Directives

European directives require member states to achieve specific environmental objectives. Each directive is translated into UK law through a set of regulations. Find out more about directives, the way they are implemented and our guidance.

Bathing Water Directive

Aims to protect public health and the environment from sewage pollution in bathing waters.

Batteries Directive

The European Union (EU) Batteries Directive aims to reduce the environmental impact of the manufacture, distribution, use and disposal and recovery of batteries.

Dangerous Substances Directive

Controls the levels of dangerous substances going into inland, coastal and territorial waters.

End of Life Vehicles Directive

The End of Life Vehicles (ELVs) Directive aims to reduce the amount of waste from vehicles when they are finally scrapped.

Freshwater Fish Directive

Aims to protect and improve the quality of rivers and lakes to encourage healthy fish populations

Groundwater Directive

Aims to protect groundwater from pollution.

Habitats Directive

The EU Habitats Directive aims to protect the wild plants, animals and habitats that make up our diverse natural environment.

Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive

Aims to prevent, reduce and eliminate pollution in the most significant industrial and agricultural activities.

Landfill Directive

The Landfill Directive is helping to bring about a change in the way we dispose of waste in this country.

Nitrates Directive

The Nitrates Directive aims to reduce water pollution by nitrate from agricultural sources and to prevent such pollution occurring in the future.

Seveso II Directive and the Control of Major Accident Hazard (COMAH) Regulations

The Seveso II Directive aims to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances and limit the consequences to people and the environment of any which do occur.

Shellfish Waters Directive

The Shellfish Waters Directive aims to protect shellfish populations, maintaining the high quality of shellfish in our waters. The directive sets the standard for water quality in estuaries and other areas where shellfish grow and reproduce.