Directive 2009/34 - Common provisions for both measuring instruments and methods of metrological control (Recast) - Main contents

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 106/7

Council Directive 71/316/EEC of 26 July 1971 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to common provisions for both measuring instruments and methods of metrological control (3) has been substantially amended several times (4). Since further amendments are to be made, it should be recast in the interests of clarity.

In each Member State, mandatory provisions determine the technical characteristics of measuring instruments and the methods of metrological control. Those requirements differ from one Member State to another. Those differences hinder trade and may create unequal conditions of competition within the Community.

One of the objectives of controls in each Member State is to give assurance to customers that quantities delivered correspond to the price paid. Consequently, the aim of this Directive should not be to abolish those controls but to eliminate differences between rules in so far as these constitute a hindrance to trade.

Those hindrances to the functioning of the internal market can be reduced and eliminated if the same requirements apply in Member States, initially complementing national provisions in force and later, when the necessary conditions exist, replacing those provisions.

Even during the period when they coexist with national provisions, the Community requirements will enable firms to manufacture products which have uniform technical characteristics and can therefore be marketed and used throughout the Community after they have undergone EC controls.

Community technical requirements for design and functioning should ensure that instruments continuously give measurements that are sufficiently accurate for their intended purpose.

Compliance with technical requirements is usually confirmed by Member States before measuring instruments are placed on the market or used for the first time, and where appropriate when they are in service, such confirmation being effected in particular by means of pattern approval and verification procedures. In order to achieve free movement of such instruments within the Community, it is also necessary to provide for mutual recognition of controls among Member States and to establish appropriate EC pattern approval and initial verification procedures for this purpose as well as EC methods of metrological control in accordance with this Directive and with the relevant separate Directives.

The presence, on a measuring instrument or a product, of signs or marks showing that it has undergone the appropriate controls indicates that such instrument or product satisfies the relevant technical requirements of the Community, and therefore that when the instrument or product is imported or put into operation it is unnecessary to repeat the controls which have already been carried out.

National metrological rules cover numerous categories of measuring instruments and products. This Directive lays down the general provisions dealing, in particular, with EC pattern approval and initial verification procedures,...