The European Union’s (EU) single market for goods encompasses more than 450 million consumers and at least 22.5 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), making it a fundamental asset whose potential should not be overlooked.

Indeed, while companies benefit from an enlarged domestic market for their products, easier access to a wide range of suppliers and consumers, lower unit costs and greater business opportunities, citizens benefit from lower prices, more innovation and technological development and higher standards of safety and environmental protection.

One of the European Commission’s main objectives is therefore to guarantee the free movement of goods and to set high safety standards for consumers and protect the environment.

In order to realise this ultimate goal, each EU Member State must designate or maintain Product Contact Points (PCPs) on its territory and ensure that they have sufficient expertise and adequate resources to properly carry out their tasks, with a view to providing information and access to national technical rules on specific products.

In addition, Member States must designate Construction Product Contact Points (PCPCs), in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation (EU) Nº. 305/2011, in order to clarify to economic operators the provisions applicable in their territory for the fulfilment of the basic requirements for construction works applicable to the intended use of each construction product, as provided for in Article 6(3)(e) of that Regulation.

Both the PCP and PCPC must provide information and answers to economic operators within 15 working days, free of charge, according to their area of competence.

On the other hand, with regard to precious metal artefacts, the recognition of assay marks ensures the necessary consumer protection and fair competition between the different economic operators, given the lack of harmonised European legislation.