Portugal - Import Requirements and Documentation Portugal - Import Requirements
Import Requirements & Documentation
The TARIC (Tarif Intégré de la Communauté), described above, is available to help determine if a license is required for a particular product. Moreover, the European Commission maintains an export helpdesk with information on import restrictions of various products:http://trade.ec.europa.eu/tradehelp/import-restrictions
Many EU Member States maintain their own list of goods subject to import licensing. For example, Germany's "Import List" (Einfuhrliste) includes goods for which licenses are required, their code numbers, any applicable restrictions, and the agency that will issue the relevant license. The Import List also indicates whether the license is required under German or EU law.
For information relevant to member state import licenses, please consult the relevant member state Country Commercial Guide: EU Member States' Country Commercial Guides https://export.gov/ccg/ or conduct a search on the Commerce Department’s Market Research Library, available from: https://www.export.gov/Market-Intelligence
Import Documentation
The Single Administrative DocumentThe official model for written declarations to customs is the Single Administrative Document (SAD). The SAD describes goods and their movement around the world and is essential for trade outside the EU, or of non-EU goods. Goods brought into the EU customs territory are, from the time of their entry, subject to customs supervision until customs formalities are completed. Goods are covered by a Summary Declaration which is filed once the items have been presented to customs officials. The customs authorities may, however, allow a period for filing the Declaration which cannot be extended beyond the first working day following the day on which the goods are presented to customs.
The Summary Declaration is filed by:
- the person who brought the goods into the customs territory of the Community or by any person who assumes responsibility for carriage of the goods following such entry; or
- the person in whose name the person referred to above acted.
European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries including Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein also use the SAD. Information on import/export forms is contained in Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2454/93, which lays down provisions for the implementation of the Community Customs Code (Articles 205 through 221). Articles 222 through 224 provide for computerized customs declarations and Articles 225 through 229 provide for oral declarations.
More information on the SAD can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/procedural_aspects/general/sad/index_en.htm
The Union Customs Code (UCC) was adopted in 2013 and its substantive provisions went into effect on 1 May 2016. It has replaced the Community Customs Code (CCC). In addition to the UCC, the European Commission published delegated and implementing regulations on the actual procedural changes.
http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/customs_code/union_customs_code/index_en.htm
Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI)
Since July 1, 2009, all companies established outside of the EU are required to have an EORI number if they wish to lodge a customs declaration or an Entry/Exit Summary declaration. All U.S. companies should use this number for their customs clearances. An EORI number must be formally requested from the customs of the specific member state to which the company first exports. Member state customs authorities may request additional documents to be submitted alongside a formal request for an EORI number. Once a company has received an EORI number, it can use it for exports to any of the 28 EU Member States. There is no single format for the EORI number. Once an operator holds an EORI number s/he can request the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO: see below under “MRA”) status, which can give quicker access to certain simplified customs procedures.
More information about the EORI number can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/eos/eori_home.jsp?Lang=en
U.S. - EU Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA)
The U.S. and the EU have had a Customs Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters Agreement (CMAA) since 1997 when the U.S. - EU Agreement on Customs Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters came into force. For additional information, please see Agreements with the United States
In 2012 the United States and the EU signed a Decision recognizing the compatibility of AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) and C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism), thereby facilitating faster and more secure trade between U.S. and EU operators. The World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards provides the global standard for AEO. AEO certification is issued by a national customs authority and is recognized by all Member States’ customs agencies. As of April 17, 2017, an AEO can consist of two different types of authorization: “customs simplification” or “security and safety.” The former allows for an AEO to benefit from simplification related to customs legislation, while the latter allows for facilitation through security and safety procedures. Shipping to a trader with AEO status could facilitate an exporter’s trade as its benefits include expedited processing of shipments, reduced theft/losses, reduced data requirements, lower inspection costs, and enhanced loyalty and recognition. Under the revised Union Customs Code, in order for an operator to make use of certain customs simplifications, the authorization of AEO becomes mandatory.
The United States and the EU recognize each other’s security certified operators and will take the respective membership status of certified trusted traders favorably into account to the extent possible. The favorable treatment provided by the Decision will result in lower costs, simplified procedures and greater predictability for transatlantic business activities. It officially recognizes the compatibility of AEO and C-TPAT programs, thereby facilitating faster and more secure trade between U.S. and EU operators.
Additional Information on the Decision
Introduction
A key EU priority is ensuring products marketed in the region are safe for the environment and human health. U.S. manufacturers exporting to the European Union need to ensure their products meet these requirements to enter the market.
New Initiatives: Circular Economy & Plastics Strategy
On 25 September 2014, the European Commission published the Communication “Towards a circular economy: A zero waste programme for Europe”. The Communication acknowledges the intense competition for resources within Europe and the need to ensure market mechanisms eliminate waste. When implementing this package, the European Commission will promote regulatory and voluntary measures that encourage the “design out” of waste during the product development cycle. These measures include introducing mandatory recycling targets for waste, improvements to energy and resource use (e.g. water) and eliminating the use of materials in products that inhibit the collection, recycling and reuse of materials in products.
On 16 January 2018, the European Commission published what is arguably the most important measure towards implementing the circular economy. On that day it adopted a strategy document entitled, “A European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy”. The strategy acknowledges that plastics have a positive and negative impact on the environment, while calling for voluntary and regulatory measures aimed at mitigating the environmental harm caused by plastics. These measures address marine litter caused by the shipping industry; measures addressing the chemical composition of plastics to encourage recycling; potential regulation on single use plastics; and funding for the development of chemical and mechanical recycling.
Batteries
The EU Battery Directive adopted in 2006 applies to all batteries and accumulators placed on the EU market. This includes automotive, industrial and portable batteries. The Directive seeks to protect the environment by restricting the sale of batteries and accumulators that contain mercury or cadmium (with an exemption for emergency and alarm systems, medical equipment and cordless power tools) and by promoting a high level of collection and recycling. It places the responsibility on producers to finance the costs associated with the collection, treatment, and recycling of used batteries and accumulators. The Directive also includes provisions on the labeling of batteries and their removability from equipment. The European Commission publishes a FAQ document to assist interested parties in interpreting its provisions. For more information, see our market research report.
Registration, Evaluation and Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
REACH applies to all chemicals manufactured or imported into the EU in quantities exceeding one metric ton. The regulation entered into force in 2007 (Regulation 1907/2006) and touches virtually every industrial sector, from automobiles to textiles. REACH imposes a registration obligation on all entities affected by the one metric ton criteria by May 31, 2018. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is the agency responsible for receiving and ensuring the completeness of such registrations. U.S. companies without a presence in Europe need to rely on an EU-based partner, typically either an importer or a specialized ‘Only Representative’.
In addition to the registration requirement, U.S. exporters should carefully review the REACH ‘Candidate List’ of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) and the ‘Authorization List’. Under certain conditions, substances on the Candidate List are subject to communication requirements prior to their export to the EU. Companies seeking to export chemicals on the ‘Authorization List’ will require an authorization. The Candidate List can be found at: http://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/candidate-list-table.
The Authorization List is available at https://echa.europa.eu/authorisation-list
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
EU rules on WEEE, while not requiring specific customs or import paperwork, may entail a financial obligation for U.S. exporters. The Directive requires U.S. exporters to register relevant products with a national WEEE authority or arrange for this to be done by a local partner. It also requires manufacturers to inform the consumer that their product should be recycled by including the “crossed out wheelie-bin” symbol on the product or with the packaging. (See the section entitled “Mandatory Marks and Labels” for more information.) The WEEE Directive was revised on July 4, 2012 and the scope of products covered was expanded to include all electrical and electronic equipment. U.S. exporters seeking more information on the WEEE Directive should visit:
http://apps.export.gov/article?id=European-Union-Waste-Electrical-and-Electronic-Equipment-WEEE
Restriction on Hazardous Substances RoHS
The ROHS Directive imposes restrictions on the use of certain chemicals in electrical and electronic equipment. It does not require specific customs or import paperwork however, manufacturers must self-certify that their products are compliant and affix a “CE” mark. (See the section entitled “Mandatory Marks and Labels” for more information.) The 2011 revisions to the ROHS Directive significantly expanded the scope of covered products. Generally, U.S. exporters have until July 22, 2019 to bring products into compliance that were once outside the scope. U.S. exporters seeking more information on the RoHS Directive should visit: http://www.export.gov/article?id=European-Union-Restriction-of-the-Use-of-Certain-Hazardous-Substances-Directive-RoHS-II
Cosmetics Regulation
The EU legislation harmonizing the regulation of cosmetic products has applied since July 11, 2013. The most controversial element of the regulation was the introduction of an EU-wide system for the notification of cosmetic products to the European Commission prior to their placement on the EU market. Only an EU-established entity may submit such a notification. Therefore U.S. exporters must either retain a “Responsible Person” to act on their behalf, rely on the entity responsible for the import of their product into the EU, or establish a presence in an EU Member State.
For more general information, see: http://www.export.gov/article?id=The-EU-Cosmetics-Regulation
Agricultural Documentation
Phytosanitary Certificates: Phytosanitary certificates are required for most fresh fruits, vegetables, and other plant materials.
Sanitary Certificates: For commodities composed of animal products or by-products, EU countries require that shipments be accompanied by a certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country. This applies regardless of whether the product is for human consumption, for pharmaceutical use, or strictly for non-human use (e.g., veterinary biologicals, animal feeds, fertilizers, research). The vast majority of these certificates are uniform throughout the EU but the harmonization process is still ongoing. Most recently, certificates for a series of highly processed products including chondroitin sulphate, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed cartilage products, chitosan, glucosamine, rennet, isinglass and amino acids are being harmonized. Until harmonization is finalized, certain member state import requirements continue to apply. In addition to the legally required EU health certificates, a number of other certificates are used in international trade. These certificates, which may also be harmonized in EU legislation, certify origin for customs purposes and certain quality attributes. Up-to-date information on harmonized import requirements can be found at the following website: http://www.usda-eu.org/trade-with-the-eu/eu-import-rules/certification/fairs-export-certificate-report/.
Sanitary Certificates (Fisheries)
In April 2006, the European Union declared the U.S. seafood inspection system to be equivalent to the European one. Consequently, a specific public health certificate must accompany U.S. seafood shipments. The U.S. fishery product sanitary certificate is a combination of Commission Decision 2006/199/EC for the public health attestation and of Regulation 1012/2012 for the general template and animal health attestation. Unlike for fishery products, the U.S. shellfish sanitation system is not equivalent to that of the EU’s. The EU and the United States are currently negotiating a veterinary equivalency agreement on shellfish. In the meantime, the EU still has a ban in place (since July 1, 2010), that prohibits the import of U.S. bivalve mollusks, in whatever form, into EU territory. This ban does not apply to wild roe-off scallops.
Since June 2009, the only U.S. competent authority for issuing sanitary certificates for fishery and aquaculture products is the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA-NMFS).
In addition to sanitary certificates, all third countries wishing to export fishery products to the EU are requested to provide a catch certificate. This catch certificate certifies that the products in question have been caught legally.
For detailed information on import documentation for seafood, please contact the NOAA Fisheries office at the U.S. Mission to the EU (stephane.vrignaud@trade.gov) or visit the following NOAA dedicated website.
Labeling/Marking Requirements
SummaryThere is a broad array of EU legislation pertaining to the marking, labeling and packaging of products, with neither an “umbrella” law covering all goods nor any central directory containing information on marking, labeling and packaging requirements. This overview is meant to provide the reader with a general introduction to the multitude of marking, labeling and packaging requirements or marketing tools to be found in the EU.
Introduction
The first step in investigating the marking, labeling and packaging legislation that might apply to a product entering the EU is to draw a distinction between what is mandatory and what is voluntary. Decisions related to mandatory marking, labeling and/or packaging requirements may sometimes be left to individual Member States. Furthermore, voluntary marks and/or labels are used as marketing tools in some EU Member States. This report is focused primarily on the mandatory marks and labels seen most often on consumer products and packaging, which are typically related to public safety, health and/or environmental concerns. It also includes a brief overview of a few mandatory packaging requirements, as well as more common voluntary marks and/or labels used in EU markets.
It is also important to distinguish between marks and labels. A mark is a symbol and/or pictogram that appears on a product or its respective packaging. These range in scope from signs of danger to indications of methods of proper recycling and disposal. The intention of such marks is to provide market surveillance authorities, importers, distributors and end-users with information concerning safety, health, energy efficiency and/or environmental issues relating to a product. Labels, on the other hand, appear in the form of written text or numerical statements, which may be required but are not necessarily universally recognizable. Labels typically indicate more specific information about a product, such as measurements, or an indication of materials that may be found in the product (such as in textiles or batteries).
OVERVIEW
Mandatory Marks & Labels
- Textiles
- Cosmetics
- Dangerous Substances
- Explosive Atmosphere
- Electrical & Electronic Equipment
- Household Appliances
- Pricing
- Footwear
- Units of Measurement
- Automotive
- Tire labeling
- Maritime
- Materials in Contact with Food
- Noise Emissions
- Wood packaging
- Energy Efficiency
- Recycling - Separate Collection
- Cup/Fork Symbol (material in contact with food)
- Eco-Label
- Green Dot
- Energy Star
- ‘e’ Mark
Voluntary and mandatory marks and labels apply to all Member States of the EU, countries in the European Economic Area, European Free Trade Association, as well as candidate countries seeking membership to the EU.
MANDATORY MARKS AND LABELS
CE MARKING
This is probably the most widely used and recognized marking required by the EU. Found in all “New Approach” legislation with a few exceptions, the CE marking demonstrates that a product meets all essential requirements (typically related to safety, health, energy efficiency and/or environmental concerns). CE marking is required for the following products/product families
- Cableway installations
- Civil explosives
- Construction products
- Electrical/electronic products
- Electromagnetic compatibility
- Low voltage
- Restriction of Hazardous Substances
- Energy efficiency
- Equipment and protective systems in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX)
- Gas appliances
- Hot water boilers
- Lifts
- Machinery
- Medical devices (3)
- Non-automatic weighing instruments
- Personal protective equipment
- Pressure equipment
- Radio equipment
- Recreational crafts
- Refrigeration appliances
- Simple pressure vessels
- Toys
In 2008, the EU adopted a package of measures known as the New Legislative Framework (NLF) which provides a regulatory ‘toolbox’ for new and revised EU product safety legislation. The framework is designed to improve market surveillance, more clearly define the responsibilities of manufacturers, importers and distributors, and clarify the meaning of CE marking across a wide-range of product groups. In February 2014, to align product harmonization legislation with the provisions of the NLF (most notably Decision 768/2008), the European Union adopted an "Alignment Package" consisting of eight revised CE marking directives. These newly aligned directives are in force since 2016.
Note: The EU is currently finalizing new legislation that will impact CE marking for medical devices. Upon finalization of the new legislation in mid-2017, there will be a transition period with the new measures coming into force in 2020 for medical devices and 2022 for in-vitro medical devices.
For more information
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/ce-marking/index_en.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/european-standards/harmonised-standards/index_en.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/goods/new-legislative-framework/index_en.htm
http://apps.export.gov/article?id=Revised-CE-Marking-Laws-Applicable-in-2016
THE WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT DIRECTIVE (WEEE)
This directive is designed to tackle the rapidly increasing waste stream of electrical and electronic equipment, and complements European Union measures on landfills and waste incineration. Increased recycling of electrical and electronic equipment, in accordance with the directive requirements, limits the total quantity of waste going to final disposal. This directive affects the following product categories:
- Large and small household appliances
- Consumer equipment
- Lighting equipment
- IT and Telecommunications equipment
- Electrical and Electronic Tools
- Toys and Sports equipment
- Medical Devices
- Monitoring and control equipment
- Automatic dispensers
For more information:
Directive 2012/19/EU is available online at:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/legis_en.htm
ENERGY LABELING
Directive 2010/30/EU “on the indication by labeling and standard product information of the consumption of energy and other resources by energy-related products” sets a framework for the adoption of product-specific directives on the proper energy efficiency labeling for each concerned product. This 2010 directive broadens substantially the energy labeling scope. This law is undergoing review; the proposed legislation, simplifying labeling categories and extending the scope will likely be adopted in 2017.
Suppliers are to supply free of charge labels or product fiches containing information about consumption of electric or other energy sources to their dealers. Dealers display labels in a visible and legible way, and make the fiche available in product brochures or other literature.
For more information:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2017/06/26/clearer-energy-labelling/
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2010:153:0001:0012:EN:PDF
DEVICES FOR USE IN POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE (ATEX)
In addition to applying a CE marking for products falling under the ATEX Directive (2014/34/EC), it is necessary to display the Ex mark, which is a specific marking of explosion protection. Located next to the ‘Ex’ mark will be a symbol designating the product group or category as specified in the directive.
The revised ATEX Directive (2014/34/EC) was adopted in February 2014 as part of the New Legislative Framework alignment package. It replaced the existing directive and became applicable on April 20, 2016.
For more information:
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/mechanical-engineering/atex/index_en.htm
Directive 2014/34/EU:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32014L0034&from=EN
NOISE EMISSION OF OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
Machines used outdoors are subject to CE marking requirements. Noise emission levels are covered separately. The sample mandatory label shown above specifies noise emission levels.
For more information:
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/mechanical-engineering/noise-emissions/index_en.htm
MARITIME
The “steering wheel” mark shown above is the equivalent of CE marking for marine equipment. It applies to equipment for use on board any new EU ship, wherever the ship is situated at the time of construction, and to equipment placed on board existing EU ships, whether for the first time or to replace equipment already carried on board. It does not apply to equipment already on board on the date on which the directive entered into force in 1997. The directive applies to the following equipment categories:
- Life-saving appliances
- Marine pollution prevention
- Fire protection
- Navigation equipment
- Radio-communication equipment
For more information:
Directive 2014/90/EC is available online at:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2014.257.01.0146.01.ENG
TEXTILES
Textile products must be labeled or marked whenever they are put onto the market for production or commercial purposes (sale). The names, descriptions and details of a textile’s fiber content must be indicated on products available to consumers. With the exception of trademarks or the name of the undertaking, information other than that required by the directive must be listed separately. Member States may require that their national language be used on the labeling and marking required by the directive.
For more information:
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/fashion/textiles-clothing/legislation/index_en.htm
FOOTWEAR
Labels must convey information relating to the upper, the lining and insole sock, and the outer-sole of the footwear article. The information must be conveyed by means of approved pictograms or textual information, as defined by the directive.
The label must be legible, firmly secured and accessible, and the manufacturer or the authorized agent established in the Community is responsible for supplying the label and for the accuracy of the information contained therein. Only the information provided for in the directive need be supplied. There are no restrictions preventing additional information being included on the label.
For more information:
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/fashion/footwear/index_en.htm
COSMETICS
Containers and/or packaging (in certain cases) must bear, in indelible, easily legible and visible characters, the following:
- The name, trade name and address, or registered office, of the manufacturer or person responsible for marketing the cosmetic product within the Community
- The nominal contents at the time of packaging (by weight or volume)
- The date of minimum durability indicated by "Best before end", for products with a minimum durability of less than 30 months. In this case the following must figure on the packaging:
- The period after opening during which the product can be used without harm to the consumer, for products with a minimum durability of less than 30 months (indicated by a symbol representing an open cream jar, as shown below):
- Particular precautions for use
- The batch number or product reference, for identification
- The product’s function
The Member States are to draw up procedures for providing the information set out above in the case of cosmetic products that have not been pre-packaged. The product function and list of ingredients also have to appear on the container or packaging. Member States may stipulate that the information on the label is provided in their national or official language(s).
About the labeling of nanomaterials present in cosmetics:
The Cosmetics regulation indicates that from July 2013 “all ingredients present in the form of nanomaterials shall be clearly indicated in the list of ingredient” and that “the names of such ingredients shall be followed by the word ‘nano’ in brackets”.
For more information:
Regulation 1223/2009 is available online at:
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/cosmetics/legislation/index_en.htm
Market Research Report on “EU Cosmetics Legislation”
http://apps.export.gov/article?id=The-EU-Cosmetics-Regulation
DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES
Regulation on the Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Chemicals
The labeling of dangerous substances must indicate the following:
- The name of the substance
- The origin of the substance (the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor)
- The danger symbol and an indication of danger involved in the use of the substance
- A reference to the special risks arising from such dangers.
Symbols must be employed if the substance can be defined as any one of the following (as shown above): explosive, oxidizer, flammable, harmful, toxic irritant, corrosive, or harmful to environment. Containers of hazardous substances should include, in addition to the appropriate symbols, a raised triangle to alert the vision-impaired to their contents. Note that this directive has undergone numerous amendments relating, amongst other things, to the marking and labeling of additional substances. Accordingly, it is advisable to consult all literature.
Regulation 1272/2008 implements the classification, labeling and packaging requirements for chemicals based on the Worldwide United Nation’s Globally Harmonized System (UN GHS).
For more information:
Regulation 1272/2008/EC on the classification, labeling and packaging can be found at http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2008:353:0001:1355:EN:PDF
Legal Metrology and Metric Units of Measurement
This legislation specifies permissible ranges of nominal quantities, container capacities and the weights or volumes of prepackaged products. Manufacturers are advised to take note that all labels require metric units, although dual labeling is also acceptable.
For more information:
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/goods/building-blocks/legal-metrology/index_en.htm
PRICE DISPLAY
The directive requires an indication of the selling price, and price per unit of measurement, on all products offered to consumers. The aim is to improve the information available to the consumer and to facilitate price comparison. This information must be unambiguous, clearly legible and easily identifiable. If advertising mentions the item’s selling price, it must also indicate its unit price. For products sold in bulk, the unit price is the only item whose indication on the label is mandatory. National authorities may provide alternatives for products sold by small retail business operations.
For more information:
Directive 98/6/EC, on the indication of the prices of products offered to consumers, available online at: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:b8fd669f-e013-4f8a-a9e1-2ff0dfee7de6.0008.02/DOC_1&format=PDF
AUTOMOTIVE
Nearly every vehicle component must be certified for safety as specified under the various directives relating to automobiles. The number shown in the rectangle on the label indicates the particular Member State in which the approval process was conducted. A “base approval number” must also be provided adjacent to this certification. This four-digit number will correspond to the directive and type of device in question. The country-number correlation is as follows (this is not an exhaustive list):
| 1 | Germany | 6 | Belgium | 18 | Denmark |
| 2 | France | 9 | Spain | 21 | Portugal |
| 3 | Italy | 11 | UK | 23 | Greece |
| 4 | Netherlands | 13 | Luxembourg | 24 | Ireland |
All existing directives on motor vehicles, in chronological order, are available online at:
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/automotive/legislation/index_en.htm
Photometry
A similar marking is an ‘E’ surrounded by a circle, which applies to the testing of headlight lamps, brake light lamps and turning signal lamps of all vehicles seeking EU market entry. These include consumer vehicles, low-volume production trucks, light and heavy goods vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, cranes, agriculture and forestry tractors, and special-purpose and off-road vehicles.
For more information:
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/automotive/legislation/index_en.htm
TIRE LABELING
Tire label legislation requires that tire manufacturers declare fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise performance of C1, C2 and C3 tires (i.e. tires mainly fitted on passenger cars, light and heavy duty vehicles).
The objective of the regulation is better information for the consumer and a contribution to a more energy efficient transport policy.
For more information:
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/energy-efficient-products-and-labels/tyres
Directive 1222/2009/EC:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32009R1222&from=EN
Directive 228/2011/EC:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2011:062:0001:0016:EN:PDF
PACKAGING MATERIAL
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive harmonized member state legislation regarding packaging material composition and the management of packaging waste. Composition of packaging material is addressed in a series of EU-wide standards. For the management of packaging waste through recycling targets and collection and recycling systems, Member States have adopted voluntary marking mentioned in the following pages.
For more information:
Directive 94/62/EC, available online at:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/packaging/legis.htm
Wood Packaging
Like the United States, the EU has adopted legislation to ensure pest control in wood packaging. The marking used for regulated materials is based on the International Plant Protection Convention compliance symbol shown above.
For more information:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/plant_health_biosecurity/non_eu_trade/wood_packaging_dunnage/index_en.htm
VOLUNTARY MARKS AND LABELS
MATERIALS IN CONTACT WITH FOOD
Manufacturers of containers, plates, cups, and other material that is intended to come into contact with food are required to check the compliance of their product with EU chemical safety requirements. Using the symbol shown above shows compliance with these requirements. It is mandatory to comply with the legislation, but the use of the symbol is voluntary.
For more information:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/chemical_safety/food_contact_materials/legislation/index_en.htm
THE e-MARK
The e-mark, shown above, acts as a metrological "passport" to facilitate the free movement of prepackaged goods. It guarantees that certain liquids and other substances have been packed by weight or volume in accordance with the directives. While compliance is not mandatory, free movement throughout the EU is guaranteed for prepackaged products that do comply with the provisions of the directive.
Containers with an e-mark also bear an indication of the weight or volume of the product, known as its “nominal” weight or volume. The packer (or importer, if the container is produced outside the EU) is responsible for ensuring that the containers meet the directive’s requirements.
For more information:
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/goods/building-blocks/legal-metrology/pre-packaging/index_en.htm
THE ECO-LABEL
The European Eco-label enables European consumers, including public and private purchasers, to easily identify officially approved green products across the European Union, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. Introduced in 1992, the label communicates to the customer that the marked products meet specific eco-friendly criteria that have been developed to apply to everyday consumer goods and services.
The symbol may apply to the following product and services groups:
| All-purpose cleaners and cleaners for sanitary facilities | Household cleaning products | Textile products |
| Bed mattresses | Laundry detergents | Tissue paper |
| Campsite Services | Light bulbs | Tourist accommodation service |
| Copying and graphic paper | Lubricants | Vacuum cleaners |
| Detergents for dishwashers | Paints and varnishes | Washing machines |
| Dishwashers | Personal computers | Wooden coverings |
| Footwear | Printed paper products | Wooden furniture |
| Furniture | Refrigerators | |
| Growing media and Soil improvers | Soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners | |
| Hand dishwashing detergents | Soil improvers | |
| Hard floor coverings | Televisions | |
| Heat pumps | Textile coverings |
Manufacturers should be aware that similar eco-friendly markings are often used nationally, such as the Nordic Swan or the German Blue Angel, shown below.
The Eco-label program has recently been expanded to cover fish and fishery products. This means that eco-labeled products have been produced in accordance with specific environmental standards.
Private Eco labels have been developed by the seafood industry to “influence the purchasing decision of consumers and the procurement policies of retailers selling seafood products, in order to reward producers involved in responsible fishing and aquaculture practices leading towards sustainable use of natural resources.”
There are multiple eco-label schemes, and logos, developed by a variety of operators and according to different characteristics. This confusing situation has led to a need for harmonization and coherence. In response, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has developed a “Guideline for the Eco-Labeling of Fish and Fishery Products from Marine Capture Fisheries” (http://www.fao.org/docrep/012/i1119t/i1119t.pdf).
The U.S. government has decided not to engage in the development of such marketing tool. Instead, NOAA Fisheries has developed a comprehensive website where stakeholders, including consumers, can find facts about a specific species of fish and related fisheries. Consumers can then make their own purchasing choice:
http://www.fishwatch.gov/
The European Commission is currently preparing, at the request of the European Parliament and the Council, a feasibility report on options for a Union-wide eco-label scheme for fishery and aquaculture products. Some EU Member States have already created their own National eco label.
For more information:
European Eco-label website
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/index_en.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/maritimeaffairs_fisheries/consultations/ecolabel/index_en.htm
RECYCLING
The “mobius loop” (sometimes known as the “chasing arrows”), based on an international standard, may be found on products throughout Europe and is meant to help consumers identify and participate in recycling schemes for product packaging and materials. As well as being used on printed packaging, the chasing arrows symbol is sometimes featured in the molds of glass, metal, paper, or plastic products. Various kinds of loops indicate whether the product is recyclable, recycled or contains recycled material.
For more information:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/target_review/consultation.htm
Plastics
The symbol above is an example of how a plastic’s type may be indicated on a product. As part of the EU voluntary identification system for plastics, the following marks are used for the most common types of plastics (Decision 97/129/EC):
| EU Number | Abbreviated Description | Full Plastic Description |
| 1 | PET | Polyethylene Terepthalate |
| 2 | HDPE | High Density Polyethylene |
| 3 | PVC | Poly Vinyl Chloride |
| 4 | LDPE | Low Density Polyethylene |
| 5 | PP | Polypropylene |
| 6 | PS | Polystyrene |
Glass
There are no EU-wide symbols used to designate the recyclable nature of glass. However, it is certainly encouraged on the national level with an array of symbols. The one shown above is just one small sample of the total existing to show recyclability.
GREEN DOT
The Green Dot system is a scheme in which participating bodies coordinate the collection, sorting and recovery of used packaging. This system is actually administered according to national packaging laws (adhered to by packaging manufacturers, fillers, retailers and importers), and it should be noted that all participating national systems operate independently. The umbrella organization, PRO-Europe, is responsible for managing the Green Dot labeling system in Europe. More than 460 billion pieces of packaging marked with the Green Dot, shown above, are distributed worldwide. Interested applicants should contact one of the national administering authorities.
http://www.pro-e.org/