Scope:

Evaluation of the Directive 2000/14/EC on the noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors

Evaluation findings:

The outcome of the evaluation is overall positive: the conclusion of the evaluation is that the Directive is generally considered as effective, efficient, relevant and coherent, and has EU added value. In fact, the Directive simplified the existing legislative framework, thus bringing more clarity for all stakeholders. The Directive effectively contributed to reduce noise emission by outdoor equipment and ensured that manufacturers invest resources in the research and development of special designs, mechanisms and strategies to reduce noise emissions of outdoor equipment. Given the lack of market demand for quieter equipment and the scarcity of national incentives, the Directive was and still is the primary force driving noise reduction for this type of equipment. In addition, given that the desired objectives can be best met at EU level, an EU approach remains the most appropriate response as opposed to national approaches.

There are however a number of critical aspects that affected the operation of the Directive. They concern in particular the lack of adaptation to the technical progress of core elements of the Directive: scope, noise limits, noise measurement methods, conformity assessment procedures, collection of noise data and the alignment to the New Legislative Framework.

In 2021, the Commission has started to work on a delegated act to amend the noise measurement methods and bring them in line with the technological progress. The adoption of the delegated act is planned for mid-2023.