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Summaries of EU Legislation

Bottles as measuring containers

 

SUMMARY OF:

Directive 75/107/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to bottles used as measuring containers

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DIRECTIVE?

The directive sets common standards for manufacturing and testing different sizes of bottles which are used as measuring containers for products like wine or other liquids. Those meeting the requirements can be marketed and used in all European Union (EU) Member States.

KEY POINTS

The legislation applies to bottles made of glass or of a similar rigid and stable substance such as plastic. These are called ‘measuring container bottles’ when they:

  • are sealed and used to store, transport or deliver liquids;
  • have a capacity of between 0.05 and 5 litres;
  • have design and manufacture characteristics enabling them to be filled to specific levels and amounts and allowing their contents to be accurately measured.

Bottles which meet the technical requirements in the legislation’s annexes:

  • are marked with the EEC sign (‘3’ – a reversed epsilon) by an approved manufacturer;
  • are subject to the same measurement controls;
  • also contain indelible, easily legible and visible signs on their side, bottom rim or bottom indicating their nominal capacity together with the unit of measurement and the manufacturer’s identification mark.

Member States may not refuse, ban or restrict the marketing and use of bottles which satisfy all the requirements and tests set out in the directive.

National authorities check that bottles comply with the directive by sampling at the place of manufacture or on the premises of their importer.

FROM WHEN DO THE RULES APPLY?

The directive had to be transposed into national law by 20 June 1976. These rules have applied since 20 June 1976.

BACKGROUND

The directive was adopted at a time when several Member States had national legislation on the manufacture and testing of bottles used as measuring containers. These differed from one country to another, hindering cross-border trade. Common voluntary standards overcame these obstacles.

For further information, see:

MAIN DOCUMENT

Council Directive 75/107/EEC of 19 December 1974 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to bottles used as measuring containers (OJ L 42, 15.2.1975, pp. 14–20).

last update 11.11.2022

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