News from the council

CE Marking Dispute Continues

The issue of grey imports into Europe has been at the forefront of Council's concerns. After rounds of tneetings with the DTI and the Health and Safety Executive we have made some progress - but we believe that they have yet to treat the matter with sufficient urgency EU rules are clear that equipment entering Europe must be correctly CE rnarked, in acccordance with European safety and other dircctives. European manufacturers meet both the letter and the spirit of the regulations - DTI should ensure that they do. Working with our colleagues in the Cornmittee for European Construction Equipment we are pressing for the issue to he pushed higher up the agenda with the
European Commission.

Plant Theft Progress

Rob Sutton of Caterpillar (UK) Ltd has been at the forefront of progressing the work of the Plant Theft Action Group (PTAG). With the co-operation of the police, the insurance industry and other manufacturers, a standard identitication system is being developed. If all goes well, the PTAG initiative will be the rnost comprehensive scheme yet to deter theft and facilitate the recovery of stolen plant.

Council Representation

Thc Federation's Articles provide for Council to be made up of representatives of different product sectors e.g. excavators, dump trucks etc. With our changing and growing membership, Council accepts the need to review its composition to reflect new product sectors and the role of our associate mernbers.

David Barrell

Director General