The Netherlands and the EU single market
A well-functioning EU single market is good for the Netherlands. It ensures the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital within the European Union. The Dutch government wants to remove obstacles to the single market, for both members of the public and businesses.
The government’s vision for the EU single market
A well-functioning single market within the EU helps to boost the EU’s competitiveness. It also offers consumers more choice, better quality and lower prices for products and services.
The Netherlands wants the single market to function more efficiently. Currently, for members of the public and businesses encounter too many obstacles.
Product rules and the EU single market
Products sold in the EU must meet EU rules. These rules ensure that unsafe or harmful products do not enter the market. This is why many products must bear a CE marking. The CE marking shows that products satisfy EU health, safety and environmental requirements.
Manufacturers who meet EU requirements can sell their products in all EU member states.
Inspection agencies monitor products for the EU single market
In the Netherlands, the following inspection agencies monitor whether products meet EU requirements:
- the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), which monitors consumer products;
- the Netherlands Labour Authority, which monitors compliance with labour laws;
- the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT), which monitors products that pose environmental risks, infrastructure and transportation;
- the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure, which monitors transmitting and receiving equipment;
- the Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ), which monitors medical devices and medicines.
These agencies mainly focus on products which could carry health, safety or environmental risks. Special attention is paid to products which show frequent variation or deviation. The agencies also act on complaints from consumers or businesses regarding particular products, or can act on reports from inspection agencies in other EU member states.
Agency measures
If a product does not comply with the rules, the agencies can take a number of measures. For instance, the manufacturer, importer or distributor could be instructed to modify the product or take it off the market. Serious breaches can result in criminal proceedings. The agencies fight unfair competition by tackling businesses that break the rules.
The agencies work with the customs authorities, so customs can seize products that do not comply with the rules.