Product contact point for mutual recognition

Mutual recognition ensures the free movement of goods in the European Community. This principle therefore increases the competitiveness of the European economy in an expanding competitive market.

Mutual recognition applies to products for which there are no harmonisation measures at EU level.

The contact point

For the internal goods market, it is important to ensure the accessibility of information relating to national technical regulations. To this end, a system of product contact points has been established so that companies and authorities can access information in a transparent and accurate manner.

The product contact coints provide the following information:

• the technical regulations applicable to a specific product type on the national territory;
• the contact details of the national authorities so that they can be contacted directly, including those of the authorities responsible for overseeing the implementation of specific technical regulations in the national territory;
• the legal remedies generally available in the national territory in the event of disputes between the competent authorities and a producer or distributor.

The product contact coints shall respond within fifteen working days of receipt of the request.

The product contact point of the member state in which the distributor and producer concerned have lawfully sold the product in question may submit relevant information or their comments to the producer or distributor or to the competent authority.

The role of the FPS Economy

The FPS Economy oversees the work of the product contact point for mutual recognition.