The directive 2000/14/EC ON the noise emission by equipment for use outdoors and its database for the collection of noise data

The Directive 2000/14/EC (Outdoor Noise Directive - OND) relates to the noise emissions in the environment by equipment for use outdoors. As OND has remained unchanged till now, a revision process has now started which involves many different aspects such as the feasibility of noise limit reduction or new limit introduction, the update of the test codes, the revision of the conformity procedures, and many other features. A controversial issue concerns the collection of noise data as required in Art. 16. The idea behind this article is that the noise data collection is a necessary basis for the Member States' and the Commission's further assessment of future legislative actions (such as the current revision process). In this respect, Art. 16 gives provisions for manufacturers to submit their 'declarations of conformity' both to the Commission and to the relevant national authorities and for the Commission to collect the data and publish the relevant information periodically. Therefore, a central noise database is now available. However, it is popular opinion that this has imposed significant burdens on both manufacturers and authorities but the end results are of negligible value, due to the mistakes and shortcomings in the database itself. This paper wants to examine in depth this issue and to make considerations on the undisputed usefulness and effectiveness of noise data availability, despite the limitations and the critical issues of the current database. The replacement of the actual database with a more comprehensive system is recommended rather than the removal of Art. 16. Suggestions are also given on some new features to be implemented in the revised online registration system in order to improve the quality level of the collected noise data.