This Order designates 26 European directives as relevant directives for the purposes of paragraph 20(1)(b) of Schedule 1 to the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 (c.24). Designation allows regulations to be made under that Act which make provision corresponding or similar to any provision made, or capable of being made, under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 (c.68) in connection with that designated directive. The Directives being designated relate to waste, water quality, air quality, asbestos pollution, public participation in environmental plans and programmes, environmental liability (to prevent or remedy environmental damage), environmental noise and chemicals.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the public, private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.