Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe {SEC(2005) 1133}
Date: 2005-09-21
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: air quality, environmental policy, health policy, prevention of pollution, public awareness campaign, quality of the environment

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 21.9.2005 
COM(2005) 447 final 

2005/0183 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe 

(presented by the Commission) 

{SEC(2005) 1133} 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

1) 

CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL110 

•  Grounds for and objectives of the proposal 

In the context of its "Better Regulation" initiative in June 2002, the Commission proposed in 
February  2003  a  policy  for  updating  and  simplifying  the  Community  acquis.  This  aimed  at 
securing  a  clear,  understandable,  up-to-date  and  user-friendly  body  of  EC  secondary  law. 
Following  on  from  this  initiative,  the  current  proposal  aims  to  merge  the  provisions  of  five 
separate  legal  instruments  into  a  single  directive  with  the  intention  of  simplifying, 
streamlining and reducing the volume of existing legislation. In addition the proposal aims to 
revise substantially the existing provisions so as to incorporate the latest health and scientific 
developments and the experience of the Member States.120 

•  General context 

Air pollution has long been recognised as posing a significant risk to human health and the 
environment. In 1996 the Air Quality Framework Directive was adopted which established a 
Community framework for the assessment and management of ambient air quality in the EU. 
The  Framework  Directive  also  provided  a  list  of  priority  pollutants  for  which  air  quality 
objectives  would  be  established  in  daughter  legislation.  There  have  subsequently  been  four 
daughter directives in respect of particular pollutants and a Council Decision to bring about 
the reciprocal exchange of air quality monitoring information. 

to  reduce  average  statistical 

The  impact  assessment  accompanying  this  proposal  has  estimated  the  damage  costs  due  to 
human exposure to particulate matter and ozone in ambient air. In the year 2000, exposure to 
particulate  matter  was  estimated 
life  expectancy  by 
approximately nine months in the EU-25. This equates to approximately 3.6 million life years 
lost or 348 000 premature mortalities per annum. In addition, it has been estimated that there 
were some 21 400 cases of hastened death due to ozone. Significant progress is expected in 
reducing  harmful  emissions  of  particulate  matter  and  its  precursors  between  now  and  2020 
such  that  the  average  loss  in  statistical  life  expectancy  is  expected  to  reduce  to  around 
5.5 months.  There  is  also  expected  to  be  a  reduction  of  around  600  cases  of  hastened  death 
due to ozone over the same time period. The damage costs of these impacts in 2020 has been 
estimated at between EUR 189 to 609 billion per annum.130 

•  Existing provisions in the area of the proposal 

This  proposal  aims  to  revise  and  combine  the  following  separate  instruments  into  a  single 
legal act. 

Council Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality assessment and management (“Framework 
Directive"), OJ L 296, 21.11.1996, p. 55. 

Council  Directive  1999/30/EC  relating  to  limit  values  for  sulphur  dioxide,  nitrogen  dioxide 
and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air, OJ L 163, 29.6.1999, p. 41 
("First Daughter Directive"). 

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Directive 2000/69/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to limit values 
for  benzene  and  carbon  monoxide  in  ambient  air,  OJ  L  313,  13.12.2000,  p.  12  ("Second 
Daughter Directive"). 

Directive  2002/3/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  relating  to  ozone  in 
ambient air, OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 14 ("Third Daughter Directive"). 

Council Decision 97/101/EC establishing a reciprocal exchange of information and data from 
networks and  individual stations measuring ambient air pollution within the member States, 
OJ L 35, 5.2.1997, p. 14 ("Exchange of Information Decision").140 

•  Consistency with other policies and objectives of the Union 

This  proposal  is  consistent  with  Article  175  of  the  Treaty  establishing  the  European 
Community and aims to provide a high level of protection for human health the environment. 

2) 

CONSULTATION OF INTERESTED PARTIES AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT 

•  Consultation of interested parties 

2Consultation methods, main sectors targeted and general profile of respondents 

Approximately 13 main meetings with stakeholders including industry groups (road vehicles, 
oil refiners, VOCs industries and general industry representatives), Member States and NGOs 
including  the  European  Environment  Bureau,  the  Swedish  Secretariat  on  Acid  Rain  and  the 
World Health Organisation (WHO) were carried out. Accession and EEA countries were also 
invited to these meetings. There have also been approximately one hundred or so meetings of 
various technical working groups which have been organised by the Commission services. In 
addition,  a  web  based  consultation  was  held  on  elements  of  the  thematic  strategy  on  air 
pollution which encompassed elements of the current proposal.212 

Summary of responses and how they have been taken into account 

The  views  of  the  Member  States  and  other  stakeholders  are  generally  supportive  of  the 
Commission's  initiative  to  simplify  the  legislation.  Member  States  also  (i)  recognise  the 
importance to address the new air pollutant PM2.5, (ii) are cautious about the absolute level at 
which  any  air  quality  standard  may  be  set  in  light  of  the  potential  costs  and  feasibility  of 
compliance, and (iii) supportive of the idea to reduce exposure generally and more in places 
where  pollution  is  greatest.  The  proposal,  therefore,  foresees  a  relatively  high  concentration 
cap  for  PM2.5  that  would  apply  everywhere  in  the  EU  and  which  would  ensure  protection 
against  unduly  high  risks  but  would  only  impose  burdens  in  the  most  polluted  areas.  In 
addition,  Member  States  would  be  obliged  to  measure  PM2.5  in  urban  background  locations 
and  to  bring  about  a  differentiated  reduction  in  the  average  levels  measured  according  to 
measured  pollution  levels  in  2010.  This  will  enable  general  exposure  to  be  reduced  in  the 
most effective manner as decided by the Member States.213 

An  open  consultation  was  conducted  over  the  internet  from  1  December  2004  to 
31 January 2005.  The  Commission  received  11 578  responses.  The  results  are  available  on 
http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/air/cafe/pdf/air_pollu_en.pdf. 

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•  Collection and use of expertise 

Scientific/expertise domains concerned 

The following areas of expertise have been used in developing this proposal and the thematic 
strategy  on  air  pollution:  (1)  impacts  of  air  pollution  on  human  health,  (2)  integrated 
assessment modelling and development of cost-effective control strategies, (3) health impacts 
estimation  including  monetary  quantification,  (4)  ecosystem  benefits  estimation,  (5) 
macroeconomic modelling, and (6) air quality assessment and management expertise.222 

Methodology used 

Service contracts and grant agreements and meetings convened by the Commission.223 

Main organisations/experts consulted 

The  World  Health  Organisation,  International  Institute  of  Applied  Systems  Analysis,  AEA 
Technology,  The  Convention  on  Long  Range  Transboundary  Air  Pollution,  The  European 
Environment Agency, The Joint Research Centre (ISPRA), the Commission's working group 
on  particulate  matter,  Commission's  working  group  on  implementation  and  the  Scientific 
Committee on Health and Environmental Risk (SCHER) of the European Commission.2249 

Summary of advice received and used225 

The overwhelming evidence that the Commission has received can be summarised as follows: 
(i)  there  is  a  health  risk  from  PM2.5,  (ii)  PM2.5  is  a  better  metric  for  anthropogenic 
contributions to ambient levels of particulate matter, and (iii) the risk from the coarse fraction 
(between PM2.5 and PM10) cannot be ignored.226 

Means used to make the expert advice publicly available 

All reports from experts and contracts have been routinely uploaded to the internet for public 
dissemination.230 

•  Impact assessment 

The  Commission  has  considered  the  following  options  in  respect  of  controlling  human 
exposure  to  PM2.5.  Each  option  assumes  that  the  existing  limit  values  for  PM10  remain  in 
force. 

(1) 

(2) 

Introduce  an  exposure  reduction  target  for  PM2,5  to  be  attained  by  2020,  to  reduce 
annual  average  urban  background  concentrations  of  PM2.5  by  a  defined  percentage 
rate  of  the  Member  State  measured  average  over  2008-2010.  This  target  to  be 
achieved as far as possible but is not legally binding. 

Replace the indicative limit values for PM10 for the year 2010 by a legally binding 
limit value for annual average concentrations of PM2.5 to be attained by 2015. Such a 
limit value would be designed to offer a high degree of protection to the population 
and would apply everywhere in the territory of the Member States; 

(3) 

Replace the indicative limit values for PM10 for the year 2010 by a legally binding 
“cap”  for  the  annual  average  concentrations  of  PM2.5  of  25µgm-3  to  be  attained  by 

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2010.  Such  a  “cap”  or  ceiling  would  be  designed  to  limit  unduly  high  risks  to  the 
population; 

(4) 

Replace  the  indicative  limit  values  for  PM10  for  the  year  2010  by  a  non-  binding 
target for the annual average concentrations of PM2.5 to be attained as far as possible 
by  2010.  Such  a  target  value  would  be  numerically  identical  to  the  limit  value  in 
option (2) above; and 

(5) 

Do  nothing,  i.e.  do  not  introduce  any  requirement  to  reduce  human  exposure  to 
PM2.5. 

In light of the  significant impacts on the European economy, option (5) of doing nothing is 
not  a  serious  option.  The  Commission  proposes  a  combination  of  options  (1)  and  (3).  This 
combination  is  in  line  with  the  best  advice  received  from  the  WHO.  The  analyses 
underpinning  the  impact  assessment  show  that  a  stringent  uniform  limit  value  is  not  as 
cost-effective as option (1) because a limit value would have most effect in the most polluted 
areas which is not necessarily where most people are exposed. The benefits of the preferred 
combination have been estimated at EUR 37 to 120 billion per annum with costs of around 
EUR 5 billion per annum. 

The  simplification  exercise  and  the  modernisation  of  reporting  requirements  are  likely  to 
reduce  the  administrative  burden  on  Member  States  though  this  cannot  be  quantified 
precisely.  However,  the  proposals  will  require  some  additional  monitoring  of  air  quality 
though  the  costs  involved  are  small  and  of  the  order  of  several  million  Euros.  This  will 
improve our understanding of air pollution and should permit in the longer term a greater use 
of modelling when assessing air quality rather than using more expensive monitoring.231 

The  Commission  carried  out  an  impact  assessment  listed  in  the  Work  Programme,  whose 
report is accessible on http://www.europa.eu./dg/env/cafe/index. 

3) 

LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSAL305 

•  Summary of the proposed action 

The aim of the current proposal is to revise substantially and merge five separate elements of 
the existing acquis on ambient air quality into a single directive. This will necessarily simplify 
and  streamline  existing  provisions  particularly  in  respect  of  monitoring  and  reporting.  The 
proposal will also update the provisions to reflect new scientific developments and introduce 
controls on human exposure to PM2.5 in ambient air.310 

•  Legal basis 

The legal basis of the proposal is Article 175 of the Treaty.320 

•  Subsidiarity principle 

The  subsidiarity  principle  applies  insofar  as  the  proposal  does  not  fall  under  the  exclusive 
competence of the Community. 

The objectives of the proposal cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States for the 
following reasons.321 

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The  existing  legislation  established  minimum  standards  of  air  quality  throughout  the 
Community  and  this  principle  is  maintained  in  the  simplification.  In  addition,  particulate 
matter  in  air  consists  of  a  substantial  transboundary  component  and  so  all  Member  States 
must  take  measures  in  order  that  the  risks  to  the  population  in  each  Member  States  can  be 
reduced. 

Community  action  will  better  achieve  the  objectives  of  the  proposal  for  the  following 
reasons.324 

The major thrust of this proposal is to amend and simplify existing legislation which applies 
minimum  standards  of  air  quality  across  the  whole  Community.  In  addition,  PM2.5  has  a 
substantial  transboundary  component  such  that  once  pollution  is  emitted  or  formed  in  the 
atmosphere  it  can  be  transported  over  thousands  of  kilometres.  So  the  scale  of  the  problem 
requires Community-wide action.325 

Atmospheric modelling and measurements of air pollution demonstrate beyond doubt that the 
pollution  emitted  in  one  Member  State  contributes  to  measured  pollution  in  other  Member 
States.  This  shows  that  individual  Member  States  cannot  solve  the  problems  alone  and 
concerted action at the EU scale is required.327 

The  proposal  concentrates  on  simplifications  to  existing  legislation.  On  PM2.5,  the  proposal 
sets Community objectives for each Member State but leaves the means of compliance to be 
decided by the appropriate Member State authorities thus ensuring minimum standards of air 
quality for all citizens of the EU. 

The proposal therefore complies with the subsidiarity principle. 

•  Proportionality principle 

The proposal complies with the proportionality principle for the following reasons.331 

The  chosen  legal  instrument  is  a  directive,  as  (1)  the  proposal  aims  to  simplify  existing 
directives; and (2) it establishes objectives whilst leaving the details of implementation to the 
Member  States  who  have  more  precise  knowledge  of  local  circumstances  and  the  measures 
that will deliver air quality benefits most cost-effectively.332 

The proposal aims to simplify the monitoring and reporting requirements by moving towards 
a  shared  information  system  and  electronic  reporting.  In  addition,  certain  reporting 
requirements will be repealed. This will reduce the administrative burden on Member States 
though  the  precise  extent  cannot  yet  be  quantified.  In  addition,  although  the  proposal  will 
require additional monitoring requirements in the short to medium term, this will eventually 
permit  a  greater  scientific  understanding  of  certain  air  pollution  problems  which  should  in 
turn  permit  a  greater  use  of  modelling  to  assess  air  quality  rather  than  more  expensive 
monitoring. Thus cost savings in monitoring activities can be expected in the longer term. 

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•  Choice of instruments 

Proposed instruments: directive.342 

Other means would not be adequate for the following reasons. 

The  aim  of  the  current  proposal  is  to  merge  and  simplify  four  existing  directives  and  a 
Council decision into a single instrument. Given this, and given  that the existing legislation 
sets Community objectives but leaves the choice of measures for compliance to the Member 
States then the best instrument is a directive. 

4) 

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION409 

The  research  needs  linked  to  the  proposal  will  be  covered  by  Member  States,  with  an  EU 
contribution  covered  by  the  budget  already  allocated  for  this  purpose  in  the  7th  Research 
Framework  Programme  as  proposed  by  the  Commission  for  the  financial  perspectives 
2007-2013.  The  proposal  has  no  implication  for  the  Community  budget  which  would  go 
beyond these actions. 

5) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION510 

•  Simplification 

The  proposal  provides  for  simplification  of  legislation  and  simplification  of  administrative 
procedures for public authorities (EU or national).512 

Four  directives  and  one  Council  decision  will  be  merged  into  a  single  directive.  Redundant 
provisions  will  be  repealed,  consistency  between  the  separate  legal  acts  improved  and 
unnecessary obligations repealed. Non-essential reporting requirements will be repealed and it 
is  anticipated  that  future  monitoring  will  be  by  electronic  means  only  thus  reducing  the 
administrative burden on Member States.513 

Reporting  and  monitoring  requirements  will  be  simplified  with  a  move  towards  electronic 
reporting. This should assist Member States' internal administrative requirements.515 

The  proposal  is  included  in  the  Commission's  rolling  programme  for  up-date  and 
simplification of the acquis communautaire and its Work and Legislative Programme under 
the reference CLWP 2004 1011 fiche 2005.520 

•  Repeal of existing legislation 

The adoption of the proposal will lead to the repeal of existing legislation. 

•  Review/revision/sunset clause 

The Commission will review, within five years following the adoption of this Directive, the 
provisions related to PM2,5. In particular the Commission will develop and propose a detailed 
approach  to  establish  legally  binding  exposure  reduction  obligations  which  take  account  of 
differing future air quality situations and reduction potentials in the Member States.550 

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•  Correlation table 

The  Member  States  are  required  to  communicate  to  the  Commission  the  text  of  national 
provisions  transposing  the  Directive  as  well  as  a  correlation  table  between  those  provisions 
and this Directive.560 

•  European Economic Area 

The  proposed  act  concerns  an  EEA  matter  and  should  therefore  extend  to  the  European 
Economic Area.570 

•  Detailed explanation of the proposal 

As  the  major  thrust  of  this  proposal  is  to  revise  and  merge  several  legal  texts  and  remove 
redundant text, only major changes to the existing legislation are described here. 

Chapter III (Air Quality Management): 

The  Commission  does  not  propose  to  modify  the  existing  air  quality  limit  values  but  will 
propose  a  strengthening  of  existing  provisions  so  that  Member  States  will  be  obliged  to 
prepare and implement plans and programmes to remove non-compliances. However, where 
Member States have taken all reasonable measures the Commission will propose that Member 
States be allowed to delay the attainment date in affected zones where limit values are not yet 
complied with, if certain objective criteria are met. Any extension will have to be notified to 
the  Commission.  Furthermore,  the  Commission  will  confirm  the  intent  of  the  current 
legislation to discount pollutant contributions from natural sources for compliance purposes. 

There is strong evidence to conclude that fine particles (PM2.5) are more hazardous than larger 
ones. However, the coarse fraction (particles in the range of 2.5 to 10 µm in diameter) cannot 
be ignored. As such a new approach to control PM2.5 is required to complement the existing 
controls on PM10. This is supported by the Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental 
Risks. The proposed approach would establish a concentration cap for PM2.5 in ambient air set 
to  prevent  unduly  high  risks  to  the  population  and  to  be  attained  by  2010.  This  would  be 
coupled with a non-binding target to reduce human exposure generally to PM2.5 between 2010 
and 2020 in each Member State, based upon measurement data. 

The  proposal  also  envisages  more  comprehensive  monitoring  of  certain  pollutants  such  as 
PM2.5.  This  will  permit  a  greater  understanding  of  this  pollutant  and  lead  to  better  policy 
development in the future. In addition, this monitoring should eventually permit a greater use 
of  modelling  and  objective  estimation  techniques  to  assess  the  extent  of  air  pollution.  This 
should allow less use of more expensive monitoring. 

Chapter V (Information and Reporting): 

The Commission proposes to move to a system of electronic reporting based upon a shared 
information  system  within  the  INSPIRE  framework1.  This  approach  will  reduce  paperwork, 
shorten  information  flows,  enhance  assessment  capabilities  and  improve  public  access  to 
information.  As  such,  those  provisions  of  the  Exchange  of  Information  Decision  relating  to 

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COM(2004) 516 final. 

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the  mechanism  for  reporting  will  remain  in  force  until  such  time  as  new  implementing 
provisions are adopted under the INSPIRE Directive.. 

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2005/0183 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL  

on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe 

(Text with EEA relevance) 

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the  European  Community,  and  in  particular 
Article 175 thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission1, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee2, 

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions3, 

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty4, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

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2 
3 
4 
5 
6 

The  Sixth  Community  Environment  Action  Programme  adopted  by  Decision 
No 1600/2002/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  22  July  20025 
establishes  the  need  to  reduce  pollution  to levels  which  minimise  harmful  effects  on 
the 
human  health,  paying  particular  attention 
environment  as  a  whole,  to  improve  the  monitoring  and  assessment  of  air  quality 
including the deposition of pollutants and to provide information to the public. 

to  sensitive  populations,  and 

In order to protect human health and the environment as a whole, emissions of harmful 
air  pollutants  should  be  avoided,  prevented  or  reduced  and  appropriate  standards  set 
for  ambient  air  quality  taking  into  account  relevant  World  Health  Organisation 
standards, guidelines and programmes. 

Council Directive 96/62/EC of 27 September 1996 on ambient air quality assessment 
and  management6,  Council  Directive  1999/30/EC  of  22  April  1999  relating  to  limit 
values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter 

OJ […], […], p. […]. 
OJ […], […], p. […]. 
OJ […], […], p. […]. 
Opinion of the European Parliament of […], Council Common Position of […]. 
OJ L 242, 10.9.2002, p. 1. 
OJ L 296, 21.11.1996, p. 55. Directive as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European 
Parliament and the Council (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1). 

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and lead in ambient air7, Directive 2000/69/EC of the European Parliament and of the 
Council  of  16  November  2000  relating  to  limit  values  for  benzene  and  carbon 
monoxide in ambient air8, Directive 2002/3/EC of the European Parliament and of the 
Council  of  12  February  2002  relating  to  ozone  in  ambient  air9  and  Council 
Decision 97/101/EC  of  27  January  1997  establishing  a  reciprocal  exchange  of 
information  and  data  from  networks  and  individual  stations  measuring  ambient  air 
pollution  within  the  Member  States10  need  to  be  substantially  revised  in  order  to 
incorporate  the  latest  health  and  scientific  developments  and  the  experience  of  the 
Member States. In the interests of clarity, simplification and administrative efficiency 
it is therefore appropriate that those five acts be replaced by a single Directive.  

Once  sufficient  experience  has  been  gained  in  relation  to  the  implementation  of 
the  Council  of 
Directive  2004/107/EC  of 
15 December  2004  relating  to  arsenic,  cadmium,  mercury,  nickel  and  polycyclic 
aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air11 consideration may be given to the possibility 
of merging its provisions with those of this Directive. 

the  European  Parliament  and  of 

A common approach to the assessment of air quality should be followed according to 
common  assessment  criteria.  When  assessing  ambient  air  quality,  account  should  be 
taken of the size of populations and ecosystems exposed to air pollution. It is therefore 
appropriate to classify the territory of each Member State into zones or agglomerations 
reflecting the population density. 

In  order  to  ensure  that  the  information  collected  on  air  pollution  is  sufficiently 
representative and comparable across the Community, it is important that standardised 
measurement  techniques  and  common  criteria  for  the  number  and  location  of 
measuring  stations  are  used  for  the  assessment  of  ambient  air  quality.  Techniques 
other than measurements can be used to assess ambient air quality and it is therefore 
necessary to define criteria for the use and required accuracy of such techniques. 

Detailed  measurements  of  fine  particulate  matter  at  background  locations  should  be 
made  in  order  to  understand  better  the  impacts  of  this  pollutant  and  to  develop 
appropriate policies. Such measurements should be made in a manner consistent with 
those of the cooperative programme for monitoring and evaluation of the long range 
transmission of air pollutants in Europe (EMEP) set up under the 1979 Convention on 
Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution approved by Council Decision 81/462/EEC 
of 11 June 198112. 

Air quality status should be maintained or improved where it is already good. Where 
air  quality  standards  are  exceeded,  Member  States  should  take  action  so  that  they 
achieve  compliance  with  the  specified  values  but  exceedances  attributable  to 
wintertime sanding of roads should be ignored. 

OJ L 163, 29.6.1999, p. 41. Directive as amended by Commission Decision 2001/744/EC (OJ L 278, 
23.10.2001, p. 35). 
OJ L 313, 13.12.2000, p. 12. 
OJ L 67, 9.3.2002, p. 14. 
OJ  L  35,  5.2.1997,  p.  14.  Decision  as  amended  by  Commission  Decision  2001/752/EC  (OJ  L  282, 
26.10.2001, p. 69). 
OJ L 23, 26.1.2005, p. 3. 
OJ L 171 , 27.6.1981, p. 11. 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

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(9) 

The risk to vegetation from air pollution is most important in places away from urban 
areas,  where  such  vegetation  is  situated.  The  assessment  of  such  risks  and  the 
compliance with air quality standards for the protection of vegetation should therefore 
focus on places away from built-up areas. 

(10)  Fine  particulate  matter  (PM2,5)  is  responsible  for  significant  negative  impacts  on 
human  health.  Further,  there  is  as  yet  no  identifiable  threshold  below  which 
PM2,5would not pose a risk. As such, this pollutant should not be regulated in the same 
way  as  other  air  pollutants.  The  approach  should  aim  at  a  general  reduction  of 
concentrations in the urban background to ensure that large sections of the population 
benefit  from  improved  air  quality.  However,  to  ensure  a  minimum  degree  of  health 
protection  everywhere,  that  approach  should  be  combined  with  an  absolute 
concentration cap. 

(11)  The  existing  long-term  objectives  of  ensuring  effective  protection  against  harmful 
effects on human health and vegetation and ecosystems from exposure to ozone should 
remain unchanged. An alert threshold and an information threshold for ozone should 
be set for the protection of the general population and sensitive sections, respectively, 
from brief exposures to elevated ozone concentrations. Those thresholds should trigger 
the  dissemination  of  information  to  the  public  about  the  risks  of  exposure  and  the 
implementation of appropriate short-term measures to reduce ozone levels where the 
alert threshold is exceeded. 

(12)  Ozone  is  a  transboundary  pollutant  formed  in  the  atmosphere  from  the  emission  of 
primary pollutants addressed by Directive 2001/81/EC of the European Parliament and 
of  the  Council  of  23  October  2001  on  national  emission  ceilings  for  certain 
atmospheric  pollutants13.  Progress  towards  the  air  quality  targets  and  long  term 
objectives  for  ozone  set  in  this  Directive  should  be  determined  by  the  targets  and 
emission ceilings provided for in Directive 2001/81/EC. 

(13)  Fixed  measurements  of  ozone  should  be  mandatory  in  zones  where  the  long-term 
objectives  are  exceeded.  The  use  of  supplementary  means  of  assessment  should  be 
allowed for the purpose of reducing the required number of fixed sampling points. 

(14)  Pollutant emissions to air from natural sources are capable of measurement but cannot 
be controlled. Therefore, where natural contributions to pollutants in ambient air can 
be  determined  with  sufficient  certainty,  they  should  be  subtracted  when  assessing 
compliance with air quality limit values. 

(15)  Existing  air  quality  limit  values  should  remain  unchanged,  although  it  should  be 
possible to postpone the deadline for compliance in cases where, notwithstanding the 
implementation  of  appropriate  pollution  abatement  measures,  acute  compliance 
problems  exist  in  specific  zones  and  agglomerations.  Any  postponement  for  a  given 
zone  or  agglomeration  should  be  accompanied  by  a  comprehensive  plan  to  ensure 
compliance by the revised deadline. 

(16)  Plans or programmes should be developed for zones and agglomerations within which 
concentrations  of  pollutants  in  ambient  air  exceed  the  relevant  air  quality  standards, 

13 

OJ L 309, 27.11.2001, p. 22. Directive as amended by the Act of Accession 2003. 

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12 

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plus  any  temporary  margins  of  tolerance  applicable.  Air  pollution  is  emitted  from 
many different sources and activities. To ensure coherence between different policies, 
such  plans  and  programmes  should  be  consistent,  and  integrated  with  plans  and 
programmes  prepared  pursuant  to  Directive  2001/80/EC  of  the  European  Parliament 
and  of  the  Council  of  23  October  2001  on  the  limitation  of  emissions  of  certain 
pollutants  into  the  air  from  large  combustion  plants14,  Directive  2001/81/EC,  and 
Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2002 
relating to the assessment and management of noise15. 

(17)  Action plans should be drawn up indicating the measures to be taken in the short term 
where there is a risk of an exceedence of one or more relevant air quality standards or 
alert  thresholds  in  order  to  reduce  that  risk  and  to  limit  the  duration  of  such  an 
occurrence. In respect of ozone, such short-term action plans should take into account 
the  provisions  of  Commission  Decision  2004/279/EC  of  19  March  2004  concerning 
guidance for implementation of Directive 2002/3/EC of the European Parliament and 
of the Council relating to ozone in ambient air16. 

(18)  The  purpose  of  such  plans  and  programmes  is  the  direct  improvement  of  air  quality 
and the environment and they should not therefore be subject to Directive 2001/42/EC 
of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2001 on the assessment of 
the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment17. 

(19)  Member  States  should  consult  with  one  another  if,  following  significant  pollution 
originating  in  another  Member  State,  the  level  of  a  pollutant  exceeds,  or  is  likely  to 
exceed, the relevant air quality standards plus the margin of tolerance or, as the case 
may be, the alert threshold,. The transboundary nature of specific pollutants, such as 
ozone and particulate matter, may require coordination between neighbouring Member 
States in drawing up and implementing plans, programmes and short-term action plans 
and  in  informing  the  public.  Where  appropriate,  Member  States  should  pursue 
cooperation with third countries, with particular emphasis on the early involvement of 
candidate countries. 

(20) 

(21) 

(22) 

It  is  necessary  for  the  Member  States  and  the  Commission  to  collect,  exchange  and 
disseminate  air  quality  information  in  order  to  understand  better  the  impacts  of  air 
pollution  and  develop  appropriate  policies.  Up-to-date  information  on  concentrations 
of all regulated pollutants in ambient air should also be readily available to the public. 

In  order  to  facilitate  the  handling  and  comparison  of  air  quality  information,  data 
should be made available to the Commission in a standardised form. 

It is necessary to adapt procedures for data provision, assessment and reporting of air 
quality  to  enable  electronic  means  and  the  internet  to  be  used  as  the  main  tools  to 
make  information  available,  and  so  that  those  procedures  will  be  compatible  with 
Directive […]18. 

14 
15 
16 
17 
18 

OJ L 309, 27.11.2001, p. 1. Directive as amended by the Act of Accession 2003. 
OJ L 189, 18.7.2002, p.12. 
OJ L 87, 25.3.2004, p. 50. 
OJ L 197, 21.7.2001, p. 30. 
[OJ L […], […], p. […].] 

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(23) 

It is  appropriate to  provide for the possibility of adapting the criteria and  techniques 
used for the assessment of the ambient air quality to scientific and technical progress 
and the information to be provided. Furthermore, reference techniques for air quality 
modelling should be adopted, where available. 

(24)  Since the air quality objectives of this Directive cannot be sufficiently achieved by the 
Member States alone and can therefore, by reason of the transboundary nature of air 
pollutants,  be  better  achieved  at  Community  level,  the  Community  may  adopt 
measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the 
Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, 
this  Directive  does  not  go  beyond  what  is  necessary  in  order  to  achieve  those 
objectives. 

(25)  Member States should lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of the 
provisions  of  this  Directive  and  ensure  that  they  are  implemented.  The  penalties 
should be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. 

(26)  Certain  provisions  of  the  acts  repealed  by  this  Directive  should  remain  in  force  in 
order to ensure the continuance of existing air quality limits for nitrogen dioxide until 
they  are  replaced  from  1  January  2010,  the  continuance  of  air  quality  reporting 
provisions  until  new  implementing  measures  are  adopted,  and  the  continuance  of 
obligations  relating  to  the  preliminary  assessments  of  air  quality  required  under 
Directive 2004/107/EC. 

(27)  The obligation to transpose this Directive into national law should be confined to those 
provisions  which  represent  a  substantive  change  as  compared  with  the  earlier 
Directives.  The  obligation  to  transpose  the  provisions  which  are  unchanged  arises 
under the earlier Directives. 

(28)  This Directive respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised 
in  particular  by  the  Charter  of  Fundamental  Rights  of  the  European  Union.  In 
particular, this Directive seeks to promote the integration into Community policies of a 
high level of environmental protection and the improvement of environmental quality 
in accordance with the principle of sustainable development as laid down in Article 37 
of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. 

(29)  The measures necessary for the implementation of this Directive should be adopted in 
accordance  with  Council  Decision  1999/468/EC  of  28  June  1999  laying  down  the 
procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission19, 

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 

19 

OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. 

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14 

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Chapter I 
General Provisions 

Article 1 

Subject matter 

This Directive lays down measures aimed at the following: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

defining and establishing objectives for ambient air quality designed to avoid, prevent 
or reduce harmful effects on human health and the environment as a whole; 

assessing the ambient air quality in Member States on the basis of common methods 
and  criteria  and,  in  particular,  assessing  concentrations  in  ambient  air  of  certain 
pollutants; 

providing  information  on  ambient  air  quality  in  order  to  help  combat  pollution  and 
nuisance  and  to  monitor  long-term  trends  and  improvements  resulting  from  national 
and Community measures; 

(4) 

ensuring that such information on ambient air quality is made available to the public; 

(5)  maintaining air quality where it is good and improving it in other cases; 

(6) 

promoting increased cooperation between the Member States in reducing air pollution. 

Article 2 

Definitions 

For the purposes of this Directive: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

“ambient air” shall mean outdoor air in the troposphere, excluding work places; 

“pollutant” shall mean any substance present in ambient air and likely to have harmful 
effects on human health and/or the environment as a whole; 

“level”  shall  mean  the  concentration  of  a  pollutant  in  ambient  air  or  the  deposition 
thereof on surfaces in a given time; 

“assessment”  shall  mean  any  method  used  to  measure,  calculate,  predict  or  estimate 
levels; 

“limit  value”  shall  mean  a  level  fixed  on  the  basis  of  scientific  knowledge,  with  the 
aim  of  avoiding,  preventing  or  reducing  harmful  effects  on  human  health  and  the 
environment as a whole, to be attained within a given period and not to be exceeded 
once attained; 

EN 

15 

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(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

(10) 

(11) 

(12) 

(13) 

(14) 

(15) 

(16) 

(17) 

(18) 

(19) 

(20) 

“concentration cap” shall mean a level fixed on the basis of scientific knowledge, with 
the aim of preventing unduly high risks for human health, to be attained within a given 
period and not to be exceeded once attained; 

“critical  level”  shall  mean  a  level  fixed  on  the  basis  of  scientific  knowledge,  above 
which direct adverse effects may occur on some receptors, such as trees, other plants 
or natural ecosystems but not on humans; 

“margin of tolerance” shall mean the percentage of the limit value by which that value 
may be exceeded subject to the conditions laid down in this Directive; 

“target  value”  shall  mean  a  level  fixed  with  the  aim  of  avoiding,  preventing  or 
reducing  harmful  effects  on  human  health  and  the  environment  as  a  whole,  to  be 
attained where possible over a given period; 

“alert threshold” shall mean a level beyond which there is a risk to human health from 
brief exposure and at which immediate steps are to be taken by the Member States; 

“information  threshold”  shall  mean  a  level  beyond  which  there  is  a  risk  to  human 
health from brief exposure for particularly sensitive sections of the population and for 
which immediate and appropriate information is necessary; 

“upper  assessment  threshold”  shall  mean  a  level  below  which  a  combination  of 
measurements and modelling techniques may be used to assess ambient air quality; 

“lower  assessment  threshold”  shall  mean  a  level  below  which  modelling  or 
objective-estimation techniques alone may be used to assess ambient air quality; 

“long-term  objective”  shall  mean  a  level  to be  attained  in  the  long  term,  save  where 
not  achievable  through  proportionate  measures,  with  the  aim  of  providing  effective 
protection of human health and the environment;  

“zone”  shall  mean  part  of  the  territory  of  a  Member  State,  as  delimited  by  that 
Member State for the purposes of air quality assessment and management; 

“agglomeration” shall mean a zone that is a conurbation with a population in excess of 
250 000  inhabitants  or,  where  the  population  is  250  000  inhabitants  or  less,  with  a 
given population density per km² to be established by the Member States; 

“PM10”  shall  mean  particulate  matter  which  passes  through  a  size-selective  inlet  as 
defined in EN 12341 with a 50% efficiency cut-off at 10 µm aerodynamic diameter; 

“PM2,5”shall  mean  particulate  matter  which  passes  through  a  size-selective  inlet  as 
defined in EN 14907 with a 50% efficiency cut-off at 2,5 µm aerodynamic diameter;  

“average exposure indicator” shall mean an average level determined on the basis of 
measurements  at  urban  background  locations  throughout  the  territory  of  a  Member 
State and which reflects population exposure;  

“exposure reduction target” shall mean a percentage reduction of the average exposure 
indicator set with the aim of reducing harmful effects on human health, to be attained 
where possible over a given period; 

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16 

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(21) 

(22) 

(23) 

(24) 

(25) 

“urban background locations” shall mean places in urban areas where apparent levels 
are representative of the exposure of the general urban population; 

“oxides of nitrogen” shall mean the sum of the volume mixing ratio (ppbv) of nitrogen 
monoxide (nitric oxide) and nitrogen dioxide expressed in units of mass concentration 
of nitrogen dioxide (µg/m3); 

“fixed  measurements”  shall  mean  measurements  taken  at  fixed  sites,  either 
continuously  or  by  random  sampling  to  determine  the  levels  in  accordance  with  the 
required data quality objectives; 

“indicative  measurements”  shall  mean  measurements  which  fulfil  less  strict  quality 
criteria compared to fixed measurements; 

“volatile  organic  compounds”  (VOC)  shall  mean  organic  compounds  from 
anthropogenic and biogenic sources, other than methane, that are capable of producing 
photochemical oxidants by reactions with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight. 

Article 3 

Responsibilities 

1. 

Member States shall designate at the appropriate levels the competent authorities and 
bodies responsible for the following:  

(a) 

assessment of ambient air quality;  

(b) 

approval  of  measurement  systems  (methods,  equipment,  networks  and 
laboratories); 

(c) 

ensuring accuracy of measurements; 

(d) 

analysis of assessment methods; 

(e) 

coordination  on 
programmes are being organised by the Commission; 

territory 

their 

if  Community-wide  quality  assurance 

(f) 

cooperation with the other Member States and the Commission.  

Where relevant, the competent authorities and bodies shall comply with Section C of 
Annex I. 

2. 

The  Member  States  shall  inform  the  public  of  the  competent  authority  or  body 
designated in relation to the tasks referred to in paragraph 1.  

EN 

17 

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Chapter II 
Assessment of Ambient Air Quality 

SECTION 1 
GENERAL 

Article 4 

Establishment of zones and agglomerations 

Member States shall establish zones and agglomerations throughout their territory. Air quality 
assessment and air quality management shall be carried out in all zones and agglomerations. 

SECTION 2  
ASSESSMENT OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN RELATION TO SULPHUR DIOXIDE, 
NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN, PARTICULATE MATTER, LEAD, 
BENZENE AND CARBON MONOXIDE 

Article 5 

Assessment regime 

1. 

With respect to sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate 
matter (PM10 and PM2,5), lead, benzene and carbon monoxide, the upper and lower 
assessment thresholds  specified  in  Section A of  Annex II for health and vegetation 
protection shall apply. 

Each  zone  and  agglomeration  shall  be  classified  in  relation  to  those  assessment 
thresholds. 

2. 

The  classification  referred  to  in  paragraph  1  shall  be  reviewed  at  least  every  five 
years in accordance with the procedure laid down in Section B of Annex II.  

However, classifications shall be reviewed more frequently in the event of significant 
changes  in  activities  relevant  to  the  ambient  concentrations  of  sulphur  dioxide, 
nitrogen dioxide or, where relevant, oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter (PM10, 
PM2,5), lead, benzene or carbon monoxide. 

Article 6 

Assessment criteria 

1. 

Member States shall undertake assessments of ambient air quality with respect to the 
pollutants  referred  to  in  Article  5  throughout  their  territory,  in  accordance  with  the 
criteria laid down in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of this Article.  

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18 

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2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

In all zones and agglomerations where the level of pollutants in ambient air referred 
to  in  paragraph  1  exceeds  the  upper  assessment  threshold  established  for  those 
pollutants, fixed measurements shall be used to assess the ambient air quality. Those 
fixed measurements may be supplemented by modelling techniques and/or indicative 
measurements to provide adequate information on ambient air quality. 

In all zones and agglomerations where the level of pollutants in ambient air referred 
to  in  paragraph  1  is  below  the  upper  assessment  threshold  established  for  those 
pollutants,  a  combination  of  fixed  measurements  and  modelling  techniques  and/or 
indicative measurements may be used to assess the ambient air quality.  

In all zones and agglomerations where the level of pollutants in ambient air referred 
to  in  paragraph  1  is  below  the  lower  assessment  threshold  established  for  those 
pollutants, modelling techniques or objective-estimation techniques or both shall be 
sufficient for the assessment of the ambient air quality.  

In  addition  to  the  assessments  referred  to  in  paragraphs  2,  3  and  4,  measurements 
shall  be  made,  at  background  locations  away  from  significant  sources  of  air 
pollution,  for  the  purposes  of  providing,  as  a  minimum,  information  on  the  mass 
concentration  and  the  chemical  speciation  of  fine  particulate  matter  (PM2,5)  on  an 
annual average basis and shall be conducted according to the following criteria:  

(a) 

one sampling point shall be installed every 100 000 km2; 

(b) 

each  Member  State  shall  set  up  at  least  one  measuring  station  or  may,  by 
agreement  with  adjoining  Member  States,  set  up  one  or  several  common 
measuring  stations,  covering  the  relevant  neighbouring  zones,  to  achieve  the 
necessary spatial resolution;  

(c)  where  appropriate,  monitoring  shall  be  co-ordinated  with  the  monitoring 
strategy  and  measurement  programme  of  the  Cooperative  Programme  for 
Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long-range Transmission of Air Pollutants in 
Europe (EMEP); 

(d)  Section A of Annex I shall apply in relation to the data quality objectives for 
mass  measurements  of  particulate  matter  and  Annex  IV  shall  apply  in  its 
entirety.  

Member States shall also inform the Commission of the measurement methods used 
in the measurement of the chemical composition of fine particulate matter (PM2,5). 

Article 7 

Sampling points 

1. 

The location of sampling points for the measurement of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen 
dioxide  and  oxides  of  nitrogen,  particulate  matter  (PM10,  PM2,5),  lead,  benzene 
and  carbon  monoxide  in  ambient  air  shall  be  determined  in  accordance  with  the 
criteria listed in Annex III. 

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19 

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2. 

In  each  zone  or  agglomeration  where  fixed  measurements  are  the  sole  source  of 
information  for  assessing  air  quality,  the  number  of  sampling  points  for  each 
relevant  pollutant  shall  not  be  less  than  the  minimum  number  of  sampling  points 
specified in Section A of Annex V. 

However,  for  zones  and  agglomerations  within  which  information  from  fixed 
measurement sampling points is supplemented by information from modelling and/or 
indicative measurement, the total number of sampling points specified in Section A 
of Annex V may be reduced by up to 50%, provided that the following conditions are 
met:  

(a) 

(b) 

the  supplementary  methods  provide  sufficient 
the 
assessment of air quality with regard to limit values, concentration caps or alert 
thresholds, as well as adequate information for the public;  

information  for 

the number of sampling points to be installed and the spatial resolution of other 
techniques are sufficient for the concentration of the relevant pollutant to be 
established  in  accordance  with  the  data  quality  objectives  specified  in 
Section  A  of  Annex  I  and  enable  assessment  results  to  meet  the  criteria 
specified in Section B of Annex I. 

In  the  case  referred  to  in  the  second  subparagraph,  the  results  of  modelling  and/or 
indicative measurement shall be taken into account for the assessment of air quality 
with respect to the limit values or concentration caps. 

Article 8  

Reference measurement methods 

Member  States  shall  apply  the  reference  measurement  methods  and  criteria  specified  in 
Section A and Section C of Annex VI. 

Other  measurement  methods  may  be  used  subject  to  the  conditions  set  out  in  Section  B  of 
Annex VI. 

SECTION 3 
ASSESSMENT OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN RELATION TO OZONE 

Article 9 

Assessment criteria 

1. 

2. 

Where, in a zone or agglomeration, concentrations of ozone have exceeded the long 
term objectives specified in Section A3 of Annex VII during any of the previous five 
years of measurement, fixed measurements shall be taken.  

Where  fewer  than  five  years’  data  are  available,  Member  States  may,  for  the 
purposes of determining whether the long-term objectives referred to in paragraph 1 
have been exceeded during those five years, combine the results from measurement 

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campaigns  of  short  duration  carried  out  when  and  where  levels  are  likely  to  be  at 
their highest, with the results obtained from emission inventories and modelling.  

Article 10  

Location of sampling points for the measurement of ozone 

The location of sampling points for the measurement of ozone shall be determined in 
accordance with the criteria set out in Annex VIII. 

The sampling points for fixed measurements of ozone in each zone or agglomeration 
within which measurement is the sole source of information for assessing air quality 
shall not be less than the minimum number of sampling points specified in Section A 
of Annex IX.  

However,  for  zones  and  agglomerations  within  which  information  from  sampling 
points  for  fixed  measurements  is  supplemented  by  information  from  modelling 
and/or  indicative  measurements,  the  number  of  sampling  points  specified  in 
Section A  of  Annex  IX  may  be  reduced  provided  that  the  following  conditions  are 
met:  

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

the  supplementary  methods  provide  sufficient  information  for  the  assessment 
of  air  quality  with  regard  to  target  values,  long-term  objectives,  information 
and alert thresholds;  

the number of sampling points to be installed and the spatial resolution of other 
techniques  are  sufficient  for  the  concentration  of  ozone  to  be  established  in 
accordance with the data quality objectives specified in Section A of Annex I 
and  enable  assessment  results  to  meet  the  criteria  specified  in  Section  B  of 
Annex I;  

the  number  of  sampling  points  in  each  zone  or  agglomeration  amounts  to  at 
least one sampling point per two million inhabitants or one sampling point per 
50 000 km2,  whichever  produces  the  greater  number  of  sampling  points,  but 
must not be less than one sampling point in each zone or agglomeration;  

(d)  nitrogen dioxide is measured at all remaining sampling points except at rural 

background stations.  

In  the  case  referred  to  in  the  second  subparagraph,  the  results  of  modelling  and/or 
indicative measurement shall be taken into account for the assessment of air quality 
with respect to the target values. 

Nitrogen  dioxide  shall  be  measured  at  a  minimum  of  50%  of  the  ozone  sampling 
points required under Section A of Annex IX. That measurement shall be continuous 
except at rural background stations, as referred to in Section A of Annex VIII, where 
other measurement methods may be used. 

In  zones  and  agglomerations  where,  during  each  of  the  previous  five  years  of 
measurement,  concentrations  are  below  the  long-term  objectives,  the  number  of 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

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5. 

1. 

2. 

sampling  points  for  fixed  measurements  shall  be  determined  in  accordance  with 
Section B of Annex IX. 

Each  Member  State  shall  ensure  that  at  least  one  sampling  point  is  installed  and 
operated  in  its  territory  to  supply  data  on  concentrations  of  the  ozone  precursor 
substances listed in Annex X. Each Member State shall choose the number and siting 
of the stations at which ozone precursor substances are to be measured, taking into 
account the objectives and methods laid down in Annex X. 

Article 11 

Reference measurement methods 

Member States shall apply the reference method for measurement of ozone, set out in 
point 8 of Section A of Annex VI. Other measuring methods may be used subject to 
the conditions set out in Section B of Annex VI. 

Each  Member  State  shall  inform  the  Commission  of  the  methods  it  uses  to  sample 
and measure VOC, as listed in Annex X.  

Chapter III 
Ambient Air Quality Management 

Article 12 

Requirements where the levels are lower than the limit values and concentration caps 

In  zones  and  agglomerations  where  the  levels  of  sulphur  dioxide,  nitrogen  dioxide,  PM10, 
PM2,5, lead, benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air are below the respective limit values 
or concentration caps specified in Annexes XI and XIV, Member States shall ensure that that 
air quality status is maintained. 

Article 13 

Limit values for the protection of human health 

1. 

Member  States  shall  ensure  that,  throughout  their  territory,  levels  of  sulphur 
dioxide,  PM10,  lead,  and  carbon  monoxide  in  ambient  air  do  not  exceed  the  limit 
values laid down in Annex XI. 

In  respect  of  nitrogen  dioxide  and  benzene,  the  limit  values  specified  in  Annex  XI 
may not be exceeded from the dates specified therein. 

The  margins  of  tolerance  laid  down  in  Annex  XI  shall  apply  in  accordance  with 
Article 21. 

2. 

The  alert  thresholds  for  concentrations  of  sulphur  dioxide  and  nitrogen  dioxide  in 
ambient air shall be those laid down in Section A of Annex XII. 

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3. 

Member States may designate zones or agglomerations within which limit values for 
PM10  are  exceeded  owing  to  concentrations  of  PM10  in  ambient  air  due  to  the 
resuspension of particulates following road-sanding in winter-time. 

Member States shall send the Commission lists of any such zones or agglomerations 
together with information on concentrations and sources of PM10 therein. 

When informing the Commission in accordance with Article 25, Member States shall 
provide the necessary evidence to demonstrate that any exceedances are due to such 
resuspended particulates and that reasonable measures have been taken to lower the 
concentrations. 

Without prejudice to Article 19, in the case of the zones or agglomerations referred 
to  in  the  first  subparagraph  of  this  paragraph,  Member  States  need  establish  the 
plans or programmes provided for in Article 21 only in so far as exceedances are 
attributable to PM10 sources other than road-sanding in wintertime. 

Article 14 

Critical levels 

1. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

Member  States  shall,  in  zones  away  from  agglomerations  and  other  built-up  areas, 
ensure compliance with the critical levels specified in Annex XIII.  

Where there is a significant risk of adverse effects, Member States may apply critical 
levels also inside agglomerations and other built-up areas. 

Where  fixed  measurements  are  the  sole  source  of  information  for  assessing  air 
quality, the number of sampling points shall not be less than the minimum number 
specified  in  Section  C  of  Annex  V.  Where  that  information  is  supplemented  by 
indicative measurements or modelling then the minimum number of sampling points 
may be reduced by up to 50% so long as the assessed concentrations of the relevant 
pollutant can be established in accordance with the data quality objectives specified 
in Section A of Annex I. 

Article 15 

PM2,5 exposure reduction target and concentration cap for the protection of human 
health 

Member States shall ensure that the exposure reduction target for PM2,5 laid down in 
Section B of Annex XIV is achieved within the timeframe specified therein. 

The  average  exposure  indicator  for  PM2,5  shall  be  assessed  in  accordance  with 
Section A of Annex XIV.  

Each Member State shall, in accordance with Annex III, ensure that the distribution 
and  the  individual  number  of  sampling  points  on  which  the  average  exposure 
indicator for PM2,5 is based reflect the general population exposure adequately. The 

EN 

23 

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4. 

5. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

number  of  sampling  points  shall  be  no  less  than  that  determined  by  application  of 
Section B of Annex V.  

Member States shall ensure that concentrations of PM2,5 in ambient air do not exceed 
the concentration cap laid down in Section C of Annex XIV throughout their territory 
as from the date specified therein.  

The  margins  of  tolerance  laid  down  in  Section  C  of  Annex  XIV  shall  apply  in 
accordance with Article 21. 

Article 16 

Requirements in zones and agglomerations where ozone 
concentrations exceed the long-term objectives 

Member States shall ensure that the target values and long-term objectives specified 
in Annex VII are attained within the timeframe set out therein. 

For  zones  and  agglomerations  in  which  a  target  value  is  exceeded,  Member  States 
shall  ensure  that  the  plan  or  programme  prepared  pursuant  to  Article  6  of 
Directive 2001/81/EC  is  implemented  in  order  to  attain  the  target  values,  save 
where not achievable through proportionate measures, as from the date specified 
in Section A.2 of Annex VII.  

Where, in accordance with Article 21(1) of this Directive, plans or programmes must 
be prepared or implemented in respect of pollutants other than ozone, Member States 
shall,  where  appropriate,  prepare  and  implement  integrated  plans  or  programmes 
covering all pollutants concerned.  

For  zones  and  agglomerations  in  which  the  levels  of  ozone  in  ambient  air  are 
higher  than  the  long-term  objectives  but  below,  or  equal  to,  the  target  values, 
Member  States  shall  prepare  and implement  cost-effective  measures  with  the  aim 
of achieving the long-term objectives. Those measures shall, at least, be consistent 
with all the plans and programmes referred to in paragraph 2. 

Article 17 

Requirements in zones and agglomerations where ozone 
concentrations meet the long-term objectives 

In zones and agglomerations in which ozone levels meet the long-term objectives, Member 
States  shall,  in  so  far  as  factors  including  the  transboundary  nature  of  ozone  pollution  and 
meteorological conditions permit, maintain those levels below the long-term objectives and 
shall  preserve  through  proportionate  measures  the  best  ambient  air  quality  compatible 
with  sustainable  development  and  a  high  level  of  environmental  and  human  health 
protection. 

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Article 18 

Measures required in the event of information or alert thresholds being exceeded 

Where  the  information  threshold  specified  in  Annex  XII  or  any  of  the  alert  thresholds  laid 
down therein is exceeded, Member States shall take the necessary steps to inform the public 
by means of radio, television, newspapers or the Internet.  

Member  States  shall  also  forward  to  the  Commission  without  delay,  on  a  provisional  basis, 
information concerning the levels recorded and the duration of the periods during which the 
alert threshold or information threshold was exceeded.  

Article 19 

Emissions from natural sources  

1. 

Member States may designate zones or agglomerations where the exceedance of limit 
values or concentration caps for a given pollutant is attributable to natural sources. 

2. 

1. 

Member  States  shall  send 
lists  of  any  such  zones  or 
agglomerations together with information on concentrations and sources and the 
evidence demonstrating that the exceedances are attributable to natural sources. 

the  Commission 

Where  the  Commission  has  been  informed  of  an  exceedence  attributable  to 
natural  sources  in  accordance  with  paragraph  1,  that  exceedence  shall  not  be 
considered as an exceedance for the purposes of this Directive. 

Article 20 

Postponement of attainment deadlines and exemption from the obligation to apply 
certain limit values 

Where,  in  a  given  zone  or  agglomeration,  conformity  with  the  limit  values  for 
nitrogen dioxide or benzene or the concentration cap for PM2,5 cannot be achieved by 
the deadlines specified in Annex XI or in Section C of Annex XIV, a Member State 
may postpone those deadlines by a maximum of five years for that particular zone or 
agglomeration, subject to the following conditions:  

(a) 

(b) 

establishment of a plan or a programme in accordance with Article 21 for the 
zone  or  agglomeration  to  which  the  postponement  would  apply,  and 
communication of that plan or programme to the Commission;  

establishment  of  an  air  pollution  abatement  programme  for  the  period  of  the 
postponement,  which  incorporates  at  least  the  information  listed  in  Section  B 
of Annex XV, and demonstrates that conformity will be achieved with the limit 
values  or  concentration  caps  before  the  new  deadline,  and  communication  of 
that programme to the Commission.  

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25 

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2. 

3. 

4. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

Where,  in  a  given  zone  or  agglomeration,  conformity  with  the  limit  values  for 
sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead and PM10 as specified in Annex XI cannot be 
achieved  because  of  site-specific  dispersion  characteristics,  adverse  climatic 
conditions or transboundary contributions, Member States shall be exempt from the 
obligation to apply those limit values until 31 December 2009 at the latest, provided 
that the conditions laid down in paragraph 1(a) and (b) are fulfilled. 

Where a Member State applies paragraphs 1 or 2, it shall ensure that the limit value 
or concentration cap for each pollutant is not exceeded by more than the maximum 
margin  of  tolerance  specified  in  Annexes  XI  or  XIV  for  each  of  the  pollutants 
concerned. 

Member  States  shall  notify  the  Commission  without  delay  where,  in  their  view, 
paragraphs  1  or  2  are  applicable,  and  shall  communicate  the  plans  or  programmes 
and  air  pollution  abatement  programme  referred  to  in  paragraph  1  including  all 
relevant  information  necessary  for  the  Commission  to  assess  whether  or  not  the 
relevant conditions are satisfied.  

Where the Commission has raised no objections within nine months of receipt of that 
notification, the relevant conditions for the application of paragraphs 1 or 2 shall be 
deemed to be satisfied. 

If  objections  are  raised,  the  Commission  may  require  Member  States  to  adjust  or 
provide new plans or programmes or air pollution abatement programmes. 

Chapter IV 
Plans and Programmes 

Article 21 

Air quality plans or programmes 

Where,  in  given  zones  or  agglomerations,  the  levels  of  pollutants  in  ambient  air 
exceed any limit value or target value or concentration cap, plus any relevant margin 
of tolerance in each case, Member States shall ensure that plans or programmes are 
established for those zones and agglomerations in order to achieve the related limit or 
target value or concentration cap specified in Annexes XI and XIV. 

Those  plans  or  programmes  shall  incorporate  at  least  the  information  listed  in 
Section A of Annex XV and be communicated to the Commission without delay. 

Member  States  shall,  to  the  extent  feasible,  ensure  consistency  with  other  plans 
required 
or 
2001/81/EC 
2001/80/EC, 
Directive 2002/49/EC in order to achieve the relevant environmental objectives. 

Directive 

Directive 

under 

The plans or programmes referred to in paragraph 1 and the air pollution abatement 
programmes referred to in Article 20(1)(b) shall not be subject to assessment under 
Directive 2001/42/EC. 

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1. 

2. 

3. 

1. 

2. 

Article 22 

Short-term action plans 

Where, in a given zone or agglomeration, there is a risk that the levels of pollutants 
in ambient air will exceed one or more of the limit values, concentration caps, target 
values or alert thresholds specified in Annexes VII, XI, Section A of Annex XII, and 
Annex XIV, Member States shall, where appropriate, draw up action plans indicating 
the measures to be taken in the short term in order to reduce that risk and to limit the 
duration of such an occurrence.  

However, where there is a risk that the alert threshold for ozone specified in Section 
B of Annex XII will be exceeded, Member States shall only draw up such short-term 
action plans when in their opinion there is a significant potential, taking into account 
national  geographical,  meteorological  and  economic  conditions,  to  reduce  the  risk, 
duration  or  severity  of  such  an  exceedence.  When  drawing  up  such  a  short-term 
action plan Member States shall take account of Decision 2004/279/EC.  

The  short-term  action  plans  referred  to  in  paragraph  1  may,  depending  on  the 
individual  case,  provide  for  measures  to  control  and,  where  necessary,  suspend 
activities,  including  motor-vehicle  traffic,  which  contribute  to  the  risk  of  the 
respective limit values or concentration caps or target value or alert threshold being 
exceeded. Those action plans may also include effective measures in relation to 
the use of industrial plants or products. 

Member  States  shall  make  available  to  the  public  and  to  appropriate 
organisations  such  as  environmental  organisations,  consumer  organisations, 
organisations  representing  the  interests  of  sensitive  population  groups  and 
other relevant health care bodies both the results of  their investigations on the 
feasibility  and  the  content  of  specific  short-term  action  plans  as  well  as 
information on the implementation of these plans.  

Article 23 

Transboundary air pollution 

Where  any  alert  threshold,  limit  or  target  value  or  concentration  cap  plus  any 
relevant  margin  of  tolerance  or  long-term  objective  is  exceeded  due  to  significant 
transboundary  transport  of  air  pollutants  or  their  precursors,  the  Member  States 
concerned  shall  cooperate  and,  where  appropriate,  draw  up  joint  activities,  such  as 
the preparation of joint or coordinated plans or programmes pursuant to Article 21 in 
order  to  remove  such  exceedences  through  the  application  of  appropriate  but 
proportionate measures. 

The  Commission  shall  be  invited  to  be  present  and  to  assist  in  any  cooperation 
referred  to  in  paragraph  1.  Where  appropriate,  the  Commission  shall,  taking  into 
account  the  reports  established  pursuant  to  Article  9  of  Directive  2001/81/EC, 
consider  whether  further  action  should  be  taken  at  Community  level  in  order  to 
reduce precursor emissions responsible for transboundary pollution. 

EN 

27 

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3. 

4. 

5. 

Member  States  shall,  if  appropriate  pursuant  to  Article  22,  prepare  and  implement 
joint  short-term  action  plans  covering  neighbouring  zones  in  other  Member  States. 
Member States shall ensure that neighbouring zones in other Member States which 
have developed short-term action plans receive all appropriate information. 

Where  the  information  threshold  or  alert  thresholds  are  exceeded  in  zones  or 
agglomerations  close  to  national  borders,  information  shall  be  provided  as  soon  as 
possible to the competent authorities in the neighbouring Member States concerned. 
That information shall also be made available to the public. 

In  drawing  up  plans  or  programmes  as  provided  for  in  paragraphs  1  and  3  and  in 
informing  the  public  as  referred  to  in  paragraph  4,  Member  States  shall,  where 
appropriate, pursue cooperation with third countries, and in particular with candidate 
countries. 

Chapter V 
Information and Reporting 

Article 24 

Public information 

1. 

Member States shall ensure that the public as well as appropriate organisations such 
as  environmental  organisations,  consumer  organisations,  organisations  representing 
the  interests  of  sensitive  populations  and  other  relevant  health-care  bodies  are 
informed, adequately and in good time, of the following: 

(a) 

ambient air quality in accordance with Annex XVI;  

(b) 

any postponement decisions pursuant to Article 20(1); 

(c) 

any exemptions pursuant to Article 20(2);  

(d)  plans or programmes and air pollution abatement programmes as provided for 

in Article 16(2), Article 20(1)(b) and Article 21. 

The  information  shall  be  made  available  free  of  charge  by  means  of  any  easily 
accessible  media  including  the  internet  or  any  other  appropriate  means  of 
telecommunication,  and  shall  take  into  account  the  provisions  laid  down  in 
Directive […]. 

2. 

Member State shall make available to the public comprehensive annual reports for 
all pollutants covered by this Directive.  

Those  reports  shall,  as  a  minimum,  summarise  the  levels  exceeding  limit  values, 
concentration  caps,  target  values,  long-term  objectives,  information  thresholds  and 
alert  threshold,  for  the  relevant  averaging  periods.  That  information  shall  be 
combined  with  a  summary  assessment  of  the  effects  of  those  exceedences.  The 
reports  may  include,  where  appropriate,  further  information  and  assessments  on 

EN 

28 

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forest  protection  as  well  as  information  on  other  pollutants  for  which  monitoring 
provisions are specified in this Directive, such as, inter alia, selected  non-regulated 
ozone precursor substances as listed in Section B of Annex X. 

Article 25 

Transmission of information and reporting 

Member States shall ensure that information on ambient air quality is made available to the 
Commission.  

Article 26 

Amending and implementing measures 

1. 

The Commission shall in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 27(2), 
amend, where necessary, Annexes I to VI, Annexes VIII to X and Annex XV.  

However,  the  amendments  may  not  have  the  effect  of  directly  or  indirectly 
modifying either of the following: 

(a) 

the  limit  values,  concentration  caps,  exposure  reduction  requirements,  critical 
levels,  target  values,  information  or  alert  thresholds  or  long-term  objectives 
specified in Annex VII and Annexes XI to XIV;  

(b) 

dates for the compliance with any of the parameters referred to in point (a).  

2. 

3. 

4. 

The Commission shall, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 27(2), 
determine  the  information  to  be  made  available  by  Member  States  pursuant  to 
Article 25.  

The  Commission  shall  also  identify  ways  of  streamlining  the  way  such  data  are 
reported  and  the  reciprocal  exchange  of  information  and  data  from  networks  and 
individual  stations  measuring  ambient  air  pollution  within  the  Member  States,  in 
accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 27(2). 

The Commission shall draw up guidelines for the agreements on setting up common 
measuring stations as referred to in Article 6(5). 

The  Commission  shall  publish  guidance  on  the  demonstration  of  equivalence 
referred to in Section B of Annex VI. 

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29 

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Chapter VI 
Committee, transitional and final provisions 

Article 27 

Committee 

The Commission shall be assisted by a committee, called “the Ambient Air Quality 
Committee”, hereinafter “the Committee”. 

reference 

Where 
this  paragraph,  Articles  5  and  7  of 
Decision 1999/468/EC  shall  apply,  having  regard  to  the  provisions  of  Article  8 
thereof.  

is  made 

to 

1. 

2. 

The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at three 
months. 

3. 

The Committee shall adopt its Rules of Procedure. 

Article 28 

Penalties 

The Member States shall  lay  down  the rules on penalties  applicable to  infringements  of the 
national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive and shall take all measures necessary to 
ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for must be effective, proportionate 
and  dissuasive.  The  Member  States  shall  notify  those  provisions  to  the  Commission  by  the 
date specified in Article 31(1) at the latest and shall notify it without delay of any subsequent 
amendment affecting them.  

Article 29 

Repeal and transitional provisions 

1. 

Directives 96/62/EC, 1999/30/EC, 2000/69/EC, and 2002/3/EC are repealed as from 
the  date  indicated  in  Article  31(1)  of  this  Directive,  without  prejudice  to  the 
obligations  on  the  Member  States  relating  to  time-limits  for  transposition  or 
application of those Directives. 

However, the following Articles shall remain in force: 

(a)  Article 5 of Directive 96/62/EC until 31 December 2010; 

(b)  Article  11(1)  of  Directive  96/62/EC  and  Article  10(1)  and  (2)  of 
Directive 2002/3/EC  until  the  entry  into  force  of  the  implementing  measures 
referred to in Article 26(2) of this Directive; 

(c)  Article 9(3) and (4) of Directive 1999/30/EC until 31 December 2009. 

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30 

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2. 

3. 

References  to  the  repealed  Directives  shall  be  construed  as  references  to  this 
Directive and shall be read in accordance with the correlation table in Annex XVII. 

Decision  97/101/EC  is  repealed  with  effect  from  the  entry  into  force  of  the 
implementing measures referred to in Article 26(2) of this Directive. 

Article 30 

Review 

The Commission will review, within five years following the adoption of this Directive, the 
provisions related to PM2,5. In particular the Commission will develop and propose a detailed 
approach  to  establish  legally  binding  exposure  reduction  obligations  which  take  account  of 
differing future air quality situations and reduction potentials in the Member States. 

Article 31 

Transposition 

1. 

Member  States  shall  bring  into  force  the  laws,  regulations  and  administrative 
provisions  necessary  to  comply  with  this  Directive  by  31  December  2007  at  the 
latest.  They  shall  forthwith  communicate  to  the  Commission  the  text  of  those 
provisions and a correlation table between those provisions and this Directive.  

When  Member  States  adopt  those  provisions,  they  shall  contain  a  reference  to  this 
Directive  or  be  accompanied  by  such  a  reference  on  the  occasion  of  their  official 
publication. Member States shall determine how such reference is to be made.  

2. 

Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions 
of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.  

This Directive shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the 
European Union. 

Article 32 

Article 33 

This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 

Done at Brussels, […] 

For the European Parliament 
The President 
[…] 

For the Council 
The President 
[…] 

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ANNEX I 

DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES 

A. 

DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES FOR AMBIENT AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT 

Benzene 

Particulate 
matter 
(PM10/PM2,5)  
and lead 

Ozone  
and related  
NO and NO2 

Sulphur 
dioxide, 
nitrogen 
dioxide and 
oxides of 
nitrogen and 
carbon 
monoxide 

Fixed measurements (1) 
Uncertainty 
Minimum data capture 

15 % 
90 % 

Minimum time coverage: 
- urban background and 
traffic 
- industrial sites 

Indicative measurements 
Uncertainty 
Minimum data capture 
Minimum time coverage 

Modelling uncertainty: 
Hourly 
Eight-hour averages 
Daily averages 
Annual averages 

Objective estimation 
Uncertainty 

25% 
90% 

15 % 
90 % during summer
75 % during winter 

25% 
90 % 

35 % (2) 

90 % 

25 % 
90 % 
14 %(4)  

30 % 
90 % 
14 %(3)  

50% 
90% 
14 %(4)  

30 % 
90 % 
>10 % during 
summer 

50% 
50% 
50% 
30% 

- 
- 
- 
50% 

not yet defined 
50% 

50% 
50% 

75 % 

100 % 

100 % 

75 % 

(1) 

(2) 
(3) 

(4) 

Member  States  may  apply  random  measurements  instead  of  continuous  measurements  for 
benzene  and  particulate  matter  if  they  can  demonstrate  to  the  Commission  that  the 
uncertainty, including the uncertainty due to random sampling, meets the quality objective 
of 25 % and the time coverage is still larger than the minimum time coverage for indicative 
measurements. Random sampling must be evenly distributed over the year in order to avoid 
skewing  of  results.  The  uncertainty  due  to  random  sampling  may  be  determined  by  the 
procedure laid down in ISO 11222 (2002) “Air Quality – Determination of the Uncertainty 
of the Time Average of Air Quality Measurements”. If random measurements are used to 
assess  the  number  of  exceedences  (N[estimate])  of  the  PM10  daily  limit  value,  the  following 
correction should be applied: N[estimate] = N[measurement] x 365 days / number of measured days.

Distributed over the year to be representative of various conditions for climate and traffic. 

One day's measurement a week at random, evenly distributed over the year, or 8 weeks 
evenly distributed over the year. 

One measurement a week at random, evenly distributed over the year, or 8 weeks evenly 
distributed over the year. 

EN 

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in  Measurement 

(ENV  13005-1999), 

The uncertainty (expressed at a 95% confidence level) of the assessment methods will 
be evaluated in accordance with the principles of the CEN Guide to the Expression 
of  Uncertainty 
the  methodology  of 
ISO 5725:1994  and  the  guidance  provided  in  the  CEN  report  ‘Air  Quality  – 
Approach  to  Uncertainty  Estimation  for  Ambient  Air  Reference  Measurement 
Methods’ (CR 14377:2002E). The percentages for uncertainty in the above table 
are given for individual measurements averaged over the period considered by the 
limit  value,  for  a  95%  confidence  interval.  The  uncertainty  for  the  fixed 
measurements shall be interpreted as being applicable in the region of the appropriate 
limit value.  

The  uncertainty  for  modelling  and  objective  estimation  is  defined  as  the 
maximum deviation of the measured and calculated concentration levels, over the 
period considered, by the limit value, without taking into account the timing of  the 
events. 

The requirements for minimum data capture and time coverage do not include losses 
of  data  due  to  the  regular  calibration  or  the  normal  maintenance  of  the 
instrumentation. 

B. 

RESULTS OF AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT 

The  following  information  shall  be  compiled  for  zones  or  agglomerations  within 
which sources other than measurement are employed to supplement information from 
measurement or as the sole means of air quality assessment: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

a description of assessment activities carried out; 

the specific methods used, with references to descriptions of the method; 

the sources of data and information; 

a description of results, including uncertainties and, in particular, the extent of 
any  area  or,  if  relevant,  the  length  of  road  within  the  zone  or  agglomeration 
over which concentrations exceed any limit value, concentration cap, target value 
or  long-term  objective  plus  margin  of  tolerance,  if  applicable,  and  of  any  area 
within  which  concentrations  exceed  the  upper  assessment  threshold  or  the 
lower assessment threshold;  

– 

the population potentially exposed to levels in excess of any limit value. 

C. 

1. 

QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR AMBIENT AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT: DATA VALIDATION 

To ensure accuracy of measurements and compliance with the data quality objectives 
laid  down  in  Section  A  of  this  Annex,  the  appropriate  competent  authorities  and 
bodies designated pursuant to Article 3 shall ensure the following:  

– 

that all measurements  undertaken in relation to the assessment of ambient air 
quality pursuant to Articles 6 and 9 are traceable; 

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33 

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– 

– 

– 

that institutions operating networks and individual stations have an established 
quality  assurance  and  quality  control  system  which  provides  for  regular 
maintenance to assure the accuracy of measuring devices; 

that a quality assurance/quality control process is established for the process of 
data  collection  and  reporting  and  that  institutions  appointed  for  this  task 
actively  participate 
the  related  Community-wide  quality  assurance 
programmes; 

in 

that  the  national  laboratories,  as  appointed  by  the  appropriate  competent 
authority  or  body  designated  pursuant  to  Article  3,  that  are  taking  part  in 
Community-wide  intercomparisons  covering  pollutants  regulated  in  this 
Directive,  are  accredited  according  to  EN/ISO  17025  for  the  methods  being 
performed  in  these  intercomparisons,  or  are  in  the  process  of  accreditation. 
These  laboratories  shall  be  involved  in  the  coordination  on  Member  States 
territory of the Community wide quality assurance programmes to be organized 
by  the  Commission  and  shall  also  coordinate,  on  the  national  level,  the 
appropriate  realization  of  reference  methods  and  the  demonstration  of 
equivalence of non-reference methods. 

2. 

All reported data shall be deemed to be valid. 

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ANNEX II 

DETERMINATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT OF 
CONCENTRATIONS OF SULPHUR DIOXIDE, NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND 
OXIDES OF NITROGEN, PARTICULATE MATTER (PM10 and PM2,5), LEAD, 
CARBON MONONXIDE AND BENZENE IN AMBIENT AIR WITHIN A ZONE 
OR AGGLOMERATION 

A. 

UPPER AND LOWER ASSESSMENT THRESHOLDS 

The following upper and lower assessment thresholds will apply: 

(a) 

Sulphur dioxide 

Health protection 

Vegetation protection 

Upper assessment threshold 

Lower assessment threshold 

60 % of 24-hour limit value (75 µg/m3, 
not  to  be  exceeded  more  than  3  times 
in any calendar year) 

40 % of 24-hour limit value (50 µg/m3, 
not  to  be  exceeded  more  than  3  times 
in any calendar year) 

(b) 

Nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen 

60 % of winter limit value (12 µg/m3) 

40 % of winter limit value (8 µg/m3) 

Hourly limit value for the 
protection of human 
health (NO2) 

Annual limit value for 
the protection of human 
health (NO2) 

Annual limit value for the 
protection of vegetation 
(NOx) 

Upper  assessment 
threshold 

Lower  assessment 
threshold 

70 % of limit value 
(140  µg/m3,  not 
to  be 
exceeded  more 
than  18 
times in any calendar year) 

50  %  of  limit  value  (100 
µg/m3, not to be exceeded 
more than 18 times in any 
calendar year) 

(c) 

Particulate matter (PM10 /PM2,5) 

80 % of limit value 
(32 µg/m3) 

80 % of limit value  
(24 µg/m3) 

65  %  of 
(26 µg/m3) 

limit  value 

65 % of limit value 
(19,5 µg/m3) 

24-hour average 

Annual 
average 
PM10 

Annual 
average 
PM2,5 

Upper assessment threshold 

30 µg/m3, not to be exceeded more 
than 7 times in any calendar year 

14 µg/m3 

10 µg/m3 

Lower assessment threshold 

20 µg/m3, not to be exceeded more 
than 7 times in any calendar year 

10 µg/m3 

7 µg/m3 

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(d) 

Lead 

Upper assessment threshold 

70% of limit value (0,35 µg/m3) 

Lower assessment threshold 

50% of limit value (0,25 µg/m3) 

Annual average 

(e) 

Benzene 

Upper assessment threshold 

70 % of limit value (3,5 µg/m3) 

Lower assessment threshold 

40 % of limit value (2 µg/m3) 

Annual average 

(f) 

Carbon Monoxide 

Upper assessment threshold 

Lower assessment threshold 

Eight-hour average 

70 % of limit value (7 mg/m3) 

50 % of limit value (5 mg/m3) 

B. 

DETERMINATION  OF  EXCEEDENCES  OF  UPPER  AND  LOWER  ASSESSMENT 
THRESHOLDS 

Exceedances  of  upper  and  lower  assessment  thresholds  shall  be  determined  on  the  basis  of 
concentrations  during  the  previous  five  years  where  sufficient  data  are  available.  An 
assessment threshold shall be deemed to have been exceeded if it has been exceeded during at 
least three separate years out of those previous five years. 

Where  fewer  than  five  years'  data  are  available,  Member  States  may  combine  measurement 
campaigns of short duration during the period of the year and at locations likely to be typical 
of  the  highest  pollution  levels  with  results  obtained  from  information  from  emission 
inventories  and  modelling  to  determine  exceedances  of  the  upper  and  lower  assessment 
thresholds. 

EN 

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ANNEX III 

LOCATION OF SAMPLING POINTS FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF 
SULPHUR DIOXIDE, NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN, 
PARTICULATE MATTER (PM10 and PM2,5), LEAD, CARBON MONOXIDE AND 
BENZENE IN AMBIENT AIR 

The following shall apply to fixed measurements: 

A. 

(a) 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

MACROSCALE SITING 

Protection of human health 

Sampling  points  directed  at  the  protection  of  human  health  shall  be  sited  in  such  a 
way as to provide data on the following: 

– 

– 

the  areas  within  zones  and  agglomerations  where  the  highest  concentrations 
occur to which the population is likely to be directly or indirectly exposed for a 
period  which  is  significant  in  relation  to  the  averaging  period  of  the  limit 
value(s) or concentration cap(s); 

levels  in  other  areas  within  the  zones  and  agglomerations  which  are 
representative of the exposure of the general population. 

Sampling points shall in general be sited in such a way as to avoid measuring very 
small micro-environments in their immediate vicinity, which means that a sampling 
point must be sited in such a way that the air sampled is representative of air quality 
in  a  surrounding  area  of  no  less  than  200  m2  at  traffic-orientated  sites  and  at  least 
250 m x 250 m at industrial sites, where feasible. 

Urban background sites shall be located so that their pollution level is influenced by 
the integrated contribution from all sources upwind of the station. The pollution level 
should  not  be  dominated  by  a  single  source  unless  such  a  situation  is  typical  for  a 
larger urban area. Those sampling points shall typically be representative for several 
square kilometres. 

Where  the  objective  is  to  assess  background  levels,  the  sampling  site  shall  not  be 
influenced by agglomerations or industrial sites in its vicinity, i.e. sites closer than a 
few kilometres. 

Where contributions from industrial sources are to be assessed, at least one sampling 
point shall be installed downwind of the source in the nearest residential area. Where 
the  background  concentration  is  not  known,  an  additional  sampling  point  shall  be 
situated within the main wind direction. 

Sampling points shall, where possible, also be representative of similar locations not 
in their immediate vicinity. 

Account shall be taken of the need to locate sampling points on islands where that is 
necessary for the protection of human health. 

EN 

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(b) 

Protection of vegetation 

Sampling  points  targeted  at  the  protection  of  vegetation  shall  be  sited  more  than 
20 km away from agglomerations or more than 5 km away from other built-up areas, 
industrial  installations  or  motorways,  which  means  that  a  sampling  point  must  be 
sited  in  such  a  way  that  the  air  sampled  is  representative  of  air  quality  in  a 
surrounding area of at least 1 000 km2. A Member State may provide for a sampling 
point  to  be  sited  at  a  lesser  distance  or  to  be  representative  of  air  quality  in  a  less 
extended area, taking account of geographical conditions. 

Account shall be taken of the need to assess air quality on islands. 

B. 

MICROSCALE SITING 

In so as far as is practicable the following shall apply: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

the flow around the inlet sampling probe shall be unrestricted (free in an arc of 
at least 270°) without  any  obstructions affecting the airflow in the vicinity of 
the  sampler  (normally  as  many  metres  away  from  buildings,  balconies,  trees 
and other obstacles as corresponds to more than twice the height by which the 
obstacle protrudes above the sampler; at least 0,5 m from the nearest building 
in the case of sampling points representing air quality at the building line); 

in general, the inlet sampling point shall be between 1,5 m (the breathing zone) 
and 4 m above the ground. Higher positions (up to 8 m) may be necessary in 
some  circumstances.  Higher  siting  may  also  be  appropriate  if  the  station  is 
representative of a large area; 

the inlet probe shall not be positioned in the immediate vicinity of sources in 
order to avoid the direct intake of emissions unmixed with ambient air; 

the sampler’s exhaust outlet shall be positioned so that recirculation of exhaust 
air to the sampler inlet is avoided; 

– 

location of traffic-orientated samplers: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

for  all  pollutants,  such  sampling  points  shall  be  at  least  25  m  from  the 
edge  of  major  junctions  and  at  least  4  m  from  the  centre  of  the  nearest 
traffic lane; 

for nitrogen dioxide and carbon  monoxide, inlets shall be  no more  than 
5 m from the kerbside; 

for particulate matter, lead and benzene, inlets shall be sited so as to be 
representative  of  air  quality  near  to  the  building  line  but  no  more  than 
10 m from the kerbside. 

The following factors may also be taken into account: 

– 

interfering sources; 

EN 

38 

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– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

security; 

access; 

availability of electrical power and telephone communications; 

visibility of the site in relation to its surroundings; 

safety of the public and operators; 

the desirability of co-locating sampling points for different pollutants; 

planning requirements. 

C. 

DOCUMENTATION AND REVIEW OF SITE SELECTION 

The site-selection procedures shall be fully documented at the classification stage by 
such  means  as  compass-point  photographs  of  the  surrounding  area  and  a  detailed 
map.  Sites  shall  be  reviewed  at  regular  intervals  with  repeated  documentation  to 
ensure that selection criteria remain valid over time. 

EN 

39 

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ANNEX IV 

MEASUREMENTS AT BACKGROUND LOCATIONS IRRESPECTIVE OF 
CONCENTRATION 

A. 

OBJECTIVES 

The  main  objectives  of  such  measurements  are  to  ensure  that  adequate  information  is  made 
available  on  levels  in  the  background.  This  information  is  essential  to  judge  the  enhanced 
levels  in  more  polluted  areas  (such  as  urban  background,  industry  related  locations,  traffic 
related locations), assess the possible contribution from long range transport of air pollutants 
and to support source apportionment analysis. It is essential for the understanding of specific 
pollutants such as particulate matter. Further, this background information is essential for the 
increased use of modelling also in urban areas. 

B. 

SUBSTANCES 

Measurement  of  PM2,5  must  include  at  least  the  mass  concentration  and  appropriate 
compounds  to  characterise  its  chemical  composition.  At  least  the  list  of  chemical  species 
given below shall be included. 

SO4

2- 
- 
NO3

Na+
K+ 

+
NH4
Cl-

Ca2+
Mg2+

elemental carbon (EC)

organic carbon (OC)

C. 

SITING 

Measurements  should  be  taken  in  particular  in  rural  background  areas  in  accordance  with 
parts A, B, and C of Annex III. 

EN 

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ANNEX V 

CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING MINIMUM NUMBERS OF SAMPLING 
POINTS FOR FIXED MEASUREMENT OF CONCENTRATIONS OF SULPHUR 
DIOXIDE, NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN, 
PARTICULATE MATTER (PM10, PM2,5), LEAD, CARBON MONOXIDE AND 
BENZENE IN AMBIENT AIR 

A. 

MINIMUM  NUMBER  OF  SAMPLING  POINTS  FOR  FIXED  MEASUREMENT  TO  ASSESS 
COMPLIANCE WITH LIMIT VALUES OR CONCENTRATION CAPS FOR THE PROTECTION 
OF  HUMAN  HEALTH  AND  ALERT  THRESHOLDS  IN  ZONES  AND  AGGLOMERATIONS 
WHERE FIXED MEASUREMENT IS THE SOLE SOURCE OF INFORMATION. 

(a) 

Diffuse sources 

Population of agglomeration  
or zone 
(thousands) 

If concentrations exceed  
the upper assessment threshold (1) 

If maximum concentrations are 
between the upper and lower 
assessment thresholds 

0-249 

250-499 

500-749 

750-999 

1 000-1 499 

1 500-1 999 

2 000-2 749 

2 750-3 749 

3 750-4 749 

4 750-5 999 

≥ 6 000 

1 

2 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

1 

1 

1 

1 

2 

2 

3 

3 

4 

4 

5 

(1) 

For nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and benzene: to include at least one urban 
background monitoring station and one traffic-orientated station provided this does not increase the 
number of sampling points. The total number of urban-background stations and the total number of 
traffic oriented stations in a Member State shall not differ by more than a factor of 2. 

EN 

41 

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(b) 

Point sources 

For the assessment of pollution in the vicinity of point sources, the number of sampling points 
for  fixed  measurement  shall  be  calculated  taking  into  account  emission  densities,  the  likely 
distribution patterns of ambient-air pollution and the potential exposure of the population. 

B. 

MINIMUM  NUMBER  OF  SAMPLING  POINTS  FOR  FIXED  MEASUREMENT  TO  ASSESS 
COMPLIANCE  WITH  THE  PM2,5  EXPOSURE  REDUCTION  TARGET  FOR  THE 
PROTECTION OF HUMAN HEALTH  

One sampling point per million inhabitants applied to agglomerations and additional 
conurbations  in  excess  of  100 000  inhabitants  shall  be  operated  for  this  purpose. 
Those sampling points may coincide with sampling points under Section A. 

C. 

MINIMUM  NUMBER  OF  SAMPLING  POINTS  FOR  FIXED  MEASUREMENTS  TO  ASSESS 
COMPLIANCE  WITH  CRITICAL  LEVELS  FOR  THE  PROTECTION  OF  VEGETATION  IN 
ZONES OTHER THAN AGGLOMERATIONS 

If maximum concentrations exceed the 
upper assessment threshold 

If maximum concentrations are between upper 
and lower assessment threshold 

1 station every 20 000 km2 

1 station every 40 000 km2 

In  island  zones  the  number  of  sampling  points  for  fixed  measurement  should  be 
calculated taking into account the likely distribution patterns of ambient-air pollution 
and the potential exposure of vegetation. 

EN 

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ANNEX VI 

REFERENCE METHODS FOR ASSESSMENT OF CONCENTRATIONS OF SULPHUR 
DIOXIDE, NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND OXIDES OF NITROGEN, PARTICULATE 
MATTER (PM10 AND PM2,5), LEAD, CARBON MONOXIDE, BENZENE AND OZONE 

A. 

1. 

REFERENCE MEASUREMENT METHODS 

Reference method for the measurement of sulphur dioxide 

The  reference  method  for  the  measurement  of  sulphur  dioxide  is  that  described  in 
EN 14212:2005  ‘Ambient  air  quality  –  Standard  method  for  the  measurement  of 
sulphur dioxide by ultraviolet fluorescence’. 

2. 

Reference  method  for  the  measurement  of  nitrogen  dioxide  and  oxides  of 
nitrogen 

The  reference  method  for  the  measurement  of  nitrogen  dioxide  and  oxides  of 
nitrogen is that described in EN 14211:2005 ‘Ambient air quality – Standard method 
for the measurement of the concentration of nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen monoxide 
by chemiluminescence’. 

3. 

Reference method for the sampling and measurement of lead 

The  reference  method  for  the  sampling  of  lead  is  that  described in  Section  A(4)  of 
this  Annex.  The  reference  method  for  the  measurement  of  lead  is  that  described  in 
EN 14902:2005  ‘Reference  method  for  determination  of  Pb/Cd/As/Ni  in  ambient 
air’. 

4. 

Reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM10 

The reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM10 is that described in 
EN 12341:1999  ‘Air  Quality  –  Determination  of  the  PM10  fraction  of  suspended 
particulate  matter  –  Reference  method  and  field  test  procedure  to  demonstrate 
reference equivalence of measurement methods’. 

5. 

Reference method for the sampling and measurement of PM2,5 

The  reference  method  for  the  sampling  and  measurement  of  PM2,5  is  that  described 
EN 14907:2005  ‘Standard  gravimetric  measurement  method  for  the  determination  of 
the PM2,5 mass fraction of suspended particulate matter in Ambient air’. 

6. 

Reference method for the sampling and measurement of benzene 

The  reference  method  for  the  measurement  of  benzene  is  that  described  in 
14662:2005,  parts  1,  2  and  3  ‘Ambient  air  quality  -  Reference  method  for 
measurement of benzene concentrations’. 

EN 

43 

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7. 

Reference method for the measurement of carbon monoxide 

The  reference  method  for  the  measurement  of  carbon  monoxide  is  that  described  in 
EN 14626:2005 ‘Ambient air quality – Standard method for the measurement of the 
concentration of carbon monoxide by nondispersive infrared spectroscopy’. 

8. 

Reference method for measurement of ozone 

The  reference  method  for  the  measurement  of  ozone  is  that  described  in 
EN 14625:2005 ‘Ambient air quality – Standard method for the measurement of the 
concentration of ozone by ultraviolet photometry’. 

B. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

DEMONSTRATION OF EQUIVALENCE 

A  Member  State  may  use  any  other  method  which  it  can  demonstrate  gives  results 
equivalent to any of the methods referred to in Section A or, in the case of particulate 
matter,  any  other  method  which  the  Member  State  concerned  can  demonstrate 
displays a consistent  relationship  to  the reference  method.  In  that  event  the  results 
achieved by that method must be corrected to produce results equivalent to those that 
would have been achieved by using the reference method. 

The Commission may require the Member States to prepare and submit a report on 
the demonstration of equivalence in accordance with paragraph 1. 

When  assessing  the  acceptability  of  the  report  mentioned  in  paragraph  2,  the 
Commission will make reference to its guidance on the demonstration of equivalence 
(to  be  published).  Where  Member  States  have  been  using  interim  factors  to 
approximate  equivalence  then  these  shall  be  confirmed  and/or  amended  with 
reference to the Commission’s guidance. 

Member  States  should  ensure  that  whenever  appropriate,  the  correction  is  also 
applied  retroactively  to  past  measurement  data  in  order  to  achieve  better  data 
comparability. 

C. 

STANDARDISATION 

For  gaseous  pollutants  the  volume  must  be  standardised  at  a  temperature  of  293  K 
and an atmospheric pressure of 101,3 kPa. For particulate matter and substances to be 
analysed  in  particulate  matter  (e.g.  lead)  the  sampling  volume  refers  to  ambient 
conditions. 

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ANNEX VII 

TARGET VALUES AND LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES 

A. 

OZONE TARGET VALUES AND LONG TERM OBJECTIVES 

1. Definitions and criteria 

(a) 

Definitions 

AOT40  (expressed  in  (µg/m³)•hours)  means  the  sum  of  the  difference  between  hourly 
concentrations greater than 80 µg/m³ (= 40 parts per billion) and 80 µg/m³ over a given period 
using only the 1-hour values measured between 8:00 and 20:00 Central European Time each 
day1 . 

(b) 

Criteria 

The  following  criteria  shall  be  used  for  checking  validity  when  aggregating  data  and 
calculating statistical parameters: 

Parameter 

Required proportion of valid data 

1 hour values 

75 % (i.e. 45 minutes) 

8 hours values 

75 % of values (i.e. 6 hours)

Maximum  daily  8  hours  mean 
from hourly running 8 hours 

75 % of the hourly running 8 hours averages (i.e. 18 8-hourly averages per day)

AOT40 

Annual mean 

90 % of the 1 hour values over the time period defined for calculating the 
AOT40 value (a) 

90 % of the 1 hour values over summer (April to September) and 75 % over 
winter (January to March, October to December) seasons separately 

Number  of  exceedances  and 
maximum values per month 

90 % of the daily maximum 8 hours mean values (27 available daily values per 
month) 
90 % of the 1 hour values between 8:00 and 20:00 Central European Time 

Number  of  exceedances  and 
maximum values per year 

five out of six months over the summer season (April to September) 

(a) 

In  cases  where  all  possible  measured  data  are  not  available,  the  following  factor  shall  be  used  to 
calculate AOT40 values: 

AOT40estimate 

=  AOT40measured 

x 

total possible number of hours* 
number of measured hourly values 

* 

being  the number  of hours within  the  time  period  of AOT40 definition,  (i.e.  08:00  to 20:00  h  CET 
from 1 May to 31 July each year, for vegetation protection and from 1 April to 30 September each 
year for forest protection). 

1 

Or the appropriate time for ultra-peripheral regions. 

EN 

45 

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. 

.2. 

Target values 

Objective 

Averaging period 

Target value 

Protection of human health  Maximum  daily 

8-hour mean (a) 

120  µg/m3  not  to  be  exceeded  on 
more  than  25 days  per  calendar  year 
averaged over three years (b) 

Date by which 
target value 
should be met 

2010 

Protection of vegetation 

May to July 

AOT40 (calculated from 1 h values) 

2010 

18  000  µg/m3•h  averaged  over  five 
years (b) 

(a) 

(b) 

The  maximum  daily  8-hour  mean  concentration  shall  be  selected  by  examining  8-hour  running 
averages, calculated from hourly data and updated each hour. Each 8-hour average so calculated 
shall be assigned to the day on which it ends. i.e. the first calculation period for any one day will 
be the period from 17:00 on the previous day to 01:00 on that day; the last calculation period for 
any one day will be the period from 16:00 to 24:00 on the day. 

If the three or five year averages cannot be determined on the basis of a full and consecutive set of 
annual data, the minimum annual data required for checking compliance with the target values will be 
as follows: 

–  for the target value for the protection of human health: valid data for one year; 

–  for the target value for the protection of vegetation: valid data for three years. 

3. 

Long-term objectives 

Objective 

Averaging period 

Long-term objective 

Protection of human health 

Maximum  daily  8-hour 
mean  within  a  calendar 
year 

120 µg/m3 

Protection of vegetation 

May to July 

AOT40,  
(calculated from 1 h values) 

6 000 µg/m3•h 

Date by which 
the long-term 
objective 
should be met 

- 

- 

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ANNEX VIII 

CRITERIA FOR CLASSIFYING AND LOCATING SAMPLING POINTS FOR 
ASSESSMENTS OF OZONE CONCENTRATIONS 

The following apply to fixed measurements: 

A. 

MACROSCALE SITING 

Objectives of measurement Representativeness (a)

Macroscale siting criteria 

Type of 
station 

Urban 

A few km2 

Protection of human health: 
to assess the exposure of the 
urban population to ozone, 
i.e. where population density 
and ozone concentration are 
relatively high and 
representative of the exposure 
of the general population 

Suburban  Protection of human health 
and vegetation: 
to assess the exposure of the 
population and vegetation 
located in the outskirts of the 
agglomeration, where the 
highest ozone levels, to 
which the population and 
vegetation is likely to be 
directly or indirectly exposed, 
occur 

Rural 

Protection of human health 
and vegetation: 
to assess the exposure of 
population, crops and natural 
ecosystems to sub-regional 
scale ozone concentrations 

Some tens of km2 

Sub-regional levels 
(a few km2) 

Rural 
background 

Protection of vegetation and 
human health: 
to assess the exposure of 
crops and natural 
ecosystems to regional-scale 
ozone concentrations as well 
as exposure of the population

Regional/national/ 
continental levels 
(1 000 to 10 000 km2)

Away from the influence of local emissions 
such as traffic, petrol stations, etc.; 
Vented locations where well mixed levels 
can be measured; Locations such as 
residential and commercial areas of cities, 
parks (away from the trees), big streets or 
squares with very little or no traffic, open 
areas characteristic of educational, sports or 
recreation facilities 
At a certain distance from the area of 
maximum emissions, downwind following 
the main wind direction/directions during 
conditions favourable to ozone formation; 
Where population, sensitive crops or natural 
ecosystems located in the outer fringe of an 
agglomeration are exposed to high ozone 
levels; 
Where appropriate, some suburban stations 
also upwind of the area of maximum 
emissions, in order to determine the regional 
background levels of ozone 
Stations can be located in small settlements 
and/or areas with natural ecosystems, forests 
or crops; 
Representative for ozone away from the 
influence of immediate local emissions such 
as industrial installations and roads; 
At open area sites, but not on summits of 
higher mountains 
Station located in areas with lower 
population density, e.g. with natural 
ecosystems, forests, far removed from urban 
and industrial areas and away from local 
emissions; 
Avoid locations which are subject to locally 
enhanced formation of ground-near 
inversion conditions, also summits of higher 
mountains; 
Coastal sites with pronounced diurnal wind 
cycles of local character are not 
recommended. 

(a) 

Sampling points should, where possible, be representative of similar locations not in their immediate vicinity.

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For rural and rural background stations the location shall, where appropriate, be coordinated 
with  the  monitoring  requirements  of  Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  1091/94  of  29  April 
1994 laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) 
No 3528/86 on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollution1. 

B. 

MICROSCALE SITING 

In so far as is practicable the procedure on microscale siting in Section B of Annex III shall be 
followed,  ensuring  also  that  the  inlet  probe  is  positioned  well  away  from  such  sources  as 
furnaces  and  incineration  flues  and  more  than  10  m  from  the  nearest  road,  with  distance 
increasing as a function of traffic intensity. 

C. 

DOCUMENTATION AND REVIEW OF SITE SELECTION 

The procedures in Section C of Annex III shall be followed, applying proper screening and 
interpretation of the monitoring data in the context of the meteorological and photochemical 
processes affecting the ozone concentrations measured at the respective sites. 

1 

OJ L 125, 18.5.1994, p. 1. 

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ANNEX IX 

CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF SAMPLING POINTS 
FOR FIXED MEASUREMENT OF CONCENTRATIONS OF OZONE 

A. 

MINIMUM NUMBER OF SAMPLING POINTS FOR FIXED CONTINUOUS MEASUREMENTS 
TO  ASSESS  COMPLIANCE  WITH  TARGET  VALUES,  LONG-TERM  OBJECTIVES  AND 
INFORMATION  AND  ALERT  THRESHOLDS  WHERE  SUCH  MEASUREMENTS  ARE  THE 
SOLE SOURCE OF INFORMATION 

Population 
(× 1 000) 

Agglomerations 
(urban and suburban) (a) 

Other zones 
(suburban and rural) (a) 

Rural background 

< 250 

< 500 

< 1 000 

< 1 500 

< 2 000 

< 2 750 

< 3 750 

> 3 750 

1 

2 

3 

3 

4 

5 

1 

2 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

1 additional station per 
2 million inhabitants 

1 additional station per 
2 million inhabitants 

1  station/50  000  km2  as  an  average 
density over all zones per country(b) 

(a) 

(b) 

B. 

At  least  1  station  in  suburban  areas,  where  the  highest  exposure  of  the  population  is  likely  to  occur.  In 
agglomerations at least 50% of the stations shall be located in suburban areas.
1 station per 25 000 km2 for complex terrain is recommended. 

MINIMUM  NUMBER  OF  SAMPLING  POINTS  FOR  FIXED  MEASUREMENTS  FOR  ZONES 
AND AGGLOMERATIONS ATTAINING THE LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES 

The  number  of  sampling  points  for  ozone  shall,  in  combination  with  other  means  of 
supplementary  assessment  such  as  air  quality  modelling  and  colocated  nitrogen  dioxide 
measurements,  be  sufficient  to  examine  the  trend  of  ozone  pollution  and  check  compliance 
with  the  long-term  objectives.  The  number  of  stations  located  in  agglomerations  and  other 
zones may be reduced to one-third of the number specified in Section A. Where information 
from  fixed  measurement  stations  is  the  sole  source  of  information,  at  least  one  monitoring 
station shall be kept. If, in zones where there is supplementary assessment, the result of this is 
that a zone has no remaining station, coordination with the number of stations in neighbouring 
zones shall ensure adequate assessment of ozone concentrations against long-term objectives. 
The number of rural background stations shall be 1 per 100 000 km2. 

EN 

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ANNEX X 

MEASUREMENTS OF OZONE PRECURSOR SUBSTANCES 

A. 

OBJECTIVES 

The  main  objectives  of  such  measurements  are  to  analyse  any  trend  in  ozone  precursors,  to 
check  the  efficiency  of  emission  reduction  strategies,  to  check  the  consistency  of  emission 
inventories and to help attribute emission sources to observed pollution concentrations. 

An additional aim is to support the understanding of ozone formation and precursor dispersion 
processes, as well as the application of photochemical models. 

B. 

SUBSTANCES 

Measurement  of  ozone  precursor  substances  shall  include  at  least  nitrogen  oxides  (NO  and 
NO2), and the following VOC: 

1-Butene 

Isoprene

Ethyl benzene 

Trans-2-Butene

n-Hexane

m+p-Xylene 

cis-2-Butene 

i-Hexane

o-Xylene

1,3-Butadiene

n-Heptane

1,2,4-Trimethylebenzene 

n-Pentane 

i-Pentane 

1-Pentene 

2-Pentene 

n-Octane

i-Octane

Benzene

Toluene

1,2,3- Trimethylebenzene 

1,3,5- Trimethylebenzene 

Formaldehyde 

Total non-methane hydrocarbons

Ethane 

Ethylene 

Acetylene 

Propane 

Propene 

n-Butane 

i-Butane 

C. 

SITING 

Measurements shall be taken in particular in urban and suburban areas at any monitoring site 
set up in accordance with the requirements of this Directive and considered appropriate with 
regard to the monitoring objectives referred to in Section A. 

EN 

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ANNEX XI 

LIMIT VALUES FOR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN HEALTH 

Averaging 
Period 

Sulphur dioxide 

1 hour 

1 day 

Limit value 

Margin of tolerance 

Date by which 
limit value is 
to be met 

350 µg/m3, not to be exceeded more 
than 24 times a calendar year 

150 µg/ m3 (43%) 

125 µg/m3, not to be exceeded 
more than 3 times a calendar year 

None 

Nitrogen dioxide 

1 hour 

200 µg/m3, not to be exceeded 
more than 18 times a calendar year 

50%  on  19  July  1999,  decreasing  on 
1 January  2001  and  every  12  months 
thereafter  by  equal  annual  percentages 
to reach 0% by 1 January 2010 

1 January 2010 

Calendar year 

40 µg/m3 

50%  on  19  July  1999,  decreasing  on 
1 January 2001 and every 12 months 
annual 
thereafter 
percentages to reach 0% by 1 January 
2010 

equal 

by 

1 January 2010 

Carbon monoxide 

max.  daily  8-
hour mean(1) 

Benzene 

10 mg/m3 

60 % 

Calendar year 

5 µg/m3 

Lead 

5  µg/m3  (100%)  on  13  December 
2000,  decreasing  on  1  January  2006 
and  every  12  months  thereafter  by 
1 µg/m3  to  reach  0%  by  1  January 
2010 

1 January 2010 

Calendar year 

0,5 µg/m3 

100 % 

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PM10 

1 day 

50 µg/ m3, not to be exceeded more 
than 35times a calendar year 

Calendar year 

40 µg/m3 

50 % 

20 % 

(1) 

The  maximum  daily  8-hour  mean  concentration  will  be  selected  by  examining  8-hour  running 
averages, calculated from hourly data and updated each hour. Each 8-hour average so calculated will 
be  assigned  to  the  day  on  which  it  ends  i.e.  the  first  calculation  period  for  any  one  day  will  be  the 
period from 17:00 on the previous day to 01:00 on that day; the last calculation period for any one day 
will be the period from 16:00 to 24:00 on that day. 

EN 

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ANNEX XII 

INFORMATION AND ALERT THRESHOLDS 

A. 

ALERT THRESHOLDS FOR POLLUTANTS OTHER THAN OZONE 

To be measured over three consecutive hours at locations representative of air quality 
over  at  least  100 km2  or  an  entire  zone  or  agglomeration,  whichever  is  the 
smaller. 

Pollutant 

Alert threshold 

Sulphur dioxide 

Nitrogen dioxide 

500 µg/m3 

400 µg/m3 

B. 

INFORMATION AND ALERT THRESHOLDS FOR OZONE 

Purpose 

Averaging period 

Information 

Alert 

(a) 

1 hour 

1 hour (a) 

Threshold 

180 µg/m3 

240 µg/m3 

For the implementation of Article 18, the exceedance of the threshold is to be measured or 
predicted for three consecutive hours. 

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ANNEX XIII 

CRITICAL LEVELS FOR THE PROTECTION OF VEGETATION 

Averaging period 

Critical Level 

Margin of tolerance 

Date by which Critical 
Level is to be met 

Sulphur dioxide 

Calendar year and winter 
(1 October to 31 March) 

Oxides of nitrogen 

20 µg/ m3 

Calendar year 

30 µg/m3 NOx 

None 

None 

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EXPOSURE REDUCTION TARGET AND CONCENTRATION CAP FOR PM2,5 

ANNEX XIV 

A. 

AVERAGE EXPOSURE INDICATOR  

in  urban  background 

The  Average  Exposure  Indicator  expressed  in  µg/m3  (AEI)  shall  be  based  upon 
in  zones  and  agglomerations 
measurements 
throughout the territory of a Member State. It should be assessed as a 3-calendar year 
running  annual  mean  concentration  averaged  over  all  sampling  points  established 
pursuant to Articles 6 and 7. The AEI for the reference year 2010 shall be the mean 
concentration of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. Similarly, the AEI for the year 2020 
shall be the 3-year running mean concentration averaged over all sampling points for 
the years 2018, 2019 and 2020. 

locations 

B. 

EXPOSURE REDUCTION TARGET 

Exposure Reduction Target relative to the AEI in 2010 

Date by which the exposure 
reduction target should be met 

20 percent 

2020 

Where  the  average  exposure  indicator  expressed  in  µg/m3  in  the  reference  year  is 
7 µg/m3 or less the exposure reduction target shall be zero 

C. 

CONCENTRATION CAP 

Averaging 
Period 

Concentration 
cap 

Margin of tolerance (1) 

Calendar 
year 

25 µg/m3 

20%  on  the  entry  into  force  of  this 
Directive, decreasing on the next 1 January 
following  and  every  12  months  thereafter 
by  equal  annual  percentages  to  reach  0  % 
by 1 January 2010 

Date by which 
concentration 
cap is to be met 

1 January 2010 

(1) 

The maximum margin of tolerance applies also in accordance with Article 15(4) 

EN 

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ANNEX XV 

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE LOCAL, REGIONAL OR 
NATIONAL PLANS OR PROGRAMMES FOR IMPROVEMENT IN 
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY 

INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED UNDER ARTICLE 21 (PLANS OR PROGRAMMES) 

Localisation of excess pollution 

(a) 

region; 

(b) 

city (map); 

A. 

1. 

(c)  measuring station (map, geographical coordinates). 

2. 

General information: 

(a) 

type of zone (city, industrial or rural area); 

(b) 

estimate  of  the  polluted  area  (km2)  and  of  the  population  exposed  to  the 
pollution;  

(c) 

useful climatic data;  

(d) 

relevant data on topography;  

(e) 

sufficient information on the type of targets requiring protection in the zone.  

3. 

Responsible authorities 

Names  and  addresses  of  persons 
implementation of improvement plans. 

responsible 

for 

the  development  and 

4. 

Nature and assessment of pollution: 

(a) 

concentrations observed over previous years (before the implementation of the 
improvement measures); 

(b) 

concentrations measured since the beginning of the project; 

(c) 

techniques used for the assessment.  

5. 

Origin of pollution 

(a) 

list of the main emission sources responsible for pollution (map); 

(b) 

total quantity of emissions from these sources (tonnes/year);  

(c) 

information on pollution imported from other regions.  

EN 

56 

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6. 

Analysis of the situation 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

B. 

1. 

2. 

(a) 

details of those factors responsible for the exceedence (e.g. transport, including 
cross-border transport, formation of secondary pollutants in the atmosphere); 

(b)  details of possible measures for the improvement of air quality.  

Details  of  those  measures  or  projects  for  improvement  which  existed  prior  to  the 
entry into force of this Directive, i.e: 

(a) 

local, regional, national, international measures; 

(b)  observed effects of these measures.  

Details  of  those  measures  or  projects  adopted  with  a  view  to  reducing  pollution 
following the entry into force of this Directive: 

(a) 

listing and description of all the measures set out in the project;  

(b) 

timetable for implementation; 

(c) 

estimate  of  the  improvement  of  air  quality  planned  and  of  the  expected  time 
required to attain these objectives.  

Details of the measures or projects planned or being researched for the long term. 

List  of  the  publications,  documents,  work,  etc.,  used  to  supplement  information 
required under this Annex.  

INFORMATION 
PROVIDED 
(AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT PROGRAMME) 

TO 

BE 

UNDER 

ARTICLE 

20(1)(b)  

All information as laid down in Section A of this Annex. 

Information concerning the status of implementation of the following Directives: 

(1)  Council Directive 70/220/EEC of 20 March 1970 on the approximation of the 
laws  of  the  Member  States  on  measures  to  be  taken  against  air  pollution  by 
emissions from motor vehicles1; 

(2)  Council Directive 88/77/EEC of 3 December 1987 on the approximation of the 
laws  of  the  Member  States  relating  to  the  measures  to  be  taken  against  the 
emission  of  gaseous  and  particulate  pollutants  from  compression  ignition 
engines  for  use  in  vehicles,  and  the  emission  of  gaseous  pollutants  from 
positive ignition engines fuelled with natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas for 
use in vehicles2; 

1 
2 

OJ L 76, 6.4.1970, p. 1. 
OJ L 36, 9.2.1988, p. 33. 

EN 

57 

   EN 

 
                                                 
(3)  Directive  94/63/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
20 December 1994  on  the  control  of  volatile  organic  compound  (VOC) 
emissions  resulting  from  the  storage  of  petrol  and  its  distribution  from 
terminals to service stations3; 

(4)  Council  Directive  96/61/EC  of  24  September  1996  concerning  integrated 

pollution prevention and control4; 

(5)  Directive  97/68/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
16 December  1997  on  the  approximation  of  the  laws  of  the  Member  States 
relating to measures against the emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants 
from internal combustion engines to be installed in non-road mobile machinery 
as amended5; 

(6)  Directive  98/70/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
13 October 1998 relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels and amending 
Council Directive 93/12/EEC6; 

(7)  Council Directive 1999/13/EC of 11 March 1999 on the limitation of emissions 
of  volatile  organic  compounds  due  to  the  use  of  organic  solvents  in  certain 
activities and installations7; 

(8)  Council  Directive 1999/32/EC  of  26  April 1999 relating to a reduction in the 
sulphur content of certain liquid fuels and amending Directive 93/12/EEC8; 

(9)  Directive  2000/76/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 

4 December 2000 on the incineration of waste9; 

(10)  Directive  2001/80/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
23 October 2001 on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air 
from large combustion plants; 

(11)  Directive  2001/81/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
23 October  2001  on  national  emission  ceilings  for  certain  atmospheric 
pollutants; 

(12)  Directive  2004/42/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of 
21 April 2004 on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due 
to  the  use  of  organic  solvents  in  certain  paints  and  varnishes  and  vehicle 
refinishing products and amending Directive 1999/13/EC10; 

3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 

OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 24 
OJ L 257, 10.10.1996, p. 22. 
OJ L 59, 27.2.1998, p. 1. 
OJ L 350, 28.12.1998, p. 58. 
OJ L 85, 29.3.1999, p. 1. 
OJ L 121, 11.5.1999, p. 13. 
OJ L 332 , 28.12.2000, p. 91. 
OJ L 143, 30.4.2004, p. 87. 

EN 

58 

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(13)  Directive  […]  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  on  energy 

end-use efficiency and energy services11. 

(14)  Directive  […]  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  amending 

Directive 1999/32/EC as regards the sulphur content of marine fuels12; 

3. 

Information  on  all  air  pollution  abatement  measures  that  have  been  considered  for 
implementation in connection with the attainment of air quality objectives, including: 

at the level of agglomeration or zone: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

reduction of emissions from stationary sources by ensuring that polluting small 
and  medium  sized  stationary  combustion  sources  (including  for  biomass)  are 
fitted with emission control equipment or replaced; 

reduction of emissions from vehicles through retrofitting with emission control 
equipment.  The  use  of  economic  incentives  to  accelerate  take-up  should  be 
considered; 

procurement by public authorities, in line with the handbook on environmental 
public  procurement13,  of  road  vehicles,  fuels  and  combustion  equipment  to 
reduce emissions, including the purchase of: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

new vehicles, including low emission vehicles, 

cleaner vehicle transport services, 

low emission stationary combustion sources, 

low emission fuels for stationary and mobile sources; 

(d)  measures to limit transport emissions through traffic planning and management 
(including  congestion  pricing,  differentiated  parking  fees  or  other  economic 
incentives; establishing “low emission zones”); 

(e)  measures to encourage a shift of transport towards less polluting modes; 

(f) 

ensuring  that  low  emission  fuels  are  used  in  small,  medium  and  large  scale 
stationary sources and in mobile sources; 

11 
12 
13 

OJ L […], […], p. […]. 
OJ L […], […], p. […]. 
SEC(2004) 1050. 

EN 

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at regional or national level: 

(g)  measures 

to  reduce  air  pollution 

the  permit  system  under 
Directive 96/61/EC,  the  national  plans  under  Directive  2001/80/EC,  and 
through  the  use  of  economic  instruments  such  as  taxes,  charges  or  emission 
trading. 

through 

EN 

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ANNEX XVI 

PUBLIC INFORMATION 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Member States shall ensure that up-to-date information on ambient concentrations of 
the pollutants covered by this Directive is routinely made available to the public.  

Ambient concentrations provided shall be presented as average values according to 
the appropriate averaging period as laid down in Annex VII and Annexes XI to XIV. 
The  information  shall  at  least  indicate  any  levels  exceeding  air  quality  objectives 
including limit values, concentration caps, target values, alert thresholds, information 
thresholds or long term objectives of the regulated pollutant. It shall also provide a 
short  assessment  in  relation  to  the  air  quality  objectives  and  appropriate 
information regarding effects on health, or, where appropriate, vegetation.  

Information  on  ambient  concentrations  of  sulphur  dioxide,  nitrogen  dioxide, 
particulate  matter,  ozone  and  carbon  monoxide  shall  be  updated  on  at  least  a  daily 
basis, and, wherever practicable, information shall be updated on an hourly basis. 
Information  on  ambient  concentrations  of  lead  and  benzene,  presented  as  an 
average value for the last 12 months, shall be updated on a three-monthly basis, and 
on a monthly basis, wherever practicable.  

Member  States  shall  ensure  that  timely  information  about  actual  or  predicted 
exceedances  of  alert thresholds, and any information threshold is provided to the 
public. Details supplied shall include at least the following information: 

(a) 

information on observed exceedance(s): 

– 

– 

– 

– 

location or area of the exceedance; 

type of threshold exceeded (information or alert); 

start time and duration of the exceedance; 

highest  1-hour  concentration  and  in  addition  highest  8-hour  mean 
concentration in the case of ozone; 

(b) 

forecast for the following afternoon/day(s): 

– 

– 

geographical  area  of  expected  exceedances  of  information  and/or  alert 
threshold; 

in  pollution 
expected  changes 
deterioration), together with the reasons for those changes; 

(improvement, 

stabilisation  or 

(c) 

information  on  the  type  of  population  concerned,  possible  health  effects  and 
recommended behaviour: 

– 

– 

information on population groups at risk; 

description of likely symptoms; 

EN 

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– 

– 

recommended precautions to be taken by the population concerned; 

where to find further information; 

(d) 

information  on  preventive  action  to  reduce  pollution  and/or  exposure  to  it: 
indication  of  main  source  sectors;  recommendations  for  action  to  reduce 
emissions; 

(e) 

in the case of predicted exceedences, Member State shall take steps to ensure 
that such details are supplied to the extent practicable. 

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ANNEX XVII 

CORRELATION TABLE 

This Directive 

Directive 
96/62/EC 

Directive 
1999/30/EC 

Directive 
2000/69/EC 

Directive 
2002/3/EC 

Article 1 

Article 1 

Article 1 

Article 1 

Article 1 

Article  2(1) 
(5) 

to 

Article  2(1) 
(5) 

to 

- 

Article  2(6)  and 
(7) 

- 

- 

Article 2(8) 

Article 2(8) 

Article 2(7) 

Article 2(9) 

Article 2(6) 

- 

Article 2(10) 

Article 2(7) 

Article 2(6) 

Article 2(11) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Article 2(9) 

Article 2(11) 

Article 2(12) 

Article 
and (13)  

2(12) 

- 

Article 
and (14) 

2(13) 

Article  2(a)  and 
(b) 

- 

Article 2(14) 

- 

- 

Article 
and (16) 

2(15) 

Article  2(9)  and 
(10) 

Article  2(8)  and 
(9) 

- 

- 

Article 2(10) 

Article  2(7)  and 
(8) 

Article 
and (18) 

2(17) 

- 

Article 
(20) and (21) 

2(19), 

Article 2(22) 

- 

- 

Article 
and (12) 

2(11) 

- 

- 

Article 2(10) 

Article 
and (24) 

2(23) 

Article 6(5) 

Article 2(25) 

- 

Article  3,  with 
the  exception  of 
paragraph (1)(f) 

Article 3 

Article 3(1)(f) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Article 2(13) 

- 

- 

EN 

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- 

- 

- 

- 

Article 4 

Article  2(9)  and 
(10), 
Article 
6(1) 

- 

- 

Article 5 

- 

Article 7(1) 

Article 5(1)  

Article  6  (1)  to 
(4) 

Article  6  (1)  to 
(4) 

Article 6 (5) 

Article 7 

Article 8 

Article 9  

Article 10 

Article 11(1) 

Article 11(2) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Article 12 

Article 9 

Article 13(1) 

Article 13(2) 

Article 13(3) 

Article 14 

Article 15 

Article 16(1) 

Article 16(2) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Article 7 (2) and 
(3) 
with 
amendments 

-  Article  5(2) 
and 
(3)  with 
amendments 

Article 7(5) 

Article 5(5) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Articles 
3(1), 
4(1), 5(1) and 6  

Articles 3(1) and 
4 

Articles 3(2) and 
4(2) 

Article 5(5) 

Articles 3(1) and 
4(1) 
with 
amendments 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Article  9(1)  1st 
2nd 
and 
subparagraphs 

Article  9(1) 
(3) 
amendments 

to 
with 

Article 9(4) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Articles 3(1) and 
4(1) 

Article  3(2)  and 
(3) 

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Article 16(3) 

Article 17 

Article 18 

Article 19 

Article 20 

Article 21 

Article 22 

Article 23 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Article  10  with 
amendments 

Article 8(3) 

- 

- 

Article  8(1) 
(4) 
amendments 

to 
with 

Article 7(3) with 
amendments 

Article 8(5) with 
amendments 

Articles 3(4) and 
with 
5(4) 
amendments 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Article 4(2) 

Article 5 

Article  6  with 
amendments 

- 

- 

- 

Article  7  with 
amendments 

Article  8  with 
amendments 

Article 24 

- 

Article  8  with 
amendments 

Article  7  with 
amendments 

Article  6  with 
amendments 

Article 25 

Article 26(1) 

Article 26(2) 

Article 26(3) 

Article 26(4) 

- 

- 

Article  11  with 
amendments 

5(2) 

Article 
second 
subparagraph  

12(1) 

Article 
with 
amendments 

Article  11  with 
amendments 

- 

- 

- 

Annex  IX  with 
amendments 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Article  10  with 
amendments 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Article 27 

Article 12(2) 

- 

Article 28 

Article 29 

Article 30 

- 

- 

- 

Article 11 

Article 9 

Article 14 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Article 31 

Article 13 

Article 12 

Article 10 

Article 15 

EN 

65 

   EN 

 
Article 32 

Article 14 

Article 13 

Article 11 

Article 17 

Article 33 

Article 15 

Article 14 

Article 12 

Article 18 

Annex I 

Annex II 

Annex III 

Annex IV 

Annex V 

Annex VI 

Annex VII 

Annex VIII 

Annex IX 

Annex X 

Annex XI 

Annex XII 

Annex XIII 

Annex XIV 

Annex 
Section A 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

XV 

Annex IV 

Annex VIII with 
amendments 

Annex VI 

Annex VII 

Annex  V  with 
amendments 

Annex III 

Annex VI 

Annex IV 

- 

- 

Annex  VII  with 
amendments 

Annex V 

- 

- 

- 

Annex  IX  with 
amendments 

Annex VII 

Annex VIII 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Annex  I,  Annex 
III section II 

Annex IV 

Annex V 

Annex VI 

Annex  I,  section 
II, 
I,  Annex 
section 
I  and 
Annex  III  (with 
amendments); 
Annex 
(unchanged) 

IV 

Annex  I,  section 
II, 
II,  Annex 
section II,  

Annex  I,  section 
I,  Annex 
II, 
section I 

- 

- 

Annex  I,  Annex 
II 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Annex 
section I 

II, 

- 

- 

- 

EN 

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Annex 
Section B 

XV 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Annex XVI 

- 

Article 8 

Article 7 

Article  6  with 
amendments 

EN 

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