91998E3919

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3919/98

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Rules on the manufacture and marketing of objects containing precious metals

On 31 July 1998 the Spanish Association of Jewellers, Silversmiths and Watchmakers submitted a formal complaint to the Commission concerning obstacles to the free movement of Spanish goods in this sector in the intra-Community area. The above association takes the view that the diverse legislation in the Member States governing the manufacture and marketing of objects containing precious metals and the lack of a Community directive on the subject are giving rise to a situation where some Member States (particularly Portugal, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands and Ireland) are hindering and preventing the marketing of Spanish products in the countries concerned, even though the checks made are identical or equivalent to those carried out in Spain. The consequence is a duplication of checks, verification of purity and stamping fees for the same product, since these procedures must be carried out both in the state of origin and in the state of destination, with the result that commercial transactions are delayed and on some occasions cancelled.

The Commission:

1. Can it say whether it has launched any investigations to confirm or refute the distortions of competition reported by the Spanish Association of Jewellers, Silversmiths and Watchmakers, through which some Member States are alleged to be obstructing the free movement of Spanish goods? If so, what were the results?

2. Has it considered the possibility of bringing in legislation on the manufacture and marketing of objects containing precious metals?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(17 February 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-3158/98 by Mrs Ferrer(1).

(1) OJ C 207, 21.7.1999, p. 33.