DIRECTIVE (EU) 2020/2184 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
of 16 December 2020
on the quality of water intended for human consumption
(recast)
(Text with EEA relevance)
Article 1
Objectives
Article 2
Definitions
Article 3
Exemptions
Article 4
General obligations
Article 5
Quality standards
Article 6
Point of compliance
Article 7
Risk-based approach to water safety
Article 8
Risk assessment and risk management of the catchment areas for abstraction points of water intended for human consumption
Article 9
Risk assessment and risk management of the supply system
Article 10
Risk assessment of domestic distribution systems
Article 11
Minimum hygiene requirements for materials that come into contact with water intended for human consumption
Article 12
Minimum requirements for treatment chemicals and filter media that come into contact with water intended for human consumption
Article 13
Monitoring
Article 14
Remedial action and restrictions of use
Article 15
Derogations
Article 16
Access to water intended for human consumption
Article 17
Information to the public
Article 18
Information on monitoring of implementation
Article 19
Evaluation
Article 20
Review and amendment of Annexes
Article 21
Exercise of the delegation
Article 22
Committee procedure
Article 23
Penalties
Article 24
Transposition
Article 25
Transitional period
Article 26
Repeal
Article 27
Entry into force
Article 28
Addressees
ANNEX I
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR PARAMETRIC VALUES USED TO ASSESS THE QUALITY OF WATER INTENDED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Part A
Microbiological parameters
Parameter |
Parametric value |
Unit |
Notes |
Intestinal enterococci |
0 |
number/100 ml |
For water put into bottles or containers, the unit is number/250 ml. |
Escherichia coli (E. coli) |
0 |
number/100 ml |
For water put into bottles or containers, the unit is number/250 ml. |
Part B
Chemical parameters
Parameter |
Parametric value |
Unit |
Notes |
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Acrylamide |
0,10 |
μg/l |
The parametric value of 0,10 μg/l refers to the residual monomer concentration in the water as calculated according to specifications of the maximum release from the corresponding polymer in contact with the water. |
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Antimony |
10 |
μg/l |
|
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Arsenic |
10 |
μg/l |
|
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Benzene |
1,0 |
μg/l |
|
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Benzo(a)pyrene |
0,010 |
μg/l |
|
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Bisphenol A |
2,5 |
μg/l |
|
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Boron |
1,5 |
mg/l |
A parametric value of 2,4 mg/l shall be applied when desalinated water is the predominant water source of the supply system concerned or in regions where geological conditions could lead to high levels of boron in groundwater. |
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Bromate |
10 |
μg/l |
|
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Cadmium |
5,0 |
μg/l |
|
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Chlorate |
0,25 |
mg/l |
A parametric value of 0,70 mg/l shall be applied where a disinfection method that generates chlorate, in particular chlorine dioxide, is used for disinfection of water intended for human consumption. Where possible, without compromising disinfection, Member States shall strive for a lower value. This parameter shall be measured only if such disinfection methods are used. |
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Chlorite |
0,25 |
mg/l |
A parametric value of 0,70 mg/l shall be applied where a disinfection method that generates chlorite, in particular chlorine dioxide, is used for disinfection of water intended for human consumption. Where possible, without compromising disinfection, Member States shall strive for a lower value. This parameter shall be measured only if such disinfection methods are used. |
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Chromium |
25 |
μg/l |
The parametric value of 25 μg/l shall be met, at the latest, by 12 January 2036. The parametric value for chromium until that date shall be 50 μg/l. |
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Copper |
2,0 |
mg/l |
|
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Cyanide |
50 |
μg/l |
|
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1,2-dichloroethane |
3,0 |
μg/l |
|
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Epichlorohydrin |
0,10 |
μg/l |
The parametric value of 0,10 μg/l refers to the residual monomer concentration in the water as calculated according to specifications of the maximum release from the corresponding polymer in contact with the water. |
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Fluoride |
1,5 |
mg/l |
|
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Haloacetic acids (HAAs) |
60 |
μg/l |
This parameter shall be measured only when disinfection methods that can generate HAAs are used for the disinfection of water intended for human consumption. It is the sum of the following five representative substances: monochloro-, dichloro-, and trichloro-acetic acid, and mono- and dibromo-acetic acid. |
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Lead |
5 |
μg/l |
The parametric value of 5 μg/l shall be met, at the latest, by 12 January 2036. The parametric value for lead until that date shall be 10 μg/l. |
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|
|
|
After that date, the parametric value of 5 μg/l shall be met at least at the point of supply to the domestic distribution system. For the purposes of point (b) of the first subparagraph of Article 11(2), the parametric value of 5 μg/l at the tap shall apply. |
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Mercury |
1,0 |
μg/l |
|
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Microcystin-LR |
1,0 |
μg/l |
This parameter shall be measured only in the event of potential blooms in source water (increasing cyanobacterial cell density or bloom forming potential). |
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Nickel |
20 |
μg/l |
|
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Nitrate |
50 |
mg/l |
Member States shall ensure that the condition [nitrate]/50 + [nitrite]/3 ≤ 1, where the square brackets signify the concentrations in mg/l for nitrate (NO3) and nitrite (NO2), is complied with and that the parametric value of 0,10 mg/l for nitrites is complied with ex water treatment works. |
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Nitrite |
0,50 |
mg/l |
Member States shall ensure that the condition [nitrate]/50 + [nitrite]/3 ≤ 1, where the square brackets signify the concentrations in mg/l for nitrate (NO3) and nitrite (NO2), is complied with and that the parametric value of 0,10 mg/l for nitrites is complied with ex water treatment works. |
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Pesticides |
0,10 |
μg/l |
‘Pesticides’ means:
and their metabolites as defined in point (32) of Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council(1), that are considered relevant for water intended for human consumption. A pesticide metabolite shall be deemed relevant for water intended for human consumption if there is reason to consider that it has intrinsic properties comparable to those of the parent substance in terms of its pesticide target activity or that either itself or its transformation products generate a health risk for consumers. |
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|
|
|
The parametric value of 0,10 μg/l shall apply to each individual pesticide. In the case of aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide, the parametric value shall be 0,030 μg/l. Member States shall define a guidance value to manage the presence of non-relevant metabolites of pesticides in water intended for human consumption. Only pesticides which are likely to be present in a given supply need to be monitored. Based on the data reported by Member States, the Commission may establish a database of pesticides and their relevant metabolites taking into account their possible presence in water intended for human consumption. |
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Pesticides Total |
0,50 |
μg/l |
‘Pesticides Total’ means the sum of all individual pesticides, as defined in the previous row, detected and quantified in the monitoring procedure. |
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PFAS Total |
0,50 |
μg/l |
‘PFAS Total’ means the totality of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. This parametric value shall only apply once technical guidelines for monitoring this parameter are developed in accordance with Article 13(7). Member States may then decide to use either one or both of the parameters ‘PFAS Total’ or ‘Sum of PFAS’. |
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Sum of PFAS |
0,10 |
μg/l |
‘Sum of PFAS’ means the sum of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances considered a concern as regards water intended for human consumption listed in point 3 of Part B of Annex III. This is a subset of ‘PFAS Total’ substances that contain a perfluoroalkyl moiety with three or more carbons (i.e. –CnF2n–, n ≥ 3) or a perfluoroalkylether moiety with two or more carbons (i.e. –CnF2nOCmF2m–, n and m ≥ 1). |
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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
0,10 |
μg/l |
Sum of concentrations of the following specified compounds: benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(ghi)perylene, and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene. |
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Selenium |
20 |
μg/l |
A parametric value of 30 μg/l shall be applied for regions where geological conditions could lead to high levels of selenium in groundwater. |
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Tetrachloroethene and Trichloroethene |
10 |
μg/l |
The sum of concentrations of these two parameters. |
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Trihalomethanes Total |
100 |
μg/l |
Where possible, without compromising disinfection, Member States shall strive for a lower parametric value. It is the sum of concentrations of the following specified compounds: chloroform, bromoform, dibromochloromethane and bromodichloromethane. |
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Uranium |
30 |
μg/l |
|
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Vinyl chloride |
0,50 |
μg/l |
The parametric value of 0,50 μg/l refers to the residual monomer concentration in the water as calculated according to specifications of the maximum release from the corresponding polymer in contact with the water. |
Part C
Indicator parameters
Parameter |
Parametric value |
Unit |
Notes |
Aluminium |
200 |
μg/l |
|
Ammonium |
0,50 |
mg/l |
|
Chloride |
250 |
mg/l |
The water should not be corrosive. |
Clostridium perfringens including spores |
0 |
number/100 ml |
This parameter shall be measured if the risk assessment indicates that it is appropriate to do so. |
Colour |
Acceptable to consumers and no abnormal change |
|
|
Conductivity |
2 500 |
μS cm-1 at 20 °C |
The water should not be aggressive. |
Hydrogen ion concentration |
≥ 6,5 and ≤ 9,5 |
pH units |
The water should not be aggressive. For still water put into bottles or containers, the minimum value may be reduced to 4,5 pH units. For water put into bottles or containers which is naturally rich in or artificially enriched with carbon dioxide, the minimum value may be lower. |
Iron |
200 |
μg/l |
|
Manganese |
50 |
μg/l |
|
Odour |
Acceptable to consumers and no abnormal change |
|
|
Oxidisability |
5,0 |
mg/l O2 |
This parameter need not be measured if the parameter TOC is analysed. |
Sulphate |
250 |
mg/l |
The water should not be corrosive. |
Sodium |
200 |
mg/l |
|
Taste |
Acceptable to consumers and no abnormal change |
|
|
Colony count 22o C |
No abnormal change |
|
|
Coliform bacteria |
0 |
number/100 ml |
For water put into bottles or containers, the unit is number/250 ml. |
Total organic carbon (TOC) |
No abnormal change |
|
This parameter need not be measured for supplies of less than 10 000 m3 a day. |
Turbidity |
Acceptable to consumers and no abnormal change |
|
|
Water should not be aggressive or corrosive. This applies particularly to water undergoing treatment (demineralization, softening, membrane treatment, reverse osmosis, etc.). |
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Where water intended for human consumption is derived from treatment that significantly demineralizes or softens water, calcium and magnesium salts could be added to condition the water in order to reduce any possible negative health impact, as well as to reduce the corrosiveness or aggressivity of water and to improve taste. Minimum concentrations of calcium and magnesium or total dissolved solids in softened or demineralized water could be established taking into account the characteristics of water that enters those processes. |
Part D
Parameters relevant for the risk assessment of domestic distribution systems
Parameter |
Parametric value |
Unit |
Notes |
Legionella |
< 1 000 |
CFU/l |
This parametric value is set for the purposes of Articles 10 and 14. Actions provided for in those Articles could be considered even when the value is below the parametric value, e.g. in cases of infections and outbreaks. In such cases, the source of infection should be confirmed and the species of Legionella should be identified. |
Lead |
10 |
μg/l |
This parametric value is set for the purposes of Articles 10 and 14. Member States should use their best endeavours to achieve the lower value of 5 μg/l by 12 January 2036. |
ANNEX II
MONITORING
Part A
General objectives and monitoring programmes for water intended for human consumption
Operational parameter |
Reference value |
turbidity at the water supply plant |
0,3 NTU in 95 % of samples and none to exceed 1 NTU |
Volume (m3) of water distributed or produced each day within a supply zone |
Minimum frequency of sampling and analysis |
≤ 1 000 |
Weekly |
> 1 000 to ≤ 10 000 |
Daily |
> 10 000 |
Continuous |
Operational parameter |
Reference value |
Unit |
Notes |
Somatic coliphages |
50 (for raw water) |
Plaque Forming Units (PFU)/100 ml |
This parameter shall be measured if the risk assessment indicates that it is appropriate to do so. If it is found in raw water at concentrations > 50 PFU/100 ml, it should be analysed after steps of the treatment train in order to determine log removal by the barriers in place and to assess whether the risk of a breakthrough of pathogenic viruses is sufficiently under control. |
Part B
Parameters and sampling frequencies
Volume of water distributed or produced each day within a supply zone (See Notes 1 and 2) m3 |
Group A parameter number of samples per year |
Group B parameter number of samples per year |
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|
< 10 |
> 0 (See Note 4) |
> 0 (See Note 4) |
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≥ 10 |
≤ 100 |
2 |
1 (See Note 5) |
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> 100 |
≤ 1 000 |
4 |
1 |
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> 1 000 |
≤ 10 000 |
4 for the first 1 000 m3/d + 3 for each additional 1 000 m3/d and part thereof of the total volume (See Note 3) |
1 for the first 1 000 m3/d + 1 for each additional 4 500 m3/d and part thereof of the total volume (See Note 3) |
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> 10 000 |
≤ 100 000 |
3 for first 10 000 m3/d + 1 for each additional 10 000 m3/d and part thereof of the total volume (See Note 3) |
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> 100 000 |
|
12 for first 100 000 m3/d + 1 for each additional 25 000 m3/d and part thereof of the total volume (See Note 3) |
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|
Part C
Risk assessment and risk management of the supply system
Part D
Sampling methods and sampling points
ANNEX III
SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ANALYSIS OF PARAMETERS
Part A
Microbiological parameters for which methods of analysis are specified
Part B
Chemical and indicator parameters for which performance characteristics are specified
1. Chemical and indicator parameters
Parameters |
Uncertainty of measurement (See Note 1) % of the parametric value (except for pH) |
Notes |
Aluminium |
25 |
|
Ammonium |
40 |
|
Acrylamide |
30 |
|
Antimony |
40 |
|
Arsenic |
30 |
|
Benzo(a)pyrene |
50 |
See Note 2 |
Benzene |
40 |
|
Bisphenol A |
50 |
|
Boron |
25 |
|
Bromate |
40 |
|
Cadmium |
25 |
|
Chloride |
15 |
|
Chlorate |
40 |
|
Chlorite |
40 |
|
Chromium |
30 |
|
Copper |
25 |
|
Cyanide |
30 |
See Note 3 |
1,2-dichloroethane |
40 |
|
Epichlorohydrin |
30 |
|
Fluoride |
20 |
|
HAAs |
50 |
|
Hydrogen ion concentration pH |
0,2 |
See Note 4 |
Iron |
30 |
|
Lead |
30 |
|
Manganese |
30 |
|
Mercury |
30 |
|
Microcystin-LR |
30 |
|
Nickel |
25 |
|
Nitrate |
15 |
|
Nitrite |
20 |
|
Oxidisability |
50 |
See Note 5 |
Pesticides |
30 |
See Note 6 |
PFAS |
50 |
|
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
40 |
See Note 7 |
Selenium |
40 |
|
Sodium |
15 |
|
Sulphate |
15 |
|
Tetrachloroethene |
40 |
See Note 8 |
Trichloroethene |
40 |
See Note 8 |
Trihalomethanes – total |
40 |
See Note 7 |
Total organic carbon (TOC) |
30 |
See Note 9 |
Turbidity |
30 |
See Note 10 |
Uranium |
30 |
|
Vinyl chloride |
50 |
|
2. Notes to Table 1
3. Sum of PFAS
ANNEX IV
INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC
ANNEX V
PRINCIPLES FOR SETTING METHODOLOGIES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 11
Groups of materials
Criteria |
Organic (See Note 1) |
Metallic (See Note 2) |
Cementitious |
Enamels and ceramic materials |
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European positive lists |
|
|
|
|
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European positive list of starting substances for organic materials |
X |
N.N. |
X |
N.N. |
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European positive list of accepted metallic compositions |
N.N. |
X |
N.N. |
N.N. |
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European positive list of constituents for cementitious materials |
N.N. |
N.N. |
X |
N.N. |
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European positive list of compositions for enamels and ceramic materials |
N.N. |
N.N. |
N.N. |
X |
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Organoleptic tests |
|
|
|
|
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Odour and flavour |
X |
N.N. |
X |
N.N. |
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Colour and Turbidity |
X |
N.N. |
X |
N.N. |
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General hygiene assessments |
|
|
|
|
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Leaching of total organic carbon |
X |
N.N. |
X |
N.N. |
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Surface residues (metals) |
N.N. |
X |
N.N. |
N.N. |
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Migration testing |
|
|
|
|
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Relevant parameters of this Directive |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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MTCtap of PL substances |
X |
N.N. |
X (See Note 3) |
N.N. |
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Unexpected substances (GCMS) |
X |
N.N. |
X (See Note 3) |
N.N. |
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Compliance with compositions lists |
N.N. |
X |
N.N. |
X |
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Enhancement of microbial growth |
X |
N.N. |
X (See Note 3) |
N.N. |
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|
ANNEX VI
Part A
Repealed Directive with list of the successive amendments thereto
(referred to in Article 26)
Council Directive 98/83/EC |
|
Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council |
Only point 29 of Annex II |
Regulation (EC) No 596/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council |
Only point 2.2 of the Annex |
Commission Directive (EU) 2015/1787 |
|
Part B
Time-limits for transposition into national law
(referred to in Article 26)
Directive |
Time-limit for transposition |
98/83/EC |
25 December 2000 |
(EU) 2015/1787 |
27 October 2017 |
ANNEX VII
CORRELATION TABLE
Directive 98/83/EC |
This Directive |
Article 1 |
Article 1 |
Article 2, point (1) |
Article 2, point (1) |
Article 2, point (2) |
Article 2, point (2) |
– |
Article 2, points (3) to (11) |
Article 3(1) |
Article 3(1) |
– |
Article 3(2) |
Article 3(2) |
Article 3(3) |
Article 3(3) |
Article 3(4) |
– |
Article 3(5) and (6) |
Article 4(1) and (2) |
Article 4(1) and (2) |
– |
Article 4(3) |
Article 5 |
Article 5 |
Article 6 |
Article 6 |
– |
Article 7 |
– |
Article 8 |
– |
Article 9 |
– |
Article 10 |
– |
Article 11 |
– |
Article 12 |
Article 7(1) |
Article 13(1) |
Article 7(2) |
Article 13(2), introductory wording |
– |
Article 13(2), points (a) to (e) |
Article 7(3) |
Article 13(3) |
Article 7(4) |
– |
Article 7(5) and (6) |
Article 13(4) and (5) |
– |
Article 13(6) to (8) |
Article 8(1) |
Article 14(1) |
Article 8(2) |
Article 14(2), first subparagraph |
– |
Article 14(2), second subparagraph |
Article 8(3) |
Article 14(3), first subparagraph |
– |
Article 14(3), second subparagraph |
Article 8(4) |
Article 14(5) |
Article 8(5) |
– |
Article 8(6) |
Article 14(6) |
Article 8(7) |
Article 14(4), introductory wording, point (a) |
– |
Article 14(4), points (b) and (c) |
Article 9(1), first sentence |
Article 15(1), first subparagraph, introductory wording |
– |
Article 15(1), first subparagraph, points (a) to (c) |
Article 9(1), second sentence |
Article 15(1), second subparagraph |
Article 9(1), third sentence |
Article 15(1), third subparagraph |
Article 9(2) |
– |
Article 9(3) to (6) |
Article 15(2) to (5) |
Article 9(7) |
Article 18(1), point (e) |
Article 9(8) |
Article 15(6) |
– |
Article 16 |
Article 10 |
– |
Article 11 |
Article 20 |
Article 12 |
Article 22 |
Article 13(1) |
Article 17(1) |
– |
Article 17(2) and (3) |
Article 13(2) to (6) |
– |
– |
Article 18(1), first subparagraph, points (a) to (d) |
– |
Article 18(1), second subparagraph |
– |
Article 18(2) to (5) |
– |
Article 19 |
– |
Article 21 |
– |
Article 23 |
– |
Article 25 |
Article 14 |
– |
Article 15 |
– |
Article 16 |
Article 26 |
Article 17 |
Article 24 |
Article 18 |
Article 27 |
Article 19 |
Article 28 |
Annex I, Part A |
Annex I, Part A |
Annex I, Part B |
Annex I, Part B |
Annex I, Part C |
Annex I, Part C |
– |
Annex I, Part D |
Annex II, Part A, points (1) and (2) |
Annex II, Part A, points (1) and (2) |
Annex II, Part A, point (3) |
– |
– |
Annex II, Part A, point (3) |
Annex II, Part A, point (4) |
Annex II, Part A, point (4) |
Annex II, Part B, point (1) |
– |
Annex II, Part B, point (2) |
Annex II, Part B, point (1) |
Annex II, Part B, point (3) |
Annex II, Part B, point (2) |
Annex II, Part C |
Annex II, Part C |
Annex II, Part D, points (1) and (2) |
Annex II, Part D, points (1) and (2) |
– |
Annex II, Part D, point (3) |
Annex II, Part D, point (3) |
Annex II, Part D, point (4) |
Annex III, first subparagraph |
Annex III, first subparagraph |
– |
Annex III, second subparagraph |
Annex III, second subparagraph |
Annex III, third subparagraph |
Annex III, Part A, first and second subparagraph |
– |
Annex III, Part A, third subparagraph, points (a) to (f) |
Annex III, Part A |
Annex III, Part B, point (1), first subparagraph |
Annex III, Part B, point (1), first subparagraph |
Annex III, Part B, point (1), second subparagraph |
– |
Annex III, Part B, point (1), third subparagraph and Table 1 |
Annex III, Part B, point (1), second subparagraph and Table 1 |
Annex III, Part B, point (1), Table 2 |
– |
Annex III, Part B, point (2) |
Annex III, Part B, point (2) |
– |
Annex III, Part B, point (3) |
Annex IV |
– |
Annex V |
Annex VII |
– |
Annex IV |
– |
Annex V |
– |
Annex VI |