WRITTEN QUESTION P-2525/03 by Nicholas Clegg (ELDR) to the Commission. Precious metals directive.
Date: 2003-07-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: consumer protection, harmonisation of standards, jewellery and goldsmith's articles, precious metal, proposal (EU), qualitative analysis, quality standard

26.2.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 51 E/257

(2004/C 51 E/278)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2525/03

by Nicholas Clegg (ELDR) to the Commission

(22 July 2003)

Subject: Precious metals directive

Is the European Commission aware that the Italian Presidency is hoping to revive the dormant EC proposal
on hallmarking (1), Articles made of precious metal) last discussed in the Council of Ministers in 1995?

Given the long-established traditions in certain Member States guaranteeing the quality of jewelleries sold
to consumers, such as the ancient hallmarking system in the UK, is the Commission confident that the
proposed Directive would not weaken quality standards?

Why should Member States with independent quality control mechanisms accept products tested under
much weaker self-regulating systems by the industry itself in other Member States?

(1) COM(1993) 0322 final (cid:1) OJ C 318, 25.11.1993, p. 5.

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(13 August 2003)

The Commission is aware of the initiative of the Italian Presidency to continue work on its proposal for a
Directive concerning articles of precious metals, presented in 1993.

In its proposal, the Commission took great care in designing conformity assessment procedures that, whilst
reflecting different national traditions, would be equivalent as to their effect. The purpose of the proposal
is not to reduce protection, but to allow free movement of these articles on the basis of conformity
assessment procedures, ensuring a high level of consumer protection.

Indeed, there is no indication that would confirm the suggestion of the Honourable Member that countries
relying upon compulsory national hallmarking systems better guarantee the quality of jewellery. On the
contrary, experience in other countries indicates that a system of manufacturer’s declaration combined
with efficient ex-post market surveillance is appropriate to guarantee adequate consumer protection.

Moreover, the Commission notes that the disparities in national legislation are at the origin of several
complaints.

(2004/C 51 E/279)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2557/03

by Robert Evans (PSE) to the Commission

(4 August 2003)

Subject: Human rights in Egypt

Is the Commission aware of the arrest and detention of two Egyptian Christians, Malak Guirguis Fahmay
and Sarah Mikhail Lahzy? They were arrested at Cairo airport
in February this year as they were
attempting to leave the country.

London constituents have raised this case and others where they feel
the Egyptian authorities are
deliberately persecuting Christians. The Commission has responded previously to questions on events in El
Khosheh and the subsequent imprisonment of Christians. Can the Commission give an assurance that it is
continuing to raise with the Egyptian authorities human rights issues and the need for freedom of religion?