UK Laws Compatibility with EU Law
UK Laws Compatibility with EU Law
The European Union, EU, given the number of countries within it, is constantly revising its laws to ensure a free and fair operating environment for all members. This is especially true in relation to trade laws formulated by the EU and member countries. In respect to this, different countries have to formulate laws that are compatible with the pre-existing EU laws. If such standards are not met, then this hinders trade within the common market. Taking this into perspective, the UK as a member of the EU has enacted different laws to regulate the manufacturing, import, and export of goods within its borders. Three such measures are the Control of Candles Act 2016, Alcoholic Drinks Labelling Regulation 2015 and the Chocolate Act 2016. Each of these measures is compatible with the EU laws in different aspects as discussed below.
The Control of Candles Act 2016 principally gives an age limit to persons legible to buy candles. Given that the UK imports most of its candles from France, it can be argued that this law is compatible with the EU laws in respect to Measures Equivalent to Quantitative Restriction (MEQRs). Ortino (165) explains that the MEQR’s help to address the restrictions permitted by Article 34 and 35. These restrictions are in place to regulate the manner in which different EU countries have the authority to inhibit the quantity of products exported by different countries for sale. The UK Candles Act conforms to the scopes applicable to MEQRs through the indistinctly applicable measures. This is because it does not only apply to the candles imported from France but those that are domestically produced. Generally, this Act allows for public safety as emphasized by Conway (469) who explains this to be an exception to standard laws. The law, therefore, controls who has access to candles and as such, does not in any way limit the sales of candles from France.
The Alcoholic Drinks Labelling Regulations 2015 bans the use of red and green colors while labeling alcoholic drinks. This law is in respect to the protecting color blind people who have a problem distinguishing the two. The government of UK explains that the Act aims towards promoting and protecting the interest of consumers. This also applies to the EU product labeling and packaging laws that basically aim at decreasing liability for both the consumer and manufacturer (EU business). The EU laws call for different state members to respect and be observant towards the consumer laws the other states abide by. This means that the EU strives to provide measures that can be standardized throughout its single market but at the same time allows for individual state markets to have labeling laws suitable for its citizens. The Alcoholic Drinks Labelling Regulations 2015 thus controls any form of liability that can arise for the consumer who is color blind as well as protecting the alcohol manufacture from the lawsuits of harming its target population.
The Chocolate Act 2016 is aimed at banning the importation of chocolate because of the increased risks of a new disease believed to transmit from Brazilian cocoa beans. The ban, encouraged by UK chocolate manufacturers is mostly encouraged by the decrease in UK chocolate sales. Given that the ban affects Brazil cocoa bean farmers and the industry at large, the laws of mutual recognition within the EU permits it. The mutual recognition agreement permits for trade between members of the EU and third parties (Foster 326). This is achieved by formulating standard laws that give an attractive environment where EU state members and nonmembers can benefit from free trade.
The measure allows for the UK to act in the interest of promoting and protecting its citizen’s public health and as such is not discriminating imports from Brazil in any form. Foster (326) explains that given the mutual recognition, states have to confirm to the assessment of products and services. In response to this, it has come to the attention of scientists that the cocoa bean breed can be a leading cause of the illness. However, given that this is yet to be proven and the decrease in chocolate sales, it can be agreed upon that the UK manufacturers will only continue to realize losses without the ban. Therefore, with the interest to protect public health as well as the economic performance of UK chocolate manufacturers, the Chocolate Act 2016 is compatible with the EU laws based on mutual recognition and mandatory requirements to trade within its single market.
In conclusion, it is proper to acknowledge that the EU laws that apply to trading act towards providing an environment that promotes free movements of goods within its member states. These laws, however, do not limit states from formulating their own laws but only asks for compatibility among laws in order to achieve a common objective. The UK in the years to come will continue to take up measures that are of particular interest to its citizens. However, due to its membership in the EU, before it exists, most of its current laws are a true reflection of what the EU calls for. For instance, the three measures that have been discussed offer compatibility with the EU laws by embracing the need to respect selling arrangements, product labeling guidelines, respect for public health, safety and mutual recognition
