ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
No C 105/40 Official Journal of the European Communities 26. 4. 79 
Opinion on the draft Council Regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 1798/75 on the 
importation free of Common Customs Tariff duties of educational, scientific and cultural 
materials 
(Doc. COM(78) 349 final) 
The text referred to the Committee has been published in Official Journal of the European 
Communities No C 190 of 9 August 1978, page 2. 
A. LEGAL BASIS FOR THE OPINION 
On 4 August 1978 the Council referred the abovementioned proposal to the Economic and 
Social Committee in accordance with Article 198 of the Treaty establishing the European 
Economic Community. 
B. OPINION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE 
The Economic and Social Committee prepared its opinion on the above matter at its 163rd 
plenary session held in Brussels on 29 and 30 November 1978. 
The full text of the opinion is as follows: 
THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European 
Economic Community, and in particular Article 198 
thereof, 
Having regard to the request made by the Council of the 
European Communities on 4 August 1978 for an 
opinion, 
Having regard to the decision taken by its Bureau on 
18 October 1978 instructing the Section for Industry, 
Commerce, Crafts and Services to draw up an opinion on 
the matter, 
Having regard to the opinion issued by the Section for 
Industry, Commerce, Crafts and Services at its meeting 
held on 8 November 1978, 
Having regard to the oral report submitted by the 
rapporteur, Mr Marvier, 
Having regard to the discussions at its 163 rd plenary 
session held on 29 and 30 November 1978 (meeting of 
29 November), 
HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING OPINION 
unanimously: 
1. General comments 
1.1. The Committee acknowledges the need to align 
the relevant Community rules with the terms of the 
Done at Brussels, 29 November 1978. 
Fabrizia BADUEL GLORIOSO Unesco Agreement on the importation of educational, 
scientific and cultural materials. 
1.2. While recognizing that the customs clauses of the 
Agreement are only relevant to trade with non-Member 
States, the Committee deplores the European Economic 
Community's inability to adopt more liberal provisions 
than those applied between States which have no special 
links with one another; the Committee therefore trusts 
that the Community will introduce proper arrangements 
for intra-Community trade in cultural materials and the 
like, taking account of the specific nature of such 
materials and the need to increase cultural interchange. 
1.3. With this proviso, the Committee cannot but 
endorse the draft Regulation. 
2. Specific comments 
2.1. Article 1 (3) 
2.1.1. The Committee contends that it is difficult to 
assess 'equivalent scientific value' in practice and 
deplores the failure to lay down clear, objective criteria. 
2.1.2. The Committee reiterates the comments which 
it made in this vein in its opinion of 29 May 1974 (*) on 
the same topic. 
0) OJ No C 109, 19. 9. 1974. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee
21. 5. 79 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 128/33 
Opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 222/77 
on Community transit 
The text referred to the Committee has been published in Official Journal of the European 
Communities No C 306 of 22 December 1978, page 3. 
A. LEGAL BASIS FOR THE OPINION 
On 19 December 1978 the Council referred the abovementioned proposal to the Economic 
and Social Committee in accordance with Article 198 of the Treaty establishing the 
European Economic Community. 
B. OPINION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE 
The Economic and Social Committee prepared its opinion on the above matter at its 165th 
plenary session held in Brussels on 24 and 25 January 1979. 
The full text of the opinion is as follows: 
THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European 
Economic Community, and in particular Article 198 
thereof, 
Having regard to the request made by the Council of 
the European Communities on 19 December 1978 for 
an opinion, 
Having regard to the decision taken on 24 January 
1979 appointing Mr Hipp Rapporteur-General to draw 
up the opinion on the matter, 
Having regard to Articles 18, 29 and 46 of the Rules of 
Procedure, 
Having regard to the oral report made by Mr Hipp, 
Having regard to the discussions at its meeting on 
24 January 1979 (165th plenary session), 
Done at Brussels, 24 January 1979. 
Fabrizia BADUEL GLORIOSO HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING OPINION 
unanimously: 
1. The Committee takes note of the conversion from 
units of account into European units of account of the 
maximum amount of the flat-rate guarantee and 
approves the proposed raising of the maximum amount 
from 5 000 u.a. to 7 000 EUA. 
2. The Commission has been giving thought to 
simplifying shortly some of the formalities connected 
with the Community transit system and the range of the 
guarantee. It therefore might have been appropriate to 
postpone raising the maximum amount of the flat-rate 
guarantee until such time as more far-reaching new 
arrangements were issued. But in view of the fact that 
consultations about these more extensive simplifications 
could not be concluded quickly enough, the Committee 
has no reservations about the proposal to press ahead 
with an increase of the maximum amount in 
conjunction with its conversion from units of account 
into European units of account. 
3. The Committee also approves the proposed 
abolition of the requirement for travellers to prove the 
Community status of goods which they are carrying in 
their luggage. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee
No C 247/58 Official Journal of the European Communities 1. 10. 79 
Opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 2511/69 
laying down special measures for improving the production and marketing of Community 
citrus fruit 
The text referred to the Committee has been published in Official Journal of the European 
Communities No C 104 of 26 April 1979, page 8. 
A. LEGAL BASIS FOR THE OPINION 
On 18 April 1979 the Council referred the abovementioned proposal to the Economic and 
Social Committee in accordance with Articles 43 and 198 of the Treaty establishing the 
European Economic Community. 
B. OPINION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE 
The Economic and Social Committee prepared its opinion on the above matter at its 169th 
plenary session held in Brussels on 27 and 28 June 1979. 
The full text of the opinion is as follows: 
THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European 
Economic Community, and in particular Articles 43 and 
198 thereof, 
Having regard to the request made by the Council of the 
European Communities on 18 April 1979 for an opinion, 
Having regard to the decision taken by its chairman on 
20 April 1979 instructing the Section for Agriculture to 
draw up an opinion on the matter, 
Having regard to its earlier work on this subject, 
Having regard to the opinion issued by the Section for 
Agriculture at its meeting held on 31 May 1979, 
Having regard to the oral report submitted by the 
rapporteur, Mr Rainero, 
Having regard to the discussions at its 169th plenary 
session held on 27 and 28 June 1979 (meeting of 27 June 
1979), HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING OPINION 
unanimously: 
The Committee approves the Commission's proposal to 
extend until 1985 the operation of Regulation (EEC) 
No 2511/69. 
The reason for this extension is the length of time 
required for the intervention measures laid down for 
switching production. 
The Committee also feels that the Regulation should be 
reviewed and specific improvements made in order to 
overcome the difficulties involved in restructuring 
operations. 
Such a review should take into account the success 
achieved by this Regulation in improving the marketing 
and processing structures. 
Done at Brussels, 27 June 1979. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Raffaele VANNI
30. 7. 81 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 189/13 
Opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation amending for the third time Regula­
tion (EEC) No 222/77 on Community transit 
The text referred to the Committee has been published in Official Journal of the Euro­
pean Communities No C 97 of 29 April 1981, page 4. 
A. LEGAL BASIS FOR THE OPINION 
On 19 February 1981 the Council referred the abovementioned proposal to the Econo­
mic and Social Committee in accordance with Article 198 of the Treaty establishing 
the European Economic Community. 
B. OPINION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE 
The Economic and Social Committee prepared its opinion on the above matter at its 
188th plenary session held in Brussels on 26 and 27 May 1981. 
The full text of the opinion is as follows: 
THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the Euro­
pean Economic Community, and in particular 
Article 198 thereof, Having regard to the opinion adopted by that Sec­
tion at its meeting on 6 May 1981, 
Having regard to the oral report of the rapporteur, 
Mr Marvier, 
Having regard to the request made by the Council 
of the European Communities on 19 February 1981 
for an opinion on the proposal for a Council Regu­
lation amending for the third time Regulation 
(EEC) No 222/77 on Community transit, 
Having regard to the decision taken by its Bureau 
on 24 February 1981, instructing the Section for 
Industry, Commerce, Crafts and Services to draw up 
an opinion and a report on this subject, Having regard to the discussions at its meeting on 
26 May 1981 (188th plenary session of 26 and 
27 May 1981), 
HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING OPINION 
unanimously: 
The Committee endorses the proposed Regulation. 
Done at Brussels, 26 May 1981. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Tomas ROSE ING RAVE
29. 7. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 188/19 
Opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 3599/82 on 
temporary importation arrangements as regards the date of its implementation (') 
(85/C 188/09) 
On 2 May 1985 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, acting 
under the optional consultative clause of the Treaty establishing the European Economic 
Community, on the abovementioned proposal. 
The Economic and Social Committee appointed Mr Broicher rapporteur-general to prepare 
the Committee's work on the matter. 
At its 227th plenary session (meeting of 30 May 1985) the Committee unanimously adopted 
the following opinion: 
The Economic and Social Committee approves the Commission's proposal. 
Done at Brussels, 30 May 1985. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Gerd MUHR 
(') OJNoC 117, 11.5. 1985, p. 6. 
Opinion on the proposal for a Council Directive on limit values and quality objectives 
for discharges of certain dangerous substances included in list I in the Annex to Directive 
76/464/EEC 
(85/C 188/10) 
On 11 February 1985 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, 
under Articles 100 and 235 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the 
abovementioned proposal. 
The Section for Protection of the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Affairs, which 
was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 
14 May 1985. (rapporteur: Mr Vercellino). 
At its 227th plenary session (meeting of 30 May 1985), the Economic and Social Committee 
unanimously adopted the following opinion: 
1. Introduction 
1.1. The Commission proposal consists of an imple­
menting Directive covering a number of dangerous 
substances discharged into water. The objective is to 
monitor such emissions and prevent any harmful 
effects, in accordance with the framework Directive 
-adopted nearly 10 years ago on 4May 1976. The 
Committee supports the proposed Directive, consid­
ering it an important and useful move in the drive to 
combat pollution and protect the environment. It 
nevertheless feels that the proposal could have been 
drawn up more swiftly. Its comments, plus a number of 
reservations and suggestions, are set out below. 1.2. The Committee appreciates that the Commission 
was faced with the weighty and complex task of 
research and preparation, involving the gathering of 
vast amounts of information and details of projects, all 
of which required a considerable amount of time and 
lengthy discussions with national bodies and experts. 
1.3. This work has culminated in an important step 
forwards: with the cooperation of representatives and 
experts throughout the Community, 1 500 substances 
with a special chemical structure were identified from a 
total of around 50 000 substances used for technical 
purposes; of these, 500 substances produced in the 
EEC in quantities greater than 100 tonnes per annum
No. C 328/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 22. 12. 86 
Opinion on the proposal for a Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of 
the Member States relating to materials and articles intended to come into contact with 
' foodstuffs (!) 
(86/C 328/03) 
On 29 April 1986 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, 
under Article 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, on the 
abovementioned proposal. 
The preparatory work was referred to the Section for Protection of the Environment, Public 
Health and Consumer Affairs. This appointed Mr Poul Antonsen as rapporteur. 
The Section adopted its opinion on 1 and 2 September 1986. 
At its 239th plenary session (meeting of 17 September 1986) the Economic and Social 
Committee adopted the following opinion unanimously: 
1. General comments 
1.1. The Committee approves the Commission's pro­
posal subject to the following comments. 
1.2. The Committee has reservations regarding the 
proposed 'Advisory Committee Procedure', but this 
subject is dealt with in its opinion on 'Completion of 
the Internal Market: Community Legislation on Food­
stuffs'. 
2. Specific Comments 
2.1. Article 2 
The Committee welcomes the emphasis put by the 
Commission on public health, and stresses the need to 
treat public health as a matter of the utmost importance. 
2.2. Article 2 
There seems to be a discrepancy between the English 
(bring about an unacceptable change in the composition 
of the foodstuffs or a deterioration in the organoleptic 
characteristics thereof) and German versions of the 
second indent. The discrepancy is also found in the 
present Directive 76/893/EEC. 
2.3. Article 2 
The word 'unacceptable' is imprecise, its meaning 
should be specified. 
(!) OJ No C 124, 23. 5. 1986, p. 10. 2.4. Article 3 
The Committee feels it should be made clear that rules 
on composition can be applied, as well as rules on 
migration. Care should be taken to ensure that Ar­
ticle 3 is not administered in such a way as to constitute 
a trade barrier. 
2.5. Article 5 
The Committee draws attention to the need for label­
ling to take account of the requirements of the blind 
and weak-sighted. 
2.6. Article 9 
The Committee feels that this article should specify a 
time limit, consistent with those set in Article 10, for 
repeal of Directive 76/893/EEC. 
2.7. Annex I 
The Committee proposes that the Commission add 
'covering materials made of paraffin or microcrystalline 
wax' as these are not considered to be plastics for the 
purposes of Article 1 of Directive 82/711/EEC. 
2.8. Annex 11.2 
The Committee finds that the expression 'suitable' is 
not clear and does not give any indication of what 
toxicological testing would be needed in a given case. 
(The Commission has, however, at the Section meeting 
referred to reports of the Scientific Committee for Food, 
Third series, 1977: Toxicological evaluation of a sub­
stance for materials and articles intended to come into 
contact with foodstuffs.) 
Done at Brussels, 17 September 1986. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Gerd MUHR
30. 3. 87 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 83/11 
Opinion on the proposal for a Directive of the Council amending Directive 84/534/EEC on 
the Approximation of the Laws of the Member States relating to the permissible sound power 
level of tower cranes (J) 
(87/C 83/08) 
On 9 October 1986, the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee under 
Article 100 of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, on the abovementioned 
proposal. 
The Section for Industry, Commerce, Crafts and Services, which was responsible for preparing the 
Committee's work on the subject, adopted its Opinion on 7 January 1987 in the light of the Report 
by Mr Pearson. 
At its 243rd Plenary Session (meeting of 29 January 1987) the Economic and Social Committee 
adopted the following Opinion unanimously. 
The Committee accepts the Proposal for an amending Directive subject to the following comments: 
1. General comments 
1.1. The Committee is in agreement with the Com­
mission's approach which is to fix the permissible sound 
pressure level at the tower crane operator's position at 85 
dB(A) for a period of five years after which the level will be 
further reduced to 80 dB (A). The Committee accepts that 
the levels meet the requirements of operator health and 
environmental protection: it would however like to see this 
explicity mentioned in the Directive's objectives. These 
levels, in the Committee's Opinion, are realistic and 
practicable in view of the widely diverging present situation 
on the market. The 5-year deadline before a new lower level 
is introduced will enable manufacturers to anticipate 
technical problems and if needed bring about the necessary 
modifications in their products. 
2. Specific comments the present amending Directive which concerns tower 
cranes with an operator's position fixed to the structure of 
the tower crane, and not, for example, remote control 
operated tower cranes, etc. Likewise it invites the 
Commission to render it clear that the Directive will apply 
only to tower cranes manufactured after the date of 
application of the Directive. 
2.2. Article 1, paragraph 2 (c) 
The Committee asks the Commission to make it clear that 
the integration period for sound pressure measurements at 
the operator's position must be as specified in Annex 1(7) 
of parent Directive 84/534/EEC; i.e. the measuring period 
must be long enough for reliable figures to be obtained. 
2.1. Article 1, paragraph 1 
The Committee asks the Commission to specify in this 
article, and not just in an Annex, the field of application of 
(!) OJ No C 267, 23. 10. 1986, p. 4. 2.3. Annex 111 
The Committee assumes that the Commission will update 
the type approval model in Annex III to comply with the 
new proposals. 
Done at Brussels, 29 January 1987. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Alfons MARGOT
No C 232/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 31. 8. 87 
boosted in the medium term in view of the scale of the tasks 
and the targets set by the Commission in the 4th 
Environmental Action Programme. (COM of 8 October 
1986). 
3.2. Close links must be established with environmental 
organizations and groups in order to upgrade the innovatory 
aspect of environmental conservation projects. These bodies 
must inter alia be specifically informed about the funds 
available for assisting Community environmental actions. 3.3. The Committee welcomes the Commission report on 
measures taken to date. It nevertheless urges the Commission 
to ensure that the proposed measures and their results are 
given effective wide publicity. Support must be provided for 
swapping information between the Member States on 
environmental measures which have been assisted. This is the 
only way to ensure that the positive experiences gained from 
demonstration projects are utilized throughout the 
Community. 
Done at Brussels, 1 July 1987. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Alfons MARGOT 
Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the proposal for a Council Directive amending 
Directive 76/116/EEC in respect of fluid fertilizers (J) 
(87/C 232/04) 
On 14 January 1987 the Council decjded to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under 
Article 100 of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, on the abovementioned 
proposal. 
The Section for Industry, Commerce, Crafts and Services, which was responsible for preparing the 
Committee's work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 6 May 1987, in the light of the report by Mr 
Bento Concalves. 
At its 247th plenary session (meeting of 1 July 1987) the Economic and Social Committee adopted the 
following opinion unanimously: 
The Committee endorsed the Commission proposal amending Directive 76/116/EEC, subject to the 
comments below. 
1. General comments 
The Committee would draw attention to the comments 
contained in its opinion of 27 September 1972 on Council 
Directive 76/116/EEC (2), especially as regards the 
prospects for protection of the environment and of public 
health, and the harmonization of Member States' legislation 
on fertilizers with a view to achieving fair conditions of 
competition on the market and guaranteeing the quality of 
fluid fertilizers through rigorous identification, the aim being 
to protect the consumer. 2. Specific comments 
2.1. Article 1 (2) — referring to Article 4 (3) of Directive 
76/116/EEC 
This point should be clarified, given that the phrase 
'directions for their correct storage' can be interpreted in 
various ways. The phrase could perhaps be reworded 'precise 
directions for their storage'. 
Done at Brussels, 1 July 1987. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Alfons MARGOT 
{») OJ No C 12, 16. 1. 1987, p. 3. 
(2) OJ No C 123, 27. 11. 1972, p. 34.
8. 8. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 208/55 
desirable also to set up a more regular scheme for Reports should also be sent to the Economic and Social 
informing the other Member States. Committee for its Opinion. 
Done at Brussels, 3 June 1988. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Alfons MARGOT 
Opinion on the proposal for a Council Directive amending for the ninth time Directive 76/ 
769/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the 
Member States relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous 
substances and preparations 
(88/C 208/15) 
On 3 May 1988 the Council of the European Communities decided to consult the Economic 
and Social Committee, under Article 100A of the Treaty establishing the European Economic 
Community, on the abovementioned proposal. 
The Section for Protection of the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Affairs was 
instructed to prepare the Committee's work on the subject. In the course of its work, the 
Committee appointed Mr Proumens rapporteur-general. 
At its 256th plenary session (meeting of 2 June 1988) the Economic and Social Committee 
adopted the following Opinion by a large majority, except for one abstention. 
The Committee welcomes this ninth amendment to Directive 76/769/EEC. The amendment 
is essentially concerned with one substance: pentachlorophenol. 
The Committee does not feel it necessary to comment on the details of this ninth amendment, 
having already discussed its aims in the Opinion on the eighth amendment to the Directive, 
which was adopted at the Committee's plenary session of 27 and 28 April 1988. 
The Committee nonetheless calls on the Commission to exercise vigilance as regards possible 
substitute products so as to ensure that they do not have other drawbacks different from 
those of pentachlorophenol itself. 
Specific comment 
The Committee would like point b) in Article 1 to read as follows: 
'b) in the impregnation in industrial installations of heavy-duty textiles and industrial fibres 
not intended for use in clothing.' 
Done at Brussels, 2 June 1988. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Alfons MARGOT