Authorities and Border Controls

Directive 93/339/EEC on Checks for Conformity with the Rules on Product Safety of Imports states that products may not be placed on the Community market unless they conform to the rules applicable whereas member states are, thus, responsible for carrying out checks on their conformity. Furthermore, customs authorities must be closely involved in the market-monitoring operations provided for under Community and national rules. Customs authorities shall suspend the release of goods or batch and immediately inform the national authorities, who shall take suitable action. The conditions for suspending products release from customs and notification of the national authorities are  

The following definitions are set down for the purpose of this directive  

If the national authorities find that a product presents a serious and immediate risk they shall prohibit the product from being placed on the market and ask the customs authorities to include the following endorsement on the commercial invoice accompanying the product and any other relevant document Dangerous product— release for free circulation not authorized—Regulation (EEC) No 339/93.  

To implement this regulation, Directive 81/1468/EEC was published on mutual assistance between the administrative authorities of the member states and cooperation between the latter and the Commission to ensure the correct application of the law on customs matters. 

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