The question of dangerous preparations has been regulated on a Community-wide basis since 1988.

The solution for dangerous preparations will therefore broadly follow the approach outlined in that context.

Then there is Directive 88/379 on dangerous preparations.

The classification, packaging and labelling of pesticides will be included in the scope of the revised directive on dangerous preparations.

These amendments concern matters such as the labelling of dangerous preparations which attain a dangerous concentration, if not individually, then when combined.

But behind the words packaging, classification and labelling of dangerous preparations there are some important rules for the environment and, above all, for the working environment.

The present Commission proposal not only revises and brings together various legislative measures but also closes a legislative loophole by covering the environmental effects of dangerous preparations.

The new Directive will unquestionably improve the existing situation, inter alia by collating and unifying EU legislation on dangerous preparations.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, dangerous preparations are currently governed by Directive No 88/379, which regulates their classification, packaging and labelling.

The problems with the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations are closely related to those arising in the case of the directive I have just dealt with.

The Commission's proposal, which we are now examining at first reading, is designed to update the directive in question, bringing together Community legislation on dangerous preparations in a single act.

In every other way, the report we are discussing tonight is very important. It concerns many citizens of the European Union, since it deals with the classification and labelling of dangerous preparations.

It complements the Dangerous Substances Directive (67/548/EEC) and replaces a previous Dangerous Preparations Directive (88/379/EEC).

Additional rules concerning preparations are contained in the Dangerous Preparations Directive (1999/45/EC): these are very similar to the rules contained in the Dangerous Substances Directive 67/548/EEC.

My colleagues have pointed out on several occasions that in the case of dangerous preparations it is not just a question of the risks of individual substances but that it is often the combination of the various substances that presents a considerably greater danger.

I would like to add to another point my colleagues have already mentioned: for the sake of the consumer, we must ensure that these dangerous preparations are not advertised as ecologically safe and environment-friendly, or can be sold with these attributes, for that leads the consumer astray.

Mr President, we are very pleased with the proposal for a directive which somewhat widens the field of application of the original directives, as this is a directive which incorporates in a single document the existing legislation which has long existed in the field of dangerous preparations.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, let me say on behalf of the EPP Group that this proposal for a directive concerning the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations is another good example of sensible European legislation.

For the future, let us hope that many more alternatives are found to replace these dangerous preparations, so that we can be spared having to discuss how they are to be regulated and concentrate on finding substitutes instead. None of these preparations can be said to enhance either the environment or people's health in the long term.