EU Environmental Legislation on Chemicals
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The first Directive on dangerous substances or chemicals harmful to people or the environment was COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 67/548/EEC (NOTIFICATION AND LABELLING) which was introduced in 1967. The aim of this Directive is to harmonise the laws of Member States governing the testing, classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances. It has been amended and updated 25 times, most noticeably by DIRECTIVE 79/831/EEC in 1979 and more recently by DIRECTIVE 92/32/EEC which was adopted by the Council on April 30 1992 for implementation by October 31 1993.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 79/831/EEC is the sixth amendment to the original Directive and introduces a pre-market testing and notification system for new chemicals placed on the market in the EU. Existing chemicals are those placed on the market in the European Community before September 1981. These are listed in the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances (EINECS).
A producer introducing a new chemical to the market is obliged under the Directive to supply information on the properties and effects of the chemical and emergency measures in case of accident, before it is put on the market. This information must be submitted to a national competent authority at least 45 days in advance and should comprise:
- a technical dossier providing information on potential risks that the substance may have for people or the environment including: (i) the proposed uses of the substance and estimated production quantities; (ii) recommended methods and precautions concerning the handling, storage and transport of the substance; any dangers of combustion or chemical reactions with water; (iii) emergency measures in case of accidental spillage or injury to persons; (iv) physio-chemical properties of the substance; (v) toxicological studies; (vi) ecotoxicological studies and means of rendering the substance harmless.
- a declaration of any unfavourable effects which might be caused through use of the substance;
- proposed classification and labelling if the substance can be classified as hazardous in line with criteria established by the Directive; and
- proposals for safe use and disposal.
A summary of the above notification dossier is sent by the national competent authority to the Commission which circulates it to the other competent authorities within the 45 day period. If there is no objection, the substance may be marketed throughout the EU at the end of this period without further controls at national level.
Certain substances are not included under the Directive: those already subject to EU legislation such as pharmaceuticals, narcotics, radioactive substances and low volume (under one tonne per year) chemicals, research chemicals and polymers. For marketing high-volumes of substances more detailed toxicological and ecotoxicological tests are required.
The Directive lists 14 categories for the classification of dangerous substances ranging from explosive to corrosive through to mutagenic. The classification listing is given in Annex VI. Symbols for labelling in respect of the substance's most dangerous properties are given in Annex II. Standard risk and standard safety phrases describing the substance's dangerous properties and necessary precautions for handling are listed in Annex III and IV respectively. All of the chemicals which the EU has classified as hazardous are listed in Annex I and this is updated regularly. Listings of new chemicals are published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 92/32/EEC aims to further harmonise the laws of Members States on dangerous substances. It widens classifications designating dangerous substances, introduces a symbol indicating if the substances pose a threat to the environment as well as an obligation to supply safety data sheets and includes a requirement for risk assessment.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 76/769/EEC (MARKETING AND USE OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES) is the first of thirteen directives governing the marketing and use of dangerous substances. Specific dangerous substances or chemicals are listed in an Annex to the Directive and Member States are required to ensure that these are placed on the market or used only under certain specified conditions which are also contained in the Annex. PCBs, PCTs, trichloreothylene, tetrachloroethylene, carbon terachloride, flame retardants and asbestos are some of the substances which are listed. COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 91/659/EEC of 3 December 1991 adapts Annex I to technical progress.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 82/501/EEC (INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE) (THE SEVESO DIRECTIVE) was introduced after the 1976 accident in the Italian town of Seveso and subsequently amended by Directives 87/216/EEC and 88/610/EEC. The Directives are concerned with controlling the risks of exceptional or major accidents such as fire, explosions or major emissions and require certain measures to be taken to prevent and contain such accidents and their consequences.
All manufacturers who fall within the scope of the Directive must satisfy the national competent authority that they have identified major accident hazards; have adopted the relevant safety measures and have provided all persons working on the site with information, training and equipment so as to ensure their safety.
Those involved in industrial activities which are known to involve a risk of major accident must supply the following information to the competent authorities:
- the manufacturing processes and substances used, hazards and risks, safety precautions and emergency procedures;
- the installations, including their siting etc., a description of where hazards could arise and preventive measures and controls;
- possible major-accident situations, with emergency plans, safety equipment and resources.
Should an accident occur, the competent authority has to be notified immediately and provided with all relevant information together with details of steps taken to deal with the emergency. The Member State must immediately inform the Commission and prepare a report on the cause of the accident, emergency procedures undertaken, the type and extent of the damage and the measures to be taken in the medium and long-term to deal with it. The Commission keeps a register of information on major accidents. Citizens liable to be affected by a major accident and those living in neighbouring Member States must be informed.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 96/82/EC of 9 December 1996 on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances (ÒSeveso II" Directive) repealed Council Directive 82/501/EEC on the major-accident hazards of certain industrial activities. The new Directive aims to improve and reinforce the structures set up by Directive 82/501/EEC. Under the Directive, sites where dangerous substances are present in large quantities must draw up a major-accident prevention policy as well as safety reports showing that major accident hazards have been identified and that emergency measures have been drawn up. The Directive also includes land-use planning provisions and improved procedures for consulting with and informing the public.
COMMISSION DECISION 85/71/EEC (LIST OF NOTIFIED SUBSTANCES) allows for the publication of the European Community List of Notified Substances (ELINCS) in the Official Journal of the European Communities. The list is published annually.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 87/18/EEC (GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE) lays down principles of good laboratory practice (GLP) with which laboratories carrying out tests on chemical products must comply. The principles are specified in Annex 2 to the Decision of 12 May 1981 of the Council of the OECD on the mutual acceptance of data for the evaluation of chemical products. The aim is to provide harmonised test methodologies and thus avoid duplication of mandatory chemical testing in OECD countries. COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 88/320/EEC (GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE) establishes standards and procedures for the inspection and verification of good laboratory practice as defined by Council Directive 87/217/EEC. COUNCIL DECISION 89/569/EEC (GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE) approves the OECD Council Decision on compliance with principles of good laboratory practice. COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 90/18/EEC of 18 December 1989 adapts to technical progress the Annex to Council Directive 88/320/EEC on the inspection and verification of good laboratory practice.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 87/217/EEC (ASBESTOS) requires Member States to ensure that emissions of asbestos to various media (air, water etc.) and solid asbestos waste are as far as possible prevented by means of reduction at source. Monitoring methods for emissions of asbestos to air and water are established. This Directive is intended to supplement restrictions on asbestos set out in Directive 76/769/EEC.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 88/379/EEC (DANGEROUS PREPARATIONS) adapts and extends procedures and standards for the classification and labelling of dangerous chemicals of Council Directive 67/548/EEC (Notification and Labelling) to include similar provisions for dangerous preparations marketed in the Community. A preparation is defined as a mixture of two or more chemical substances. It replaces a number of directives on solvents, paints and varnishes, and applies to preparations which contain at least one substance which would be classified as dangerous according to text methods laid down in Annex V; criteria detailed in Annex VI of Council Decision 67/548/EEC; or by conventional ÒcalculationÓ methods for which concentration limits are given in Annex I. Specific preparations covered by the Directive and their labelling requirements are listed in Annex II (lead, cyanoacrylates, isocyanates, epoxy constituents and sprays Ñ COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 89/178/EEC added labelling requirements for active chlorine and cadmium alloys.) It does not apply to products such as cosmetics or pesticides which are already covered by EU legislation. Preparations must be classified according to the greatest degree of hazard (Article 4). Article 7 contains labelling specifications for trade and chemical names, categories of danger, symbols, risk and safety phrases. Article 10 contains provisions for the drawing up of material safety data sheets for industrial users which was fulfilled by COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 91/155/EEC (SAFETY DATA SHEETS). This Directive sets out under the information to be included on a safety data sheet (identification of the substance/preparation and the company; composition/information on ingredients; hazards identification; handling and storage etc.) which must be supplied to industrial users of dangerous substances within the EU. The information must be supplied free of charge by the manufacturer, importer or distributor and updated whenever there is significant new information regarding implications for safety or effects on health or the environment. Directive 88/379/EEC was further adapted to technical progress by COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 90/492/EEC which added concentration limits for gaseous preparations to Annex I.
COUNCIL REGULATION EEC/1734/88 (EXPORT AND IMPORT OF DANGEROUS CHEMICALS). The aim of this Directive was to establish a system of notification and information across the EU on imports from and exports to third countries of certain chemicals which are banned or severely restricted within the Union. The chemicals in question are contained in Annex 1 of the Directive. Twenty-one are listed and include mercury compounds Ñ mercuric oxide, mercuric chloride, other inorganic mercury compounds, alkyl mercury compounds, alkoxyalkhl and aryl mercury compounds, aldrin, chlordane, dieldrin, DDT, endrin, HCH, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, camphechlor (toxaphene), polychlorinated terphenyhls (PCT), polychlorinated biphenyls, preparations with a PCB or PCT content higher than 0.01% by weight, tris (2,3 dibromopropyl) phosphate, Tris-aziridinyl-phosphinoxide, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and crocidolite. It was replaced by COUNCIL REGULATION 2455/92/EEC which came into force on November 29, 1992, and further amended in 1994 increasing the list of notifiable chemicals from 21 to 39 to include among others, dinoseb, flouroacetamide, chlordimeform, calomel, creosote, naphthalene oils, anthracite oil, chloroform, tetrachlorethane and tar distillates.
The competent authority of an EU Member State exporting such chemicals for the first time to a third country must notify the appropriate authorities in that country of the ban or severe restriction placed on it in the EU. The Directive applies the Ôprior informed consentÕ (PIC) procedure established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The Commission acts as the common designated authority for the PIC procedure, notifying competent bodies outside the EU of chemicals which are banned or severely restricted in the Union. A new legally binding treaty to mandate the use of PIC in the international trade of dangerous chemicals and pesticides was approved at negotiations in Geneva in May 1997, and the treaty should be signed by December 1997. Six dangerous substances have been added to the system since the beginning of 1997: PCP, lindane, hexachlorobenzene, chlorobenzilate, captafol and 2,4,5-T (Agent Orange). It has further been agreed in principle that five pesticides commonly used in developing countries, monocrotophos, phosphamidon, methamidophos, parathion and methyl parathion should be included in the voluntary procedure.
Related to the above is COUNCIL REGULATION 428/89/EEC controlling the export of chemicals used in the development or production of chemical weapons. The Regulation lists eight products in its Annex for which a prior export authorisation or equivalent measures by the Member State is required. Included are: thiodiglycol, phosphorus oxychloride, dimethyl methyl phosphonate, methyl phosphonyl dichloride, dimethyl phosphite, phosphorus trichloride and trimethyl phosphite. If there is reason to believe that these products will be used in the manufacture of chemical weapons, authorisation will be withheld.
COUNCIL DECISION 90/219/EEC (CONTAINED USE OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED MICRO-ORGANISMS). Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are defined as organisms in which the genetic material has been altered in a manner which does not occur naturally (for example through sexual reproduction or natural combination). The Directive applies internationally recognised standards to the use of genetically modified micro-organisms in research laboratories and industrial facilities. The micro-organisms are classified according to potential risk. Control measures which must be adhered to are also set out. The Directive applies to different areas of activity and groups organisms according to risk. COMMISSION DECISION 91/448/EEC was passed on 29 July 1991 concerning guidelines for classification referred to in Article 4 of Directive 90/219/EEC.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 90/220/EEC (DELIBERATE RELEASE OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS [GMOs]) introduces a notification and permit system for all genetically modified micro-organisms, plants and animals through all stages of release into the environment. Products included or excluded from the scope of the Directive are defined in Annex 1. Under Article 5, any person releasing a GMO or combination thereof for the purposes of research and development must submit a notification to the competent authority of the Member State in whose territory the release takes place. The authority has 90 days to consider the notification, its conformity with the standards of the Directive and any attendant risks. Article 9 of the Directive requires that the competent authority send a summary of each notification received to the Commission within 30 days of receipt of such notification. The Commission then forwards the summaries to the other Member States who may respond with comments or questions. The Commission and Member States can propose modifications to the permit. After 60 days, if there are no objections, the competent authority may give its written consent and, in the case of products, allow them to be transported and marketed.
COMMISSION DECISION 91/274 of 21 May 1991 establishes a list of Community legislation referred to in Article 10 of Council Directive 90/220/EEC while COUNCIL DECISION 91/596/EEC concerns the summary notification information format referred to in Article 10 of the Directive. COMMISSION DECISION 92/146/EEC of 11 February 1992 concerns the summary notification information format referred to in Article 12. COMMISSION DECISION 93/572/EEC of 19 October 1993 concerns the placement on the market of a product containing genetically modified organisms pursuant to Article 13 of Directive 90/220/EEC. COMMISSION DECISION 93/584/EEC of 22 October 1993 establishes the criteria for simplified procedures concerning the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified plants pursuant to Article 6 (5) of the Directive.
In June 1997, the Commission approved special labelling requirements for new products containing genetically modified organisms. Products containing genetically modified organisms (GMO components) must be labelled as such; products manufactured using GMOs must be labelled if proved different from traditional food; products containing both traditional organisms and GMOs must also be labelled. Member States were given until 31 July, 1997 to implement the new measures.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 91/157/EEC (BATTERIES AND ACCUMULATORS) mandates the recovery and controlled disposal of spent batteries and accumulators containing certain amounts of mercury, cadmium or lead. The Directive also contains stipulations on the phasing out and banning of specified products and on the promotion of the development of less polluting substitute substances.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 91/414/EEC (PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS) which was implemented in July 1993, aims to harmonise market authorisation for plant protection products and to establish an EU list of authorised active substances. Plant protection products are those intended to protect plants or their products from harmful organisms (e.g. pesticides). A separate directive will set up uniform principles for the authorisation procedure.
COUNCIL REGULATION 793/93/EEC (EVALUATION AND CONTROL OF THE RISK OF EXISTING SUBSTANCES) deals with the evaluation and control of substances not covered under Directive 79/831/EEC (see Notification and Labelling above). The Directive requires that a data notification procedure be undertaken for evaluating the risks posed by existing substances, including all those listed in EINECS.
COMMISSION DECISION 93/15/EC of 15 April 1994, adapts to technical progress for the first time Council Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms.
DIRECTIVE 93/75/EEC on vessels bound for or leaving Community ports and carrying dangerous or polluting goods. Implements measures amending EU law to reflect amendments to international conventions which have relevance to the Community measure.
COMMISSION DECISION 94/385/EC of 8 June 1994 concerns the placing on the market of a product consisting of a genetically modified organism, seed of herbicide-resistant tobacco variety ITB 1000 CX, pursuant to Article 13 of Council Directive 90/220/EEC.
COMMISSION DECISION 94/505/EC of 18 July 1994 amends the Decision of 18 December 1992 concerning the placing on the market of a GMO containing product, the vaccine Nobi-Porvac Aujeszky live (gI, tk), pursuant to Article 13 of Council Directive 90/220/EEC.
COMMISSION DECISION 94/730/EC of 4 November 1994 establishes simplified procedures concerning the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified plants pursuant to Article 6 (5) of Council Directive 90/220/EEC.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 94/55/EC of 21 November 1994 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States with regard to the transport of dangerous goods by road.
COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) 1179/94 of 25 May 1994 concerning the first list of priority substances as foreseen under Council Regulation (EEC) 793/93.
On July 13 1995, the European Commission issued Commission Decision 95/276/EC ordering Member States to withdraw national authorisations within six months for pesticides containing either of two active substances: the fungicide ferbam or the insecticide azinphos-ethyl. Ferbam is moderately and azinphos-ethyl highly toxic. They are among the first of some 90 active substances which are being evaluated with a view to creating a positive list of authorised substances as outlined in Council Directive 91/414/EEC on the marketing of pesticides. In the face of manufacturers' refusal to supply information which would facilitate this evaluation, the Commission decided that pesticides containing the substances must be withdrawn.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 95/35/EC, a legislative amendment to the technical annexes of Directive 91/414/EC, has been passed which permits a temporary derogation from the Directive 91/414's requirements on good laboratory practice for residue studies from supervised trials on crops, foods or feedstuffs.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 95/36/EC is another legislative amendment to the technical annexes of Council Directive 91/414/EEC which makes changes to the data required on the behaviour of an active substance or pesticide in the environment.
Under COMMISSION DECISION 95/324 (11 August), essential uses of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) 11, 12, 113, 114 and 115 were limited to a total of 7,788 tonnes in 1996 compared with 9,692 tonnes in 1995, most of which is for production of metered dose inhalers (MDIs). Permitted carbon tetrachloride levels for essential uses were cut from 992 tonnes in 1995 to 220 tonnes in 1996. In the case of fully halogenated CFCs, halons, 1,1,1-trichloroethane (methyl chloroform) and hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs), no essential use quantities were allowed.
Directive 96/59/EC on the disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) amends and replaces Directive 76/403/EEC which became obsolete on foot of the ban on marketing PCBs/PCTs. Directive 96/59/EC sets stricter controls for the disposal of the substances and for decontamination of equipment (particularly transformers and condensers) containing PCBs. Under the Directive, Member States are to draw up plans for the decontamination or disposal of inventoried equipment containing PCBs by 2010 at the latest, together with provisions for the collection and disposal of equipment not inventoried
COM (93) 351
The European Commission is currently formulating a directive on biocidal products which was delayed when both the European Parliament and Council of Ministers suspended discussion of the Directive until common principles which national authorities will have to follow in evaluating applications for the authorisation of biocidal products have been included. The proposed Directive aims to harmonise the procedures for authorisation of biocidal products (pesticides for non-agricultural use) prior to marketing for various uses. The Directive will cover conditions for placing biocides on the market, derogations from requirements, R&D, classification, packaging and labelling, advertising and an application dossier for the inclusion of an active substance in the Directive. This last will be an application for inclusion on a positive list of active substances which may be used as biocidal products. Unless a substance is included on this list, it may not be authorised by Member States for use in biocidal products.
EUROPEAN CHEMICAL INDUSTRY COUNCIL (CEFIC)
The CEFIC represents the European chemical industry and is based in Brussels. It is made up of European chemical industry federations and associations and some of the larger chemical companies.
EUROPEAN CHEMICAL INDUSTRY ECOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY CENTRE (ECETOC). Co-ordinates information and research into products and processes developed in the chemical industry, particularly in the areas of toxicology and ecotoxicology.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 67/548/EEC on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances.
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 69/871/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 70/189/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 71/144/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 73/146/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 75/409/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 76/907/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 79/370/EEC
- COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 79/370/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 79/831/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 80/1189/EEC
- COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 81/957/EEC
- COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 82/232/EEC
- COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 83/467/EEC
- COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 84/449/EEC
- COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 86/431/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 87/432/EEC
- COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 88/302/EEC
- COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 88/490/EEC
- COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 90/420/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 90/517/EEC
- COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 91/325/EEC
- COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 91/326/EEC
- COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 91/410/EEC
- DIRECTIVE 91/632/EEC
- DIRECTIVE 92/3/EEC
- DIRECTIVE 92/37/EEC
- DIRECTIVE 93/21/EEC
- DIRECTIVE 93/72/EEC
- DIRECTIVE 93/101/EEC
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 73/404/EEC on the approximation of laws of the Member States relating to detergents (amended by Directives 82/242/EEC and 86/94/EEC).
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 73/405/EEC on the approximation of the laws of Member States relating to methods of testing the biodegradability of anionic surfactants (amended by 82/243/EEC).
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 76/769/EEC of 27 July 1976 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations.
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 79/663/EEC OF 24 July 1979 supplementing the Annex to Council Directive 76/769/EEC.
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 82/806/EEC OF 22 November 1982 amending for the second time, (Benzene) Council Directive 76/769/EEC.
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 82/828/EEC OF 3 December 1982 amending for the third time, Council Directive 76/769/EEC.
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 83/264/EEC OF 16 May 1983 amending for the fourth time, Council Directive 76/769/EEC.
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 83/478/EEC OF 19 September 1983 amending for the fifth time, (Asbestos) Council Directive 76/769/EEC.
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 85/467/EEC OF 1 October 1985 amending for the sixth time, (PCBs/PCTs) Council Directive 76/769/EEC.
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 85/610/EEC OF 20 December 1985 amending for the seventh time, (Asbestos) Council Directive 76/769/EEC.
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 89/677/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 89/678/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 91/173/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 91/338/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 91/339/EEC
- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 91/659/EEC, adapting to technical progress (asbestos).
COMMISSION DECISION 78/618/EEC OF 28 JUNE 1978 setting up a Scientific Advisory Committee to examine the toxicity and ecotoxicity of chemical compounds (adaptations 80/1084/EEC and 88/241/EEC).
COUNCIL DECISION 80/372/EEC OF 26 March 1980 concerning chlorofluorocarbons in the environment.
COMMISSION DECISION 81/437/EEC of 11 May 1981 laying down criteria in accordance with which information relating to the inventory of chemical substances is supplied by the Member States to the Commission. (Establishes the procedure for the preparation of the EINECS inventory).
COUNCIL DECISION 82/795/EEC on the consolidation of precautionary measures concerning chlorofluorocarbons in the environment.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 82/242/EEC of 31 March 1982 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to methods of testing the biodegradability of non-ionic surfactants and amending Directive 73/404/EEC.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 82/501/EEC on the major-accident hazards of certain industrial activities (the Seveso Directive). (Amended by Directives 87/216/EEC and 88/610/EEC).
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 82/883/EEC on procedures for the surveillance and monitoring of environments concerned by waste from the titanium dioxide industry.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 84/156/EEC on limit values and quality objectives for mercury discharges by sectors other than the chlor-alkali electrolysis industry.
COMMISSION DECISION 85/71/EEC of 21 December 1986 concerning the list of chemical substances notified pursuant to Council Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 87/18/EEC of 18 December 1986 on the harmonisation of laws, regulations and administrative provision relating to the application of the principles of good laboratory practice and the verification of their applications for texts on chemical substances.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 87/217/EEC on the prevention and reduction of environmental pollution by asbestos.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 88/320/EEC of 9 June 1988 on the inspection and verification of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 88/379/EEC of 7 June 1988 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 89/178/EEC amending Council Directive 88/379/EEC.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 90/492/EEC adapting to technical progress Council Directive 88/379/EEC.
COUNCIL REGULATION EEC/1734/88 of 16 June 1988 concerning export from and import into the Community of certain dangerous chemicals.
COUNCIL REGULATION EEC/428/89 of 20 February 1989 concerning the export of certain chemical products.
COUNCIL DECISION 89/539/EEC of 28 July 1989 on the acceptance by the EEC of an OECD decision/recommendation on compliance with principles of good laboratory practice.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 90/18/EEC of 18 December 1989 adapting to technical progress the Annex to Council Directive 88/320/EEC on the inspection and verification of good laboratory practice (GLP).
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 90/219/EEC of 23 April 1990 on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 90/220/EEC of 23 April 1990 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms.
COMMISSION DECISION 91/274 of 21 May 1991 concerning a list of Community legislation referred to in Article 10 of Council Directive 90/220/EEC.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 91/155/EEC of 18 March 1991 laying down the detailed arrangements for the system of specific information relating to dangerous preparations in implementation of Article 10 of Directive 88/379/EEC.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 91/157/EEC of 18 March 1991 on batteries and accumulators containing certain dangerous substances.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 91/322/EEC on the establishment of indicative limit values for exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents in the workplace.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 91/414/EEC (plant protection products). See also Commission Decisions 95/276/EC, 95/35/EC and 95/36/EC below.
COMMISSION DECISION 91/448/EEC of 29 July 1991 concerning the guidelines for classification referred to in Article 4 of Directive 90/219/EEC.
COUNCIL DECISION 91/596/EEC of 4 November 1991 concerning the Summary Notification Information Format referred to in Article 9 of Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 91/659/EEC of 3 December 1991 adapting to technical progress Annex I to Council Directive 76/769/EEC (asbestos).
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 91/692/EEC of 23 December 1991 standardising and rationalising reports on the implementation of certain Directives relating to the environment.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 92/112/EEC of 15 December 1992 on procedures for harmonising the programmes for the reduction and eventual elimination of pollution caused by waste from the titanium dioxide industry.
COMMISSION DECISION 92/146/EEC of 11 February 1992 concerning the Summary Notification Information Format referred to in Article 12 of Council Directive 90/220/EEC.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 92/112/EEC of 15 December 1991 on procedures for harmonising the programmes for the reduction and eventual elimination of pollution caused by waste from the titanium dioxide industry.
COUNCIL REGULATION 2455/92/EEC of 23 July 1992 concerning the export and import of certain dangerous chemicals.
COMMISSION DECISION 93/584/EEC of 22 October 1993, establishing the criteria for simplified procedures concerning the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified plants pursuant to Article 6 (5) of Council Directive 90/220/EEC.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 93/67/EEC of 20 July 1993 laying down the principles for assessment of risks to man and the environment of substances notified in accordance with Council Directive 67/548/EEC.
DIRECTIVE 93/75/EEC on vessels bound for or leaving Community ports and carrying dangerous or pollution goods.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 93/72/EEC OF 1 SEPTEMBER 1993 adapts to technical progress for the nineteenth time Council Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 93/90/EEC of 29 October 1993 concerning the list of substances referred to in Article 13(1) (5th indent) of Council Directive 67/548/EEC.
COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No.793/93 on the evaluation and control of the risk of existing substances.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 94/15/EC of 15 April 1994, adapting to technical progress for the first time Council Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms.
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 94/60/EC amending for the 14th time Directive 76/769.
COMMISSION DECISION 94/84/EC of 4 February 1994 allocating import quotas for the fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons 11, 12,113,114 and 115, the other fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetracloride and 1,1,1-trichloroethane for the period 1 January to 31 December 1994.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 94/211/EEC of 15 April 1994, amending Council Decision 91/596/EEC concerning the Summary Notification Information Format referred to in Article 9 Directive 90/220/EEC.
COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No. 41/94 of 11 January 1994 amending Annex II to Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2455/92 concerning the export and import of certain dangerous chemicals.
COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No. 1179/94 of 25 May 1994 concerning the first list of priority substances as foreseen under Council Regulation (EEC) No. 793/93.
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 1488/94 of 28 June 1994 on procedures for the assessment of risk to man and the environment of existing substances in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No. 793/93.
COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No. 2268/95 of 27 September 1995 concerning the second list of priority substances as foreseen under Council regulation No 793/93.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 95/35/EC, amending the technical annexes of Directive 91/414/EC concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 95/36/EC, amending the technical annexes of Council Directive 91/414/EEC.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 95/38/EC of 17 July 1995 amending Annexes I and II of Directive 90/642/EEC on the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues and on certain products of plant origin, including fruit and vegetables, providing for the establishment of a list of maximum levels.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 95/39/EC of 17 July 1995 amending the Annexes to Directives 86/362/EEC and 86/363/EEC on the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on cereals and foodstuffs of animal origin.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 95/41/EC of 19 July 1995 amending certain Annexes to Council Directive 77/93/EEC on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 95/36/EC of 14 July 1995 amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market.
COMMISSION DECISION 95/276/EC of 13 July, 1995 concerning the withdrawal of authorisations for plant protection products containing ferbam or azinphos-ethyl as active substances.
Commission Decision 95/324/EC of 26 July 1995 on the quantities of controlled substances allowed for essential uses in the Community in 1996 under Council Regulation (EC) No 3093/94 on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 95/65/EC of 14 December 1995 amending Directive 92/76/EEC recognising zones exposed to particular plant health risks in the Community.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 95/66/EC of 14 December 1995 amending certain Annexes to Council Directive 77/93/EEC on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 96/14/EC of 12 March 1996 amending certain Annexes to Council Directive 77/93/EEC on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 96/46 revising sections of Annexes II and III of Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 96/54/EC adds 180 new substances to Annex I of Directive 67/548/EEC as well as test methods for biotechnically-derived substances.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 96/55/EC adapting to technical progress for the 2nd time Annex 1 to Council Directive 76/659 relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations.
Directive 96/59/EC on the disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) amends and replaces Directive 76/403/EEC which became obsolete on foot of the ban on marketing PCBs/PCTs. Directive 96/59/EC sets stricter controls for the disposal of the substances and for decontamination of equipment (particularly transformers and condensers) containing PCBs. Under the Directive, Member States are to draw up plans for the decontamination or disposal of inventoried equipment containing PCBs by 2010 at the latest, together with provisions for the collection and disposal of equipment not inventoried.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 96/82/EC of 9 December 1996 on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances (ÒSeveso II" Directive), improving and reinforcing the arrangements introduced by Directive 82/501/EEC to prevent major industrial hazards.
COMMISSION DECISION 96/134/EC of 16 January 1996 amending Decision 91/448/EEC concerning guidelines for classification referred to in Article 4 of Council Directive 90/219/EEC on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms.
COMMISSION DECISION 96/158/EC of 6 February 1996 concerning the placement on the market of a product consisting of a genetically modified organism, hybrid herbicide-tolerant swede-rape seeds (Brassica napus L. oleifera Metzq. MS1Bn x Rf1Bn), pursuant to Council Directive 90/220/EEC (Text with EEA relevance).
COMMISSION DECISION 96/211/EC of 26 February 1996 concerning the prohibition of pentachlorphenol (PCP) notified by Denmark.
COMMISSION DECISION 96/281/EC of 3 April 1996 concerning the placement on the market of genetically modified Soya beans (Glycine max L.) with increased tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate, pursuant to Council Directive 90/220/EEC. (Text with EEA relevance).
COMMISSION DECISION 96/424/EC of 20 May 1996 concerning the placement on the market of genetically modified male sterile chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) with partial tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium pursuant to Council Directive 90/220/EEC. (Text with EEA relevance).
COMMISSION DECISION of 18 December 1996 concerning the placement on the market of genetically modified maize.
REGULATION (EC) No 258/97 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning novel foods and novel food ingredients.
COMMISSION DECISION 97/137/EC of 3 February 1997 recognising in principle the completeness of the dossiers submitted for detailed examination in view of the possible inclusion of prosulfuron and cyclanilide in Annex 1 of Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market.
COMMISSION DECISION 97/164/EC of 17 February 1997 recognising in principle the completeness of the dossiers submitted for detailed examination in view of the possible inclusion of flupyrsulfuron- methyl, azimsulfuron and paecelomyces fumosoroseus in Annex I of Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 97/10/EC of 26 February 1997 adapting to technical progress for the 3rd time Annex I to Council Directive 76/769/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations (CMRs).
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 97/14/EC of 21 March 1997 amending Annex III to Council Directive 77/93/EEC on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community.
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 97/16/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 April 1997 amending for the 15th time Directive 76/769/EEC on restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations.
COMMISSION DECISION 97/362/EC of 21 May 1997 recognising in principle the completeness of the dossiers submitted for detailed examination in view of the possible inclusion of carfentrazone-ethyl, fosthiazate and fluthiamide in Annex I to Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placement of plant protection products on the market.
Much Irish legislation governing the sale and use of dangerous substances and chemicals was contained in a large number of regulations made under various Acts ranging from the Health Act, 1947, to the Dangerous Substances Act, 1972, to the Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989. More recently a large number of regulations have been passed to implement EU directives on dangerous substances. Main pieces of legislation include:
EC (Dangerous Substances and Preparations) (Marketing and Use) Regulations 1979, 81, 85, 86, 87, 88.
Dangerous Substances (Conveyance of Petroleum by Road) Regulations 1979.
EC (Dangerous Substances) Classification (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations 1979, 92, 83, 85, 86, 88,89.
Dangerous Substances (Conveyance of Scheduled Substances by Road) Regulations 1980.
EC (Paints, Varnishes, Adhesives, etc.) Classification, (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations 1980. 84, 87, 91.
EC (Dangerous Preparations) (Solvents) Classification (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations 1983.
EC (Dangerous Substances) Classification (Packaging and Labelling) (Amendment) Regulations 1984.
EC (Major Accident Hazards of Certain Industrial Activities) Regulations 1986, 89, 92.
Genetically Modified Organisms Regulations, 1994 (S.I. No. 345 of 1994) giving effect to Council Directives 90/219/EEC and 90/220/EEC. The Environmental Protection Agency is the competent authority for the purposes of the regulations which came into effect from 1 January, 1995.
EC (Pesticide Residues) products of plant origin, including fruit and vegetables) (Amendment) Regulations 1996. S.I. 316 of 1996.
EC (Authorisation, placing on the market, use and control of plant proteciton products) (Amendment) Regulations. S.I. No. 159 of 1996.
EC (Introduction of organisms harmful to plants or plant products) (Prohibition) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations. S.I. No. 266 of 1996.
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