Harmonisation of Technical Standards in the EC

A new standardization policy, based on mutual recognition of standards rather than total harmonization, was adopted by the European Council in May 1985. Under this policy, essential safety requirements were laid down. Products put on the market must conform with these safety requirements if they are to be marketed freely throughout the EC. In November 1990 the Council adopted nine directives based on the new approach. These covered simple pressure vessels, toy safety, construction products, electro-magnetic compatibility, safety of machinery, personal protective equipment, gas appliances, non-automatic weighing instruments and active implantable medical devices. "Harmonization of Technical Standards" offers a comprehensive guide to the directives that lay down the safety requirements for different categories of product.