Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 92001E3491

**WRITTEN QUESTION E-3491/01 by Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. CE standard marks and stun weapons.** 
  
*Official Journal 115 E , 16/05/2002 P. 0258 - 0258*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3491/01

by Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(8 January 2002)

Subject: CE standard marks and stun weapons

Stun weapons are frequently used around the world as part of inhuman and degrading torture practices which amount to serious human rights violations. According to an Amnesty International report, since 1990 electro-shock devices have been used to torture or ill-treat people in prisons, detention centres and police stations in at least 76 countries in every region of the world.

There have been reports that certain stun weapons manufacturers are advertising that their products have been awarded the European CE standard mark. When questioned regarding these markings, the European Commission replied that the Commission has no information about the validity of Teh Huang's [the company concerned in this case] CE marking, or about the possible sale of Teh Huangs products on the territory of the European Union (e-mail to Amnesty International, Ireland, dated 26 February 2001).

In relation to this, I am concerned that EU Member States are effectively allowing stun weapon manufacturers to use the European Commission CE safety markings on their stun batons as a quality selling point.

Therefore:

- Please could the Commission clarify the process by which European CE standard marks are awarded?

- How many stun weapon manufacturers are using the CE markings on their products?

- Is there a possibility that certain stun weapons manufacturers are using CE markings without authorisation and, if so, what could the Commission do about it?

- What action could the Commission take to prevent stun weapon manufacturers using CE markings to promote the sales of their products?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(31 January 2002)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written P-2783/01 by Mr Ford(1).

(1) OJ C 81 E, 4.4.2002, p. 209.

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