Free movement of goods is an cornerstone of the European single market. The mechanisms in place to achieve this aim are based on prevention of new barriers to trade, mutual recognition and technical harmonization.

The New Approach to technical harmonization and standardization is based on the following principles laid down by the Council resolution of 1985:

• Harmonization is limited to essential requirements.

• Only products fulfilling the essential requirements may be placed on the market and put into service.

• Harmonized standards, the reference numbers of which have been published in the Official Journal and which have been transposed into national standards, are presumed to conform to the corresponding essential requirements.

• Application of harmonized standards or other technical specifications remains voluntary, and manufacturers are free to choose any technical solution that provides compliance with the essential requirements.

• Manufacturers MAY choose between different conformity assessment procedures provided for in the applicable directive.
  

Additional information about the New Approach, as well as the downloading of the Guide to the implementation of the New Approach directives : click on the image

Several New Approach directives concern the mechanical products. The following sites contain updated information about these directives:

• To obtain the list of the New Approach directives, the text of the directives, and the list of the references of the harmonized standards published in the OJEC:

• To know more about the directive:

• Construction products
• Electromagnetic comptability
• Machinery
• Explosive atmospheres
• Pressure equipment / CLAP forms / En13445 / In service

 

• Other non New Approach directives

• General product safety
• Eco-Design

   

  
  

For more information, contact info@unm.fr