1. New approach and global approach

Although Directive 2014/34/EU does not use the term "New Approach", all current directives are based on the principles adopted on May 7, 1985 and referred to as the "New Approach". These fundamental principles are listed below:

• Harmonization is limited to the essential requirements; only products that meet the essential requirements can be placed on the market and put into service;

• harmonized standards, the references of which are published in the Official Journal of the EU, are presumed to meet the corresponding essential requirements. A product conforming to these standards is therefore presumed to comply with the relevant directive(s);

• the application of harmonized standards or other technical specifications is left to the discretion of manufacturers, who are free to choose...