Metrology

PURPOSE: to repeal 8 metrology Directives with a view to simplifying and improving legislation in this field.

PROPOSED ACT: Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council.

CONTENT: the proposal concerns the following 8 metrology Directives:

• Directive 75/33/EEC on Cold Water Meters for Non-Clean Water;
• Directives 76/765/EEC and 76/766/EEC on Alcohol Meters and Alcohol Tables;
• Directives 71/317/EEC and 74/148/EEC on Medium and Above-Medium Accuracy Weights respectively;
• Directive 86/217/EEC on Tyre Pressure Gauges for Motor Vehicles;
• Directive 71/347/EEC on Standard Mass of Grain;
• Directive 71/349/EEC on Calibration of Ship Tanks.

From the public consultation and an external study, it appears that there are no obstacles to trade in the 6 sectors covered by the 8 old approach Directives. It is also apparent that the Directives concern instruments increasingly less in use. Technical progress and innovation with regard to measuring instruments covered by the Directives being repealed is ensured in practice either by the voluntary application of the international and European standards which have been developed or by the application of national provisions implementing such new specifications. Furthermore, the free circulation within the internal market of all products concerned by them is ensured by the satisfactory application of Articles 28 to 30 of the EC Treaty and of the mutual recognition principle.

The repeal of the Directives should not lead to any new barriers to the free movement or to additional administrative burdens. Furthermore, while respecting the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity, there is no evidence of a common need for a higher level of consumer protection.

The repeal of the Directives should not affect existing EEC pattern approvals and EEC certificates until the end of their validity.