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Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

Single market for goods

The European Commission’s main goal in the EU single market for goods is to ensure the free movement of goods within the market, and to set high safety standards for consumers and the protection of the environment.

The benefits of the single market for goods

EU business benefit from

  • a 'home market' of over 450 million consumers for their products
  • easier access to a wide range of suppliers and consumers
  • lower unit costs
  • greater commercial opportunities

EU citizens benefit from

  • lower prices
  • more innovation and faster technological development
  • higher standards of safety and environmental protection

Guidance on the application of Articles 34-36 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union on the free movement of goods in the single market

This guidance document includes the most relevant EU Court of Justice case law on obstacles affecting goods and economic operators in the single market such as registrations, certifications, authorisations, and other product requirements including selling arrangements, as well as their possible justifications and proportionality. It offers an overview of the EU Court of Justice’s views on barriers related to main EU ecosystems and sectors e.g. pharma, veterinary and blood products, gas and electricity, construction, precious metals, car registrations and agriculture products, etc.

Guidance on EU product rules

  • Comprehensive guidance on the implementation of EU product rules can be found in the so-called Blue Guide (2MB)
  • The application of treaty provisions governing the free movement of goods

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