Recent EC legislation
- EC Regulation on accreditation and market surveillance [EC 765 of 2008]; and
- EC Decision on a common framework for the marketing of products [EC 768 of 2008]
have recently received approval, following a review of the New Approach. These are complimentary and both aim to improve the free movement of goods within the Internal Market.
The Regulation is directly applicable and applies from 1 January 2010. It puts accreditation into a legal framework in the EEA, enhancing confidence in conformity assessment by strengthening the role of Accreditation for testing, certification and inspection bodies and puts CABs on a level playing field throughout this area. It will also reinforce Market Surveillance structures to protect citizens from unsafe products (including those from outside the EU) and level the playing field for compliant business, by removing those products from the market.
The Decision, which will not have direct effect in Member States, but will set a formal framework for future European legislative proposals that fall within its scope. The scope is very broad for both Proposals and includes all products subject to Community harmonisation legislation (with notable exceptions such as food and medicines). The Decision contains a toolbox of additional measures which will be integrated into the legal framework as specific legislative proposals are brought forward. This will clarify commonly used procedures and terms (which are often used differently) so that all stakeholders can be clear on relative responsibilities. In addition there are new rules to enhance confidence in CE marking.
