EUR-Lex - 21979A1113(01) - EN Avis juridique important | 21979A1113(01) Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution - Resolution on long-range transboundary air pollution Official Journal L 171 , 27/06/1981 P. 0013 - 0024 Finnish special edition: Chapter 15 Volume 3 P. 0129 Swedish special edition: Chapter 15 Volume 3 P. 0129 Spanish special edition: Chapter 15 Volume 3 P. 0053 Portuguese special edition Chapter 15 Volume 3 P. 0053 CONVENTION on long-range transboundary air pollution THE PARTIES TO THE PRESENT CONVENTION, DETERMINED to promote relations and cooperation in the field of environmental protection, AWARE of the significance of the activities of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in strengthening such relations and cooperation, particularly in the field of air pollution including long-range transport of air pollutants, RECOGNIZING the contribution of the Economic Commission for Europe to the multilateral implementation of the pertinent provisions of the Final Act of the Conference on security and cooperation in Europe, COGNIZANT of the references in the chapter on environment of the Final Act of the Conference on security and cooperation in Europe calling for cooperation to control air pollution and its effects, including long-range transport of air pollutants, and to the development through international cooperation of an extensive programme for the monitoring and evaluation of long-range transport of air pollutants, starting with sulphur dioxide and with possible extension to other pollutants, CONSIDERING the pertinent provisions of the Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the human environment, and in particular principle 21, which expresses the common conviction that States have, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law, the sovereign right to exploit their own resources pursuant to their own environmental policies, and the responsibility to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, RECOGNIZING the existence of possible adverse effects, in the short and long term, of air pollution including transboundary air pollution, CONCERNED that a rise in the level of emissions of air pollutants within the region as forecast may increase such adverse effects, RECOGNIZING the need to study the implications of the long-range transport of air pollutants and the need to seek solutions for the problems identified, AFFIRMING their willingness to reinforce active international cooperation to develop appropriate national policies and by means of exchange of information, consultation, research and monitoring, to coordinate national action for combating air pollution including long-range transboundary air pollution, HAVE AGREED as follows: Definitions Article 1 For the purposes of the present Convention: (a) "air pollution" means the introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the air resulting in deleterious effects of such a nature as to endanger human health, harm living resources and ecosystems and material property and impair or interfere with amenities and other legitimate uses of the environment, and "air pollutants" shall be construed accordingly; (b) "long-range transboundary air pollution" means air pollution whose physical origin is situated wholly or in part within the area under the national jurisdiction of one State and which has adverse effects in the area under the jurisdiction of another State at such a distance that it is not generally possible to distinguish the contribution of individual emission sources or groups of sources. Fundamental principles Article 2 The Contracting Parties, taking due account of the facts and problems involved, are determined to protect man and his environment against air pollution and shall endeavour to limit and, as far as possible, gradually reduce and prevent air pollution including long-range transboundary air pollution. Article 3 The Contracting Parties, within the framework of the present Convention, shall, by means of exchanges of information, consultation, research and monitoring, develop without undue delay policies and strategies which shall serve as a means of combating the discharge of air pollutants, taking into account efforts already made at national and international level. Article 4 The Contracting Parties shall exchange information on and review their policies, scientific activities and technical measures aimed at combating, as far as possible, the discharge of air pollutants which may have adverse effects, thereby contributing to the reduction of air pollution including long-range transboundary air pollution. Article 5 Consultations shall be held, upon request, at an early stage between, on the one hand, Contracting Parties which are actually affected by or exposed to a significant risk of long-range transboundary air pollution and, on the other hand, Contracting Parties within which and subject to whose jurisdiction a significant contribution to long-range transboundary air pollution originates, or could originate, in connexion with activities carried on or contemplated therein. Air-quality management Article 6 Taking into account Articles 2 to 5, the on-going research, exchange of information and monitoring and the results thereof, the cost and effectiveness of local and other remedies and in order to combat air pollution, in particular that originating from new or rebuilt installations, each Contracting Party undertakes to develop the best policies and strategies including air-quality management systems and, as part of them, control measures compatible with balanced development, in particular by using the best available technology which is economically feasible and low- and non-waste technology. Research and development Article 7 The Contracting Parties, as appropriate to their needs, shall initiate and cooperate in the conduct of research into and/or development of: (a) existing and proposed technologies for reducing emissions of sulphur compounds and other major air pollutants, including technical and economic feasibility, and environmental consequences; (b) instrumentation and other techniques for monitoring and measuring emission rates and ambient concentrations of air pollutants; (c) improved models for a better understanding of the transmission of long-range transboundary air pollutants; (d) the effects of sulphur compounds and other major air pollutants on human health and the environment, including agriculture, forestry, materials, aquatic and other natural ecosystems and visibility, with a view to establishing a scientific basis for dose/effect relationships designed to protect the environment; (e) the economic, social and environmental assessment of alternative measures for attaining environmental objectives, including the reduction of long-range transboundary air pollution; (f) education and training programmes related to the environmental aspects of pollution by sulphur compounds and other major air pollutants. Exchange of information Article 8 The Contracting Parties, within the framework of the Executive Body referred to in Article 10 and bilaterally, shall, in their common interests, exchange available information on: (a) data on emissions at periods of time to be agreed upon, of agreed air pollutants, starting with sulphur dioxide, coming from grid-units of agreed size, or on the fluxes of agreed air pollutants, starting with sulphur dioxide, across national borders, at distances and at periods of time to be agreed upon; (b) major changes in national policies and in general industrial development, and their potential impact, which would be likely to cause significant changes in long-range transboundary air pollution; (c) control technologies for reducing air pollution relevant to long-range transboundary air pollution; (d) the projected cost of the emission control of sulphur compounds and other major air pollutants on a national scale; (e) meteorological and physico-chemical data relating to the processes during transmission; (f) physico-chemical and biological data relating to the effects of long-range transboundary air pollution and the extent of the damage (1) which these data indicate can be attributed to long-range transboundary air pollution; (g) national, sub-regional and regional policies and strategies for the control of sulphur compounds and other major air pollutants. Implementation and further development of the cooperative programme for the monitoring and evaluation of the long-range transmission of air pollutants in Europe Article 9 The Contracting Parties stress the need for the implementation of the existing "cooperative programme for the monitoring and evaluation of the long-range transmission of air pollutants in Europe" (hereinafter referred to as EMEP) and, with regard to the further development of this programme, agree to emphasize: (a) the desirability of Contracting Parties joining in and fully implementing EMEP which, as a first step, is based on the monitoring of sulphur dioxide and related substances; (b) the need to use comparable or standardized procedures for monitoring whenever possible; (c) the desirability of basing the monitoring programme on the framework of both national and international programmes. The establishment of monitoring stations and the collection of data shall be carried out under the national jurisdiction of the country in which the monitoring stations are located; (d) the desirability of establishing a framework for a cooperative environmental monitoring programme, based on and taking into account present and future national, sub-regional, regional and other international programmes; (1)The present Convention does not contain a rule on State liability as to damage. (e) the need to exchange data on emissions at periods of time to be agreed upon, of agreed air pollutants, starting with sulphur dioxide, coming from grid-units of agreed size ; or on the fluxes of agreed air pollutants, starting with sulphur dioxide, across national borders, at distances and at periods of time to be agreed upon. The method, including the model, used to determine the fluxes, as well as the method, including the model, used to determine the transmission of air pollutants based on the emissions per grid-unit, shall be made available and periodically reviewed, in order to improve the methods and the models; (f) their willingness to continue the exchange and periodic updating of national data on total emissions of agreed air pollutants, starting with sulphur dioxide; (g) the need to provide meteorological and physico-chemical data relating to processes during transmission; (h) the need to monitor chemical components in other media such as water, soil and vegetation, as well as a similar monitoring programme to record effects on health and environment; (i) the desirability of extending the national EMEP networks to make them operational for control and surveillance purposes. Executive Body Article 10 1. The representatives of the Contracting Parties shall, within the framework of the Senior Advisers to Economic Commission for Europe Governments on Environmental Problems, constitute the Executive Body of the present Convention, and shall meet at least annually in that capacity. 2. The Executive Body shall: (a) review the implementation of the present Convention; (b) establish, as appropriate, working groups to consider matters related to the implementation and development of the present Convention and to this end to prepare appropriate studies and other documentation and to submit recommendations to be considered by the Executive Body; (c) fulfil such other functions as may be appropriate under the provisions of the present Convention. 3. The Executive Body shall utilize the Steering Body for the EMEP to play an integral part in the operation of the present Convention, in particular with regard to data collection and scientific cooperation. 4. The Executive Body, in discharging its functions, shall, when it deems appropriate, also make use of information from other relevant international organizations. Secretariat Article 11 The Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Europe shall carry out, for the Executive Body, the following secretariat functions: (a) to convene and prepare the meetings of the Executive Body; (b) to transmit to the Contracting Parties reports and other information received in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention; (c) to discharge the functions consigned by the Executive Body. Amendments to the Convention Article 12 1. Any Contracting Party may propose amendments to the present Convention. 2. The text of proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Europe, who shall communicate them to all Contracting Parties. The Executive Body shall discuss proposed amendments at its next annual meeting provided that such proposals have been circulated by the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Europe to the Contracting Parties at least 90 days in advance. 3. An amendment to the present Convention shall be adopted by consensus of the representatives of the Contracting Parties, and shall enter into force for the Contracting Parties which have accepted it on the 90th day after the date on which two-thirds of the Contracting Parties have deposited their instruments of acceptance with the depositary. Thereafter, the amendment shall enter into force for any other Contracting Party on the 90th day after the date on which that Contracting Party deposits its instrument of acceptance of the amendment. Settlement of disputes Article 13 If a dispute arises between two or more Contracting Parties to the present Convention as to the interpretation or application of the Convention, they shall seek a solution by negotiation or by any other method of dispute settlement acceptable to the Parties to the dispute. Signature Article 14 1. The present Convention shall be open for signature at the United Nations Office at Geneva from 13 to 16 November 1979 on the occasion of the High-Level Meeting within the framework of the Economic Commission for Europe on the Protection of the Environment, by the member States of the Economic Commission for Europe as well as States having consultative status with the Economic Commission for Europe, pursuant to paragraph 8 of Economic and Social Council Resolution 36 (IV) of 28 March 1947, and by regional economic integration organizations, constituted by sovereign States, members of the Economic Commission for Europe, which have competence in respect of the negotiation, conclusion and application of international agreements in matters covered by the present Convention. 2. In matters within their competence, such regional economic integration organizations shall, on their own behalf, exercise the rights and fulfil the responsibilities which the present Convention attributes to their member States. In such cases, the member States of these organizations shall not be entitled to exercise such rights individually. Ratification, acceptance, approval and accession Article 15 1. The present Convention shall be subject to ratification, acceptance or approval. 2. The present Convention shall be open for accession as from 17 November 1979 by the States and organizations referred to in Article 14 (1). 3. The instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who will perform the functions of the depositary. Entry into force Article 16 1. The present Convention shall enter into force on the 90th day after the date of deposit of the 24th instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. 2. For each Contracting Party which ratifies, accepts or approves the present Convention or accedes thereto after the deposit of the 24th instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, the Convention shall enter into force on the 90th day after the date of deposit by such Contracting Party of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. Withdrawal Article 17 At any time after five years from the date on which the present Convention has come into force with respect to a Contracting Party, that Contracting Party may withdraw from the Convention by giving written notification to the depositary. Any such withdrawal shall take effect on the 90th day after the date of its receipt by the depositary. Authentic texts Article 18 The original of the present Convention, of which the English, French and Russian texts are equally authentic, shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Summary: Geneva Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution Geneva Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution SUMMARY OF: Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution Decision 81/462/EEC concluding the Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE CONVENTION AND THE DECISION? Under the Geneva Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, the parties (i.e. the countries which ratified it) commit themselves to working together to limit, to gradually prevent and to reduce their discharges of air pollutants in order to combat the resulting transboundary pollution. The Council decision concludes the convention on behalf of the EU. All Member States are parties to the convention as well. KEY POINTS Long-range transboundary air pollution is defined as the release, directly or indirectly due to human activity, of substances into the air which have adverse effects on human health or the environment in another country and for which the contribution of individual emission sources or groups of sources cannot be distinguished. In total, the following 8 separate protocols have been developed under this convention. The 1984 protocol on long-term financing of the cooperative programme for monitoring and evaluation of the long-range transmission of air pollution in Europe (EMEP Protocol): an instrument for the international cost-sharing of a monitoring programme which forms the backbone for the review and assessment of European air pollution in the light of agreements on emission reduction. The 1985 protocol on the reduction of sulphur emissions or their transboundary fluxes (Helsinki Protocol) by at least 30% compared with 1980 levels. The 1988 protocol concerning the control of emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) or their transboundary fluxes (Sofia Protocol): a first step requires the freezing of emissions of NOx or their transboundary fluxes at 1987 levels; a second step requires the application of an effects-based approach to further reduce emissions of nitrogen compounds, including ammonia (NH3), and of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in view of their contribution to photochemical pollution, acidification and eutrophication and of their effects on human health, the environment and materials, by addressing all significant emission sources. The 1991 protocol on the control of emissions of VOCs or their transboundary fluxes: these compounds are responsible for the formation of ground-level ozone and parties have to opt for 1 of 3 emission-reduction targets, to be reached by 1999: a 30% reduction in VOCs, using a year between 1984 and 1990 as a basis;a 30% reduction in emissions of VOCs within the tropospheric ozone management area specified in Annex I to the protocol and ensuring that total national emissions do not exceed 1988 levels; orwhere emissions in 1988 did not exceed certain specified levels, parties may opt for a stabilisation at that level of emission. The 1994 protocol on further reduction of sulphur emissions (Oslo Protocol): this protocol builds on the 1985 Helsinki Protocol and sets emission ceilings until 2010 and beyond. Parties are required to take the most effective measures for the reduction of sulphur emissions, including: increasing energy efficiency;using renewable energy;reducing the sulphur content of fuels; andapplying best available control technologies (BATs). The protocol also encourages the application of economic instruments for the adoption of cost-effective approaches to the reduction of sulphur emissions. The 1998 protocol on heavy metals (Aarhus Protocol): it targets 3 metals cadmium, lead and mercury. Parties will have to reduce their emissions for these below their levels in 1990 (or an alternative year between 1985 and 1995). The protocol aims to cut emissions from industrial sources, combustion processes and waste incineration. It lays down stringent limit values for emissions from stationary sources and suggests BATs for these sources, such as special filters or scrubbers for combustion sources or mercury-free processes. The protocol requires parties to phase out leaded petrol. It also introduces measures to lower heavy-metal emissions from other products, such as mercury in batteries, and proposes the introduction of management measures for other mercury-containing products, such as electrical components, measuring devices, fluorescent lamps, dental amalgam, pesticides and paint. The protocol was amended in 2012 to introduce more stringent emission limit values (ELVs) for emissions of particulate matter and of cadmium, lead and mercury applicable for certain combustion and other industrial emission sources that release them into the atmosphere. The emission source categories for the 3 heavy metals were also extended to the production of silico- and ferromanganese alloys, thus expanding the scope of industrial activities for which emission limits are established. The 1998 protocol on persistent organic pollutants, whose ultimate objective is to eliminate any discharges, emissions and losses of such pollutants. The protocol bans the production and use of some products outright, while others were scheduled for elimination at a later stage. It includes provisions for dealing with the wastes of products that are banned and obliges parties to reduce their emissions of dioxins, furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) below their levels in 1990 (or an alternative year between 1985 and 1995). For the incineration of municipal, hazardous and medical waste, it lays down specific limit values. It initially focused on a list of 16 substances that had been singled out according to agreed risk criteria. The substances comprised 11 pesticides, two industrial chemicals and three by-products/contaminants. The protocol was amended in 2009 to include 7 new substances: hexachlorobutadiene, octabromodiphenyl ether, pentachlorobenzene, pentabromodiphenyl ether, perfluorooctane sulfonates, polychlorinated naphthalenes and short-chain chlorinated paraffins. The parties revised obligations for the compounds DDT, heptachlor, HCB and PCBs, as well as for ELVs from waste incineration. To facilitate the protocol’s ratification by countries with economies in transition, the parties introduced flexibility for these countries regarding the time frames for the application of ELVs and BATs. The 1999 protocol to abate acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone (Gothenburg Protocol): it sets national emission ceilings for 2010 up to 2020 for 4 pollutants: sulphur dioxide (SO2), NOx, VOCs and NH3. It also sets tight limit values for specific emission sources (e.g. combustion plant, electricity production, dry cleaning, cars and lorries) and requires BATs to be used to keep emissions down. VOCs emissions from such products as paints or aerosols also have to be cut, and farmers are obliged to take specific measures to control NH3 emissions. The protocol was amended in 2012 to include national emission-reduction commitments to be achieved by 2020 and beyond (these amendments were ratified by the EU in Council Decision (EU) 2017/1757). Several of the protocol’s technical annexes were revised with updated sets of ELVs for both key stationary sources and mobile sources. The revised protocol is the first binding agreement to include emission-reduction commitments for fine particulate matter. The amended protocol also specifically includes the short-lived climate pollutant black carbon (soot) as a component of particular matter. Reducing particulate matter (including black carbon) through the implementation of the protocol will reduce air pollution, while at the same time facilitate climate co-benefits. Policy cooperation The convention requires its contracting parties to develop and implement appropriate policies and strategies, particularly systems of air quality management.The contracting parties agree to meet regularly (at least annually) to assess progress made and liaise on matters relating to the convention. Scientific cooperation The parties agree to carry out concerted research and development efforts, particularly to reduce emissions of major air pollutants, for monitoring and measuring their emission rates and concentrations, as well as to gain an understanding of their effects on health and the environment. Exchange of information The parties agree to exchange information, in particular on data regarding: the emission of major air pollutants (starting with SO2) and their effects; aspects likely to cause significant changes in long-range transboundary air pollution (particularly in national policies and industrial development); control technologies for reducing air pollution; and national policies and strategies to combat the major air pollutants. Cooperation on monitoring pollution The parties agree to participate in the cooperative programme for monitoring and evaluation of the long-range transmission of air pollutants in Europe (EMEP). This programme, whose activities are financed under a separate protocol (EMEP Protocol), aims to provide parties to the convention with: scientific information regarding monitoring of the atmosphere, computer-based models;the assessment of emissions; andthe development of projections. In order for this cooperation to succeed, the convention allows for: the programme, initially focused on monitoring SO2 and related substances, to be extended to other major air pollutants;the monitoring of the composition of media susceptible to contamination by these pollutants (water, soil and vegetation) as well as the effects on health and the environment;the generation of meteorological and other scientific data relating to processes during transmission;the use, whenever possible, of comparable or standardised monitoring and modelling methods;the integration of EMEP into relevant national and international programmes;the regular exchange of data obtained by monitoring. DATE OF ENTRY INTO FORCE The convention entered into force on 16 March 1983, 90 days after the date of deposit of the 24th instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. BACKGROUND The Geneva Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution establishes a system allowing governments to work together with the aim of protecting health and the environment from air pollution that is liable to affect several countries. The convention was signed in 1979 in Geneva within the framework of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and entered into force in 1983. For more information, see Environmental policy (UNECE). MAIN DOCUMENTS Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution — Resolution on long-range transboundary air pollution (OJ L 171, 27.6.1981, pp. 13-24) Council Decision 81/462/EEC of 11 June 1981 on the conclusion of the Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution (OJ L 171, 27.6.1981, pp. 11-12) RELATED DOCUMENTS Council Decision (EU) 2017/1757 of 17 July 2017 on the acceptance on behalf of the European Union of an Amendment to the 1999 Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-Level Ozone (OJ L 248, 27.9.2017, pp. 3-75) Council Decision (EU) 2016/768 of 21 April 2016 on the acceptance of the Amendments to the 1998 Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Heavy Metals (OJ L 127, of 18.5.2016, pp. 8-20) Council Decision (EU) 2016/769 of 21 April 2016 on the acceptance of the Amendments to the 1998 Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants (OJ L 127, 18.5.2016, pp. 21-31) Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) (OJ L 334, 17.12.2010, pp. 17-119) Successive amendments to Directive 2010/75/EU have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only. Council Decision 2004/259/EC of 19 February 2004 concerning the conclusion, on behalf of the European Community, of the Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants (OJ L 81, 19.3.2004, pp. 35-36) Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants (OJ L 81, 19.3.2004, pp. 37-71) Council Decision 2003/507/EC of 13 June 2003 on the accession of the European Community, to the Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-Level Ozone (OJ L 179, 17.7.2003, pp. 1-2) Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution to abate acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone (OJ L 179, 17.7.2003, pp. 3-54) Council Decision 2001/379/EC of 4 April 2001 on the approval, on behalf of the European Community, of the protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution on heavy metals (OJ L 134, 17.5.2001, p. 40) Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution on Heavy Metals (OJ L 134, 17.5.2001, pp. 41-64) Council Decision 98/686/EC of 23 March 1998 on the conclusion by the European Community of the Protocol to the 1979 Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution on further reductions of sulphur emissions (OJ L 326, 3.12.1998, p. 34) Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on further reduction of sulphur emissions (OJ L 326, 3.12.1998, pp. 35-56) Council Decision 93/361/EEC of 17 May 1993 on the accession of the Community to the protocol to the 1979 Geneva Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution concerning the control of emissions of nitrogen oxides or their transboundary fluxes (OJ L 149, 21.6.1993, pp. 14-15) Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution concerning the control of emissions of nitrogen oxides or their transboundary fluxes (OJ L 149, 21.6.1993, pp. 16-26) Council Decision 86/277/EEC of 12 June 1986 on the conclusion of the Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on long-term financing of the cooperative programme for monitoring and evaluation of the long-range transmission of air pollutants in Europe (EMEP) (OJ L 181, 4.7.1986, p. 1) Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on long-term financing of the cooperative programme for monitoring and evaluation of the long-range transmission of air pollutants in Europe (EMEP) (OJ L 181, 4.7.1986, pp. 2-5) last update 08.09.2020


EUR-Lex - 31976L0211 - EN Avis juridique important | 31976L0211 Council Directive 76/211/EEC of 20 January 1976 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making-up by weight or by volume of certain prepackaged products Official Journal L 046 , 21/02/1976 P. 0001 - 0011 Finnish special edition: Chapter 15 Volume 2 P. 0031 Greek special edition: Chapter 13 Volume 3 P. 0195 Swedish special edition: Chapter 15 Volume 2 P. 0031 Spanish special edition: Chapter 13 Volume 4 P. 0244 Portuguese special edition Chapter 13 Volume 4 P. 0244 COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 20 January 1976 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making-up by weight or by volume of certain prepackaged products (76/211/EEC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 100 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2), Whereas in most of the Member States the conditions of presentation for sale of products in prepackages are the subject of mandatory regulations which differ from one Member State to another, thereby hindering trade in such prepackages ; whereas such provisions must therefore be approximated; Whereas, in order to enable consumers to be correctly informed, the method of marking on the prepackage the nominal weight or volume of the product contained in the prepackage, should be presented; Whereas it is also necessary to specify the tolerable negative errors in the contents of prepackages and whereas a reference method for such control should be defined in order to provide a simple method of ensuring that prepackages conform to the provisions laid down; Whereas Article 16 of Council Directive 71/316/EEC of 26 July 1971 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to common provisions for both measuring instruments and methods of metrological control (3), as last amended by the Act of Accession (4), provides that the harmonization of the requirements for marketing certain products, in particular as regards the measurement and marking of prepacked quantities, may be covered by separate Directives; Whereas since too quick a change in the means of determining quantity laid down by their national legislation and the organization of new systems of control as well as the adoption of a new measurement system would present difficulties for certain Member States, a transitional period should be provided for these Member States ; whereas such provision should not, however, further inhibit intra-Community trade in the products concerned and should not prejudice implementation of the Directive in the other Member States, (1)OJ No C 48, 25.4.1974, p. 21. (2)OJ No C 109, 19.9.1974, p. 16. (3)OJ No L 202, 6.9.1971, p. 1. (4)OJ No L 73, 27.3.1972, p. 14. HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: Article 1 This Directive relates to prepackages containing products with the exception of those referred to in the Council Directive 75/106/EEC of 19 December 1974 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making-up by volume of certain prepackaged liquids (1), and intended for sale in constant unit nominal quantities which are: - equal to values predetermined by the packer, - expressed in units of weight or volume, - not less than 5 g or 5 ml and not more than 10 kg or 10 l. Article 2 1. A prepackage within the meaning of this Directive is the combination of a product and the individual package in which it is prepacked. 2. A product is prepacked when it is placed in a package of whatever nature without the purchaser being present and the quantity of product contained in the package has a predetermined value and cannot be altered without the package either being opened or undergoing a perceptible modification. Article 3 1. The prepackages which may bear the EEC sign specified in section 3.3 of Annex I are those which comply with this Directive and with Annex I thereto. 2. They shall be subject to metrological control under the conditions defined in Annex I, section 5 and in Annex II. Article 4 1. All prepackages referred to in Article 3 must, in accordance with Annex I, bear an indication of the weight or volume of the product, known as "nominal weight" or "nominal volume", which they are required to contain. 2. Prepackages containing liquid products shall be marked with their nominal volume and prepackages containing other products shall be marked with their nominal weight, except in the case of trade practice or national regulations which provide otherwise and which are identical in all Member States, or in the case of contrary Community rules. 3. If trade practice or national regulations are not the same in all Member States for a category of products or for a type of prepackage, those prepackages must at least show the metrological information corresponding to the trade practice or national regulations prevailing in the country of destination. 4. Until the expiry of the transitional period during which the use of the imperial units of measurement appearing in Annex II to Council Directive 71/354/EEC of 18 October 1971 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to units of measurement (2), as amended by the Act of Accession, is authorized in the Community, the indication of the nominal weight and/or nominal volume of the contents expressed in SI units of measurement in accordance with section 3.1 of Annex I to this Directive shall, if the United Kingdom or Ireland so desires, be accompanied on their national territories by an indication of the equivalent value in imperial units of measurement (UK), calculated on the basis of the following conversion factors: >PIC FILE= "T0009090"> Article 5 Member States may not refuse, prohibit or restrict the placing on the market of prepackages which satisfy the requirements and tests laid down in this Directive for reasons concerning the markings required to be borne by such prepackages pursuant to this Directive, the determination of their volume or weight, or the methods by which they have been measured or checked. Article 6 The amendments necessary to adapt the requirements of Annexes I and II to this Directive to technical (1)OJ No L 42, 15.2.1975, p. 1. (2)OJ No L 243, 29.10.1971, p. 29. progress shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Articles 18 and 19 of Directive 71/316/EEC. Article 7 1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions needed in order to comply whith this Directive within 18 months of its notification and shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof. 2. By way of derogation from paragraph 1, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom may defer implementation of this Directive and the Annexes thereto until 31 December 1979 at the latest. 3. During the period in which the Directive is not operative in a Member State, that Member State shall not introduce stricter control measures regarding the quantity contained in prepackages covered by this Directive and coming from other Member States than those in force when the Directive was adopted. 4. During the same period, the Member States which have implemented the Directive shall accept those prepackages coming from Member States benefiting from the derogation provided for in paragraph 2 of this Article which comply with section 1 of Annex I, even if they do not bear the EEC sign referred to in section 3.3 of Annex I, on the same basis and under the same conditions as those prepackages which comply with all the requirements of the Directive. 5. The checks provided for by Annex I, section 5 shall be carried out by the competent authorities of the Member State of destination when prepackages manufactured outside the Community are imported into the territory of the Community in a Member State which has not yet implemented the Directive in accordance with this Article. 6. Member States shall ensure that the text of the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive is communicated to the Commission. Article 8 This Directive is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 20 January 1976. For the Council The President G. THORN ANNEX I 1. OBJECTIVES Prepackages covered by this Directive shall be made up in such a way that the completed packages satisfy the following requirements: 1.1. the actual contents shall not be less, on average, than the nominal quantity; 1.2. the proportion of prepackages having a negative error greater than the tolerable negative error laid down in 2.4 shall be sufficiently small for batches of prepackages to satisfy the requirements of the tests specified in Annex II; 1.3. no prepackage having a negative error greater than twice the tolerable negative error given in the table in 2.4 may bear the EEC sign provided for in 3.3. 2. DEFINITIONS AND BASIC PROVISIONS 2.1. The nominal quantity (nominal weight or nominal volume) of the contents of a prepackage is the weight or volume indicated on the prepackage, i.e. the quantity of product which the prepackage is deemed to contain. 2.2. The actual contents of the prepackage are the quantity (weight or volume) of product which it in fact contains. In all operations for checking quantities of products expressed in units of volume, the value employed for the actual contents shall be measured at or corrected to a temperature of 20 ºC, whatever the temperature at which packaging or checking is carried out. However, this rule shall not apply to deep frozen or frozen products, the quantity of which is expressed in units of volume. 2.3. The negative error of a prepackage is the quantity by which the actual contents of the prepackage are less than the nominal quantity. 2.4. The tolerable negative error in the contents of a prepackage is fixed in accordance with the table below, in which products are divided into two classes ("A" and "B"), as set out in 2.5 and 2.6 below, according to their physical characteristics and/or the packaging processes which they undergo and the values of the nominal quantities. >PIC FILE= "T0009091"> When using the table, the values of the tolerable negative errors shown as percentages in the table, calculated in units of weight or volume, shall be rounded up to the nearest one tenth of a gramme or millilitre. 2.5. The following products shall be considered as belonging to Class "A": (a) products which are solid or difficult to pour at the selling stage but which can be made sufficiently fluid in the course of packaging, and which do not contain any apparent solid or gaseous elements, and can be packaged in a single operation, (b) products in powder form, (c) products composed of pieces, fragments or grains, the unit weight of which does not exceed one third of the tolerable negative error corresponding to the nominal weight of the contents of the prepackage in the Class "A" column of the table in 2.4, (d) paste products which are easily spread, in so far as these products, once they are weighed or packaged, are not subject to further processing or are only subject to processing which does not alter the actual quantity of the contents. 2.6. All products which do not fall within the class described in 2.5 shall belong to Class "B". The following shall also be considered as belonging to Class "B": (a) liquid products, (b) prepackaged products of a nominal weight or volume less than 25 g or 25 ml, (c) products with rheological properties (e.g. fluidity or viscosity) or density when flowing which cannot be kept sufficiently constant by appropriate technical means. 3. INSCRIPTIONS AND MARKINGS All prepackages made up in accordance with this Directive shall bear on the package the following markings affixed in such a manner as to be indelible, easily legible and visible on the prepackage in normal conditions of presentation: 3.1. the nominal quantity (nominal weight or nominal volume), expressed in kilogrammes, grammes, litres, centilitres or millilitres, and marked in figures at least 6 mm high if the nominal quantity exceeds 1 000 g or 100 cl ; 4 mm high if it is from 1 000 g or 100 cl inclusive down to but not including 200 g or 20 cl, and 3 mm high if it is not more than 200 g or 20 cl, followed by the symbol for the unit of measurement used or where appropriate by the name of the unit in accordance with Directive 71/354/EEC; markings in imperial units (UK) shall be in letters and figures of dimensions not larger than those of the corresponding markings in SI units; 3.2. a mark or inscription enabling the competent departments to identify the packer or the person arranging for the packing to be done or the importer established in the Community; 3.3. a small "e", at least 3 mm high, placed in the same field of vision as the indication of the nominal weight or nominal volume, constituting a guarantee by the packer or the importer that the prepackage meets the requirements of this Directive. This letter shall have the form shown in the drawing contained in section 3 of Annex II to Directive 71/316/EEC. Article 12 of this latter Directive shall apply mutatis mutandis. 4. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PACKER OR IMPORTER The packer or importer shall be responsible for ensuring that prepackages meet the requirements of this Directive. The quantity of product contained in a prepackage (or packing quantity), known as the "actual contents", shall be measured or checked by weight or volume on the responsibility of the packer and/or importer. The measurement or check shall be carried out by means of a legal measuring instrument suitable for effecting the necessary operations. The check may be carried out by sampling. Where the actual contents are not measured, the check carried out by the packer shall be so organized that the quantity of the contents is effectively ensured. This condition is fulfilled if the packer carries out production checks in accordance with procedures recognized by the competent departments in the Member State and if he holds at the disposal of those departments the documents containing the results of such checks, in order to certify that these checks, together with any corrections and adjustments which they have shown to be necessary, have been properly and accurately carried out. In the case of imports from non-EEC countries, the importer may instead of measuring and checking provide evidence that he is in possession of all the necessary guarantees enabling him to assume responsibility. In the case of products in quantities expressed in units of volume, one of several methods of meeting the measuring and checking requirements is to use, when making up the prepackage, a measuring container of the type defined in the Directive relating thereto, filled under the conditions prescribed in that Directive and herein. 5. CHECKS TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE COMPETENT DEPARTMENTS ON THE PREMISES OF THE PACKER OR IMPORTER Checks to ensure that the prepackages comply with the requirements of this Directive shall be carried out by the competent departments of the Member States by sampling on the packers' premises or, if this is not practicable, on the premises of the importer or his agent established in the Community. This statistical sampling check shall be carried out in accordance with the accepted methods of quality acceptance inspection. Its effectiveness shall be comparable to that of the reference method specified in Annex II. 6. OTHER CHECKS CARRIED OUT BY THE COMPETENT DEPARTMENTS This Directive shall not preclude any checks which may be carried out by the competent departments of the Member States at any stage in the marketing process, in particular for the purpose of verifying that prepackages meet the requirements of the Directive. Article 15 (2) of Directive 71/316/EEC shall apply mutatis mutandis. ANNEX II This Annex lays down the procedures of the reference method for statistical checking of batches of prepackages in order to meet the requirements of Article 3 of the Directive and of section 5, Annex I thereto. This check is based upon ISO standard No 2859 relating to methods of testing by attributes, taking an acceptable quality level of 2 75 %. The sampling level corresponds to level II of that standard in respect of non-destructive tests and to level S 3 in respect of destructive tests. 1. REQUIREMENTS FOR MEASURING THE ACTUAL CONTENTS OF PREPACKAGES The actual contents of prepackages may be measured directly by means of weighing instruments or volumetric instruments or, in the case of liquids, indirectly, by weighing the prepacked product and measuring its density. Irrespective of the method used, the error made in measuring the actual contents of a prepackage shall not exceed one fifth of the tolerable negative error for the nominal quantity in the prepackage. The procedure for measuring the actual contents of a prepackage may be the subject of domestic regulations in each Member State. 2. REQUIREMENTS FOR CHECKING BATCHES OF PREPACKAGES The checking of prepackages shall be carried out by sampling and shall be in two parts: - a check covering the actual contents of each prepackage in the sample, - another check on the average of the actual contents of the prepackages in the sample. A batch of prepackages shall be considered acceptable if the results of both these checks satisfy the acceptance criteria. For each of these checks, there are two sampling plans: - one for non-destructive testing, i.e., testing which does not involve opening the package, - the other for destructive testing, i.e., testing which involves opening or destroying the package. For economic and practical reasons, the latter test shall be limited to the absolutely essential minimum ; it is less effective than the non-destructive test. Destructive testing shall therefore be used only when non-destructive testing is impracticable. As a general rule it shall not be applied to batches of fewer than 100 units. 2.1. Prepackage batches 2.1.1. The batch shall be made up of all the prepackages of the same type and the same production run which are to be inspected. 2.1.2. When prepackages are checked at the end of the packing line, the number in each batch shall be equal to the maximum hourly output of the packing line, without any restriction as to batch size. In other cases the batch size shall be limited to 10 000. 2.1.3. For batches of fewer than 100 prepackages, the non-destructive test, where carried out, shall be 100 %. 2.1.4. Before the tests in 2.2 and 2.3 are carried out, a sufficient number of prepackages shall be drawn at random from the batch so that the check requiring the larger sample can be carried out. For the other check, the necessary sample shall be drawn at random from the first sample and marked. This marking operation shall be completed before the start of measuring operations. 2.2. Checking of the minimum acceptable contents of a prepackage 2.2.1. The minimum acceptable contents shall be calculated by subtracting the tolerable negative error for the contents concerned from the nominal quantity of the prepackage. 2.2.2. Prepackages in the batch whose actual contents are less than the minimum acceptable contents shall be considered defective. 2.2.3. For checks by sampling, one of the following sampling plans (single or double) shall be used, to be chosen by each Member State. 2.2.3.1. Single sampling plan The number of prepackages checked shall be equal to the number in the sample, as indicated in the plan: - if the number of defective units found in the sample is less than or equal to the criterion for acceptance, the batch of prepackages shall be considered acceptable for the purpose of this check; - if the number of defective units found in the sample is equal to or greater than the criterion for rejection, the batch of prepackages shall be rejected. 2.2.3.1.1. Non-destructive testing plan >PIC FILE= "T0009092"> 2.2.3.1.2. Destructive testing plan >PIC FILE= "T0009093"> 2.2.3.2. Double sampling plan The first number of prepackages checked shall be equal to the number of units in the first sample, as indicated in the plan: - if the number of defective units found in the first sample is less than or equal to the first acceptance criterion, the batch shall be considered acceptable for the purpose of this check; - if the number of defective units found in the first sample is equal to or greater than the first rejection criterion, the batch shall be rejected; - if the number of defective units found in the first sample lies between the first acceptance criterion and the first rejection criterion, a second sample shall be checked, the number of units in which is indicated in the plan. The defective units found in the first and second samples shall be added together and: - if the aggregate number of defective units is less than or equal to the second acceptance criterion, the batch shall be considered acceptable for the purpose of the check; - if the aggregate number of defective units is greater than or equal to the second rejection criterion, the batch shall be rejected. 2.2.3.2.1. Non-destructive testing plan >PIC FILE= "T0009094"> 2.2.3.2.2. Destructive testing plan >PIC FILE= "T0009095"> 2.3. Checking of the average actual contents of the individual prepackages making up a batch 2.3.1. A batch of prepackages shall be considered acceptable for the purpose of this check >PIC FILE= "T0009096"> In this formula: Qn = the nominal quantity of the prepackage, n = the number of prepackages in the sample for this check, s = the estimated standard deviation of the actual contents of the batch, >PIC FILE= "T9000930"> 2.3.2. If xi is the measured value for the actual contents of the i-th item in the sample containing n items then: 2.3.2.1. the mean of the measured values for the sample is obtained by the following calculation: >PIC FILE= "T0009097"> 2.3.2.2. and the estimated value of the standard deviation s by the following calculation: >PIC FILE= "T0009098"> 2.3.3. Criteria for acceptance or rejection of the batch of prepackages for checking the mean: 2.3.3.1. Criteria for non-destructive testing >PIC FILE= "T0009099"> 2.3.3.2. Criteria for destructive testing >PIC FILE= "T0009100">

Summary: Labelling of prepacked products Labelling of prepacked products Prepackages (or packages prepared in advance) and their contents must indicate in the labelling the weight or volume they contain using a harmonised format, taking account of specific metrological conditions. SUMMARY The labelling of prepackages* and prepacked products* must contain various information relevant to the consumer. Prepacked products are sold individually at a constant weight or volume chosen in advance by the filler. The weight or volume must be: at least 5 grams or 5 millilitres for the smallest packages; no more than 10 kilograms or 10 litres for the largest packages. Use of the ‘e’ sign Prepacked products may bear the lower case letter ‘e’ of a minimum height of 3 mm certifying that under the responsibility of the packer or the importer that the prepackages meet the requirements of this directive in terms of quality and metrological controls (Annex I point 5 and Annex II). The letter must be placed in the same field of vision as the indication of the nominal weight or nominal volume. Indication of weight or volume The labelling must indicate the volume in the case of liquid products and the weight in the case of other products. The label of the prepacked product must also bear the weight and volume indications used in trade practice or comply with the national regulations of the destination country if such indications vary in EU countries. EU countries may neither prohibit nor restrict the placing on the market of packaging which complies with the directive's requirements with regard to the indication of the volume or mass and the metrological methods used. FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY? It applies from 23 January 1976. Most EU countries had to incorporate it into national law by 22 July 1977. Belgium, Ireland and the United Kingdom (1) had to incorporate it into national law by 31 December 1979. KEY TERMS * Prepackage: the combination of a product and the individual package in which it is prepacked. * Prepacked product: a product is prepacked when it is placed in a package of whatever nature without the purchaser being present and the quantity of product contained in the package has a predetermined value and cannot be altered without the package either being opened or undergoing a perceptible modification. ACT Council Directive 76/211/EEC of 20 January 1976 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making-up by weight or by volume of certain prepackaged products (OJ L 46, 21.2.1976, pp. 1–11) Successive amendments and corrections to Directive 76/211/EEC have been incorporated in the basic text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only. RELATED ACTS Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, amending Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Commission Directive 87/250/EEC, Council Directive 90/496/EEC, Commission Directive 1999/10/EC, Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Directives 2002/67/EC and 2008/5/EC and Commission Regulation (EC) No 608/2004 (OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, pp. 18–63). See consolidated version. Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 concerning the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified organisms and amending Directive 2001/18/EC (OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, pp. 24–28). See consolidated version. last update 14.12.2015(1) The United Kingdom withdraws from the European Union and becomes a third country (non-EU country) as of 1 February 2020.


10.1.1979 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 6/24 COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (79/7/EEC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 235 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), Whereas Article 1 (2) of Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions (4) provides that, with a view to ensuring the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment in matters of social security, the Council, acting on a proposal from the Commission, will adopt provisions defining its substance, its scope and the arrangements for its application; whereas the Treaty does not confer the specific powers required for this purpose; Whereas the principle of equal treatment in matters of social security should be implemented in the first place in the statutory schemes which provide protection against the risks of sickness, invalidity, old age, accidents at work, occupational diseases and unemployment, and in social assistance in so far as it is intended to supplement or replace the abovementioned schemes; Whereas the implementation of the principle of equal treatment in matters of social security does not prejudice the provisions relating to the protection of women on the ground of maternity; whereas, in this respect, Member States may adopt specific provisions for women to remove existing instances of unequal treatment, HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: Article 1 The purpose of this Directive is the progressive implementation, in the field of social security and other elements of social protection provided for in Article 3, of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security, hereinafter referred to as ‘the principle of equal treatment’. Article 2 This Directive shall apply to the working population — including self-employed persons, workers and self-employed persons whose activity is interrupted by illness, accident or involuntary unemployment and persons seeking employment — and to retired or invalided workers and self-employed persons. Article 3 1. This Directive shall apply to: (a) statutory schemes which provide protection against the following risks: — sickness, — invalidity, — old age, — accidents at work and occupational diseases, — unemployment; (b) social assistance, in so far as it is intended to supplement or replace the schemes referred to in (a). 2. This Directive shall not apply to the provisions concerning survivors' benefits nor to those concerning family benefits, except in the case of family benefits granted by way of increases of benefits due in respect of the risks referred to in paragraph 1 (a). 3. With a view to ensuring implementation of the principle of equal treatment in occupational schemes, the Council, acting on a proposal from the Commission, will adopt provisions defining its substance, its scope and the arrangements for its application. Article 4 1. The principle of equal treatment means that there shall be no discrimination whatsoever on ground of sex either directly, or indirectly by reference in particular to marital or family status, in particular as concerns: — the scope of the schemes and the conditions of access thereto, — the obligation to contribute and the calculation of contributions, — the calculation of benefits including increases due in respect of a spouse and for dependants and the conditions governing the duration and retention of entitlement to benefits. 2. The principle of equal treatment shall be without prejudice to the provisions relating to the protection of women on the grounds of maternity. Article 5 Member States shall take the measures necessary to ensure that any laws, regulations and administrative provisions contrary to the principle of equal treatment are abolished. Article 6 Member States shall introduce into their national legal systems such measures as are necessary to enable all persons who consider themselves wronged by failure to apply the principle of equal treatment to pursue their claims by judicial process, possibly after recourse to other competent authorities. Article 7 1. This Directive shall be without prejudice to the right of Member States to exclude from its scope: (a) the determination of pensionable age for the purposes of granting old-age and retirement pensions and the possible consequences thereof for other benefits; (b) advantages in respect of old-age pension schemes granted to persons who have brought up children; the acquisition of benefit entitlements following periods of interruption of employment due to the bringing up of children; (c) the granting of old-age or invalidity benefit entitlements by virtue of the derived entitlements of a wife; (d) the granting of increases of long-term invalidity, old-age, accidents at work and occupational disease benefits for a dependent wife; (e) the consequences of the exercise, before the adoption of this Directive, of a right of option not to acquire rights or incur obligations under a statutory scheme. 2. Member States shall periodically examine matters excluded under paragraph 1 in order to ascertain, in the light of social developments in the matter concerned, whether there is justification for maintaining the exclusions concerned. Article 8 1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive within six years of its notification. They shall immediately inform the Commission thereof. 2. Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of laws, regulations and administrative provisions which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive, including measures adopted pursuant to Article 7 (2). They shall inform the Commission of their reasons for maintaining any existing provisions on the matters referred to in Article 7 (1) and of the possibilities for reviewing them at a later date. Article 9 Within seven years of notification of this Directive, Member States shall forward all information necessary to the Commission to enable it to draw up a report on the application of this Directive for submission to the Council and to propose such further measures as may be required for the implementation of the principle of equal treatment. Article 10 This Directive is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 19 December 1978. For the Council The President H.-D. GENSCHER (1) OJ No C 34, 11. 2. 1977, p. 3. (2) OJ No C 299, 12. 12. 1977, p. 13. (3) OJ No C 180, 28. 7. 1977, p. 36. (4) OJ No L 39, 14. 2. 1976, p. 40.

Summary: Social security — equal treatment for men and women Social security — equal treatment for men and women SUMMARY OF: Directive 79/7/EEC — progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DIRECTIVE? It aims to ensure respect for the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security. KEY POINTS This directive applies to: statutory social security schemes which provide protection against sickness, invalidity, accidents at work and occupational diseases, unemployment and risks related to old age; social assistance which supplements or replaces the basic schemes. It does not apply to survivors' benefits and family benefits schemes. Principle of equal treatment This principle protects European citizens against discrimination on grounds of sex, whether direct* or indirect*, as regards: the scope of the schemes and the conditions of access to them; the obligation to contribute and the calculation of contributions; the calculation of benefits and the conditions governing the duration and retention of entitlement to benefit. Specific rules may be adopted to ensure the protection of pregnant women. Retirement and pensions EU countries may exclude from the scope of the directive: the determination of pensionable age; advantages granted to retired persons who have brought up children, specifically concerning periods of interruption of employment; the granting of old-age or invalidity benefit entitlement connected with the derived entitlements of a spouse; long-term benefits accorded to a spouse connected with the invalidity, old-age, accidents at work or the occupational disease of their spouse; a right of option before the adoption of the Directive, specifically the option not to acquire rights or incur obligations under a statutory social security scheme. EU countries periodically examine the necessity to exclude these categories in the light of social developments. FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY? It had to become law in the EU countries by 1984. BACKGROUND For more information, see: Social security and pension (European Commission). KEY TERMS Direct discrimination: discrimination caused when one person is treated less favourably than another is, has been or would be treated in a comparable situation. Indirect discrimination: discrimination caused when an apparently neutral rule, criterion or practice would put persons of one sex at a particular disadvantage compared with other persons, unless that rule, criterion or practice is objectively justified by a legitimate aim, and the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary. MAIN DOCUMENT Council Directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (OJ L 6, 10.1.1979, pp. 24–25) last update 26.06.2018


EUR-Lex - 31980L0181 - EN Avis juridique important | 31980L0181 Council Directive 80/181/EEC of 20 December 1979 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to units of measurement and on the repeal of Directive 71/354/EEC Official Journal L 039 , 15/02/1980 P. 0040 - 0050 Finnish special edition: Chapter 13 Volume 10 P. 0181 Greek special edition: Chapter 13 Volume 9 P. 0090 Swedish special edition: Chapter 13 Volume 10 P. 0181 Spanish special edition: Chapter 13 Volume 10 P. 0292 Portuguese special edition Chapter 13 Volume 10 P. 0292 COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 20 December 1979 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to units of measurement and on the repeal of Directive 71/354/EEC (80/181/EEC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 100 thereof, Having regard to Council Directive 71/354/EEC of 18 October 1971 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to units of measurement (1), as last amended by Council Directive 76/770/EEC (2), Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (3), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (4), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (5), Whereas units of measurement are essential in the use of all measuring instruments, to express measurements or any indication of quantity ; whereas units of measurement are used in most fields of human activity ; whereas it is necessary to ensure the greatest possible clarity in their use ; whereas it is therefore necessary to make rules for their use within the Community for economic, public health, public safety or administrative purposes; Whereas, however, there exist international conventions or agreements in the field of international transport which bind the Community or the Member States ; whereas these conventions or agreements have to be respected; Whereas the laws which regulate the use of units of measurement in the Member States differ from one Member State to another and as a result hinder trade ; whereas, in these circumstances, it is necessary to harmonize laws, regulations and administrative provisions in order to overcome such obstacles; Whereas units of measurement are the subject of international resolutions adopted by the General Conference of Weights and Measures (CGPM) set up by the Metre Convention signed in Paris on 20 May 1875, to which all the Member States adhere ; whereas the "International System of Units" (SI) was drawn up as a result of these resolutions; Whereas the Council on 18 October 1971 adopted Directive 71/354/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States in order to eliminate obstacles to trade by adopting the international system of units at Community level ; whereas Directive 71/354/EEC was amended by the Act of Accession and by Directive 76/770/EEC; Whereas these Community provisions have not overcome all the obstacles in this field ; whereas Directive 76/770/EEC provides for the review before 31 December 1979 of the situation regarding units of measurement, names and symbols listed in Chapter D of the Annex thereto ; whereas it has also proved necessary to review the situation regarding certain other units of measurement; Whereas it is necessary, in order to avoid serious difficulties, to provide for a transitional period during which units of measurement which are not compatible with the international system can be phased out ; whereas it is nevertheless essential to allow the Member States wishing to do so to bring into force as quickly as possible, on their territory, the provisions of Chapter I of the Annex ; whereas it is therefore necessary to limit the duration of this transitional period at Community level while, at the same time, leaving the Member States free to curtail that period; Whereas, during the transitional period, it is essential, particularly in order to protect the consumer, to maintain a clear position on the use of units of measurement in trade between the Member States ; whereas the obligation on the Member States to allow use of supplementary indications on products and equipment imported from other Member States during this transitional period seems to serve this purpose well; (1)OJ No L 243, 29.10.1971, p. 29. (2)OJ No L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 204. (3)OJ No C 81, 28.3.1979, p. 6. (4)OJ No C 127, 21.5.1979, p. 80. (5)Opinion delivered on 24/25 October 1979 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Whereas the systematic adoption of a solution of this kind for all measuring instruments, including medical instruments, is however not necessarily desirable ; whereas the Member States should therefore be able to require that, on their territory, measuring instruments bear indications of quantity in a single legal unit of measurement; Whereas this Directive does not affect the continued manufacture of products already on the market ; whereas it does, however, affect the placing on the market and use of products and equipment bearing indications of quantity in units of measurement which are no longer legal units of measurement, when such products and equipment are necessary to supplement or replace components or parts of such products, equipment and instruments already on the market ; whereas it is therefore necessary for Member States to authorize the placing on the market and the use of such products and equipment to complete and replace components, even when they bear indications of quantity in units of measurement which are no longer legal units of measurement, so that products, equipment or instruments already on the market may continue to be used; Whereas the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) on 1 March 1974 adopted an international standard on the representation of SI and other units for use in systems with limited sets of characters ; whereas it is advisable for the Community to adopt the solutions which have already been approved on a wider international level by ISO Standard 2955 of 1 March 1974; Whereas Community provisions relating to units of measurement are to be found in several Community texts ; whereas the question of units of measurement is so important that it is essential that reference may be made to a single Community text ; whereas this Directive thereby consolidates all the Community provisions on the subject and repeals Directive 71/354/EEC, HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: Article 1 The legal units of measurement within the meaning of this Directive which must be used for expressing quantities shall be: (a) those listed in Chapter I of the Annex; (b) those listed in Chapter II of the Annex, until a date to be fixed by the Member States ; this date may not be later than 31 December 1985; (c) those listed in Chapter III of the Annex only in those Member States where they were authorized on 21 April 1973 and until a date to be fixed by those Member States ; this date may not be later than a date to be set by the Council before 31 December 1989 on the basis of Article 100 of the Treaty. Article 2 (a) The obligations arising under Article 1 relate to measuring instruments used, measurements made and indications of quantity expressed in units of measurement, for economic, public health, public safety or administrative purposes. (b) This Directive shall not affect the use in the field of air and sea transport and rail traffic of units, other than those made compulsory by the Directive, which have been laid down in international conventions or agreements binding the Community or the Member States. Article 3 1. For the purposes of this Directive "supplementary indication" means one or more indications of quantity expressed in units of measurement not contained in Chapter I of the Annex accompanying an indication of quantity expressed in a unit contained in that Chapter. 2. The use of supplementary indications shall be authorized until 31 December 1989. 3. However, Member States may require that measuring instruments bear indications of quantity in a single legal unit of measurement. 4. The indication expressed in a unit of measurement listed in Chapter I shall predominate. In particular, the indications expressed in units of measurement not listed in Chapter I shall be expressed in characters no larger than those of the corresponding indication in units listed in Chapter I. 5. The use of supplementary indications may be extended after 31 December 1989. Article 4 The use of units of measurement which are not or are no longer legal shall be authorized for: - products and equipment already on the market and/or in service on the date on which this Directive is adopted, - components and parts of products and of equipment necessary to supplement or replace components or parts of the above products and equipment. However, the use of legal units of measurement may be required for the indicators of measuring instruments. Article 5 International standard ISO 2955 of 1 March 1974, "Information processing - Representations of SI and other units for use in systems with limited character sets" shall apply in the field covered by paragraph 1 thereof. Article 6 Directive 71/354/EEC shall be repealed on 1 October 1981. However, by way of derogation from Directive 71/354/EEC, Member States shall authorize or continue to allow on the terms specified in Article 1 of this Directive the use of the following units of measurement after 31 December 1979: >PIC FILE= "T0013329"> Article 7 (a) Member States shall adopt and publish before 1 July 1981 the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive and shall inform the Commission thereof. They shall apply these provisions from 1 October 1981. (b) As from the date of notification of this Directive, Member States shall also ensure that the Commission is informed, in sufficient time to enable it to submit its comments, of any draft laws, regulations or administrative provisions which they intend to adopt in the field covered by this Directive. Article 8 This Directive is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 20 December 1979. For the Council The President J. TUNNEY ANNEX CHAPTER I LEGAL UNITS OF MEASUREMENT REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 1 (a) 1. SI UNITS AND THEIR DECIMAL MULTIPLES AND SUBMULTIPLES 1.1. SI base units >PIC FILE= "T0013330"> Definitions of SI base units: Unit of length The metre is the length equal to 1 650 763 773 wavelengths in vacuum of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the levels 2p10 and 5d5 of the krypton 86 atom. (Eleventh CGPM (1960), resolution 6). Unit of mass The kilogram is the unit of mass ; it is equal to the mass of the international prototype of the kilogram. (Third CGPM (1901), page 70 of the conference report). Unit of time The second is the duration of 9 192 631 770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium 133 atom. (Thirteenth CGPM (1967), resolution 1). Unit of electric current >PIC FILE= "T0013390"> (CIPM (1946), resolution 2, approved by the ninth CGPM (1948)). Unit of thermodynamic temperature The kelvin, unit of thermodynamic temperature, is the fraction 1/273 716 of the thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water. (Thirteenth CGPM (1967), resolution 4). Unit of amount of substance The mole is the amount of substance of a system which contains as many elementary entities as there are atoms in 0 7012 kg of carbon 12. When the mole is used the elementary entities must be specified and may be atoms, molecules, ions, electrons, other particles or specified groups of such particles. (Fourteenth CGPM (1971), resolution 3). Unit of luminous intensity >PIC FILE= "T0013391"> (Sixteenth CGPM (1979), resolution 3). 1.1.1. Special name and symbol of the SI unit of temperature for expressing Celsius temperature >PIC FILE= "T0013331"> Celsius temperature t is defined as the difference t = T - T0 between the two thermodynamic temperatures T and T0 where T0 = 273 715 kelvins. An interval of or difference in temperature may be expressed either in kelvins or in degrees Celsius. The unit of "degree Celsius" is equal to the unit "kelvin". 1.2. Other SI units 1.2.1. Supplementary SI units >PIC FILE= "T0013332"> (Eleventh CGPM, 1960, resolution 12). Definitions of supplementary SI units: Plane angle unit The radian is the plane angle between two radii which, on the circumference of a circle, cut an arc equal in length to the radius. (International standard ISO 31 - I, December 1965). Solid angle unit The steradian is the solid angle which has its apex at the centre of a sphere and which describes on the surface of the sphere an area equal to that of a square having as its side the radius of the sphere. (International standard ISO 31 - I, December 1965). 1.2.2. Derived SI units Units derived coherently from SI base units and supplementary SI units are given as algebraic expressions in the form of products of powers of the SI base units and/or supplementary SI units with a numerical factor equal to 1. 1.2.3. Derived SI units having names and symbols >PIC FILE= "T0013333"> Units derived from SI base units or supplementary units may be expressed in terms of the units listed in Chapter I. In particular, derived SI units may be expressed by the special names and symbols given in the above table ; for example, the SI unit of dynamic viscosity may be expressed as m-1 7 kg 7 s-1 or N 7 s 7 m-2 or Pa 7 s. 1.3. Prefixes and their symbols used to designate certain decimal multiples and submultiples >PIC FILE= "T0013334"> The names and symbols of the decimal multiples and submultiples of the unit of mass are formed by attaching prefixes to the word "gram" and their symbols to the symbol"g". Where a derived unit is expressed as a fraction, its decimal multiples and submultiples may be designated by attaching a prefix to units in the numerator or the denominator, or in both these parts. Compound prefixes, that is to say prefixes formed by the juxtaposition of several of the above prefixes, may not be used. 1.4. Special authorized names and symbols of decimal multiples and submultiples of SI units >PIC FILE= "T0013335"> Note : The prefixes and their symbols listed in 1.3 may be used in conjunction with the units and symbols contained in Table 1.4. 2. UNITS WHICH ARE DEFINED ON THE BASIS OF SI UNITS BUT ARE NOT DECIMAL MULTIPLES OR SUBMULTIPLES THEREOF >PIC FILE= "T0013336"> Note : The prefixes listed in 1.3 may only be used in conjunction with the names "grade" or "gon" and the symbol "gon". 3. UNITS DEFINED INDEPENDENTLY OF THE SEVEN SI BASE UNITS The unified atomic mass unit is one-twelfth of the mass of an atom of the nuclide 12C. The electronvolt is the kinetic energy acquired by an electron passing in a vacuum from one point to another whose potential is one volt higher. >PIC FILE= "T0013337"> The value of these units, expressed in SI units, is not known exactly. The above values are taken from CODATA Bulletin No 11 of December 1973 of the International Council of Scientific Unions. Note : The prefixes and their symbols listed in 1.3 may be used in conjunction with these two units and with their symbols. 4. UNITS AND NAMES OF UNITS PERMITTED IN SPECIALIZED FIELDS ONLY >PIC FILE= "T0013338"> 5. COMPOUND UNITS Combinations of the units listed in Chapter I form compound units. CHAPTER II LEGAL UNITS OF MEASUREMENT REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 1 (b) QUANTITIES, NAMES OF UNITS, SYMBOLS AND VALUES >PIC FILE= "T0013339"> Note : The prefixes and their symbols listed in 1.3 of Chapter I may be used in conjunction with the units and symbols contained in this section, with the exception of millimetre of mercury and its symbol and the symbol "g". Until the date indicated in Article 1 (b), the units listed in Chapter II may be combined with each other or with those in Chapter I to form compound units. CHAPTER III LEGAL UNITS OF MEASUREMENT REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 1 (c) QUANTITIES, NAMES OF UNITS, SYMBOLS AND APPROXIMATE VALUES >PIC FILE= "T0013340"> Until the date to be fixed under Article 1 (c), the units listed in Chapter III may be combined with each other or with those in Chapter I to form compound units.

Summary: Units of measurement in the EU Units of measurement in the EU SUMMARY OF: Directive 80/181/EEC on the approximation of EU countries’ laws relating to units of measurement WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DIRECTIVE? It lists and defines the legal units that must be used to express quantities in the European Union (EU). It specifies that the metric units of measurement / International System of Units (SI units)* are applicable in the EU. Council Directive 80/181/EEC has been amended several times. The last one, introduced by Commission Directive (EU) 2019/1258 for the purpose of its adaptation to technical progress, amends the annex as regards the definitions of SI base units. KEY POINTS SI units are mandatory in the EU for economic, public-health, public-safety and administrative purposes. SI units originated from international resolutions adopted by the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) to which all EU countries adhere. The directive lists and defines the permitted and mandatory units of measurement in a series of annexes, including the following. The SI base units Time: the second (s).Length: the metre (m).Mass: the kilogram (kg).Electric current: the ampere (A).Thermodynamic temperature: the kelvin (K).Amount of substance: the mole (mol).Luminous intensity: the candela (cd). Over 20 SI-derived units, with special names and symbols (e.g. Frequency: hertz (Hz), Force: newton (N), Electric resistance: ohm (Ω)). The prefixes designating decimal multiples and submultiples (e.g. Kilo: 103 and k, Milli: 10-3 and m). Units permitted in specialised fields only (e.g. Vergency of optical systems: dioptre, Mass of precious stones: metric carat). Compound units. The definitions of the units are based on natural constants, allowing for accurate measurements even on a very small scale. As such, they can be used not only in everyday life, but also for purposes requiring very high precision, like scientific research or advanced technological applications. Exemptions: The directive does not affect the use of units in air and sea transport and rail traffic as laid down in international agreements binding the EU or EU countries. Derogations are only applicable in Ireland and in limited circumstances: the mile, yard, foot and inch continue to be permitted on road traffic signs and for distance and speed measurements; pints continue to be permitted for the sale of milk in returnable containers and draught beer and cider; troy ounces can continue to be used for precious metals. Supplementary indications The directive also allows the use of supplementary indications (those of quantity expressed in units of measurement not contained in the directive). They cannot, however, be used by themselves; they can only accompany the SI units listed and defined in the directive and the SI units have to predominate. FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY? It has applied since 1 October 1981 and had to become law in the EU countries by 1 July 1981. BACKGROUND For more information, see: Units of measurement (European Commission) General Conference on Weights and Measures (BIPM-CGPM) International Organization for Standardization (ISO). KEY TERMS International System of Units (SI): a system of physical units of measurement based on the metre, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, candela, and mole, together with a set of prefixes to indicate multiplication or division by a power of 10. It is the modern form of the metric system and the only system of measurement with an official status in nearly every country in the world. MAIN DOCUMENT Council Directive 80/181/EEC of 20 December 1979 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to units of measurement and on the repeal of Directive 71/354/EEC (OJ L 39, 15.2.1980, pp. 40-50) Successive amendments to Directive 80/181/EEC have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only. last update 03.02.2021


EUR-Lex - 31978L0142 - EN Avis juridique important | 31978L0142 Council Directive 78/142/EEC of 30 January 1978 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to materials and articles which contain vinyl chloride monomer and are intended to come into contact with foodstuffs Official Journal L 044 , 15/02/1978 P. 0015 - 0017 Finnish special edition: Chapter 13 Volume 8 P. 0044 Greek special edition: Chapter 03 Volume 20 P. 0087 Swedish special edition: Chapter 13 Volume 8 P. 0044 Spanish special edition: Chapter 13 Volume 8 P. 0091 Portuguese special edition Chapter 13 Volume 8 P. 0091 COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 30 January 1978 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to materials and articles which contain vinyl chloride monomer and are intended to come into contact with foodstuffs (78/142/EEC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 100 thereof, Having regard to Council Directive 76/893/EEC of 23 November 1976 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs (1), and in particular Article 3 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), Whereas Article 2 of Directive 76/893/EEC provides that materials and articles must not transfer any constituents to foodstuffs in quantities which could endanger human health; Whereas Article 3 of the same Directive provides that the Council, under the procedure provided for in Article 100 of the Treaty, shall adopt by means of Directives special provisions applicable to certain groups of materials and articles (specific Directives) ; whereas these provisions may include specific limits on the migration of certain constituents into or onto foodstuffs as well as other rules to ensure compliance with Article 2 of the said Directive; Whereas the administration of large doses of vinyl chloride monomer to experimental animals has been shown to produce harmful effects ; whereas such effects could also occur in man; Whereas the Scientific Committee for Food has given the opinion that the levels of vinyl chloride monomer in polyvinyl chloride and related polymers should be reduced as far as possible and at the same time recommended that no trace of vinyl chloride should be detectable in food or potable water by a method which can be generally applied to the majority of foodstuffs by most laboratories; Whereas further research is at present being conducted on vinyl chloride monomer, but as a precaution the ingestion of vinyl chloride monomer should be restricted until the results are known; Whereas the appropriate instrument for attaining this objective is a specific Directive within the meaning of Article 3 of Directive 76/893/EEC, the general provisions of which also become applicable in this particular case; Whereas, however, this Directive does not concern all aspects of materials and articles prepared from vinyl chloride polymers or copolymers and the Member States should therefore be authorized not to require that labels carry the particulars laid down in Article 7 of Directive 76/893/EEC, in accordance with the opinions provided for in paragraphs 4 and 5 of that Article, HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: Article 1 1. This Directive is a specific Directive within the meaning of Article 3 of Directive 76/893/EEC. 2. This Directive concerns the presence of vinyl chloride monomer in, and possible migration from, materials and articles prepared with vinyl chloride polymers or copolymers, hereinafter called "materials and articles", which in their finished state are intended to come into contact with foodstuffs, or which are in contact with foodstuffs and are intended for that purpose. Article 2 1. Materials and articles must not contain vinyl chloride monomer in a quantity exceeding that laid down in Annex I. 2. Materials and articles must not pass on to foodstuffs which are in or have been brought into contact with such materials and articles any vinyl chloride detectable by the method which complies with the criteria laid down in Annex II. (1)OJ No L 340, 9.12.1976, p. 19. (2)OJ No C 118, 16.5.1977, p. 70. (3)OJ No C 114, 11.5.1977, p. 13. Article 3 The method of analysis necessary for checking compliance with Article 2 shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 10 of Directive 76/893/EEC and shall comply with the criteria laid down in Annex II. Article 4 The Council shall review this Directive on the basis of reports from the Commission drawn up in the light of scientific and technical knowledge becoming available after adoption of the Directive and accompanied, where appropriate, by suitable proposals. The first report from the Commission shall be forwarded to the Council not later than 1 January 1979. Article 5 This Directive shall not affect national provisions relating to other possible rules provided for in Article 3 of Directive 76/893/EEC or the options afforded to Member States under Article 7 (4) and (5) of that Directive. Article 6 1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions needed in order to comply with this Directive not later than 26 November 1979. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof. 2. Member States may defer the introduction of Article 2 (2) and Annex II until such time as a Community method of analysis, as required by Article 3, has been adopted. Article 7 This Directive is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 30 January 1978. For the Council The President P. DALSAGER ANNEX I Maximum vinyl chloride monomer level in materials and articles One milligram per kilogram in the final product. ANNEX II Criteria applicable to the method of determining the level of vinyl chloride in materials and articles and of determining vinyl chloride released by materials and articles 1. The level of vinyl chloride in materials and articles and the level of vinyl chloride released by materials and articles to foodstuffs are determined by means of gas-phase chromatography using the "headspace" method. 2. For the purposes of determining vinyl chloride released by materials and articles to foodstuffs, the detection limit shall be 0 701 mg/kg. 3. Vinyl chloride released by materials and articles to foodstuffs is in principle determined in the foodstuffs. When the determination in certain foodstuffs is shown to be impossible for technical reasons, Member States may permit determination by simulants for these particular foodstuffs.

Summary: Materials and articles containing vinyl chloride monomer Materials and articles containing vinyl chloride monomer This Directive limits the presence and migration of vinyl chloride monomer in and from materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. ACT Council Directive 78/142/EEC of 30 January 1978 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to materials and articles which contain vinyl chloride monomer and are intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. SUMMARY Materials and articles which are intended to come into contact with foodstuffs may not transfer certain constituents to these materials and articles in quantities liable to endanger human health. In order to guarantee that these foodstuffs contain no trace of vinyl chloride monomer detectable by a method by a general Community method of analysis, materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs must comply with this Directive. Thus materials and articles: must not contain vinyl chloride monomer in quantities above one milligram per kilogram in the final product; and must not transfer vinyl chloride monomer to foodstuffs in quantities above 0.01 mg/kg in the final product. References Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal Directive 78/142/EEC 1.2.1978 26.11.1979 OJ L 44 of 15.2.1978 RELATED ACTS Commission Directive 80/766/EEC of 8 July 1980 laying down the Community method of analysis for the official control of the vinyl chloride monomer level in materials and articles which are intended to come into contact with foodstuffs [Official Journal L 213 of 16.8.1980]. This Directive lays down the Community method of analysis for the determination of the vinyl chloride monomer level in materials and articles which are intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. This method meets the criteria laid down in the annex to Directive 78/142/EEC. Commission Directive 81/432/EEC of 29 April 1981 laying down the Community method of analysis for the official control of vinyl chloride released by materials and articles into foodstuffs [Official Journal L 167 of 24.6.1981]. This Directive lays down the Community method of analysis for determining the quantity of vinyl chloride released by materials and articles into foodstuffs. Last updated: 17.11.2009