Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 100 thereof;

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission;

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament^f1;

Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee;

Whereas, with regard to the use of a special description for crystal glass products and the consequent obligation concerning the composition of such products, there are differences between the rules of certain Member States; whereas those differences hinder trade in such products and can lead to distortions in competition within the Community;

Whereas those obstacles to the establishment and proper functioning of the common market can be eliminated by adoption of the same requirements by all the Member States;

Whereas, with regard to the descriptions laid down for the various categories of crystal glass and to the characteristics of those categories, the purpose of the Community provisions to be adopted is to protect both the buyer against fraud and the manufacturer who complies with those provisions;

Whereas implementation of a system of Community rules requires the establishment of standard methods for determining the chemical and physical properties of crystal glass products bearing descriptions laid down in this Directive;

HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: