Consultation on Pressure Equipment

The future of the Simple Pressure Vessels Directive 87/404/EEC

The European Commission launched an internet consultation regarding the future of the Simple Pressure Vessel directive (SPVD) where they propose an integration of the SPVD into the Pressure Vessel Directive (PED).  Orgalime participated in the consulation and expressed our concerns regarding an eventual merger. Orgalime does not believe, as suggested by the Commission, that the co-existence of the two directives causes problems.  To our knowledge, the directives work well today and to integrate the two directives would create more problems and administrative burden for the industry and increase costs through rendering conformity assessment procedures more complex.  This will have a direct negative effect on the competitiveness of the EU industry which is already today faced with many challenges.

The member states agreed at the Competitiveness Council of 25 November 2004 on a 'List of simplification' to be submitted to the Commission.  The list contains 15 directives and advance Council proposals for possible solutions.  Among these 15 directives is the proposal to incorporate the Simple Pressure Vessel directive (87/404/EC) into the Pressure Vessel Directive (97/23/EC).  Orgalime is deeply concerned that the Council should have adopted conclusions on a proposed simplification without prior consultation with our industry and without waiting for the result of the Commission’s ongoing consultation.  We feel that such a course of action runs contrary to the principles of better regulation.

References: 87/404/EEC