EUR-Lex - 31999L0094 - EN Avis juridique important | 31999L0094 Directive 1999/94/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 1999 relating to the availability of consumer information on fuel economy and CO2 emissions in respect of the marketing of new passenger cars Official Journal L 012 , 18/01/2000 P. 0016 - 0023 DIRECTIVE 1999/94/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCILof 13 December 1999relating to the availability of consumer information on fuel economy and CO2 emissions in respect of the marketing of new passenger carsTHE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 175(1) thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission(1),Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee(2),Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty(3),(1) Whereas Article 174 of the Treaty requires prudent and rational utilisation of natural resources; whereas the rational use of energy is one of the principal means by which this objective can be achieved and environmental pollution reduced;(2) Whereas the ultimate objective of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is to achieve stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system;(3) Whereas under the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed at the December 1997 Kyoto Conference, the Community has accepted the target of reducing its emissions during the period 2008 to 2012 in respect of a basket of greenhouse gases by 8 % relative to 1990 levels;(4) Whereas in recognition of the importance of passenger cars as a source of CO2 emissions, the Commission has proposed a Community strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from passenger cars and to improve fuel economy; whereas in its Conclusions of 25 June 1996 the Council welcomed the Commission's approach;(5) Whereas information plays a key role in the operation of market forces; whereas the provision of accurate, relevant and comparable information on the specific fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of passenger cars may influence consumer choice in favour of those cars which use less fuel and thereby emit less CO2, thereby encouraging manufacturers to take steps to reduce the fuel consumption of the cars that they manufacture;(6) Whereas the presence of labels on used cars at the point of sale could influence buyers of new passenger cars towards low consumption cars, since this characteristic will be taken into account when the car is re-sold; whereas it is therefore appropriate, in connection with the first review of this Directive, to consider enlarging the scope to used cars covered by Commission Directive 93/116/EC of 17 December 1993 adapting to technical progress Council Directive 80/1268/EEC relating to the fuel consumption of motor vehicles(4);(7) Whereas it is therefore necessary to develop a fuel economy label for all new passenger cars displayed at the point of sale;(8) Whereas a fuel economy label should contain information on fuel consumption and specific emissions of CO2 that have been determined in accordance with the harmonised standards and methods laid down in Council Directive 80/1268/EEC of 16 December 1980 relating to the carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption of motor vehicles(5);(9) Whereas it is necessary that supplementary standardised information on the fuel consumption and specific CO2 emissions of all versions on the new car market is available in a suitable form both at the point of sale and from a designated body in each Member State; whereas such information may be useful to consumers who formulate their purchase decision before entering the showroom or who choose not to use the services of a dealer or visit a showroom when purchasing a passenger car;(10) Whereas it is important that potential customers are made aware, at the point of sale, of the most fuel efficient passenger car models available through that point of sale;(11) Whereas all promotional literature, and, as appropriate, all other promotional material, used in the marketing of new passenger cars, should contain data on the relevant fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for the passenger car models to which it pertains,HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:Article 1The purpose of this Directive is to ensure that information relating to the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of new passenger cars offered for sale or lease in the Community is made available to consumers in order to enable consumers to make an informed choice.Article 2For the purposes of this Directive:1. "passenger car" means any motor vehicle of category M1, as defined in Annex II to Directive 70/156/EEC(6) and which falls under the scope of Directive 80/1268/EEC. It does not include vehicles falling under the scope of Directive 92/61/EEC(7) and special purpose vehicles as defined in the second indent of Article 4(1)(a) of Directive 70/156/EEC;2. "new passenger car" means any passenger car which has not previously been sold to a person who bought it for a purpose other than that of selling or supplying it;3. "certificate of conformity" means the certificate referred to in Article 6 of Directive 70/156/EEC;4. "point of sale" means a location, such as a car showroom or forecourt, where new passenger cars are displayed or offered for sale or lease to potential customers. Trade fairs where new passenger cars are presented to the public are included in this definition;5. "official fuel consumption" means the fuel consumption type-approved by the approval authority in accordance with the provisions of Directive 80/1268/EEC and mentioned in Annex VIII of Directive 70/156/EEC and attached to the EC vehicle type-approval certificate or in the certificate of conformity. Where several variants and/or versions are grouped under one model, the value to be given for fuel consumption of that model shall be based on the variant and/or version with the highest official fuel consumption within that group;6. "official specific emissions of CO2" for a given passenger car means those measured in accordance with the provisions of Directive 80/1268/EEC and mentioned in Annex VIII of Directive 70/156/EEC and attached to the EC vehicle type-approval certificate or in the certificate of conformity. Where several variants and/or versions are grouped under one model, the values to be given for CO2 of that model shall be based on the variant and/or version with the highest official CO2 emissions within that group;7. "fuel economy label" means a label which contains consumer information regarding the official fuel consumption and the official specific emissions of CO2 of the car to which the label is attached;8. "fuel economy guide" means a compilation of the official fuel consumption data and official specific emissions of CO2 for each motel available on the new car market;9. "promotional literature" means all printed matter used in the marketing, advertising and promotion of vehicles to the general public. It includes, as a minimum, technical manuals, brochures, advertisements in newspapers, magazines and trade press and posters;10. "make" means the trade name of the manufacturer and is that which appears on the certificate of conformity and the type-approval documentation;11. "model" means the commercial description of the make, type, and, if available and appropriate, variant and version of a passenger car;12. "type", "variant" and "version" mean the differentiated vehicles of a given make that are declared by the manufacturer, as described in Annex II.B to Directive 70/156/EEC, and uniquely identified by type, variant and version alphanumeric characters.Article 3The Member States shall ensure that a label on fuel economy and CO2 emissions, which is in accordance with the requirements described in Annex I, is attached to or displayed, in a clearly visible manner, near each new passenger car model at the point of sale.Article 4Without prejudice to the establishment by the Commission of an Internet guide at Community level, the Member States shall ensure that a guide on fuel economy and CO2 emissions is produced in consultation with manufacturers on at least an annual basis in accordance with the requirements of Annex II. The guide shall be portable, compact and available free of charge to consumers upon request both at the point of sale and also from a designated body within each Member State.The authority or authorities referred to in Article 8 may cooperate in the preparation of the guide.Article 5The Member States shall ensure that, for each make of car, a poster (or alternatively, a display) is exhibited with a list of the official fuel consumption data and the official specific CO2 emissions data of all new passenger car models displayed or offered for sale or lease at or through that point of sale. This data shall be displayed in a prominent position and in accordance with the format in Annex III.Article 6The Member States shall ensure that all promotional literature contains the official fuel consumption and the official specific CO2 emission data of the passenger car models to which it refers in accordance with the requirements of Annex IV.Member States shall, as appropriate, provide for promotional material other than the promotional literature referred to above to indicate the official CO2 emission data and the official fuel consumption data of the specific car model to which it refers.Article 7The Member States shall ensure that the presence on labels, guides, posters or promotional literature and material referred to in Articles 3, 4, 5 and 6 of other marks, symbols or inscriptions relating to fuel consumption or CO2 emissions which do not comply with the requirements of this Directive is prohibited, if their display might cause confusion to potential consumers of new passenger cars.Article 8The Member States shall notify the Commission of the competent authority or authorities responsible for the implementation and functioning of the consumer information scheme described in this Directive.Article 9Any amendments which are necessary in order to adapt the Annexes to this Directive shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 10 and following consultation with consumer organisations and other interested parties.In order to assist this adaptation process, each Member State shall transmit to the Commission, by 31 December 2003, a report on the effectiveness of the provisions of this Directive, covering the period from 18 January 2001 until 31 December 2002. The format of this report shall be established in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 10 not later than 18 January 2001.Furthermore, the Commission shall, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 10, take measures aiming at:(a) further specifying the format of the label referred to in Article 3 by amending Annex I;(b) further specifying the requirements concerning the guide referred to in Article 4 with a view to classifying new car models thus enabling a listing of the models according to CO2 emissions and fuel consumption in specified classes including a class for a listing of the most fuel efficient new car models;(c) establishing recommendations in order to enable the application of the principles of the provisions on promotional literature referred to in the first paragraph of Article 6 to other media and material.Article 10CommitteeThe Commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of the representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of the Commission.The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on that draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 205 of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner laid down in that Article. The chairman shall not vote.The Commission shall adopt the measures envisaged if they are in accordance with the opinion of the committee.If the measures envisaged are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, or if no opinion is delivered, the Commission shall, without delay, submit to the Council a proposal relating to the measures to be taken. The Council shall act by a qualified majority.If, on the expiry of a period of three months from the date of referral to the Council, the Council has not acted, the proposed measures shall be adopted by the Commission.Article 11Member States shall determine the penalties applicable to breaches of the national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive. The penalties shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.Article 121. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 18 January 2001. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.When Member States adopt these provisions, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference at the time of their official publication. The procedure for such reference shall be adopted by Member States.2. Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.Article 13This Directive shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.Article 14This Directive is addressed to the Member States.Done at Brussels, 13 December 1999.For the European ParliamentThe PresidentN. FONTAINEFor the CouncilThe PresidentS. HASSI(1) OJ C 305, 3.10.1998, p. 2 and OJ C 83, 25.3.1999, p. 1.(2) OJ C 40, 15.2.1999, p. 45.(3) Opinion of the European Parliament of 17 December 1998 (OJ C 98, 9.4.1999, p. 252), Council Common Position of 23 February 1999 (OJ C 123, 4.5.1999, p. 1) and Decision of the European Parliament of 4 November 1999 (not yet published in the Official Journal).(4) OJ L 329, 30.12.1993, p. 39.(5) OJ L 375, 31.12.1980, p. 36. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 93/116/EC.(6) Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers (OJ L 42, 23.2.1970, p. 1). Directive as last amended by European Parliament and Council Directive 98/91/EC (OJ L 11, 16.1.1999, p. 25).(7) Council Directive 92/61/EEC of 30 June 1992 relating to the type-approval of two or three-wheel motor vehicles (OJ L 225, 10.8.1992, p. 72). Directive as amended by the 1994 Act of Accession.ANNEX IDESCRIPTION OF THE LABEL ON FUEL ECONOMY AND CO2 EMISSIONSThe Member States must ensure, as a minimum, that all fuel economy labels in their territory:1. comply to a standardised format in order to allow greater recognition by consumers;2. are of a size of 297 mm × 210 mm (A4);3. contain a reference to the model and fuel type of the passenger car to which they are attached;4. contain the numerical value of the official fuel consumption and the official specific emissions of CO2. The value of the official fuel consumption is expressed in either litres per 100 kilometres (l/100 km), or an appropriate combination of these and is quoted to one decimal place. The official specific emissions of CO2 are quoted to the nearest whole number in grams per kilometre (g/km).Such values can be expressed in different units (gallons and miles) to the extent compatible with the provisions of Directive 80/181/EEC(1).5. contain the following text regarding the availability of the guide on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions: "A guide on fuel economy and CO2 emissions which contains data for all new passenger car models is available at any point of sale free of charge"6. contain the following text: "In addition to the fuel efficiency of a car, driving behaviour as well as other non-technical factors play a role in determining a car's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. CO2 is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming"(1) 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, p. 40). Directive as last amended by Directive 89/617/EEC (OJ L 357, 7.12.1989, p. 28).ANNEX IIDESCRIPTION OF THE GUIDE ON FUEL ECONOMY AND CO2 EMISSIONSThe Member States must ensure that the guide on fuel economy and CO2 emissions contains, as a minimum, the following information:1. a listing of all new passenger car models available for purchase within the Member States on a yearly basis, grouped by makes in alphabetic order. If in a Member State the guide is updated more than once a year, then the guide should contain a listing of all new passenger car models available on the date of the publication of this update;2. for each model that appears in the guide, the fuel type, the numerical value of the official fuel consumption and the official specific emissions of CO2. The value of the official fuel consumption is expressed in either litres per 100 kilometres (l/100 km) or kilometres per litre (km/l), or an appropriate combination of these, and is quoted to one decimal place. The official specific emissions of CO2 are quoted to the nearest whole number in grams per kilometre (g/km).Such values can be expressed in different units (gallons and miles) to the extent compatible with the provisions of Directive 80/181/EEC;3. a prominent listing of the 10 most fuel-efficient new passenger car models ranked in order of increasing specific emissions of CO2 for each fuel type. The listing must contain the model, the numerical value of the official fuel consumption and the official specific emissions of CO2;4. advice to motorists that correct use and regular maintenance of the vehicle and driving behaviour, such as avoiding aggressive driving, travelling at lower speeds, anticipation braking, correctly inflating tyres, reducing periods of idling, not carrying excessive weight, improve the fuel consumption and reduce the CO2 emissions of their passenger car;5. an explanation of the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, potential climate change and the relevance of motor cars as well as a reference to the different fuel options available to the consumer and their environmental implications based on the latest scientific evidence and legislative requirements;6. a reference to the Community's target for the average emissions of CO2 from new passenger cars and the date of which the target should be achieved;7. a reference to the Commission's guide on fuel economy and CO2 emissions on the Internet, when available.ANNEX IIIDESCRIPTION OF THE POSTER TO BE DISPLAYED AT THE POINT OF SALEThe Member States must ensure that the poster(s) meets, as a minimum, the following requirements:1. the poster is a minimum size of 70 cm × 50 cm;2. the information in the poster is easy to read;3. the passenger car models are grouped and listed separately according to fuel type (e.g. petrol or diesel). Within each fuel type, models are ranked in order of increasing CO2 emissions, with the model with the lowest official fuel consumption being placed at the top of the list;4. for each passenger car model in the list the make, the numerical value of the official fuel consumption and the official specific emissions of CO2 are given. The value of the official fuel consumption is expressed in either litres per 100 kilometers (l/100 km), kilometers per litre (km/l), or an appropriate combination of these, and is quoted to one decimal place. The official specific emissions of CO2 are quoted to the nearest whole number in grams per kilometre (g/km).Such values may be expressed in different units (gallons and miles) to the extent compatible with the provisions of Directive 80/181/EEC.A suggested format is shown below:>PIC FILE= "L_2000012EN.002202.EPS">5. the poster contains the following text regarding the availability of the guide on fuel economy and CO2 emissions: "A guide on fuel economy and CO2 emissions which contains data for all new passenger car models is available at any point of sale free of charge;"6. the poster contains the following text: "In addition to the fuel efficiency of a car, driving behaviour as well as other non-technical factors play a role in determining a car's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. CO2 is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming;"7. the poster will be completely updated at least every six months. Between two updates, new cars will be added to the bottom of the list.ANNEX IVTHE PROVISION OF DATA ON FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CO2 EMISSIONS IN PROMOTIONAL LITERATUREThe Member States must ensure that all promotional literature contains the official fuel consumption and official specific CO2 emissions data of the vehicles to which it refers. This information should, as a minimum, meet the following requirements:1. be easy to read and no less prominent than the main part of the information provided in the promotional literature;2. be easy to understand even on superficial contact;3. officiel fuel consumption data should be provided for all different car models to which the promotional material covers. If more than one model is specified then either the official fuel consumption data for all the models specified is included or the range between the worst and best fuel consumption is stated. Fuel consumption is expressed in either litres per 100 kilometers (l/100 km), kilometers per litre (km/l) or an appropriate combination of these. All numerical data are quoted to one decimal place.Such values may be expressed in different units (gallons and miles) to the extent compatible with the provisions of Directive 80/181/EEC.If the promotional literature only contains referance to the make, and not to any particular model, then fuel consumption data need not be provided.

Summary: Information on the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of new cars Information on the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of new cars SUMMARY OF: Directive 1999/94/EC — availability of consumer information on fuel economy and CO2 emissions in respect of the marketing of new passenger cars WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DIRECTIVE? To help consumers choose vehicles with low fuel consumption, the directive requires dealers in new passenger cars to provide potential buyers with useful information on these vehicles’ fuel consumption and their CO2 emissions. This information must be displayed on the car’s label, on posters and other promotional material, and in specific guides. KEY POINTS The purpose of the directive is to ensure that information relating to the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of new passenger cars offered for sale or lease in the EU is made available to consumers. This consumer information is communicated via 4 different methods: attaching a fuel consumption and CO2 emissions label to the vehicle; producing a fuel consumption and CO2 emissions guide; displaying posters in car showrooms; including fuel consumption and CO2 emissions data in promotional material. Fuel economy label A fuel economy label must be attached to the windscreen of all new passenger cars at the point of sale. This label must be clearly visible and must meet certain requirements set out in Annex I. In particular, it must contain an estimate of fuel consumption, expressed in litres per 100 kilometres or in kilometres per litre (or in miles per gallon), and of CO2 emissions. Fuel economy guide A fuel economy guide must be produced at national level at least once a year. It must set out all the information specified in Annex II, including a list of the 10 most fuel-efficient new car versions in terms of their CO2 emissions by fuel type. This guide must be compact, portable and free of charge. Consumers must be able to obtain it both at the point of sale of the dealer and from a designated body within each EU country. Fuel consumption data For each make on sale, the dealer must display on posters or in any other form (including electronic displays) a list of the fuel consumption data of all the models. These data should be broken down by type of fuel and ranked in order of fuel efficiency as indicated by CO2 emission levels. Promotional material (advertisements in newspapers, posters and brochures) used in marketing new cars must contain fuel consumption and CO2 emissions data. Any marking relating to fuel consumption which does not comply with the above rules and which might cause confusion is prohibited. Follow-up and monitoring EU countries must notify the European Commission of the competent body or bodies responsible for the implementation and functioning of the consumer information scheme. Commission recommendation and new regulatory test procedure In May 2017, the Commission adopted a recommendation on the use of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions values type-approved and measured in accordance with the new world harmonised light vehicles test procedure (WLTP). This must be done when making information available to consumers in order to ensure that they have access to more representative WLTP-based values as soon as possible, to avoid market distortion and to support smooth and harmonised implementation in the EU. The Commission makes a number of recommendations to EU countries, including that they ensure the following: The new European driving cycle (NEDC) values recorded in the certificates of conformity of new registered cars are used to communicate the official fuel consumption and specific emissions of CO2 to consumers until 31 December 2018. After this date all new vehicles placed on the EU market will be tested and type-approved in accordance with the WLTP, providing for stricter test conditions and more realistic fuel consumption and CO2 emissions values. Only WLTP fuel consumption and CO2 emissions values should be used for consumer information purposes from 1 January 2019. Promotional material that is distributed by electronic means and allows consumers to configure a specific vehicle, such as online car configurators, must clearly demonstrate how different specific equipment and optional extras affect the fuel consumption and CO2 emission values that are type-approved and measured in accordance with the WLTP. Before taking a decision on the purchase of a car, consumers must be informed about the changes in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions values resulting from the introduction of the WLTP as well as about the implications that those changes may have at the time of registration (e.g. on car taxation). The official fuel consumption and specific CO2 emissions values must include at least the ‘combined’ values* measured in accordance with the relevant test procedure. Appropriate information campaigns are launched to explain to consumers the introduction of the WLTP and its implications for fuel consumption and CO2 emission values, in particular the increase in those values compared to those that are derived under the NEDC, and the meaning of values resulting from different test phases. FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY? It has applied since 18 January 2000 and had to become law in the EU countries by 18 January 2001. BACKGROUND For more information, see: Car labelling New and improved car emissions tests become mandatory on 1 September — press release (European Commission). KEY TERMS Combined values: a value derived from a combination of the official fuel consumption value and the official specific CO2 emission value. MAIN DOCUMENT Directive 1999/94/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 1999 relating to the availability of consumer information on fuel economy and CO2 emissions in respect of the marketing of new passenger cars (OJ L 12, 18.1.2000, pp. 16-23) Successive amendments to Directive 1999/94/EC have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only. RELATED DOCUMENTS Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 of 1 June 2017 supplementing Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council on type-approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information, amending Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 and Commission Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012 and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 (OJ L 175, 7.7.2017, pp. 1-643) Commission Recommendation (EU) 2017/948 of 31 May 2017 on the use of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions values type-approved and measured in accordance with the World Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure when making information available for consumers pursuant to Directive 1999/94/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 142, 2.6.2017, pp. 100-103) Commission Recommendation 2003/217/EC of 26 March 2003 on the application to other media of the provisions of Directive 1999/94/EC concerning promotional literature (OJ L 82, 29.3.2003, pp. 33-34) last update 13.12.2017


EUR-Lex - 32000D0057 - EN Avis juridique important | 32000D0057 2000/57/EC: Commission Decision of 22 December 1999 on the early warning and response system for the prevention and control of communicable diseases under Decision No 2119/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (notified under document number C(1999) 4016) Official Journal L 021 , 26/01/2000 P. 0032 - 0035 COMMISSION DECISIONof 22 December 1999on the early warning and response system for the prevention and control of communicable diseases under Decision No 2119/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(notified under document number C(1999) 4016)(2000/57/EC)THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,Having regard to Decision No 2119/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 September 1998 setting up a network for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases in the Community(1), and in particular Articles 1 and 7 thereof,Whereas:(1) According to Decision No 2119/98/EC, a network at Community level is to be set up to promote cooperation and coordination between the Member States, with the assistance of the Commission, with a view to improving the prevention and control, in the Community, of the categories of communicable diseases specified in the Annex to that Decision. That network is to be used for the epidemiological surveillance of those diseases and for the establishment of an early warning and response system;(2) The diseases and special health issues to be covered by the early warning and response system at Community level should reflect the present needs in the Community, in particular the added value of reaction at Community level;(3) The early warning and response system must address the issues raised by the competent public health authorities in each Member State or evidenced by data collected under Article 4 of Decision No 2119/98/EC;(4) This Decision should facilitate the integration of the Community network set up under Decision No 2119/98/EC with other rapid alert networks set up at national or Community level for diseases and special issues to be covered by the early warning and response system. For the purpose of its implementation, the Community network should therefore operate by using in the first instance the Health Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases within the European Public Health Information Network (EUPHIN-HSSCD), consisting of three components:(a) an early warning and response system for reports of specified threats to the public transmitted by the competent public health authorities of each Member State responsible for determining measures which may be required to protect public health;(b) exchange of information between accredited structures and authorities of the Member States relevant to public health;(c) specific networks on diseases selected for epidemiological surveillance between accredited structures and authorities of the Member States;(5) The development of new useful technologies should be monitored on a regular basis and taken into consideration for the importation of the EUPHIN-HSSCD as the operating system.(6) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee set up by Article 7 of Decision No 2119/98/EC,HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:Article 11. The early warning and response system of the Community network shall be reserved for those events defined in Annex I, hereinafter referred to as "events", or indications for such events which, by themselves or in association with other similar events, are or have the potential to become public health threats.2. The structures and/or authorities of each Member State shall collect and exchange all necessary information on these events, e.g. by using the national surveillance system, the epidemiological surveillance component of the Community network or any other Community collection system.Article 21. The procedures for the exchange of information indicating an event are described in Annex II, Section 1 (Level 1: Information exchange).2. The procedures to be followed when an event has the potential to become a public health threat, or when an event definitely is a public health threat, are described in Annex II, Section 2 (Level 2: Potential threat) and Section 3 (Level 3: Definite threat).3. The procedures to be followed for information to be provided to the general public and the concerned professions are described in Annex II, Section 4.Article 31. Every year, the competent authorities in Member States shall submit to the Commission not later than 31 March an analytical report of the events and on the procedures applied within the early warning and response system. In addition, the competent authorities in Member States may on a timely basis report on specific events of particular significance.2. The Commission shall, on the basis of the reports, examine in an annual report the operation of the early warning and response system and, if necessary, propose changes thereto.Article 4This Decision shall take effect on 1 January 2000.Article 5This Decision is addressed to the Member States.Done at Brussels, 22 December 1999.For the CommissionDavid BYRNEMember of the Commission(1) OJ L 268, 3.10.1998, p. 1.ANNEX IEvents to be reported within the early warning and response system1. Outbreaks of communicable diseases extending to more than one Member State of the Community.2. Spatial or temporal clustering of cases of disease of a similar type, if pathogenic agents are a possible cause and there is a risk of propagation between Member States within the Community.3. Spatial or temporal clustering of cases of disease of a similar type outside the Community, if pathogenic agents are a possible cause and there is a risk of propagation to the Community.4. The appearance or resurgence of a communicable disease or an infectious agent which may require timely, coordinated Community action to contain it.ANNEX IIProcedures for information, consultation and cooperation under the early warning and response system1. Activation level 1: information exchange(1) If information collected in one or more Member States or coming from other recognised sources suggests that an event is likely, the competent authority responsible for determining measures to protect public health in each Member State concerned shall, via the network, inform their counterparts in other Member States and the Commission without delay of the circumstances and background. On receipt of this information, the competent authorities in concerned Member States shall express their opinion on whether measures by other Member States or coordinated Community actions assisted by the Commission are necessary.(2) The Commission and the concerned Member States shall ensure continuous mutual and rapid exchange of information they receive and shall keep other Member States up to date.(3) The competent public health authorities in the Member State(s) concerned shall assess, in cooperation with the structures and/or authorities, the information collected without delay to ascertain if an event with a public health threat exists.(4) The Commission may convene an extraordinary meeting of the network committee or of experts proposed by the committee to ensure the transparency and effectiveness of any eventual action.2. Activation level 2: potential threatWhen information on an event or indications for such an event point to a potential public health threat, the competent public authorities in the Member State(s) concerned shall inform their counterparts in other Member States and the Commission without delay on the nature and scope of the potential threat and the measures they intend to take themselves or in association with other concerned Member States, the Commission or other parties.2.1. Verification and evaluationThe competent public health authorities in the Member State(s) concerned shall assess, in cooperation with the structures and/or authorities, the information collected without delay to ascertain if an event with a public health threat exists.Field epidemiology expertise, laboratory support, clinical and other essential expertise shall be available as technical assistance for any further investigation within Member States. The Community or individual Member States may provide them if requested by the Member State concerned.The Commission shall assist in coordinating the precautionary measures in preparing for any possible public health threat.The Commission may convene an extraordinary meeting of the Network committee or of experts proposed by the committee to coordinate necessary action.2.2. DeactivationIf the final risk assessment concludes that no public health threat has developed, and no action or only local action is required, the competent public health authorities in each Member State concerned shall inform their counterparts in other Member States and the Commission without delay on the nature and scope of those measures they have taken or intend to take.In the absence of objections within three days by other Member States or the Commission, no other action for the early warning and response system is required.3. Activation level 3: definite threatIf an event results in a public health threat, the competent public health authorities in the Member State(s) concerned shall inform their counterparts in other Member States and the Commission without delay on the nature and scope of the potential threat and the measures they intend to take themselves or in association with other concerned Member States, the Commission and other parties.3.1. Coordination of measuresThe competent public health authorities in the Member State(s) concerned shall without delay inform other Member States and the Commission on the progress and results of the measures taken.The Member States and the Commission shall coordinate further measures to be taken at Community level in conformity with Articles 3 and 6 of Decision No 2119/98/EC.The Commission shall support Member States in coordinating their efforts to cope with the public health threat and to ensure protection of the population.The Commission may convene an extraordinary meeting of the Network committee or delegates nominated by the committee to coordinate action.3.2. DeactivationThe system shall be deactivated after the agreement of the Member States concerned, who shall inform other Member States and the Commission.4. Information to the general public and concerned professionsIf an event arises, Member States shall without delay provide suitable information material to concerned professionals and the general public and shall inform them of the measures adopted.The Commission and Member States shall inform concerned professionals and the general public of any guidance agreed at Community level and shall inform them without delay when the public health threat is over.

Summary: Early warning and response system for the prevention and control of communicable diseases Early warning and response system for the prevention and control of communicable diseases The early warning and response system is a component of the general network for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases set up in the Community in 1998. This instrument provides that the system should be used only for Community-level ‘events’ which have the potential to become public health threats. It also lays down procedures for the operation of the system. The provisions of this instrument ensure personal data protection when contact tracing is undertaken on a European scale. ACT Commission Decision 2000/57/EC of 22 December 1999 on the early warning and response system for the prevention and control of communicable diseases under Decision No 2119/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council [Official Journal L 21 of 26.1.2000] [See amending acts]. SUMMARY EVENTS TO BE REPORTED The Community network’s early warning and response system (EWRS) shall be reserved for Community-level events, or indications for such events, which have the potential to become public health threats. Member States shall notify such events and then collect and exchange all necessary information on these events. The scope of the EWRS also includes the notification and coordination of countermeasures applied or envisaged to deal with events constituting a health threat. This coordination between Member States shall take place in liaison with the Commission. Events caused by communicable diseases, and the health measures undertaken in response to them should be notified simultaneously to the EWRS and the World Health Organization (WHO) if they constitute an emergency with international impact by virtue of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). The events to be reported within the early warning and response system are as follows: outbreaks of communicable diseases extending to more than one Member State of the Community; spatial or temporal clustering of cases of disease of a similar type, if pathogenic agents are a possible cause and there is a risk of propagation between Member States; spatial or temporal clustering of cases of disease of a similar type outside the Community, if pathogenic agents are a possible cause and there is a risk of propagation to the Community; the appearance or resurgence of a communicable disease or an infectious agent which may require coordinated Community action to contain it; pathological events or facts creating a risk of a communicable disease and related measures notified to the WHO under the terms of the IHR 2005. The competent authorities of each Member State shall collect and exchange all necessary information on these events and all measures taken or envisaged to deal with these events or the indications of such events, e.g. by using the national surveillance system or the epidemiological surveillance component of the Community network. CONTACT TRACING When measures are taken by the competent authorities of Member States to trace persons who have been exposed to a source of infectious agents and who have developed or are in danger of developing a communicable disease of Community relevance (‘contact tracing’), personal data may sometimes be exchanged within the EWRS. When exchanging personal data the Member States concerned by contact tracing must use a selective communication channel. This shall offer appropriate guarantees when communicating personal data within the EWRS and should ensure that only adequate, relevant and not excessive personal data is circulated within the EWRS. An indicative list of personal data has been established specifically for contact tracing. It includes information concerning: travellers; accompanying persons; details of persons to be contacted in an emergency. European legislation on personal data protection (Directive 96/45/EC and Regulation 45/2001/EC) prevails in this case. PROCEDURES The Decision provides for procedures for information, consultation and cooperation among Member States and in liaison with the Commission. These procedures are applied at three levels: Activation level 1: information exchange Action level 1 is put in place if the information collected at national level suggests that an event representing a health risk is likely. In this case, the Commission and the Member States concerned must ensure that information is exchanged rapidly. The information collected must be assessed as quickly as possible by the competent national health authorities. Activation level 2: potential threat In the event of a potential threat to public health, similar information, consultation and cooperation procedures shall be set up. Provision is made for phases of verification/evaluation of the information and deactivation of the system. Activation level 3: definite threat In the event of a definite threat, the health authorities concerned shall inform their counterparts in other Member States and the Commission without delay of the nature and scope of the potential threat and the measures they intend to take themselves or in association with other Member States. Coordination of measures The health authorities concerned shall without delay inform other Member States and the Commission of the progress and results of the measures taken. They may adopt further measures to be taken at Community level. The Commission shall support Member States in coordinating their efforts to cope with the public health threat and to ensure protection of the population. Deactivation The system shall be deactivated after the agreement of the Member States concerned, which shall inform other Member States and the Commission. Information to the general public and concerned professions If an event arises, Member States shall without delay provide suitable information material to concerned professionals and the general public and shall inform them of the measures adopted. References Act Entry into force Transposition in the Member States Official Journal Decision 2000/57/EC 23.12.1999 - OJ L 21 of 26.1.2000 Amending act(s) Entry into force Transposition in the Member States Official Journal Decision 351/2008/EC 1.5.2008 - OJ L 117 of 1.5.2008 Decision 2009/547/EC - - OJ L 181 of 14.7.2009 RELATED ACTS Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament Operation of the Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) of the Community Network for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases during 2006 and 2007 (Decision 2000/57/EC) (Text with EEA relevance) [COM(2009) 228 final – Not published in the Official Journal]. Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 20 March 2007 on the operation of the Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) of the Community Network for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases during years 2004 and 2005 (Decision 57/2000/EC) [COM(2007) 121 final – Not published in the Official Journal]. Report from the Commission of 29 March 2005 on the operation of the early warning and response system of the Community Network for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases (Decision 2000/57/EC) during 2002 and 2003 [COM(2005) 104 final – Not published in the Official Journal]. Decision No 2119/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 September 1998 setting up a network for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases in the Community. See also Further information available on the European Commission’s "Public Health" website Last updated: 10.11.2009