A Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance in relation to the marketing of products, and a proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on a common framework for the marketing of products (New approach directive).
BERR (Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) (previously known as DTI), supported by HSE.
The two proposals that make up the ‘New Approach Review’ are closely linked to ensure that both the marketing of products, and the mechanisms for monitoring products on the market are fair and proportionate across the EU.
New Approach Directives set out the essential requirements (on health and safety, for example) that must be met before products can be sold in the UK or elsewhere in the European Community. European harmonised standards provide the detailed technical information enabling manufacturers to meet these requirements. The Directives also explain how manufacturers should conform with the essential requirements, and products that meet the requirements should display CE marking, meaning that the products can be sold anywhere in the Community/EEA.
Following a review of the New Approach, the Commission published formal proposals in February 2007 to enhance the implementation of the New Approach. The proposals seek to simplify and rationalise where possible, as well as dealing with the more specific conclusions of the review such as:
