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The free movement of goods is one of the cornerstones of the European Single
Market.
The removal of national barriers to the free movement of goods within the EU
is one of the principles enshrined in the EU Treaties. From a traditionally
protectionist starting point, the countries of the EU have continuously been
lifting restrictions to form a ‘common’ or single market. This commitment to
create a European trading area without frontiers has led to the creation of more
wealth and new jobs, and has globally established the EU as a world trading
player alongside the United States and Japan.
Despite Europe’s commitment to breaking down all internal trade barriers,
not all sectors of the economy have been harmonised. The European Union decided
to regulate at a European level sectors which might impose a higher risk for
Europe’s citizens – such as pharmaceuticals or construction products. The
majority of products (considered a ‘lower risk’) are subject to the
application of the so-called principle of mutual recognition, which means that
essentially every product legally manufactured or marketed in one of the Member
States can be freely moved and traded within the EU internal market.
Limits to the free movement of goods
The EU Treaty gives Member States the right to set limits to the free
movement of goods when there is a specific common interest such as protection of
the environment, citizens’ health, or public policy, to name a few. This means
for example that if the import of a product is seen by a Member State’s
national authorities as a potential threat to public health, public morality or
public policy, it can deny or restrict access to its market. Examples of such
products are genetically modified food or certain energy drinks.
Even though there are generally no limitations for the purchase of goods in
another Member State, as long as they are for personal use, there is a series of
European restrictions for specific categories of products, such as alcohol and
tobacco.
Further Information
- Department of Customs and Excise
Tel: 22 601 657 and 22 601 658
- Europe Direct
Tel:00 800 6789 1011
European citizens can go to the Europe Direct website free of charge from any of the 25 countries of the
EU. The number 8000 11 12 can be phoned from within Cyprus, and the Eurodirect number + 357 8000 11 12 can be phoned directly from EU countries.
- Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the European Union
Tel: + 32 2 73 53 510
Text last edited on: 12/2007
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2008
Reproduction is authorised.
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