Europa’s statement said: ‘The European Commission has today decided to request Italy to amend its current legislation on bottled water so as to ensure its full compliance with EU rules on the free movement of goods. The Commission considers that current Italian legislation unduly restricts the marketing in Italy of water for human consumption, which is neither natural mineral water nor spring water. These restrictions on bottled drinking water create obstacles to the importation into Italy of drinking water lawfully manufactured or marketed elsewhere within the European Union. The request takes the form of a reasoned opinion under EU infringement procedures.’
Italy is renowned for its stringent testing on bottled water that go further than the EU’s own bottled water safety guidelines. The EU’s concern is that Italy’s testing on bottled waters already tested by EU member states is creating an obstacle to free trade with the union.
If Italy does not inform the Commission within two months of measures taken to ensure full compliance with its obligations under EU law, the Commission may decide to refer Italy to the EU’s Court of Justice.
Source: Europa
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