Main Page    I. The Administrative Framework     II. European Environmental Policy
III. Directives Implementing the EU Environmental Policy
IV. Chart of the Directives and Enforcement Dates

European Union Environmental Regulations:
A Guide to US Exporters

Over the last twenty years, the European Union has been implementing an ambitious agenda of environmental regulations, setting requirements governing the design, manufacture, evaluation, documentation, performance and disposal of products.

The critical question for many American exporters is how and to what extent they will have to change their product and product documentation processes before they can export to the EU.

In some cases, US companies may have to change product design, manufacturing practices or documentation requirements, but those regulations may also create opportunities for innovative US companies.

This website will focus on the environmental programs of the European Union. The member states must adopt EU policies and programs. However, they can add additional requirements and develop different programs in the area of environmental regulation. But the internal free market is sufficiently important to the EU that the impact of these national requirements on international trade, including trade within the EU, is likely to be relatively minor.