Mutual recognition of goods in Portugal

Mutual recognition is a European principle that ensures that any goods legally sold in a European Union (EU) country can be sold in another EU country. It is therefore possible to market – for instance – products that do not fully comply with the technical rules of the destination country. However, there may be exceptions with regard to public safety, health or the environment.

In Portugal, there are products for which it is only necessary to notify the responsible national entity that you will be marketing them, and other products for which you will first need to apply for authorisation in order to market them.

If you are unsure or have any queries about the situation that applies to your goods, you can use the mutual recognition simulator. If you do not find the product that you wish to market, you can send a request for examination.

This page provides information on:

SOLVIT: for settling disputes

The SOLVIT network can help in cases where the rights of EU citizens or businesses are being violated by public authorities in another EU country. SOLVIT is a service provided by the national administration in each Member State.

Contact SOLVIT.

Request for examination in relation to placing goods on the market in Portugal

If you are unsure as to whether you should apply for authorisation to market your goods or only need to send a notification regarding the marketing of those goods, you should request an examination:

The goods are categorised by type on the form in order to help you to complete your request:

  • weapons, essential components, ammunition and accessories
  • measuring instruments
  • used machinery
  • fertilising materials
  • precious metals
  • articles of tin
  • building materials
  • food supplements

You can attach photographs (in PDF format) of the goods for which you would like to receive information.

Sending a notification regarding the marketing of goods

In order to market certain types of goods in Portugal, it is only necessary to notify the responsible entity that you meet the requirements for marketing.

See the list of goods for which you need to send a notification:

If the goods are not on this list, please consult the section below on applying for authorisation to market goods in Portugal.

Applying for authorisation to market goods

In order to market certain types of goods in Portugal, you will need authorisation from the entity responsible for the marketing of these goods.

Only precious metals currently require authorisation to be marketed in Portugal:

Making a change to an application for or notification of marketing

Whenever there are any changes to the original goods for which you have applied for mutual recognition or have sent a notification about marketing in Portugal, you will need to make a request for an amendment:

Any amendments that do not call into question the basis of the original application may be considered, such as:

  • a change in the name of the producer in the Member State (MS) of origin;
  • changes in the technical rules in the MS of origin;
  • update of the conformity assessment;
  • other.

Sending a notification when you cease to market goods

If you wish to stop marketing any goods, you can inform the responsible authority:

    Frequently asked questions

    If you have any further questions about the mutual recognition of goods in Portugal, check the FAQ page