Free movement of goods
The principle of free movement of goods is one of the cornerstones of the EEA-wide Internal Market. It means that in principle Member States may not restrict the free movement of goods within the EEA.
Many barriers to free movement have been lifted through the adoption of specific legislation concerning, for example (links to European Commission web pages):
- vehicles
- pharmaceuticals
- medical devices
- construction products
- gas appliances
- electrical equipment
- mechanical equipment
- metrology
- pressure equipment
- cosmetics
- footwear
- textiles
- toys
In the absence of specific legislation, the provisions of the EEA Agreement prohibit Member States from imposing or maintaining restrictions on the free movement of goods except in exceptional cases, such as where there are risks to public health or the environment.
