A new EU directive concerning the noise emission by equipment used outdoors

The Green Paper ‘‘Future Noise Policy’’ [COM(96) 540 final] identifies noise in the environment as one of the main environmental problems in Europe. It emphasizes the continuing need for legislative measures at the Community level concerning noise emission from various sources. In February 1998, the Commission adopted a proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to the noise emission by equipment used outdoors [COM(1998) 46 final, published in OJ No. C 124, 22.04.1998, p. 1]. It intends to simplify legislation, to contribute to the smooth functioning of the internal market, and to protect the health and well‐being of citizens by reducing the overall noise exposure. The proposal covers 55 types of equipment, all of which are to be marked with the guaranteed noise‐emission level; in addition, noise limits are laid down for 19 types of equipment (13 already covered by existing directives, 6 new ones). Noise limits are laid down in two stages (the first one eliminating most noisy equipment, the second one taking into account advanced technology). The requirements of the proposal are explained and the progress made in the Council and European Parliament is reported.