Classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances
The European Commission has put forward a proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive concerning the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances. This Directive will replace the previous Directive 88/379/EEC of 7 June 1988 which has been amended on several occasions. With further amendments now necessary the Commission proposes that the Directive should, for reasons of clarity, be recast. Indeed, in spite of existing Community provisions, the rules applying to certain dangerous preparations in the Member States exhibit considerable differences as regards classification, packaging and labelling. These differences constitute a barrier to trade and create unequal competition conditions. The approximation of relevant legislation is, therefore, necessary in order to ensure the functioning of the internal market. The Directive, in so far as it relates to the health, safety and protection of man and the environment, is based on a high level of protection. Provisions are made for the labelling of a range of dangerous products, as well as for the fitting of child resistant fastenings and for concentration limits in the case of products marketed in gaseous form.