Simpler legislation for the internal market: review of SLIM, 3rd and 4th phases

In October 1998, the Commission announced the launch of the fourth phase of SLIM. This phase concentrated on three legislative areas: company law, the Dangerous Substances Directive and Directives on Pre-packaged products. These sectors were selected following consultations with Members States, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and representatives of business and industry. - Company law: The SLIM Team has proposed a series of far reaching proposals covering two major areas of company law. These recommendations address the need for the introduction of a modernised and Europe-wide company law registration system which could provide easier, less costly and greater access to company documents thus ensuring better legal protection and facilitating cross border establishment. Taken together, these recommendations represent an opportunity to bring about significant simplification and modernisation and a reduction in costs and procedures while at the same time safeguarding the interests of shareholders and creditors. The Commission has indicated its broad agreement with all the recommendations presented while in some cases reserving the right to undertake further research, consultation and analysis prior to committing itself to presenting proposals to modify the two directives. - Dangerous Substances Directive: the SLIM team presented some 48 recommendations which address, amongst other matters: the structure of the Directive, the classification of substances, the notification of new substances and compliance with its provisions. The recommendations also constitute a substantial input into the current review of chemical policy. The Commission will consider specific legislative proposals in the context of this wider review. - Pre-packaging legislation: the report of the team provides a useful overview of the difficulties encountered in applying current legislation and identifies those areas in need of clarification and improvement. The Commission will propose necessary measures after consultation.�