So-Called Free Traders Attack Factual Information
Energy saving labels may be banned
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Lobbyists in favor of so-called free trade are now attacking the very idea of free markets. A free market demands full disclosure. Without information, people cannot make informed choices. So-called free traders want to prevent information from reaching consumers. Here is a recent report circulated by insnet.org |
Consumers may lose the chance to be eco-friendly, if plans to ban energy efficiency labels on appliances such as washing machines, fridges and irons are successful, warns Friends of the Earth as `Energy Saving Week' begins (24-28 October 2005). A proposal to outlaw energy efficiency labelling is up for discussion at the World Trade Organisation (WTO)'s ongoing negotiations. More than 200 similar `free trade' measures have been put forward and if successful, could deny consumers' access to factual information on a huge range of products.
Countries including Korea, the United States and China are claiming that eco-labelling damages their competitiveness and acts as a barrier to trade. Other basic measures countries want revoked include:
- labels which show whether a product is recyclable, such as the triangle logo found on plastic bottles
- labels which show whether a product, such as paper, has any recycled content
- labelling which indicates sustainable sourcing, such as `dolphin-friendly' tuna
- safety testing on imported foods, like compulsory testing for lethal toxins in shellfish
- fines for manufacturers, when testing shows their products fail to meet their own energy efficiency claims
Friends of the Earth's Trade Campaigner, Eve Mitchell, said:
"At the moment, shoppers can choose energy efficient appliances, because products are labelled. They can save energy and money on running costs and do less damage to the environment. But these labels could be outlawed, if other countries successfully challenge them in WTO talks. The UK and the EU must reject any attempt to undermine hard won environmental protection legislation.
"There is a total failure by Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson to ensure that trade policies can deliver their promises on environmental protection."
The EU energy label rates products from A (up to A++ for refrigeration) - the most efficient/least energy used, down to G (the least efficient/most energy used). Currently, by law, the label must be shown on all refrigeration and laundry appliances, dishwashers, electric ovens and light bulb packaging.
The measures being challenged, including the objection to energy efficiency labelling by Korea, are known as `Non-tariff barriers' (NTBs) and fall under the Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) negotiations at the WTO.
The sixth WTO Ministerial meeting will take place in Hong Kong, China from 13 to 18 December 2005.
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Also see: Opposing Free Markets, the Bush Administration Fumbles in Food Safety Debate
Fred Foldvary: Toxic Fish? Disclose it! |
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