European cooperation on market surveillance takes place through informal groups of market surveillance authorities, called Administrative Cooperation Groups (AdCos).
Products subject to EU harmonised legislation can circulate freely within the Single Market. EU countries are responsible for market surveillance at national level. However, cooperation between market surveillance authorities is a key element for the functioning of the Internal Market.
European cooperation on market surveillance takes place through informal groups of market surveillance authorities, called Administrative Cooperation Groups (AdCos). The members of these groups are appointed by Member States and represent national authorities competent for market surveillance in a given sector (list of sectoral authorities). They meet several times per year to discuss market surveillance issues in their area of competence, and to ensure efficient, comprehensive and consistent market surveillance. The AdCos may also choose to extend their remit to encompass other relevant bodies on a case-by-case basis (e.g. testing laboratories, inspection and certification bodies and other organisations). Stakeholders may be invited to discuss specific issues on the agenda.
The Commission supports and organises cooperation between the market surveillance authorities. There are currently more than 20 AdCos. Each group meets once, twice or more times per year. Depending on the group, these meetings may be held either in Brussels or in another European location. The groups work to a great extent autonomously.
The chair of each group is elected by its members. Some groups also have a vice-chair. The duty time of the chair depends on the rules of procedure defined by the group itself. The Commission is represented in the groups.
Furthermore, the Commission regularly organises horizontal meetings in Brussels where the Chairpersons of the different AdCos participate. These meetings aim at promoting cooperation and exchanges of views, and helping AdCo chairpersons in their work.
List of AdCo meetings (255 kB)
ATEX
ECOD
EMC
LVD
MACHINERY
MED
PED/SVPD
R&TTE / RED
WELMEC