As you are all well aware we have been working for some time now to establish a European Quality Association. At the last General Assembly we ratified the proposal to form a new Quality Association independent of this Association. The work to form this independent association, on a financially viable basis, ultimately led to the conclusion that we should consider further discussions with Dr Schmid in the Gutegemeinschaft in Stuttgart. These discussions helped form the option for us to consider the current RAL standard being operated by the Gutegemeinschaft on a pan European basis.

Later in our meeting we will discuss this proposal and ask you to ratify the recommendation of the Executive Committee.

So what has been happening in our Candle industry in 2003 ?.

Well, a difficult time for all of us with wax prices under pressure from high oil prices, and margins being constantly squeeze. Increases in the cost of raw materials and distribution are proving impossible to recover from the marketplace. I know you are all aware of these factors and there is little I can say which add to what you already know.

What I can say, at a European level, is that it is the same all over, with a new additional burden for those of you who export to countries outside the euro zone, as you know the euro is now stronger making you less competitive in overseas markets, and this could be so for quite some time.

At our General Assembly in Scotland twelve months I addressed you on the emerging need for our association to develop the capacity to act more effectively as a focal point in areas such as technical development, and safety awareness.

The then proposed European Technical Committee is now formed and working, reporting to the Executive Committee. It has been called upon already to address emerging issues at a European level, such as the publication from within the European Commission, the Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity, and the Environment (CSTEE), on the "Potential Health Risks Associated with the use of lead containing candle–wicks".

This opinion of the CSTEE was picked up by some national newspapers and media companies such as the BBC who sought clarification on what exactly was the position within Europe with regard to the use of wick containing lead.

The Technical Committee are now preparing a Press Release on this issue which will be available to all members who may be approached by the media in the future. We are also proposing a voluntary ban on the use of all such wicks in candle manufacturing by European Candlemakers.

In the United States a federal ban on candles using wick containing lead comes in effect on October 1^st 2003.

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For those of you who may be interested I would like to mention the first World Candle Congress to be held in April 2004 in Florida, US. I understand all members of the European Association should have received details direct from the NCA in the US. If you have not already received information on this upcoming event please contact me and I will arrange for you to receive the details.

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Finally, I would like to thank my colleagues on the Technical Committee particularly Mr Peter Braun, Mr Gianluigi Mazzolari, and Mr Andrew Leach. The work of the Technical Committee will become more evident in time as we make progress on a number of issues which will effect the candle industry within Europe. .

And of course, my sincere thanks to our secretary in Paris, Monsieur Jean-Claude Barsacq for his continued support throughout the year.

Ladies and Gentlemen, today my term ends as President of the European Association of Candle Manufacturers. It has been my privilege to serve as your President for the past two years. I look forward to working with our new President whom we will select later this morning.