On 21 October 2010, the European Parliament plenary adopted the proposal for an EU-wide system of the indication of the country of origin of certain products imported from third countries (COM (2005) 661 final). The proposal was adopted with a very broad majority: 525 votes in favour, with only 49 votes against and 49 abstentions. As amended by the plenary, the law would expire five years after its entry into force.
However, one year before its scheduled expiry, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (the Council) would be required to decide whether to prolong or amend it. Cerame-Unie strongly welcomes the outcome of the plenary vote which is in line with the growing demand from EU consumers for reliable information on the products they purchase. Cerame-Unie hopes it will give a clear signal to the Council to approve the origin marking regulation at first reading.