3.7.2000 Official Journal of the European Communities L162/1 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) DIRECTIVE 2000/14/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 8 May 2000 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Com- munity, and in particular Article 95 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2), Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (3), Whereas: (1) Within the framework of the internal market, require- ments for the noise emission by equipment for use outdoors have to be harmonised in order to prevent obstacles to the free movement of such equipment. Reducing permissible noise levels for such equipment will protect the health and well-being of citizens as well as protect the environment. The public should also be provided with information on the noise emitted by such equipment. (1) O] C 124, 22.4.1998, p. 1. (3 OJ C407,28.12.1998, p. 18. (%) Opinion of the European Parliament of 1 April 1998 (O] C 138, 4.5.1998, p. 84), Council common position of 24 January 2000 (O] C 83, 22.3.2000, p. 1) and Decision of the European Parliament of 15 March 2000. (2) Community legislation concerning noise emission by equipment for use outdoors has consisted to date of the following nine directives covering some types of construction machinery and lawnmowers: Council Direc- tive 79/113/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the approxi- mation of the laws of the Members States relating to the determination of the noise emission of construction plant and equipment (%), Council Directive 84/532/EEC of 17 September 1984 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to common provisions for construction plant and equipment (%), Council Directive 84[533[EEC of 17 September 1984 on the approxi- mation of the laws of the Member States relating to the permissible sound power lever of compressors (¢), Council Directive 84/534/EEC of 17 September 1984 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the permissible sound power level of tower cranes (’), Council Directive 84/535/EEC of 17 September 1984 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the permissible sound power level of welding (¥) OJ L 33, 8.2.1979, p. 15. Directive as last amended by Com- mission Directive 85/405/EEC (O] L 233, 30.8.1985, p. 9). (°) OJL 300, 19.11.1984, p. 111. Directive as amended by Directive 88/665/EEC (O] L 382, 31.12.1988, p. 42). (6 OJ L 300, 19.11.1984, p. 123. Directive as amended by Com- mission Directive 85/406/EEC (O] L 233, 30.8.1985, p. 11). () OJL 300, 19.11.1984, p. 130. Directive as amended by Directive 87/405[EEC (O] L 220, 8.8.1987, p. 60).