Directive 1988/379 - Approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations - Main contents

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Council Directive 88/379/EEC of 7 June 1988 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations

Official Journal L 187 , 16/07/1988 P. 0014 - 0030

Finnish special edition: Chapter 13 Volume 17 P. 0084

Swedish special edition: Chapter 13 Volume 17 P. 0084

COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 7 June 1988 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations (88/379/EEC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 100 A thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),

In cooperation with the European Parliament (2),

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3),

Whereas it is important to adopt measures with the aim of progressively establishing the internal market over a period expiring on 31 December 1992; whereas the internal market shall comprise an area without internal frontiers in which the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital is ensured;

Whereas rules on dangerous substances have already been laid down in Council Directive 67/548/EEC of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances (4), as last amended by Directive 79/831/EEC (5);

Whereas rules on certain dangerous preparations having very specific uses have already been laid down:

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  in Council Directive 73/173/EEC of 4 June 1973 on the approximation of Member States' laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations (solvents) (6), as last amended by Directive 80/781/EEC (7),

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  in Council Directive 77/728/EEC of 7 November 1977 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of paints, varnishes, printing inks, adhesives and similar products (8), as last amended by Directive 83/265/EEC (9),

Whereas, despite the abovementioned Community provisions, the rules, if any, applying to certain dangerous preparations in the Member States exhibit considerable differences as regards classification according to the degree of risk; whereas these differences constitute a not insignificant barrier to trade and directly affect the establishment and functioning of the common market;

Whereas it is therefore necessary to remove this barrier by approximating the relevant legislation existing in the Member States and incorporating in it the ´acquis communautaires';

Whereas this Directive must, at the same time, ensure protection for the general public and, in particular, of persons who come into contact with dangerous preparations in the course of their work or in the pursuit of a hobby, of consumers, especially children and the visually handicapped, and also for the environment;

Whereas provisions on the classification, packaging and labelling of the preparations must be laid down at Community level; whereas the provisions concerning the information appearing on the label, the dimensions of the label and the assignment of the various danger symbols, standard phrases concerning risks and safety advice have also to be brought into line with Directive 67/548/EEC;

Whereas some preparations, although they contain constituents which are dangerous to health, are not necessarily dangerous in the form in which they are placed on the market; whereas there are exceptions, however, and whereas the latter must be the subject of special labelling, as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of Directive...

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