WRITTEN QUESTION E-0883/97 by Agnes Schierhuber (PPE) to the Commission (12 March 1997)

Subject: EC type-approval for agricultural and forestry tractors - implementation of the internal market

Directive 74/150/EEC ((OJ L 84, 28.3.1974, p. 10.)) on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the type-approval of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors opened up the possibility of EEC type-approval being granted for tractors with a maximum design speed of 25 km/h, later raised to 30 km/h. The current Commission proposal amending Directive 74/150/EEC (COM(96)0196 as amended by COM(97)0005) proposes raising the maximum design speed to 40 km/h.

Unlike for motor vehicles, only a draft from the Commission's DG III dating from 1994 specifies an EC type-approval procedure for agricultural and forestry tractors.

The lack of an EC type-approval procedure makes it practically impossible to purchase a tractor in another Member State, thus constituting a barrier to the free movement of goods.

This prompts the following questions:

1. Why, four years after implementation of the internal market, is there still no Commission proposal introducing an EC type-approval procedure for agricultural and forestry tractors?

2. Is the Commission aware that some general importers in Austria do not apply for type-approval - mainly on grounds of cost - but for individual approval for each tractor?

3. Does it plan to raise the maximum speed to 50 km/h? This is the maximum speed on many more recent models that are in production.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (13 May 1997)

1. The Community type-approval procedure for tractors was implemented well before the procedure for motor vehicles: it was introduced by Directive 74/150/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the type approval of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors, which was amended in 1979 (Directive 79/694/EEC ((OJ L 205, 13.8.1979. ))) and again in 1988 (Directive 88/297/EEC ((OJ L 126, 20.5.1988. ))), and by 22 specific directives.

With regard to increasing the maximum speed from 30 km/h to 40 km/h, I must emphasize that a number of Member States - until 1996 - were unwilling to accept maximum tractor speeds in excess of 30 km/h, chiefly on environmental and safety grounds. It is true that in several Member States tractors do not have to be registered, may be driven without a licence and are not subject to roadworthiness tests.

Finally, having first agreed in 1996 on a proposal for a Directive on braking systems (Directive 96/63/EC ((OJ L 253, 10.5.1996. ))), the Member States reached an agreement (Council common position of 13 March 1997) on increasing the speed to 40 km/h. According to the manufacturers, tractors having a maximum design speed of 40 km/h account for 90% of the European market.

2. The Commission, via regulatory committees and working groups, is in close touch with national representatives, including those from Austria. In its proposal for a revision of the Framework Directive, currently being drafted, the Commission intends to provide for the approval of small batches of vehicles (less than 100) which would not require type approval. This move has the support of the Austrian delegation.

Contrary to what is asserted by the Honourable Member, importers would find the inspection and approval of individual tractors much more expensive than type approval.

3. For the moment, the Commission is endeavouring to persuade the Council and European Parliament to adopt the proposal increasing the maximum speed of tractors to 40 km/h, and is busy preparing a revision of the Framework Directive so that it will cover not only tailers and implements towed or pushed by tractors but also 'fast' tractors (capable of speeds exceeding 40 km/h). The latter, which currently represent less than 10% of the European market, will require not only a revision of the Framework Directive (currently being drafted) but also amendments to particular Directives on safety and environmental protection. Working groups are already meeting to tackle these tasks.