Barcelona, October 15, 2015.– The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has confirmed today that a vehicle inspection authorisation regime is valid under EU law
The Catalan High Court of Justice ruled that the authorisation regime of vehicle inspection stations in Catalonia was contrary to European Union law and more precisely to the European Services Directive. This ruling was subject to appeal to the Spanish Supreme Court by Applus+, among other companies. On 20 March 2014, the Spanish Supreme Court formally requested a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice regarding the compliance with European law of the Catalan vehicle inspection services regime.
The ECJ Judgement published today, confirms that vehicle inspection services are excluded from the Services Directive and fall within art. 49 of the EU Treaty and, as a consequence, an authorisation regime is not contrary to EU law, a position defended by Applus+ in the litigation process before the Spanish courts. The ECJ Judgement also comments on other aspects and it is for the Spanish Supreme Court to evaluate these.
The ECJ Judgement published today is binding on the Spanish Supreme Court, which will now follow the usual procedures and deadlines.This contract generated revenue of approximately €50 million in the year ended 31 December 2014, accounting for 3% of Group revenue.
About Applus+
Applus+ is one of the world’s leading companies in Testing, Inspection and Certification. It provides solutions for customers in all types of industries to ensure that their assets and products meet quality, health & safety, and environmental standards and regulations.
Applus+ carries out different vehicle inspection programs under a wide range of operational models according to the region, country and regulation under which it operates.
Applus+ operates in over 70 countries through a network of 324 offices, 157 technical facilities and 322 vehicle inspection stations, and employs 20,000 people. In 2014, the company achieved a turnover of 1,619 million euros.
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