1.1 European Directives

EU product directives as the basis for free merchandise traffic

20 product directives have so far been drawn up to dismantle obstacles to trade in the single European market. The relevant products may only be distributed if they satisfy these basic requirements. If a product complies with the relevant harmonized EU standards, it is assumed that the basic requirements are met. A manufacturer can also use other technical solutions if the same level of safety is proven. Fulfillment of the basic requirements is determined in a formal conformity assessment procedure. This is performed, depending on the potential risk of the products, as much as possible within the manufacturer’s own area of responsibility.

Important directives in the area of EU machine safety and their implementation under German Law

EU Directives	German Law
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC	9. GPSG (Device and Product Safety Law)
Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC	1. GPSG (Device and Product Safety Law)
ATEX Directive 94/9/EC	11. GPSG (Device and Product Safety Law)
General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC	Device and Product Safety Law (GPSG)
EMC Directive 2004/108/EC	EMC Law

EU safety at work directives

Safety at Work Framework Directive 89/391/EEC contains minimum requirements and general basic principles for the prevention of work-related hazards, for safety and health protection, for minimizing and eliminating risk and accident factors, and for the appropriate instruction of employees. These are minimum requirements. Each EU Member State may increase the protection level in its national implementation or, for example, set higher test requirements.

Important directives in the area of EU work safety and their implementation under German Law

EU Directives	German Law
Safety at Work Framework Directive 89/391/EEC	Safety at Work Law Ordinance On Industrial Safety and Health Regulations of employers' liability insurance associations (BG): Regulations of employers' liability insurance associations continue to be legally binding. These regulations solidify state health and safety regulations and apply as compliant with the latest state of technology. The information of employers' liability insurance associations is provided by special topic-specific publications of the respective associations.
Use of Work Equipment Directive 89/655/EEC amended by 95/63/EC
Directive 89/655/EEC amended by 2001/45/EC