Mutual Recognition Agreements

The European Economic Area (EEA) unites the 27 EU Member States with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway (the three EEA EFTA States) into a Single Market governed by the same basic rules. These rules ensure that all 30 EEA States - and their economic operators - are subject to the same rights and obligations: a product placed on the market (approximately 500 million consumers) in accordance with harmonised technical requirements, circulates freely throughout the EEA.

Protocol 12 of the EEA Agreement ensures the smooth functioning and homogeneity of the EEA market. The Protocol guarantees that when the Community takes the initiative to negotiate Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), it will "negotiate on the basis that the third countries concerned will conclude parallel MRAs with the EEA EFTA Member States, equivalent to those to be concluded by the Community" [box 1]. Through this system of parallel agreements, third countries are granted simplified market access throughout the EEA for the sectors covered, and vice-versa [box 2].

The extension of the Community’s MRA to the three EEA EFTA Member States often means easy undertaking for the third country concerned, immediately increasing the size of the potential market from EU27 to EEA30.

Mutual Recognition Agreements are covered by Protocol 12 of the EEA Agreement.

Box 1

EEA Agreement Protocol 12 on Conformity Assessment Agreements with Third Countries

Mutual Recognition Agreements with third countries concerning conformity assessment for products where the use of a mark is provided for in EC legislation will be negotiated on the initiative of the Community. The Community will negotiate on the basis that the third countries concerned will conclude with the EFTA States parallel Mutual Recognition Agreements equivalent to those to be concluded with the Community. The Contracting Parties shall cooperate in accordance with the general information and consultation procedures set out in the EEA Agreement. If a difference arises in relations with third countries, it will be dealt with in accordance with the relevant provisions of the EEA Agreement.

Box 2

MRAs based on Protocol 12

(excluding the EEA EFTA-Switzerland MRA)

EEA EFTA - New Zealand MRA

Agreement on mutual recognition in relation to conformity assessment, certificates and markings between New Zealand and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway (Entry into force: 1 March 2000) Sectors covered: Pharmaceuticals (Good Manufacturing Practices, GMP), Medical Devices, Telecommunications Terminal Equipment, Low Voltage Equipment, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Machinery, Pressure Equipment.

EEA EFTA – Australia MRA

Agreement on mutual recognition in relation to conformity assessment, certificates and markings between Australia and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway (Entry into force: 1 July 2000) Sectors covered: Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Pharmaceuticals (Good Manufacturing Practice, GMP), Medical Devices, Telecommunications Terminal Equipment, Automotive Product, Pressure Equipment, Machinery, Low Voltage Equipment.

EEA EFTA – Canada MRA

Agreement on mutual recognition in relation to conformity assessment, certificates and markings between Canada and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway (Entry into force: 1 January 2001) Sectors covered: Telecommunications Terminal Equipment, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Electrical Safety, Recreational Craft, Pharmaceuticals (Good Manufacturing Practices, GMP), Medical Devices.

EEA EFTA - Switzerland MRA (linked to the EFTA Convention)

Annex I to the EFTA Vaduz Convention (Entry into force: 1 June 2002) Sectors covered: Machinery, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Safety of Toys, Medical Devices, Gas Appliances and Boilers, Pressure Equipment, Telecommunications Terminal Equipment, Equipment and Protective Systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmosphere (ATEX), Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility, Construction Plant and Equipment, Measuring Instruments and Pre-packages, Motor Vehicles, Agricultural and Forestry Tractors, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Inspection and Batch Certification.

List of recognised Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). TO BE ADOPTED.

EEA EFTA - USA MRAs

Sectors covered:
First Agreement: Marine Equipment
Second Agreement: Telecommunications Equipment, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Recreational Crafts.
(Entry into force: 1 March 2006)

Protocol E of the EFTA-Turkey Free Trade Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Conformity Assessment of Products

Agreement signed on 3 December 2009.

Entry into force is expected for the second semester 2011.

E-mail

Katrine Moland Hansen

Officer
Brussels
T +32 2 286 17 44