One and Triune – Mutual Recognition and the Circulation of Goods in the EU

This article deals with mutual recognition in relation to the free movement of goods and aims to demonstrate that, as a result of harmonisation policies, this principle is not unitary in its design. Focusing in particular on the role of national authorities (or that of other bodies that carry out this same function), it examines three models through which mutual recognition operates. These models are: a) mutual recognition under the Treaty (the European legislator has laid down three different regulations over the years to facilitate the functioning of this mechanism); b) transnational administrative authorisations; c) conformity assessments and certifications of conformity issued by notified bodies. This article first highlights how these models protect the free circulation of goods to varying extents and how they are aimed at coordinating different forms of pluralism: regulatory, administrative and that of the market. Two legislative developments regarding this subject are then briefly discussed. Finally, after having mentioned some consequences of the harmonisation legislation on the principle of mutual recognition, some observations are made about possible research developments in this matter.