictions on the free movement of goods on certain very specific public interest grounds: in particular to ensure fiscal supervision, the protection of public health, the fairness of commercial transactions and the defence of the consumer. The principle of mutual recognition is conducive to competition and, thereby, prosperity.

1. Is the Commission aware that harmonisation of goods under EC law runs counter to the Cassis de Dijon principle?

2. Is the Commission aware that this erodes our prosperity?

3. In which of the Commission’s proposals for new or revised EU legislation concerning the internal market has it upheld the Cassis de Dijon principle since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty?