Free movement of goods
Free movement of goods is one of the fundamental freedoms of the common market; as such, it will enable Croatian products to find their way to that market without obstacles. Elimination of the obstacles to trade that prevent products from entering national markets ensures equal treatment of all products and a high level of protection of consumers, public health and environment. Thus, elimination of obstacles to trade and opening of national markets makes it possible for a larger number of companies to compete. The companies that sell their products in the common market have unlimited access to more than 500 million consumers in the European Union. This provides better conditions for competition and, in turn, translates into lower prices and wider offer for consumers.
Free movement of goods will allow high-quality Croatian products to reach European market and, at the same time, high-quality foreign products to reach Croatian market. Certificates issued in one country are recognised in all member states. As a result, Croatian products will have free access to European market and Croatian producers will not have undergo double testing when entering this market, thus avoiding additional expenses.
Free movement of goods means there are no restrictions on what you can buy and bring with you from your trip to an EU member state, as long as you buy products for your personal use and not for resale, with the exception of new vehicles. Taxes (VAT and excise taxes) are included in the price you pay so you do not have to pay any additional tax. In case of vehicles, only the VAT and excise taxes of the country where the vehicle will be registered must be paid.
Together with free movement of people, free provision of services and free movement of capital, free movement of goods is one of the main features of the European Union's common market. It is estimated that the common market generated 2.75 million jobs and more than EUR 900 billion in extra wealth (on average, EUR 6,000 per family in the EU) between 1992 and 2006. The same period saw 30% growth of trade among member states. Owing to the common market, the prices of telephone calls in the European Union are a few times lower than ten years ago. Many airline companies have substantially reduced their prices and many new lines have been introduced. Households and companies throughout Europe can now choose their power- and gas-suppliers.
Find out more about other EU policies in the overview of EU policies.
and on the European Commission's web pages dedicated to the common market.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact the EU Information Center . We will gladly answer all your questions.
