Standardization of plant protection equipment in the EU: aspects of pollution control1

Within the European standardization process for agricultural machines, the standards dealing with pollution control aspects are the second important field of activity after the standards for safety. Even though there are for the time being no EU directives dealing with pollution control in the way that the Machine Directive (89/392) deals with the safety of agricultural machinery, the relevant standards under preparation will surely become important in a short time. The early start of European standardization in this field has led to harmonization of different national requirements, on the one hand, and makes it possible, on the other hand. that further European legislation can be reduced to essential guidelines. The basic work already done within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is allowing the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to make rapid progress in the European context.