THE EU LAUNCHES ON-LINE CONSULTATION ON ORIGIN MARKING
Brussels, 21 April 2005 - The European Commission has launched an on-line consultation exercise into the possible development of an Eu regulation on origin marking. The consultation asks both European consumers and producers to comment on current practice for marking the origin of products imported into the Eu. Do they find existing systems adequate or are they misleading in any way? Do they make product choices on the basis of information on product origin? Since last year the Commission has explored the potential advantages to introducing such a system of product identification. The initiative would cover some industrial products, particularly in the clothing, footwear and ceramics sectors. Such a regulation would impose a compulsory mark indicating the name of the country of origin for certain products imported into the European Union. An origin marking scheme would allow consumers to be aware of the country of origin of the products they purchase. This would allow consumers to identify products with the social, environmental and safety standards associated with that country. This kind of information is a crucial part of a fair trade environment. Origin marking of imports could also help reduce product fraud, a serious problem for European producers who rely on their reputation for high-quality branded textiles, clothing, footwear, leather goods and ceramics. Better and more reliable product marking could contribute to the competitiveness of these European industries by safeguarding their identity. Participating on this consultation and submission of comments and views are possible via the Your Voice in Europe website: http://europa.Eu.int/yourvoice/forms/dispatch?form=401&lang=en
