Preface

Contents

Introduction

Directive 98/34/EC, an instrument of transparency at the service of the Internal Market

Chapter I. The scope of the Directive

Definition of terms (Article 1). 1) product. 2) service. 3) technical specification. 4) other requirement. 5) rule on services. 6) standard. 7) standards programme. 8) draft standard. 9) European standardisation body. 10) national standardisation body. 11) technical regulation. 12) draft technical regulation.

Chapter II. The procedure for the provision of information with regard to standards

The provision of information to the Commission and the standardisation bodies on new subjects in the national standards programmes (Article 2). Communication of draft standards to the European and national standardisation bodies and the Commission (Article 3). Measures for which the Member States are competent (Article 4). The Member States 'obligation to ensure that European technical harmonisation is not impeded (Article 7).

Chapter III. The procedure applicable to technical regulations

The communication and distribution of information on draft technical regulations and the possible reactions open to the Commission and Member States (Article 8). 1. First stage: the obligation to inform. a) The Member States obligations. General rules. Specific cases. b) The obligations of the Commission. 2. Second stage: possible reactions open to the Commission and the Member States (comments, detailed opinions, 'blockage'). The obligation to observe the standstill periods (Article ...

Chapter IV. The Standing Committee (Articles 5 and 6)

Article 5. Article 6. 1. General powers. 2. Specific powers under the procedure applicable to technical regulations. 3. Specific powers under the standards procedure.

Chapter V. The Application of the Directive

Reports and statistics (Article 11). Reference to the Directive at the time of adoption of technical regulations (Article 12). Timetable and application methods.

Chapter VI. Access to information by private individuals and industry and the remedies available to them

1. Information published in the Official Journal of the European Union, Series C. 2. Other sources of information. 3. The inapplicability of the 'non notified' technical regulations.

Conclusion

Select bibliography

I. Articles. II. Official Documents of the European Communities. III. European Commission Publications. IV. Other Documents. V. Judgments of the Court of Justice.

Annexes

Annex 1. Annex 2