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Trade in certain goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Codification

2018/0160(COD)

The European Parliament adopted by 512 votes to 73, with 4 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning trade in certain goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (codification).

The European Parliament adopted its position at first reading taking over the Commission's proposal as adapted to the recommendations of the Consultative Working Party of the Legal Services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission. According to the Consultative Working Party, the proposal in question contains a straightforward codification of the existing texts without any change in their substance.

The Regulation seeks to lay down Union rules on trade with third countries in goods which could be used for the purpose of capital punishment and in goods which could be used for the purpose of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and rules governing the provision of brokering services, technical assistance, training and publicity related to such goods.

The proposed Regulation:

  • prohibit exports and imports of goods which have no practical use other than for the purpose of capital punishment or for the purpose of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and to prohibit the supply of technical assistance in respect of such goods;
  • prohibits brokers and suppliers of technical assistance from providing training on the use of such goods to third countries as well as to prohibit both the promotion of such goods in trade fairs or exhibitions in the Union, and the sale or purchase of advertising space in print media or on the Internet and of advertising time on television or radio in relation to such goods.

The proposed Regulation also defines an export authorisation system designed to prevent certain goods from being used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.