ETRMA Pushes EU for Closer Monitoring of Tyre Imports

At its October 5 board meeting in Brussels, the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association determined and conveyed to the European Union authorities that a greater monitoring of tyre imports is necessary in order to guarantee high quality tyres for EU consumers, increased road safety and lower environmental impact. ETRMA members, which represent Europe’s tyre producers, also reaffirmed their commitment to a “long-term strategic compliance campaign, stressing the importance of the quality and maintenance of tyres.”

Following the meeting, ETRMA chairman Francesco Gori and a delegation of industry leaders met with the vice president of the European Commission, Mr. Siim Kallas, commissioner for Transport and discussed the state of Europe’s tyre industry. They highlighted the need for national market surveillance, to ensure compliance with EU rules for tyre imports, and the importance of finalising the technical specifications for an effective and timely implementation of the EU’s planned tyre labelling. The ETRMA comments that these points were discussed “in the name of enhanced road safety.”

The elimination of trade barriers and better access to non-EU markets under reciprocal conditions also remains a high priority for ETRMA, as well as the ongoing EU-China dialogue aimed at achieving a level playing field. The ETRMA comments that the meeting of European and Chinese Tyre Industry Leaders planned for October 26 is a step into this direction.

In 2011, the ETRMA plans to promote the better enforcement of EU tyre-specific regulations in the market, and will encourage the European Commission to develop a “robust market surveillance program” for tyres, a campaign that it says should be supported by EU and national governments to increase awareness of all stakeholders. Additionally, the ETRMA will continue highlighting the essential role of tyres in road safety by contributing to the Future Transport Policy agenda of the European Commission and renewing the sector’s commitment to the European Road Safety Charter.

 “Today we set clear and important priorities for our work which renew our commitment to ever higher quality in the tyres produced and sold in Europe,” commented Mr. Gori. “Our industry’s technology in Europe guarantees the production of tyres which marry the need for safety with the reduction of harmful emissions, as called for by EU regulations.

“The discussion of our goals and concerns with the commissioner was constructive and conducted with mutual understanding,” Gori added. “While the work ahead is substantial, as we have serious concerns about European competitiveness and ensuring a level playing field both within the EU market as well as in external trade, we are confident that our joint efforts will bear fruit.”

At the same meeting, the ETRMA Board of Directors also appointed the Directors for the coming term.