BusinessEurope comments on the Commission's 'goods package'

Key messages

• BusinessEurope supports the proposed ‘Goods Package’. The package will contribute to improving the free movement of goods in the Single Market and creating a level playing field. While some further refinements of the proposals are necessary, we call upon the co-legislators to handle these files swiftly.
• In the area of mutual recognition:
  • it is key that public interest grounds to deny mutual recognition are as clearly defined as possible. The proposal does not sufficiently address this;
  • companies should have recourse to an accessible problem-solving tool. Enhanced use of SOLVIT as proposed by the Commission in this context can be helpful, but only when Commission intervention within a limited timeframe is ensured.
• In the area of compliance and enforcement:
  • the proposal should further specify that surveillance measures, fees and penalties should be proportionate, prioritising actions for the largest risk-reduction opportunities;
  • the proposal should further specify that company information must be treated with appropriate confidentiality measures, and there should be stricter criteria as to what information can be taken into account as evidence;
  • we oppose to the presumption of non-compliance throughout the EU on the basis of a decision of a single market surveillance authority without an appropriate dialogue mechanism where differences of opinion can be resolved.