Press Release: Europe’s windows on the world: ports and product safety

On 23 April 2007, European Consumer Protection Commissioner Meglena Kuneva visited the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (Voedsel en Waren Autoriteit) and its laboratory in Zwijndrecht, as well as the bustling port of Rotterdam. "With close to 90% of all goods entering our market via sea ports, it is becoming increasingly important to control our external borders at ports such as Rotterdam" said Mrs Kuneva. "I further believe that customs authorities could play a very important role in the enforcement of product safety requirements". During her visit, Mrs Kuneva highlighted the relationship between ports and product safety, outlined the forthcoming EU strategy in this area, and stressed the importance of stepping up efforts to stop dangerous goods at ports. The Commissioner also had the chance to see first-hand the arrangements in place to ensure the safety of imported consumer products, witnessing the opening of a consignment in the harbour.

European Commission: DG Communication: MEMO/07/144 http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/07/144&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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