Part II of the EEA Agreement governs the establishment of the free movement of goods in the EEA. It lays out basic rules such as the prohibition on customs duties on imports and exports (and any charges having equivalent effect), the prohibition of quantitative restrictions on imports and exports between EEA States and the prohibition of the discriminatory internal taxation of the products of an EEA State.
The free movement of goods is then secured through the elimination of technical barriers to trade (TBT) in the EEA such as through harmonised product requirements or the mutual recognition of products. For more information, please consult mechanisms enabling the free movement of goods.
Subcommittee I on the Free Movement of Goods and the Working Groups and Expert Groups constituted thereunder are responsible for the processing of EU legislation relating to the free movement of goods.
Product Sectors related to the Free Movement of Goods that fall within the scope of the EEA Agreement
The EEA Agreement provides for specific technical legislation in a number of product sectors. For more information about these sectors, please see the list below.
- Construction
- Cosmetics
- Cultural goods
- Dangerous substances
- Electrical material
- Energy
- Explosives
- Fertilisers
- Gas appliances
- Household appliances
- IT/telecom/data
- Lifting & mechanical handling appliances
- Machinery
- Marine equipment
- Measuring instruments
- Medical devices
- Motor vehicles & tractors
- Organic Production
- Personal protective equipment
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pressure equipment
- Recreational craft
- Steel
- Textiles
- Tobacco
- Wine and spirit drinks
Standardisation, Accreditation and Conformity Assessment and Mutual Recognition Agreements
To circulate freely within the European Economic Area, products must conform to requirements laid down by the EEA product legislation which is aimed at protectConing health, safety and the environment. In many sectors, the EEA product legislation is complemented by European harmonised standards. The compliance of products with legislation and standards is demonstrated through conformity assessment methods, such as testing, inspection and certification. Conformity assessment bodies offering these services can have their competence, independence and impartiality formally verified through accreditation.
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Other areas related to the Free Movement of Goods
Although the EEA Agreement does not constitute a customs union, it does contain provisions on customs matters between the Contracting Parties. Furthermore, although the EEA Agreement does not include the Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policies, it does contain provisions for the liberalisation of trade between the Contracting Parties in these areas.
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Resources
Contact
The Internal Market Division is responsible for the Free Movement of Goods at the EFTA Secretariat.