A new EU Directive relating to the noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors

The 2000/14/EC Directive is the new European legislation on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors. It has been published by the European Parliament on July 2000 and shall be applied from January 2002. This Directive updates the machine noise control approach defined by a series of specific Directives covering some types of construction machinery and lawnmowers. It covers a wider range of different machines and lays down the requirements with regard to permissible noise levels, noise test codes, marking and conformity assessment procedures. The 2000/14/EC Directive is based on a new approach to technical harmonisation with the main purpose to achieve a high level of environmental protection and prevent obstacles to the free movement of such equipment. The paper describes the new concepts and procedures introduced by this new approach Directive. In addition, a focus on the main practical problems and controversial points relevant to its application will be discussed.