12/23/2006

European Commission brings Poland to court over imported used cars

The European Commission has decided to bring Poland before the European Court of Justice over discrimination against imported second-hand cars, said the commission on Thursday.

Poland requires technical tests prior to the registration of imported used cars. But the conditions are not applied on domestic cars already registered in Poland.

Second-hand cars imported into Poland must undergo roadworthiness tests which are more expensive than other types of technical tests in Poland. These controls are not required if identical cars of the same age, model or type, which are already registered in Poland, change hands.

The commission considers that the Polish measure can not be justified since it is neither necessary nor proportionate to the objectives claimed by the Polish authorities -- the protection of public order, public health and the environment, said the commission, the executive body of the European Union (EU).

Technical controls prior to the registration of cars imported from another EU country may constitute obstacles to the free circulation of cars, unless they are justified under the EU Treaty or on the basis of mandatory requirements established by the case- law of the Court of Justice, said the commission.

Moreover, member states have to prove that the measure is necessary and proportionate to the pursued objectives, it said.

Source:english.people.com.cn



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