The traditional approach to harmonisation
The traditional way of harmonising products is carried out through legislating to oblige certain product types produced in EU to have the same technical specifications. This approach to harmonisation of rules consists of often very highly detailed legislation as it has the objective of meeting the individual requirements of each product category. This harmonisation approach is for instance used in the sectoral legislation for cars.
The traditional approach to harmonisation is not suitable for all product sectors, which is why, in 1985, the New Approach to technical harmonisation and standards was adopted by the European Council. The New Approach is a regulatory technique whereby product legislation is restricted to the requirements necessary to protect the public goals of health and safety.
DG Enterprise and Industry is responsible for the management of the internal market acquis covering the provisions on industrial policy and small and medium-sized enterprises, and legislation in the field of industrial products. The Pink book 
[408 KB] is a structured list of the legislation for which DG Enterprise and Industry is responsible.
Contact
