Internal market SLIM: results of the 2nd phase and follow-up of the implementation of 1st phase. Report

This communication summarizes the recommendations of the SLIM teams on the four sectors discussed in the second phase of the measure (VAT obligations, the Combined Nomenclature for External Trade, banking services and fertilizers) and the Commission's position on these recommendations. It informs the Council and the European Parliament of the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the SLIM teams during the previous phase. Concerning the implementation of the first phase, the Commission emphasizes that the problems which have arisen in the implementation of the Intrastat recommendations show that there is a contradiction between the political determination to simplify, repeatedly expressed by the Internal Market Ministers and the reluctance to adopt simpler data collection procedures and a simplified nomenclature for internal trade. The SLIM teams comprise five experts from national administrations and five representatives of users of the legislation. They started their work in June 1997 and submitted their reports at the end of October 1997.�