RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL

of 24 June 1999

on the management of Agreements on mutual recognition

(1999/C 190/02)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

UNDERLINING the importance of mutual recognition of conformity assessment as a means to reduce technical barriers to trade and to promote trade between the Community and third countries;

RECALLING that the Council on 21 September 1992 adopted a decision authorising the Commission to negotiate Agreements between the Community and certain third countries on mutual recognition relating to conformity assessment;

RECALLING that, as a result of successful negotiations, the European Community has been able to conclude Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) with Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America;

NOTING that the objective of these Agreements is to provide effective market access throughout the territories of the Parties for all products covered by the Agreements;

RECALLING the Council Conclusions adopted on 26 June 1997 concerning standards and conformity assessment;

EMPHASING the importance of the Council being actively involved in the preparation, negotiation as well as the implementation phases of Mutual Recognition Agreements;

STRESSING the need to develop guiding principles for the management of Mutual Recognition Agreements in order to achieve a more efficient and coherent system,

1. INVITES the Commission to present a proposal for guiding principles for the management of Mutual Recognition Agreements covering the preparation, negotiation and implementation phases and to draw up a draft model agreement as a basis for negotiations and conclusions of future such Agreements, taking into account the experience gained from already concluded agreements.

2. INVITES the Commission also to develop a vade-mecum containing an explanation of the Mutual Recognition Agreements, as well as a guide for all Community parties concerned regarding the implementation of these Agreements. Such a vade-mecum should also explain the decision-making function of the respective MRA Committees as well as the coordination of the decision-making process (horizontal and sectoral) within the Community.

3. CALLS ON the Member States to lend their full support to effective implementation of Mutual Recognition Agreements, including sectoral annexes.

4. CALLS ON the Commission to establish regular reports on interim results regarding the implementation of existing Mutural Recognition Agreements.

5. TAKES NOTE with satisfaction of the Commission's intention to ensure a timely planning of meetings of Mutual Recognition Agreement Committees and a proper Community preparation and coordination of such meetings.

6. REQUESTS the Commission to inform the Council before the end of 1999 on progress in these regards.