Precautionary principle objectives

Article 6 of the RoHS Directive (recast 2011 [9]) says 1. With a view to achieving the objectives set out in Article 1 and taking account of the precautionary principle, a review, based on a thorough assessment, and amendment of the list of restricted substances in Annex II shall be considered by the Commission before 22 July 2014, and periodically thereafter on its own initiative or following the submission of a proposal by a Member State. .. . 

In 2000, the European Commission issued a communication on the precautionary principle (EU 2000), in which it adopted a procedure for the application of this concept. The precautionary principle is not defined in the treaty, which prescribes it only once - to protect the environment. But in practice, its scope is much wider, beyond that of environmental policy, and, specifically where preliminary objective scientific evaluation, indicates that there are reasonable grounds for concern that the potentially dangerous effects on the environment, human, animal, or plant health may be inconsistent with the high level of protection chosen for the Community. The precautionary principle is implemented, for example, in the EU food law and also affects, among others, policies relating to consumer protection, trade and research, and technological development. 

The issue of when and how to use the precautionary principle, both within the EU and internationally, is giving rise to much debate, and to mixed, and sometimes contradictory views. Thus, decision-makers are constantly faced with the dilemma of balancing the freedom and rights of individuals, industry, and organizations with the need to reduce the risk of adverse effects to the environment, human, animal, or plant health. Therefore, finding the correct balance so that the proportionate, nondiscriminatory, transparent, and coherent actions can be taken, requires a structured decision-making process with detailed scientific and other objective information. 

The new Water Framework Direaive (WFD, Directive 2000/60/EQ marks a change in Community water policy towards a coherent and integrated framework for assessment, monitoring, and management of all surface waters and groundwater based on their ecological and chemical stams. The taigets and principles set out in Directive 91/414/EEC for pesticides were translated into objectives for all waters and will be implemented on a rivet basin scale. With the adoption of the WFD, Community water policy is based firmly on the precautionary principle and the sustainable use of water. 

Figure 2 illustrates the recommended approach for the decision-making process. Different types of analyses provide input to the managerial review and judgment, where the boimdaries and limitations of the analyses are also reflected. The weight given to the uncertainties are influenced by stakeholder values, priorities, objectives etc, for example related to the use of the precautionary principle. 

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