### electric vehicles could contribute to the stability of the electricity system by recharging their batteries from the grid at times of low general electricity demand and feeding power from the batteries back into the grid at times of high general electricity demand . therefore recharging points should use intelligent metering systems , and the price for electricity at a recharging point should be market based , so that flexible consumption of electricity is promoted through dynamic pricing . ### electric vehicles could contribute to the stability of the electricity system by recharging their batteries from the grid at times of low general electricity demand . so as to exploit their potential based on the current state of the art with regard to battery production , private recharging points should not use intelligent metering systems , which would only make the deployment of this technology more expensive . the price of electricity at a recharging point should be market based , so that flexible consumption of electricity is promoted through dynamic pricing .


### liquefied natural gas is an attractive fuel alternative for vessels to meet the requirements for decreasing the sulphur content in maritime fuels in the sulphur emission control areas , affecting half of the ships sailing in european short sea shipping , as provided for by directive 2012 / 33 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 21 november 2012 amending council directive 1999 / 32 / ec as regards the sulphur content of marine fuels . a core network of lng refuelling points for maritime and inland waterway vessels should be available at least by the end of 2020 . the initial focus on the core network should not rule out that in the longer perspective lng is also made available at ports outside the core network , in particular those ports that are important for vessels not engaged in transport operations . ### liquefied natural gas is an attractive fuel alternative for vessels to meet the requirements for decreasing the sulphur content in maritime fuels in the sulphur emission control areas , affecting half of the ships sailing in european short sea shipping , as provided for by directive 2012 / 33 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 21 november 2012 amending council directive 1999 / 32 / ec as regards the sulphur content of marine fuels . a core network of lng refuelling points for maritime and inland waterway vessels should be available at least by the end of 2030 . the initial focus on the core network should not rule out that in the longer perspective lng is also made available at ports outside the core network , in particular those ports that are important for vessels not engaged in transport operations .


### with respect to recharging points for electric vehicles which are not publicly accessible , member states should ensure consistency and aim to maximise synergies with intelligent meter roll - out plans following the obligation under annex i . 2 of directive 2009 / 72 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 13 july 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and repealing directive 2003 / 54 / ec . publicly accessible recharging points are currently not part of the regulated activities of a distribution system operator as defined in chapter vi of directive 2009 / 72 / ec . ### with respect to recharging points for electric vehicles which are not publicly accessible , member states should ensure consistency and aim to maximise synergies with intelligent meter roll - out plans following the obligation under point 2 of annex i to directive 2009 / 72 / ec of the european parliament and of the council1 . _______________________ 1 directive 2009 / 72 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 13 july 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and repealing directive 2003 / 54 / ec .


### member states shall ensure that the equipment for slow and fast recharging points as set out in annex iii . 1 . 1 and annex iii . 1 . 2 shall be available on fair , reasonable and non - discriminatory terms . ### member states , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned , shall ensure that the equipment for normal , fast and wireless recharging points as set out in points 1 . 1 , 1 . 2 and 1 . 2a of annex iii complies with specific safety requirements in force at national level and is available on fair , reasonable and non - discriminatory terms .


### electricity is a clean fuel particularly attractive for deployment of electric vehicles and electric two - wheelers in urban agglomerations which can contribute to improving air quality and reducing noise . member states should ensure that recharging points for electric vehicles are built up with sufficient coverage , at least twice the number of vehicles , and 10% of them publicly accessible , focussing in particular on urban agglomerations . private owners of electric vehicles depend to a large extent on access to recharging points in collective parking lots , such as in appartment blocks , office and business locations . regulatory provisions should be set up by public authorities , assisting citizens by ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure with sufficient electric vehicle recharging points is provided by the site developers and managers . ### electricity coming from sustainable energy sources is particularly attractive for deployment of electric vehicles , in particular those used for collective transport and electric bicycles , scooters and motorcycles in urban agglomerations which can contribute to improving air quality and reducing noise . member states should endeavour that recharging points for electric vehicles are built up with sufficient coverage , bearing in mind the geographical and socioeconomic aspects and focusing in particular on urban agglomerations . private owners of electric vehicles depend to a large extent on access to recharging points in collective parking lots , such as in appartment blocks , office and business locations . regulatory provisions should be set up by public authorities , assisting citizens by ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure with sufficient electric vehicle recharging points is provided by the site developers and managers .


### member states shall ensure that shore side electricity supply for waterborne vessels is installed in ports provided that it is cost - effective and has environmental benefits . ### member states , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned , shall ensure that shore side electricity supply for waterborne vessels is installed in passenger and merchant berths within ports of the ten - t core network by 31 december 2020 .


### ‘ recharging point’ means a slow recharging point or a fast recharging point or an installation for the physical exchange of a battery of an electric vehicle . ### ‘ recharging point’ means a normal , fast or wireless recharging point or an installation for the physical exchange of a battery of an electric vehicle .


### alternate current slow recharging points for electric vehicles shall be equipped , for interoperability purposes , with connectors of type 2 as described in standard en62196 - 2 : 2012 . ### alternate current normal recharging points for electric vehicles shall be equipped , for interoperability purposes , with connectors of type 2 as described in standard en 62196 - 2 : 2012 , which shall be provided , where required , with a compatible socket - outlet comprising additional safety features such as a safety shutter . to that end , the standard en 62196 - 2 : 2012 shall be revised promptly and kept up to date in the light of technological progress and the developments in good engineering practice in safety matters .


### member states shall ensure that publicly accessible lng refuelling points for inland waterway transport are provided in all inland ports of the ten - t core network , by 31 december 2025 at the latest . ### member states , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned , shall ensure that a sufficient number of inland ports of the ten - t core network are equipped with publicly accessible lng refuelling points for inland waterway transport , within adequate distances , to allow the circulation of lng vessels union - wide by 31 december 2025 at the latest . when defining the network of lng refuelling points in inland ports , the actual market needs and the existing bunkering points shall be taken into consideration .


### – assessment of the need for lng refuelling points in ports outside the ten - t core network that are important for vessels not engaged in transport operations , in particular fishing vessels ; ### – assessment of the need for lng refuelling points in ports outside the ten - t core network ;


### member states should ensure that publicly accessible infrastructure for the supply of gaseous compressed natural gas to motor vehicles is built up , with distances between refuelling points allowing area covering circulation of cng vehicles across the union , as well as a certain number of refuelling points located in urban agglomerations . ### member states , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned , should ensure that publicly accessible infrastructure for the supply of gaseous compressed natural gas to motor vehicles is built up , with distances between refuelling points allowing area covering circulation of cng vehicles across the union , as well as a certain number of refuelling points located in urban agglomerations .


### member states shall ensure that publicly accessible lng refuelling points for maritime and inland waterway transport are provided in all maritime ports of the trans - european transport core network by 31 december 2020 at the latest . ### member states , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned , shall ensure that a sufficient number of maritime ports of the trans - european transport core network are equipped with publicly accessible lng refuelling points for maritime and inland waterway transport , within adequate distances , to allow the circulation of lng vessels union - wide by 31 december 2020 at the latest . when defining the network of lng refuelling points in maritime ports , the actual market needs and the existing bunkering points shall be taken into consideration .


### fragmentation of the internal market through uncoordinated market introduction of alternative fuels should be avoided . coordinated policy frameworks of all member states should therefore provide the long - term security required for private and public investement into vehicle and fuel technology , and infrastructure build - up . member states should therefore establish national policy frameworks outlining their objectives , targets , and supporting actions on the market development of alternative fuels , including the necessary infrastructure to be put into place . member states should cooperate with other neighbouring member states on the regional or macro - regional level , through consultation or joint policy frameworks , in particular where continuity of alternative fuel infrastructure coverage across national borders or construction of new infrastructure in the proximity of national borders is required . a coordination of these national policy frameworks and their coherence at eu level should be ensured by the commission , following a periodic evaluation thereof . ### fragmentation of the internal market through uncoordinated market introduction of alternative fuels should be avoided . coordinated policy frameworks of all member states should therefore provide the long - term security required for private and public investment in vehicle and fuel technology , and infrastructure build - up . member states should therefore establish national policy frameworks outlining their objectives , targets , and supporting actions on the market development of alternative fuels , including the necessary infrastructure to be put into place , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned . member states should cooperate with other neighbouring member states on the regional or macro - regional level , through consultation or joint policy frameworks , in particular where continuity of alternative fuel infrastructure coverage across national borders or construction of new infrastructure in the proximity of national borders is required . a coordination of these national policy frameworks and their coherence at union level should be ensured by the commission , following a periodic evaluation thereof .


### ‘ fast recharging point’ means a recharging point that allows for a direct supply of electricity to an electric vehicle with a power of more than 22 kw . ### ‘ fast recharging point’ means a recharging point that allows for a direct supply of electricity to an electric vehicle with a power of more than 3 . 7 kw .


### all lng refuelling points for maritime and inland waterway transport shall comply with the technical specifications set out in annex iii . 3 . 1 by 31 december 2015 at the latest . ### all lng refuelling points for maritime and inland waterway transport shall comply with the technical specifications set out in annex iii . 3 . 1 by 31 december 2025 at the latest .


### member states should ensure that publicly accessible infrastructure for the supply of hydrogen to motor vehicles is built up , with distances between refuelling points for motor vehicles allowing area covering circulation of hydrogen vehicles within the national territory , as well as a certain number of refuelling points located in urban agglomerations . this would allow hydrogen vehicles to circulate union - wide . ### member states , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned , should ensure that publicly accessible infrastructure for the supply of hydrogen to motor vehicles is built up , with distances between refuelling points for motor vehicles allowing area covering circulation of hydrogen vehicles within the national territory , as well as a certain number of refuelling points located in urban agglomerations . this would allow hydrogen vehicles to circulate union - wide .


### member states shall cooperate to ensure that heavy duty motor vehicles running on lng can travel all along the roads on the ten - t core network . for this purposes , publicly accessible refuelling points for lng shall be established within distances not exceeding 400 km by 31 december 2020 at the latest . ### member states shall cooperate to ensure that heavy duty motor vehicles running on lng can travel all along the roads on the ten - t core network . for this purpose , publicly accessible refuelling points for lng shall be established within distances not exceeding 600 km by 31 december 2030 at the latest .


### member states shall ensure that a minimum number of recharging points for electric vehicles are put into place , at least the number given in the table in annex ii , by 31 december 2020 at the latest . ### member states , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned , shall ensure that a minimum number of recharging points for electric vehicles are put into place , at least the number given in the table in annex ii , by 31 december 2020 at the latest .


### ‘ refuelling point for lng’ means a provision of lng , either through a physically established pump connected to fixed or mobile installations or through a movable lng container . ### ‘ refuelling point for lng’ means a provision of lng through fixed or mobile installations or through a movable lng container .


### ‘ publicly accessible recharging or refuelling point’ means a recharging or refuelling point which provides non - discriminatory access to the users . ### ‘ publicly accessible recharging or refuelling point’ means a recharging or refuelling point which provides non - discriminatory , easy , open and union - wide interoperable access , by means of widely acceptable payment systems , to the users .


### member states shall ensure that publicly accessible lng refuelling points for inland waterway transport are provided in all inland ports of the ten - t core network , by 31 december 2025 at the latest . ### member states shall ensure that a sufficient number of inland ports of the network are equipped with lng , or other alternative fuel , refuelling points for inland waterway transport , with appropriate distances between them , to allow the circulation of lng vessels union - wide . in accordance with the objectives of the trans - european transport network no . . . / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of . . . on union guidelines for the development of the trans - european transport network ) , the lng , or other alternative fuel , refuelling points in maritime ports in the ten - t core network must be set up by 31 december 2030 at the latest . actual market needs and existing bunkering points shall be taken into consideration when defining the network of lng refuelling points in inland ports .


### member states shall cooperate to ensure that heavy duty motor vehicles running on lng can travel all along the roads on the ten - t core network . for this purposes , publicly accessible refuelling points for lng shall be established within distances not exceeding 400 km by 31 december 2020 at the latest . ### member states , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned , shall cooperate to ensure that heavy duty motor vehicles running on lng can travel all along their core networks . for this purpose , publicly accessible refuelling points for lng shall be established within distances not exceeding 400 km by 31 december 2020 at the latest .


### member states shall ensure that publicly accessible lng refuelling points for inland waterway transport are provided in all inland ports of the ten - t core network , by 31 december 2025 at the latest . ### member states , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the sector concerned , shall ensure that the main inland ports of the trans - european transport core network are equipped with publicly accessible lng refuelling points for maritime and inland waterway transport , with appropriate distances between them , to allow the circulation of lng vessels union - wide by 31 december 2030 at the latest . actual market needs and existing bunkering points shall be taken into consideration when defining the network of lng refuelling points in inland ports .


### based on the consultation of stakeholders and national experts , as well as expertise electricity , hydrogen , biofuels , natural gas , and liquefied petroleum gas were identified as the main alternative fuels with a potential for long - term oil substitution and decarbonisation . ### based on the consultation of stakeholders and national experts , as well as expertise , electricity , hydrogen , biofuels , natural gas , and liquefied petroleum gas were identified as the main alternative fuels with a potential for long - term oil substitution and decarbonisation , also in the light of their possible simultaneous and combined use .


### electricity is a clean fuel particularly attractive for deployment of electric vehicles and electric two - wheelers in urban agglomerations which can contribute to improving air quality and reducing noise . member states should ensure that recharging points for electric vehicles are built up with sufficient coverage , at least twice the number of vehicles , and 10% of them publicly accessible , focussing in particular on urban agglomerations . private owners of electric vehicles depend to a large extent on access to recharging points in collective parking lots , such as in appartment blocks , office and business locations . regulatory provisions should be set up by public authorities , assisting citizens by ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure with sufficient electric vehicle recharging points is provided by the site developers and managers . ### electricity is a clean fuel at the point of use and is particularly attractive for deployment of electric vehicles and electric two - wheelers in urban agglomerations which can contribute to improving air quality and reducing noise . member states should ensure that recharging points for electric vehicles are built up with sufficient coverage , at least twice the number of vehicles , and 10% of them publicly accessible , focussing in particular on urban agglomerations . private owners of electric vehicles depend to a large extent on access to recharging points in collective parking lots , such as in apartment blocks , office and business locations . regulatory provisions should be set up by public authorities , assisting citizens by ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure with sufficient electric vehicle recharging points is provided by the site developers and managers .


### electric vehicles could contribute to the stability of the electricity system by recharging their batteries from the grid at times of low general electricity demand and feeding power from the batteries back into the grid at times of high general electricity demand . therefore recharging points should use intelligent metering systems , and the price for electricity at a recharging point should be market based , so that flexible consumption of electricity is promoted through dynamic pricing . ### the charging process for electric vehicles should contribute to the stability of the electricity system by making it possible for their batteries to be recharged from the grid at times of low general electricity demand and feeding power from the batteries back into the grid at times of high general electricity demand . periods of high demand on the local electricity distribution system can correspond to times when prices are low on the wholesale electricity market . therefore , in the market consolidation phase , recharging points should be connected to intelligent charging systems , which regulate the power and duration of the charge , and linked up to intelligent metering systems , so that flexible consumption of electricity is promoted through dynamic pricing and signals from the electricity distribution system operator .


### this directive establishes a common framework of measures for the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure in the union in order to break the oil dependence of transport and sets out minimum requirements on alternative fuels infrastructure build - up and common technical specifications , including recharging points for electric vehicles and refuelling points for natural gas and hydrogen . ### this directive establishes a common framework of measures for the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure in the union in order to break the oil dependence of transport and contribute to the union ' s long - term decarbonisation policy . it sets out minimum requirements on alternative fuels infrastructure build - up and common technical specifications , including recharging points for electric vehicles and refuelling points for natural gas and hydrogen .


### all publicly accessible recharging points for electric vehicles shall be equipped with intelligent metering systems as defined in article 2 of directive 2012 / 27 / eu and respect the requirements laid down in article 9 of that directive . ### charging in publicly accessible recharging points for electric vehicles shall be based on intelligent metering systems as defined in article 2 of directive 2012 / 27 / eu and respect the requirements laid down in article 9 of that directive .


### member states shall ensure that publicly accessible lng refuelling points for maritime and inland waterway transport are provided in all maritime ports of the trans - european transport core network by 31 december 2020 at the latest . ### member states , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned , shall ensure that a sufficient number of maritime ports of the trans - european transport core network are equipped with publicly accessible lng refuelling points for maritime and inland waterway transport , within adequate distances , to allow the circulation of lng vessels union - wide by 31 december 2020 at the latest . when defining the network of lng refuelling points in maritime ports , the actual market needs and the existing bunkering points shall be taken into consideration .


### electricity is a clean fuel particularly attractive for deployment of electric vehicles and electric two - wheelers in urban agglomerations which can contribute to improving air quality and reducing noise . member states should ensure that recharging points for electric vehicles are built up with sufficient coverage , at least twice the number of vehicles , and 10% of them publicly accessible , focussing in particular on urban agglomerations . private owners of electric vehicles depend to a large extent on access to recharging points in collective parking lots , such as in appartment blocks , office and business locations . regulatory provisions should be set up by public authorities , assisting citizens by ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure with sufficient electric vehicle recharging points is provided by the site developers and managers . ### electricity is a clean fuel particularly attractive for deployment of electric vehicles and electric two - wheelers in urban agglomerations which can contribute to improving air quality and reducing noise . member states should ensure that recharging points for electric vehicles are built up with sufficient coverage and 10% of them publicly accessible , focusing in particular on urban agglomerations . private owners of electric vehicles depend to a large extent on access to recharging points in collective parking lots , such as in apartment blocks , office and business locations . regulatory provisions should be set up by public authorities , assisting citizens by ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure with sufficient electric vehicle recharging points is provided by the site developers and managers .


### biofuels are fuels produced from biomass , as defined in the directive 2009 / 28 / ec . biofuels are currently the most important type of alternative fuels , accounting for 4 . 4% in eu transport . they can contribute to a substantial reduction in overall co2 emissions , if they are produced sustainably and do not cause indirect lands use change . they could provide clean power to all modes of transport . however , supply constraints and sustainability considerations may limit their use . ### biofuels are fuels produced from biomass , as defined in directive 2009 / 28 / ec . biofuels are currently the most important type of alternative fuels , accounting for 4 , 4% in union transport . they can contribute to a substantial reduction in overall co2 emissions , if they are produced sustainably and do not cause indirect land use change . they could provide clean power to all modes of transport . however , supply constraints and sustainability considerations may limit their use . furthermore , advanced biofuels are the only low - co2 - emissions fuel option for aviation .


### member states shall ensure that a sufficient number of publicly accessible refuelling points are available , with maximum distances of 150 km , to allow the circulation of cng vehicles union - wide by 31 december 2020 at the latest . ### member states shall ensure , on the basis of identified real market needs and cost - effectiveness , that a sufficient number of publicly accessible refuelling points are available to allow the circulation of cng vehicles in the union by 31 december 2030 at the latest .


### member states shall ensure that a sufficient number of publicly accessible refuelling points are available , with maximum distances of 150 km , to allow the circulation of cng vehicles union - wide by 31 december 2020 at the latest . ### member states , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned , shall ensure that a sufficient number of publicly accessible refuelling points are available , with maximum distances of 100 km , including one refuelling point per 100 000 inhabitants in urban areas , to allow the circulation of cng vehicles union - wide by 31 december 2020 at the latest .


### lng refuelling points for waterborne vessels shall comply with the relevant en standards , to be adopted by 2014 . ### lng refuelling points for waterborne vessels shall comply with the relevant en standards , to be adopted by 2014 . the standards should be compatible with current international standards or on - going international standardisation work , where applicable . where international standards are already available , technical specifications contained in them should be used as an intermediate solution , pending the adoption of european standards .


### the delegation of power referred to in articles 3 , 4 , 5 , and 6 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time . ### the delegation of power referred to in articles 3 , 4 , 5 , and 6 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of five years from the [ date of entry into force of this directive ] . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five - year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period .


### fragmentation of the internal market through uncoordinated market introduction of alternative fuels should be avoided . coordinated policy frameworks of all member states should therefore provide the long - term security required for private and public investement into vehicle and fuel technology , and infrastructure build - up . member states should therefore establish national policy frameworks outlining their objectives , targets , and supporting actions on the market development of alternative fuels , including the necessary infrastructure to be put into place . member states should cooperate with other neighbouring member states on the regional or macro - regional level , through consultation or joint policy frameworks , in particular where continuity of alternative fuel infrastructure coverage across national borders or construction of new infrastructure in the proximity of national borders is required . a coordination of these national policy frameworks and their coherence at eu level should be ensured by the commission , following a periodic evaluation thereof . ### fragmentation of the internal market through uncoordinated market introduction of alternative fuels should be avoided . coordinated policy frameworks of all member states should therefore provide the long - term security required for private and public investment in vehicle and fuel technology , and infrastructure build - up . member states should therefore establish national policy frameworks outlining their objectives , targets , and supporting actions on the market development of alternative fuels , including the necessary infrastructure to be put into place , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned . member states should cooperate with other neighbouring member states on the regional or macro - regional level , through consultation or joint policy frameworks , in particular where continuity of alternative fuel infrastructure coverage across national borders or construction of new infrastructure in the proximity of national borders is required . a coordination of these national policy frameworks and their coherence at union level should be ensured by the commission , following a periodic evaluation thereof .


### member states shall ensure that a minimum number of recharging points for electric vehicles are put into place , at least the number given in the table in annex ii , by 31 december 2020 at the latest . ### member states shall ensure every two years that a minimum number of recharging points for electric vehicles are put into place , basing this on calculations of the number of electric vehicles in circulation and on estimates for sales in the following two years .


### the commission shall evaluate the national policy frameworks and ensure that there is coherence at eu level . it shall forward to the european parliament the report on the evaluation on the national policy frameworks within one year from the reception of the national policy frameworks . ### the commission shall evaluate the national policy frameworks , especially in terms of their efficacy for the achievement of the national targets referred to in paragraph 1 , and ensure that there is coherence at union level . it shall forward to the european parliament the report on the evaluation on the national policy frameworks within one year from the reception of the national policy frameworks .


### direct current fast recharging points for electric vehicles shall be equipped , for interoperability purposes , with connectors of type ' combo 2 ' as described in the relevant en standard , to be adopted by 2014 . ### new direct current fast recharging points for electric vehicles shall be equipped , for interoperability purposes , with at least connectors of combined ac / dc charging systems ' combo 2 ' as described in standard en62196 - 3 .


### electricity is a clean fuel particularly attractive for deployment of electric vehicles and electric two - wheelers in urban agglomerations which can contribute to improving air quality and reducing noise . member states should ensure that recharging points for electric vehicles are built up with sufficient coverage , at least twice the number of vehicles , and 10% of them publicly accessible , focussing in particular on urban agglomerations . private owners of electric vehicles depend to a large extent on access to recharging points in collective parking lots , such as in appartment blocks , office and business locations . regulatory provisions should be set up by public authorities , assisting citizens by ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure with sufficient electric vehicle recharging points is provided by the site developers and managers . ### electricity is a clean fuel particularly attractive for deployment of electric vehicles and electric two - wheelers in urban agglomerations , peripheral population areas and the transport routes connecting them , and which can contribute to improving air quality and reducing noise . member states should ensure that recharging points for electric vehicles are built up with sufficient coverage , at least twice the number of vehicles , and 10% of them publicly accessible , focussing in particular on urban agglomerations , peripheral population areas and the transport routes connecting them . private owners of electric vehicles depend to a large extent on access to recharging points in collective parking lots , such as in apartment blocks , office and business locations . regulatory provisions should be set up by public authorities , assisting citizens by ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure with sufficient electric vehicle recharging points is provided by the site developers and managers .


### alternate current slow recharging points for electric vehicles shall be equipped , for interoperability purposes , with connectors of type 2 as described in standard en62196 - 2 : 2012 . ### alternate current normal recharging points for electric vehicles shall be equipped , for interoperability purposes , with connectors of type 2 as described in standard en62196 - 2 : 2012 . such recharging points may be equipped with a type 2 - compatible socket outlet comprising additional safety features such as a safety shutter , in particular with a view to complying with relevant national requirements . to that end , the standard en 62196 - 2 : 2012 shall be revised promptly and kept up to date in the light of technological progress and developments in good engineering practice in safety matters .


### minimum number of electric vehicle recharging points in each member state ### indicative number of electric vehicle recharging points in each member state


### member states shall ensure that publicly accessible lng refuelling points for inland waterway transport are provided in all inland ports of the ten - t core network , by 31 december 2025 at the latest . ### member states , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned , shall ensure that a sufficient number of inland ports of the ten - t core network are equipped with publicly accessible lng refuelling points for inland waterway transport , within adequate distances , to allow the circulation of lng vessels union - wide by 31 december 2025 at the latest . when defining the network of lng refuelling points in inland ports , the actual market needs and the existing bunkering points shall be taken into consideration .


### technical specifications for interoperability of recharging and refuelling points should be specified in european standards which are fully compatible with relevant international standards . lack of european standards prevents giving detailed references to some required specifications . thus the commission should ask european standardisation organisations to publish such european standards in accordance with article 10 of regulation no 1025 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council on european standardisation , amending council directives 89 / 686 / eec and 93 / 15 / eec and directives 94 / 9 / ec , 94 / 25 / ec , 95 / 16 / ec 97 / 23 / ec , 98 / 34 / ec , 2004 / 22 / ec , 2007 / 23 / ec , 2009 / 23 / ec and 2009 / 105 / ec of the european parliament and of the council and repealing decision 87 / 95 / eec and decision no 1673 / 2006 / ec , and those standards should be based on current international standards or on - going international standardisation work , where applicable . where international standards are already available , technical specifications contained in them should be used as an intermediate solution , pending the adoption of european standards . for standards not yet published , the work will be based on : ‘ configuration ff , iec 62196 - 3 : cdv 2012’ for fast dc electric recharging points for motor vehicles , iso tc67 / wg10 for lng refuelling points for waterborne vessels iii ) the work of iso / tc 252 for cng and l - cng refuelling for motor vehicles . the commission should be empowered to adapt the references to technical specifications given in european standards through delegated acts . ### technical specifications for interoperability of recharging and refuelling points should be specified in european standards which are fully compatible with relevant international standards . lack of european standards prevents giving detailed references to some required specifications . thus the commission should ask european standardisation organisations to publish such european standards in accordance with article 10 of regulation no 1025 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council1 , and those standards should be based on current international standards or on - going international standardisation work , where applicable . where international standards are already available , technical specifications contained in them should be used as an intermediate solution , pending the adoption of european standards . for standards not yet published , the work should be based on : ‘ configuration ff , iec 62196 - 3 : cdv 2012’ for fast dc electric recharging points for motor vehicles ; iso tc67 / wg10 for lng refuelling points for waterborne vessels ; and the work of iso / tc 252 for cng and l - cng refuelling for motor vehicles . the commission should be empowered to adapt the references to technical specifications given in european standards through delegated acts . for the railway sector , technical specifications for interoperability are the sole responsibility of the european railway agency . ___________________ 1 regulation no 1025 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 on european standardisation , amending council directives 89 / 686 / eec and 93 / 15 / eec and directives 94 / 9 / ec , 94 / 25 / ec , 95 / 16 / ec , 97 / 23 / ec , 98 / 34 / ec , 2004 / 22 / ec , 2007 / 23 / ec , 2009 / 23 / ec and 2009 / 105 / ec of the european parliament and of the council and repealing council decision 87 / 95 / eec and decision no 1673 / 2006 / ec of the european parliament and of the council .


### ‘ electric vehicle’ means a vehicle within the meaning of directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 5 september 2007 establishing a framework for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers , and of systems , components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles , with a maximum design speed exceeding 25 km / h , equipped with one or more traction motor operated by electric power and not permanently connected to the grid , as well as their high voltage components and systems which are galvanically connected to the high voltage bus of the electric power train . ### ‘ electric vehicle’ means : – a vehicle within the meaning of directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council1 , with a maximum design speed exceeding 25 km / h , equipped with one or more traction motor operated by electric power and not permanently connected to the grid , as well as their high voltage components and systems which are galvanically connected to the high voltage bus of the electric power train ; – a vehicle within the meaning of regulation no 168 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council2 , propelled with an electric engine . __________________ 1 directive 2007 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 5 september 2007 establishing a framework for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers , and of systems , components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles . 2 regulation no 168 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 january 2013 on the approval and market surveillance of two - or three - wheel vehicles and quadricycles .


### the lack of harmonised development of alternative fuels infrastructure across the union prevents the development of economies of scale on the supply side and eu - wide mobility on the demand side . new infrastructure networks need to be built up , in particular for electricity , hydrogen , and natural gas . ### the lack of harmonised development of alternative fuels infrastructure across the union prevents the development of economies of scale on the supply side and union - wide mobility on the demand side . new infrastructure networks need to be built up , in particular for electricity , hydrogen , natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas , taking into account climate change , research , technological development and costs .


### the commission shall adopt implementing acts regarding : ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 8 concerning :


### ‘ slow recharging point’ means a recharging point that allows for a direct supply of electricity to an electric vehicle with a power of less than or equal to 22 kw . ### ‘ normal recharging point’ means a recharging point that allows for a direct supply of electricity to an electric vehicle with a power of less than or equal to 3 . 7 kw .


### member states shall ensure that the equipment for slow and fast recharging points as set out in annex iii . 1 . 1 and annex iii . 1 . 2 shall be available on fair , reasonable and non - discriminatory terms . ### member states shall ensure that the equipment for slow and fast recharging points as set out in annex iii . 1 . 1 and annex iii . 1 . 2 shall be available on fair , reasonable and non - discriminatory terms and shall comply with safety standards in force in electrical installations , such as the requirement for a safety shutter for alternating current slow recharging points .


### member states on the territory of which exist already at the day of the entry into force of this directive hydrogen refuelling points shall ensure that a sufficient number of publicly accessible refuelling points are available , with distances not exceeding 300 km , to allow the circulation of hydrogen vehicles within the entire national territory by 31 december 2020 at the latest . ### member states on the territory of which exist already on the date of the entry into force of this directive hydrogen refuelling points shall ensure , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned , that a sufficient number of publicly accessible refuelling points are available , with distances not exceeding 300 km , including one refuelling point per 250 000 inhabitants in urban areas , to allow the circulation of hydrogen vehicles within the entire national territory by 31 december 2020 at the latest . member states on the territory of which no hydrogen refuelling points exist on the date of entry into force of this directive shall meet the requirements set out in the first subparagraph by 31 december 2030 .


### electric vehicles could contribute to the stability of the electricity system by recharging their batteries from the grid at times of low general electricity demand and feeding power from the batteries back into the grid at times of high general electricity demand . therefore recharging points should use intelligent metering systems , and the price for electricity at a recharging point should be market based , so that flexible consumption of electricity is promoted through dynamic pricing . ### electric vehicles could contribute to the stability of the electricity system by recharging their batteries from the grid at times of low general electricity demand and feeding power from the batteries back into the grid at times of high general electricity demand . therefore , in the consolidation phase of the market , recharging points should be connected to intelligent metering systems , and the price for electricity at a recharging point should be market based , so that flexible consumption of electricity is promoted through dynamic pricing .


### alternate current fast recharging points for electric vehicles shall be equipped , for interoperability purposes , with connectors of type 2 as described in standard en62196 - 2 : 2012 . ### alternate current fast recharging points for vehicles shall be equipped , for interoperability purposes , with attached cables with connector of type 2 as described in standard en62196 - 2 : 2012 and respective updates . '


### without prejudice to directive 2009 / 30 / ec , member states shall ensure that relevant , clear and simple information on the compatibility between all fuels on the market and vehicles is available : ### without prejudice to directive 2009 / 30 / ec , member states shall ensure that relevant , clear and simple information on the compatibility between all fuels on the market and motor vehicles / maritime and inland waterway vessels is available :


### all lng refuelling points for maritime and inland waterway transport shall comply with the technical specifications set out in annex iii . 3 . 1 by 31 december 2015 at the latest . ### all lng refuelling points for maritime and inland waterway transport as well as the necessary associated facilities shall comply with the technical specifications set out in annex iii . 3 . 1 by 31 december 2015 at the latest .


### electricity is a clean fuel particularly attractive for deployment of electric vehicles and electric two - wheelers in urban agglomerations which can contribute to improving air quality and reducing noise . member states should ensure that recharging points for electric vehicles are built up with sufficient coverage , at least twice the number of vehicles , and 10% of them publicly accessible , focussing in particular on urban agglomerations . private owners of electric vehicles depend to a large extent on access to recharging points in collective parking lots , such as in apartment blocks , office and business locations . regulatory provisions should be set up by public authorities , assisting citizens by ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure with sufficient electric vehicle recharging points is provided by the site developers and managers . ### electricity is a clean fuel particularly attractive for deployment of electric vehicles and electric two - wheelers in urban agglomerations which can contribute to improving air quality and reducing noise . it should therefore be ensured that recharging points for electric vehicles are built up with sufficient coverage . private owners of electric vehicles depend to a large extent on access to recharging points in collective parking lots , such as in apartment blocks , office and business locations . regulatory provisions should be set up by public authorities , assisting citizens by ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure with sufficient electric vehicle recharging points is provided by the site developers and managers .


### lng refuelling points for waterborne vessels shall comply with the relevant en standards , to be adopted by 2014 . ### lng refuelling points for waterborne vessels shall comply with the relevant en standards , to be adopted in accordance with the relevant imo and iso regulations and standards by 2014 . member states must coordinate to jointly support the development of those standards by imo and iso as soon as possible .


### ‘ slow recharging point’ means a recharging point that allows for a direct supply of electricity to an electric vehicle with a power of less than or equal to 22 kw . ### ‘ normal recharging point’ means a recharging point that allows for a direct supply of electricity to an electric vehicle with a power of less than or equal to 22 kw .


### member states shall ensure that a minimum number of recharging points for electric vehicles are put into place , at least the number given in the table in annex ii , by 31 december 2020 at the latest . ### every two years , member states shall , in their national policy frameworks , endeavour to establish a minimum number of recharging points for electric vehicles calculated according to the existing fleet of electric - powered vehicles and the growth forecasted for the following years , with the aim of achieving the number given in the table in annex ii . annex ii shall be used as a guideline for the number they shall seek to put in place by 31 december 2020 . the commission shall monitor the annual registration figures for electric vehicles in the eu , and by 1 january 2017 shall review the number of recharging points needed .


### the lack of harmonised development of alternative fuels infrastructure across the union prevents the development of economies of scale on the supply side and eu - wide mobility on the demand side . new infrastructure networks need to be built up , in particular for electricity , hydrogen , and natural gas . ### the lack of harmonised development of alternative fuels infrastructure across the union prevents the development of economies of scale on the supply side and eu - wide mobility on the demand side . new infrastructure networks need to be built up , in particular for electricity , hydrogen , natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas .


### direct current fast recharging points for electric vehicles shall be equipped , for interoperability purposes , with connectors of type ' combo 2 ' as described in the relevant en standard , to be adopted by 2014 . ### new direct current fast recharging points for electric vehicles shall be equipped , for interoperability purposes , with connectors of type ' combo 2 ' as described in the relevant en standard .


### member states shall cooperate to ensure that heavy duty motor vehicles running on lng can travel all along the roads on the ten - t core network . for this purposes , publicly accessible refuelling points for lng shall be established within distances not exceeding 400 km by 31 december 2020 at the latest . ### member states , in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and with the industry concerned , shall cooperate to ensure that heavy duty motor vehicles running on lng can travel all along their core networks . for this purpose , publicly accessible refuelling points for lng shall be established within distances not exceeding 400 km by 31 december 2020 at the latest .


### a regulatory framework shall consist of measures to support the build up of alternative fuels infrastructure , such as building permits , parking lots permits , environmental performance of businesses certification , fuel stations concessions . ### a regulatory framework shall consist of measures to support the build up of alternative fuels infrastructure , such as building permits , parking lots permits , environmental performance of businesses certification , fuel stations concessions . in order to ensure that a request of an intended alternative fuel provider is authorised within three months from the request , the regulatory framework should include details on the applicable technical and administrative procedures , personnel , methodology and legislation to avoid bureaucratic and legislative delays .


### full harmonisation of some key regulatory aspects will considerably increase legal certainty for both consumers and business . both consumers and business will be able to rely on a single regulatory framework based on clearly defined legal concepts regulating certain aspects of business - to - consumer contracts across the community . the effect will be to eliminate the barriers stemming from the fragmentation of the rules and to complete the internal market in this area . these barriers can only be eliminated by establishing uniform rules at community level . furthermore consumers will enjoy a high common level of protection across the community . ### full harmonisation of some key regulatory aspects will considerably increase legal certainty for both consumers and business . both consumers and business will be able to rely on a single regulatory framework based on clearly defined legal concepts regulating certain aspects of business - to - consumer contracts across the union . the effect will be to eliminate the barriers stemming from the fragmentation of the rules and to complete the internal market in this area . these barriers can only be eliminated by establishing uniform rules at union level . furthermore consumers will enjoy a high common level of protection across the union .


### ' trader ' means any natural or legal person who , in contracts covered by this directive , is acting for purposes relating to his trade , business , craft or profession and anyone acting in the name of or on behalf of a trader ; ### ' business ' means any natural or legal person , irrespective of whether it is publicly or privately owned , which , in contracts covered by this directive , is acting for purposes relating to that person ' s trade , business , craft or profession and anyone acting in the name of or on behalf of a business , even if the person does not intend to make a profit in the course of the activity ;


### consumer contracts should be drafted in plain , intelligible language and be legible . traders should be free to choose the font type or size in which the contract terms are drafted . the consumer should be given an opportunity to read the terms before concluding the contract . this opportunity could be given to the consumer by providing him with the terms on request or making those terms otherwise available or attaching standard terms to the order form . the trader should seek the consumer ' s express consent to any payment in addition to the remuneration for the trader ' s main contractual obligation . inferring consent by using opt - out systems , such as pre - ticked boxes online should be prohibited . ### consumer contracts should be drafted in plain , intelligible language and be confirmed in textual form on a durable medium . businesses should be free to choose the font type or size in which the contract terms are drafted . the consumer should be given an opportunity to read the terms before concluding the contract . this opportunity could be given to the consumer by providing him with the terms on request or making those terms otherwise available or attaching standard terms to the order form . the business should seek the consumer ' s express consent to any payment in addition to the remuneration for the business ' s main contractual obligation . inferring consent by using opt - out systems , such as pre - ticked boxes online should be prohibited .


### member states shall not impose any formal requirements other than those provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 . ### member states shall not impose any pre - contractual formal requirements other than those provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2


### in the case of a distance contract for the sale of goods , the withdrawal period shall begin from the day on which the consumer or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by the consumer acquires the material possession of each of the goods ordered . ### in the case of a distance or off - premises contract for the supply of goods , the withdrawal period shall begin from the day on which the consumer or a third party other than the carrier takes over the goods ordered .


### any lack of conformity resulting from the incorrect installation of the goods shall be considered as a lack of conformity of the goods where the installation forms part of the sales contract and the goods were installed by the trader or under his responsibility . the same shall apply equally if the goods , intended to be installed by the consumer , are installed by the consumer and the incorrect installation is due to a shortcoming in the installation instructions . ### any lack of conformity resulting from the incorrect installation of the goods shall be considered as a lack of conformity of the goods where the goods were installed by the business or under its responsibility . the same shall apply equally if the goods , intended to be installed by the consumer , are installed by the consumer and the incorrect installation is due to a shortcoming in the installation instructions .


### the significant inconvenience for the consumer and the reasonable time needed for the trader to remedy the lack of conformity shall be assessed taking into account the nature of the goods or the purpose for which the consumer acquired the goods as provided for by article 24 . ### the significant inconvenience for the consumer and the reasonable time needed for the trader to remedy the lack of conformity shall be assessed taking into account the nature of the goods and the purpose for which the consumer requires them within the meaning of article 24 .


### member states shall not impose any formal requirements other than those provided for in paragraphs 1 to 4 . ### member states shall not impose any pre - contractual formal requirements other than those provided for in paragraphs 1 and 4


### having regard to the treaty establishing the european community , and in particular article 95 thereof , ### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 114 thereof ,


### member states shall not impose any formal requirements other than those provided for in paragraphs 1 to 4 . ### member states shall not impose any pre - contractual requirements other than those provided for in article 5 .


### where the trader has proved that remedying the lack of conformity by repair or replacement is unlawful , impossible or would cause the trader a disproportionate effort , the consumer may choose to have the price reduced or the contract rescinded . a trader ' s effort is disproportionate if it imposes costs on him which , in comparison with the price reduction or the rescission of the contract , are excessive , taking into account the value of the goods if there was no lack of conformity and the significance of the lack of conformity . ### where the business has proved that remedying the lack of conformity by repair or replacement is unlawful , impossible or would cause the trader business a disproportionate effort , the consumer may choose to have the price reduced or the contract rescinded . a business ' effort is disproportionate if where it imposes costs on it which , in comparison with the price reduction or the rescission of the contract , are excessive , taking into account the value of the goods where there was no lack of conformity and the significance of the lack of conformity .


### the risk of loss of or damage to the goods shall pass to the consumer when he or a third party , other than the carrier and indicated by the consumer has acquired the material possession of the goods . ### the risk of loss of or damage to the goods shall pass to the consumer when he or a third party indicated by the consumer has taken over the goods .


### this chapter shall not apply to contract terms reflecting mandatory statutory or regulatory provisions , which comply with community law and the provisions or principles of international conventions to which the community or the member states are party . ### this chapter shall not apply to contract terms reflecting statutory or regulatory or ordre public provisions , or provisions or principles of international conventions to which the union or the member states are party .


### where the trader has proved that remedying the lack of conformity by repair or replacement is unlawful , impossible or would cause the trader a disproportionate effort , the consumer may choose to have the price reduced or the contract rescinded . a trader ' s effort is disproportionate if it imposes costs on him which , in comparison with the price reduction or the rescission of the contract , are excessive , taking into account the value of the goods if there was no lack of conformity and the significance of the lack of conformity . ### either of the remedies provided for in paragraph 2 shall be deemed disproportionate if it would impose costs on the trader which in the light of what would be the value of the goods if there were no lack of conformity taking into account the significance of the lack of conformity , upon consideration of the question as to whether use could be made of other remedies without significance inconvenience for the consumer , would be unreasonable by comparison with the alternative remedy repair or replacement shall take place within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience for the consumer


### this chapter shall not apply to contract terms reflecting mandatory statutory or regulatory provisions , which comply with community law and the provisions or principles of international conventions to which the community or the member states are party . ### this chapter shall not apply to contract terms reflecting statutory , regulatory or ordre public provisions , which comply with union law and the provisions or principles of international conventions to which the union or the member states are party .


### member states shall refrain from imposing any presentational requirements as to the way the contract terms are expressed or made available to the consumer . ### member states shall refrain from imposing any requirements on the presentation of contract terms , except for presentational requirements in relation to persons with disabilities .


### the trader shall reimburse any payment received from the consumer within thirty days from the day on which he receives the communication of withdrawal . ### the business shall reimburse any payment received from the consumer without undue delay , and in any case not later than thirty days from the day on which it receives the communication of withdrawal .


### member states shall not impose any formal requirements other than those provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2 . ### member states shall not impose any pre - contractual requirements other than those provided for in article 5 .


### an off - premises contract should be defined as a contract concluded with the simultaneous physical presence of the trader and the consumer , away from business premises , for example at the consumer ' s home or workplace . in an off - premises context , consumers are under psychological pressure no matter whether they have solicited the trader ' s visit or not . furthermore , in order to prevent circumventions of rules when consumers are approached away from business premises , a contract negotiated , for example at the consumer ' s home but concluded in a shop should be regarded as an off - premises contract . ### an off - premises contract should be defined as a contract concluded with the simultaneous physical presence of the business and the consumer , away from business premises , for example at the consumer ' s home or workplace . in an off - premises context , consumers are temporarily in a special situation which is different from the situation in a shop , e . g . from a psychological point of view and as regards the scope for comparing goods and prices , no matter whether they have solicited the business ' visit or not . furthermore , in order to prevent circumventions of rules when consumers are approached away from business premises , a contract negotiated , for example at the consumer ' s home but concluded in a shop should be regarded as an off - premises contract . member states should be able to establish , however , in their national legislation that the value of a contract not exceeding 60 eur should be excluded from the scope of chapter ii as the information requirements would be disproportionate to the value of the contract . contracts which , in accordance with the provisions of the member states , are established by a public official , do not present a situation where the consumer is put under exceptional psychological pressure . such contracts should be excluded from the scope of chapter ii .


### consumer contracts should be drafted in plain , intelligible language and be legible . traders should be free to choose the font type or size in which the contract terms are drafted . the consumer should be given an opportunity to read the terms before concluding the contract . this opportunity could be given to the consumer by providing him with the terms on request or making those terms otherwise available or attaching standard terms to the order form . the trader should seek the consumer ' s express consent to any payment in addition to the remuneration for the trader ' s main contractual obligation . inferring consent by using opt - out systems , such as pre - ticked boxes online should be prohibited . ### consumer contract terms should be drafted in plain , intelligible language and be legible . the consumer should be given an opportunity to read the terms before concluding the contract . this opportunity could be given to the consumer by providing him with the terms on request or making those terms otherwise available or attaching standard terms to the order form . the business should seek the consumer ' s express consent to any payment in addition to the remuneration for the business ' s main contractual obligation . inferring consent by using opt - out systems , such as pre - ticked boxes online should be prohibited .


### ' sales contract ' means any contract for the sale of goods by the trader to the consumer including any mixed - purpose contract having as its object both goods and services ; ### ' sales contract ' means any contract under which a business in accordance with the applicable national law transfers ownership of the goods to a consumer either immediately upon conclusion of the contract or at a point in the future , and under which the consumer undertakes to pay the price ;


### article 153 and of the treaty provides that the community is to contribute to the attainment of a high level of consumer protection by the measures it adopts pursuant to article 95 thereof . ### article 169 and of the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides that the union is to contribute to the attainment of a high level of consumer protection by the measures it adopts pursuant to article 114 thereof .


### this chapter shall apply to contract terms drafted in advance by the trader or a third party , which the consumer agreed to without having the possibility of influencing their content , in particular where such contract terms are part of a pre - formulated standard contract . ### this chapter shall apply to contract terms drafted in advance by the business or a third party , which have not been individually negotiated . a term shall always be regarded as not individually negotiated where it has been drafted in advance and the consumer has therefore not been able to influence the substance of the term , in particular where such contract term is part of a pre - formulated standard contract .


### have the price reduced , ### have the price reduced , or


### this chapter shall apply to contract terms drafted in advance by the trader or a third party , which the consumer agreed to without having the possibility of influencing their content , in particular where such contract terms are part of a pre - formulated standard contract . ### this chapter shall apply to contract terms supplied by the business or a third party .


### if the trader has not provided the consumer with the information on the right of withdrawal in breach of articles 9 , 10 and 11 , the withdrawal period shall expire three months after the trader has fully performed his other contractual obligations . ### if the business has not provided the consumer with the information on the right of withdrawal in breach of articles 9 , 10 and 11 , the withdrawal period shall expire no later than one year after the conclusion of the contract .


### for distance contracts concluded on the internet , the trader may , in addition to the possibilities referred to in paragraph 1 , give the option to the consumer to electronically fill in and submit the standard withdrawal form on the trader ' s website . in that case the trader shall communicate to the consumer an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal by email without delay . ### for distance contracts business may , in addition to the possibilities referred to in paragraph 1 , give the option to the consumer either to email the model withdrawal form in annex i or any other withdrawal statement or to electronically fill in and submit the form on a website . in the latter case the business shall communicate to the consumer an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal by email without delay


### any lack of conformity resulting from the incorrect installation of the goods shall be considered as a lack of conformity of the goods where the installation forms part of the sales contract and the goods were installed by the trader or under his responsibility . the same shall apply equally if the goods , intended to be installed by the consumer , are installed by the consumer and the incorrect installation is due to a shortcoming in the installation instructions . ### any lack of conformity resulting from the incorrect installation of the goods shall be considered as a lack of conformity of the goods where the goods were installed by the business or under its responsibility . the same shall apply equally if the goods , intended to be installed by the consumer , are installed by the consumer and the incorrect installation is due to a shortcoming in the installation instructions .


### unless the parties have agreed otherwise , the trader shall deliver the goods by transferring the material possession of the goods to the consumer or to a third party , other than the carrier and indicated by the consumer , within a maximum of thirty days from the day of the conclusion of the contract . ### unless the parties have agreed otherwise , the business shall deliver the goods by transferring the material possession of the goods to the consumer or to a third party , other than the carrier and indicated by the consumer , without undue delay after the conclusion of the contract and in any case not later than thirty days from the day of the conclusion of the contract .


### ' distance contract ' means any sales or service contract where the trader , for the conclusion of the contract , makes exclusive use of one or more means of distance communication ; ### ) ' distance contract ' means any sales or service contract concluded between a trader and a consumer where the trader , when initiating the contract and , in particular , establishing the essential elements thereof and also for the conclusion of the contract , makes exclusive use of one or more means of distance communication ;


### the consumer shall inform the trader of his decision to withdraw on a durable medium either in a statement addressed to the trader drafted in his own words or using the standard withdrawal form as set out in annex i . ### before expiry of the withdrawal period , the consumer shall inform the business of its decision to withdraw on a durable medium . for this purpose , the consumer may either model withdrawal form as set out in annex i or make any other clearly worded statement .


### the geographical address and the identity of the trader , such as his trading name and , where applicable , the geographical address and the identity of the trader on whose behalf he is acting ; ### the geographical address and the identity of the business with which the consumer is transacting , such as its trading name and , where applicable , the geographical address of the place of business and the identity of the business on whose behalf it is acting ;


### where the trader has proved that remedying the lack of conformity by repair or replacement is unlawful , impossible or would cause the trader a disproportionate effort , the consumer may choose to have the price reduced or the contract rescinded . a trader ' s effort is disproportionate if it imposes costs on him which , in comparison with the price reduction or the rescission of the contract , are excessive , taking into account the value of the goods if there was no lack of conformity and the significance of the lack of conformity . ### where the business has proved that remedying the lack of conformity by repair or replacement is unlawful , impossible or would cause the trader business a disproportionate effort , the consumer may choose to have the price reduced or the contract rescinded . a business ' effort is disproportionate if where it imposes costs on it which , in comparison with the price reduction or the rescission of the contract , are excessive , taking into account the value of the goods where there was no lack of conformity and the significance of the lack of conformity .


### the significant inconvenience for the consumer and the reasonable time needed for the trader to remedy the lack of conformity shall be assessed taking into account the nature of the goods or the purpose for which the consumer acquired the goods as provided for by article 24 . ### the significant inconvenience for the consumer and the reasonable time needed for the business to remedy the lack of conformity shall be assessed taking into account the nature of the goods and the purpose for which the consumer acquired the goods as provided for by article 24 .


### the consumer shall only be liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to ascertain the nature and functioning of the goods . he shall not be liable for diminished value where the trader has failed to provide notice of the withdrawal right in accordance with article 9 . for service contracts subject to a right of withdrawal , the consumer shall bear no cost for services performed , in full or in part , during the withdrawal period . ### the consumer shall only be liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to ascertain the nature and functioning of the goods . he shall not be liable for diminished value where the business has failed to provide notice of the withdrawal right in accordance with article .


### member states shall ensure that contract terms , as set out in the list in point 1 of annex iii , are considered unfair , unless the trader has proved that such contract terms are fair in accordance with article 32 . that list of contract terms shall apply in all member states and may only be amended in accordance with articles 39 and 40 . ### member states shall ensure the contract terms set out in the non - exhaustive list in point 1 of annex iii , are considered unfair , unless the business has proved that such contract terms are fair in accordance with article 32 .


### legal rights of the consumer , as provided for in article 26 and a clear statement that those rights are not affected by the commercial guarantee , ### legal rights of the consumer , as provided for in article 26 and article 28 and a clear statement that those rights are not affected by the commercial guarantee ,


### when the trader has remedied the lack of conformity by replacement , he shall be held liable under article 25 where the lack of conformity becomes apparent within two years as from the time the consumer or a third party indicated by the consumer has acquired the material possession of the replaced goods . ### when the business has remedied the lack of conformity by replacement , it shall be held liable under article 25 where the lack of conformity becomes apparent within two years as from the time the consumer or a third party indicated by the consumer has taken over the replaced goods .


### ' trader ' means any natural or legal person who , in contracts covered by this directive , is acting for purposes relating to his trade , business , craft or profession and anyone acting in the name of or on behalf of a trader ; ### ' business ' means any natural or legal person , irrespective of whether it is publicly or privately owned , which , in contracts covered by this directive , is acting for purposes relating to that person ' s trade , business , craft or profession and anyone acting in the name of or on behalf of a business , even if the person does not intend to make a profit in the course of the activity ;


### there shall be no lack of conformity for the purposes of this article if , at the time the contract was concluded , the consumer was aware , or should reasonably have been aware of , the lack of conformity , or if the lack of conformity has its origin in materials supplied by the consumer . ### there shall be no lack of conformity for the purposes of this article where , at the time the contract was concluded , the consumer was aware , or should reasonably have been aware of , the lack of conformity , or where the lack of conformity has its origin in materials supplied by the consumer .


### article 153 and of the treaty provides that the community is to contribute to the attainment of a high level of consumer protection by the measures it adopts pursuant to article 95 thereof . ### article 169 and of the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides that the union is to contribute to the attainment of a high level of consumer protection by the measures it adopts pursuant to article 114 thereof .


### prior to the conclusion of any sales or service contract , the trader shall provide the consumer with the following information , if not already apparent from the context : ### in good time before the consumer is bound by any distance or off - premises contract or offer , the business or any person acting in his name or on his behalf shall provide the consumer with the following information , in a clear and intelligible manner :


### in order to ensure legal certainty and improve the functioning of the internal market , the directive should contain two lists of unfair terms . annex ii contains a list of terms which should in all circumstances be considered unfair . annex iii contains a list of terms which should be deemed unfair unless the trader proves otherwise . these same lists should apply in all member states . ### in order to ensure legal certainty and improve the functioning of the internal market , the directive should contain two non - exhaustive lists of unfair terms . annex ii contains a list of terms which should in all circumstances be considered unfair . annex iii contains a list of terms which should be deemed unfair unless the business proves otherwise .


### for distance contracts concluded on the internet , the trader may , in addition to the possibilities referred to in paragraph 1 , give the option to the consumer to electronically fill in and submit the standard withdrawal form on the trader ' s website . in that case the trader shall communicate to the consumer an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal by email without delay . ### for distance contracts business may , in addition to the possibilities referred to in paragraph 1 , give the option to the consumer either to email the model withdrawal form in annex i or any other withdrawal statement or to electronically fill in and submit the form on a website . in the latter case the business shall communicate to the consumer an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal by email without delay


### with respect to off - premises contracts , the information provided for in article 9 shall be given in the order form in plain and intelligible language and be legible . the order form shall include the standard withdrawal form set out in annex i . ### with respect to off - premises contracts , the information provided for in article 5 shall be given in good time before the consumer if bound by any contract or offer , in so far as this appears appropriate in view of the nature of the contract , in the contract document or on another durable medium in plain and intelligible language and be legible .


### the guarantee statement shall be drafted in plain intelligible language and be legible . it shall include the following : ### the guarantee statement shall be drafted in plain intelligible language and be legible . it shall also be drafted in the same language in which the goods were offered and , if not otherwise provided in the guarantee statement , shall be binding on the guarantor in favour of every owner of the goods within the duration of the guarantee . it shall include the following :


### the trader shall deliver the goods in conformity with the sales contract . ### the business shall deliver the goods to the consumer in conformity with the sales contract .


### the geographical address and the identity of the trader , such as his trading name and , where applicable , the geographical address and the identity of the trader on whose behalf he is acting ; ### the identity of the business , such as its trading name ;


### the risk of loss of or damage to the goods shall pass to the consumer when he or a third party , other than the carrier and indicated by the consumer has acquired the material possession of the goods . ### the risk of loss of or damage to the goods shall pass to the consumer when he or a third party indicated by the consumer has taken over the goods .


### as provided for in paragraphs 2 to 5 , where the goods do not conform to the contract , the consumer is entitled to : ### under the conditions provided for in paragraphs 2 to 5 , where the goods do not conform to the contract , the consumer shall be entitled to :


### ' sales contract ' means any contract for the sale of goods by the trader to the consumer including any mixed - purpose contract having as its object both goods and services ; ### ' sales contract ' means any contract under which a business in accordance with the applicable national law transfers ownership of the goods to a consumer either immediately upon conclusion of the contract or at a point in the future , and under which the consumer undertakes to pay the price ;


### for sales contracts , the trader may withhold the reimbursement until he has received or collected the goods back , or the consumer has supplied evidence of having sent back the goods , whichever is the earliest . ### for distance and off - premises contracts for the supply of goods , the business may withhold reimbursement until it has received or collected the goods back .


### with respect to distance contracts , the information provided for in article 9 shall be given or made available to the consumer prior to the conclusion of the contract , in plain and intelligible language and be legible , in a way appropriate to the means of distance communication used . ### with respect to distance contracts , the information provided for in article 5 shall be given or made available in good time before the consumer if bound by any contract or offer , in plain and intelligible language and be legible , in a way appropriate to the means of distance communication used .


### the trader shall deliver the goods in conformity with the sales contract . ### the business shall deliver the goods which are of the quantity , quality and description required by the contract and which are contained or packaged in the manner required by the contract .


### these disparities create significant internal market barriers affecting business and consumers . they increase compliance costs to business wishing to engage in cross border sale of goods or provision of services . fragmentation also undermines consumer confidence in the internal market . the negative effect on consumer confidence is strengthened by an uneven level of consumer protection across the community . this problem is particularly acute in the light of new market developments . ### these disparities create significant internal market barriers affecting business and consumers . they increase compliance costs to business wishing to engage in cross border sale of goods or provision of services . fragmentation also undermines consumer confidence in the internal market . the negative effect on consumer confidence is strengthened by an uneven level of consumer protection across the union . this problem is particularly acute in the light of new market developments .


### when the trader has remedied the lack of conformity by replacement , he shall be held liable under article 25 where the lack of conformity becomes apparent within two years as from the time the consumer or a third party indicated by the consumer has acquired the material possession of the replaced goods . ### when the business has remedied the lack of conformity by replacement , it shall be held liable under article 25 where the lack of conformity becomes apparent within two years as from the time the consumer or a third party indicated by the consumer has taken over the replaced goods .


### consumers should be entitled to receive information before the conclusion of the contract . however traders should not have to provide the information when already apparent from the context . for example in an on - premises transaction , the main characteristics of a product , the identity of the trader and the arrangements for delivery may be apparent from the context . in distance and off - premises transactions , the trader should always provide the information on arrangements for payment , delivery , performance and the complaint handling policy , since these might not be apparent from the context . ### consumers should be entitled to receive information before the conclusion of the contract . in distance and off - premises transactions , the business should always provide the information on arrangements for payment , delivery , performance and the complaint handling policy .


### having regard to the treaty establishing the european community , and in particular article 95 thereof , ### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 114 thereof ,


### the existence of a right of withdrawal , where applicable ; ### in so far as a right of withdrawal , where applicable , exists , the conditions , period and procedure for exercising that right ; for this purpose , the business may use the model instructions on withdrawal and the model withdrawal form set out in annex i and i respectively or any other clearly worded statement ;


### if the trader has not provided the consumer with the information on the right of withdrawal in breach of articles 9 , 10 and 11 , the withdrawal period shall expire three months after the trader has fully performed his other contractual obligations . ### if the trader has not provided the consumer with the information on the right of withdrawal in breach of articles 9 , 10 and 11 , the withdrawal period shall expire three months after whichever of the dates specified in article 12 applies to the contract in question .


### consumers should be entitled to receive information before the conclusion of the contract . however traders should not have to provide the information when already apparent from the context . for example in an on - premises transaction , the main characteristics of a product , the identity of the trader and the arrangements for delivery may be apparent from the context . in distance and off - premises transactions , the trader should always provide the information on arrangements for payment , delivery , performance and the complaint handling policy , since these might not be apparent from the context . ### consumers should be entitled to receive information in good time before the consumer is bound by any distance or off - premises contract or offer . the business should always provide certain information , such as on the main characteristic of the good or service or arrangements for payment , delivery , performance and the complaint handling policy .


### for sales contracts for which the material possession of the goods has been transferred to the consumer or at his request , to a third party before the expiration of the withdrawal period , the consumer shall send back the goods or hand them over to the trader or to a person authorised by the trader to receive them , within fourteen days from the day on which he communicates his withdrawal to the trader , unless the trader has offered to collect the goods himself . ### for distance and off - premises contracts for the supply of goods where consumer or at his request , to a third party has taken over the goods before the expiration of the withdrawal period , the consumer shall send back the goods or hand them over to the business or to a person authorised by the business to receive them , within fourteen days from the day on which he communicates his withdrawal to the business , unless the business has offered to collect the goods itself .


### full harmonisation of some key regulatory aspects will considerably increase legal certainty for both consumers and business . both consumers and business will be able to rely on a single regulatory framework based on clearly defined legal concepts regulating certain aspects of business - to - consumer contracts across the community . the effect will be to eliminate the barriers stemming from the fragmentation of the rules and to complete the internal market in this area . these barriers can only be eliminated by establishing uniform rules at community level . furthermore consumers will enjoy a high common level of protection across the community . ### full harmonisation of some key regulatory aspects will considerably increase legal certainty for both consumers and business . both consumers and business will be able to rely on a single regulatory framework based on clearly defined legal concepts regulating certain aspects of business - to - consumer contracts across the union . the effect will be to eliminate the barriers stemming from the fragmentation of the rules and to complete the internal market in this area . these barriers can only be eliminated by establishing uniform rules at union level . furthermore consumers will enjoy a high common level of protection across the union .


### where the trader has failed to fulfil his obligations to deliver , the consumer shall be entitled to a refund of any sums paid within seven days from the date of delivery provided for in paragraph 1 . ### without prejudice to the remedies available under the applicable law of the member states , where the business has failed to fulfil its obligations to deliver , the consumer shall be entitled to a refund of any sums paid within seven days from the date of delivery provided for in paragraph 1 .


### the definition of durable medium should include in particular documents on paper , usb sticks , cd - roms , dvds , memory cards and the hard drive of the computer on which the electronic mail or a pdf file is stored . ### durable media should include in particular documents on paper , usb sticks , cd - roms , dvds , memory cards and the hard disk drives of the computer on which the electronic mail or files saved in unmodifiable form are stored . internet sites as such should not be regarded as durable media .


### ' trader ' means any natural or legal person who , in contracts covered by this directive , is acting for purposes relating to his trade , business , craft or profession and anyone acting in the name of or on behalf of a trader ; ### ' business ' means any natural or legal person , irrespective of whether it is publicly or privately owned , which , in contracts covered by this directive , is acting for purposes relating to that person ' s trade , business , craft or profession and anyone acting in the name of or on behalf of a business , even if the person does not intend to make a profit in the course of the activity ;


### this chapter shall not apply to contract terms reflecting mandatory statutory or regulatory provisions , which comply with community law and the provisions or principles of international conventions to which the community or the member states are party . ### this chapter shall not apply to contract terms reflecting statutory , regulatory or ordre public provisions , which comply with union law and the provisions or principles of international conventions to which the union or the member states are party .


### ' document ' means any content whatever its medium drawn - up by an institution and formally transmitted to one or more recipients or otherwise registered , or received by an institution ; data contained in electronic storage , processing and retrieval systems are documents if they can be extracted in the form of a printout or electronic - format copy using the available tools for the exploitation of the system ; ### ' document ' means a record , or set of records , serving official purposes whatever its medium concerning a matter which falls within the sphere of responsibility of the european union ' s institutions , bodies , offices or agencies . this shall not include drafts , notes and memoranda which are not intended to form part of a file ;


### names , titles and functions of public office holders , civil servants and interest representatives in relation with their professional activities shall be disclosed unless , given the particular circumstances , disclosure would adversely affect the persons concerned . other personal data shall be disclosed in accordance with the conditions regarding lawful processing of such data laid down in ec legislation on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data . ### names , titles and functions of public office holders , civil servants and interest representatives in relation with their professional activities shall be disclosed solely with the consent of the originator , unless , given the particular circumstances , disclosure would adversely affect the privacy and integrity of the persons concerned . other personal data shall be disclosed in accordance with the conditions regarding lawful processing of such data laid down in union legislation on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data . consent shall be requested from public office holders , civil servants and interest representatives prior to having their names , titles and functions included in a document . where an institution , body , office or agency refuses access to a document on the basis of paragraph 1 , it shall consider whether partial access to that document is possible .


### names , titles and functions of public office holders , civil servants and interest representatives in relation with their professional activities shall be disclosed unless , given the particular circumstances , disclosure would adversely affect the persons concerned . other personal data shall be disclosed in accordance with the conditions regarding lawful processing of such data laid down in ec legislation on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data . ### names , titles and functions of public office holders , civil servants and interest representatives in relation with their professional activities shall be disclosed unless , given the particular circumstances , disclosure would adversely affect the protection of privacy and the integrity of the persons concerned . other personal data shall be disclosed in accordance with the conditions regarding lawful processing of such data laid down in eu legislation on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data .