The IPPC Directive 96/61/EC lays down a framework requiring Member States to issue operating permits for certain installations carrying on industrial activities described in its Annex 1. The Directive applies to new or substantially changed installations with effect from October 1999 and no later than October 2007 for existing installations. These permits must contain conditions based on best available techniques (BAT) as defined in the Article 2.11 of the Directive, to achieve a high level of protection of the environment as a whole. Article 16.2 of the Directive requires the European Commission to organise an exchange of information between Member States and the industries concerned on best available techniques, associated monitoring and developments in them.
The European IPPC Bureau organises this exchange of information and produces BAT reference documents (BREFs) which Member States are required to take into account when determining best available techniques generally or in specific cases. The Bureau carries on its work through Technical Working Groups (TWGs) comprising nominated experts from EU Member States, EFTA countries, Accession countries, industry and environmental NGOs. These experts provide information and data and then review the draft documents the Bureau produces.
The objectives of the whole information exchange exercise are:
These BREFs are available for downloading here
European IPPC Bureau
