Size no longer matters in the EU
Industry - 04-04-2007 - 08:01
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/public/story_page/052-4538-085-03-13-909-20070323STO04523-2007-26-03-2007/default_en.htm
The free movement of goods is an EU principle and key to its economic
success. Half a billion citizens can choose from a vast range of
shopping products from 27 states. Standardisation, including
packaging, has been vital in making this happen. But with the single
market securely in place, has the time come to reverse the process?
More choice is great, but might the more vulnerable be "lost in the
supermarket"? This is the question now confronting the Parliament.
The European Commission wants to liberalise food packaging sizes. Many
food packaging laws are over 30 years old and accumulated amendments
make them confusing and hard to apply.
In the 1960s different national rules on the volume of packets and
bottles were a major barrier to the free movement of goods between the
Member States. Harmonisation helped sweep those barriers aside. But,
in 2000 the European Court of Justice ruled that EU countries could
not refuse products from other member states because they used
different pack sizes, making the law unnecessary.
What does the customer want?
A Eurobarometer survey in October 2001 asked consumers about their
experience with packaged and bottled products sold in shops and
supermarkets. Most welcomed standard sizes, but also wanted more
choice.
In response, the Commission proposed in 2004 a near total deregulation
of package sizes. EU standards would be scrapped in favour of market
mechanisms. Only wine, spirits, instant coffee and white sugar would
retain their standard sizes.
Parliament supports the Commission's proposal in general, but wants
better protection for consumers and small and medium enterprises. It
is concerned that disabled and elderly customers could be confused
about whether they are getting value for money. Many of the people in
these demographic groups tend to use local shops, which often don't
indicate unit prices, something supermarkets are obliged to do. In
addition, Parliament is concerned that there may be costs for smaller
firms, who may find that existing machinery catering to specific
packet sizes becomes obsolete.
It suggests that the list of regulated products should be extended to
include ground coffee, butter, salt, rice, pasta and milk.
Ministers would prefer to see a gradual phasing out of packaging norms
over five years for the products proposed by the EP and over six years
for white sugar. Following the EP's strong line on protection for
consumers and small companies, the Council also proposes:
a regular check on how the new law affects producers and consumers
more visible product labels to help customers estimate value for money
What's next?
The ball is now back in Parliament's court. It looks likely that the
EP will approve the legislation in May, provided that there is
agreement that it can be revised if it is found that the law has had a
negative impact on customers or producers.
--
There may come a time when the CO2 police will wander the earth telling
the poor and the dispossed how many dung chips they can put on their
cook fires. -- Captain Compassion.
Wherever I go it will be well with me, for it was well with me here, not
on account of the place, but of my judgments which I shall carry away
with me, for no one can deprive me of these; on the contrary, they alone
are my property, and cannot be taken away, and to possess them suffices
me wherever I am or whatever I do. -- EPICTETUS
"Civilization is the interval between Ice Ages." -- Will Durant.
"Progress is the increasing control of the environment by life.
--Will Durant
Joseph R. Darancette
daranc@NOSPAMcharter.net
.
|
