21.9.2000 Official Journal of the European Communities L2371 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) REGULATION (EC) No 1980/2000 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 17 July 2000 on a revised Community eco-label award scheme THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community and in particular Article 175(1) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ('), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (%), After consulting the Committee of the Regions, Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (%), Whereas: (1)  The aims of Council Regulation (EEC) No 880/92 of 23 March 1992 on a Community eco-label award scheme (*) were to establish a voluntary Community eco-label scheme intended to promote products with a reduced environmental impact during their entire life cycle and to provide consumers with accurate, non- deceptive and scientifically based information on the environmental impact of products. (2)  Article 18 of Regulation (EEC) No 880/92 provides that within five years from its entry into force the Commis- sion should review the scheme in the light of the experi- ence gained during its operation and should propose any appropriate amendments to the Regulation. (3)  The experience gained during the implementation of the Regulation has shown the need to amend the scheme in order to increase its effectiveness, improve its planning and streamline its operation. (4)  The basic aims for a voluntary and selective Community eco-label award scheme are still valid; in particular such an award scheme should provide guidance to consumers () O] C 114, 12.4.1997, p. 9 and O] C 64, 6.3.1999, p. 14. () O] C 296, 29.9.1997, p. 77. (*) Opinion of the European Parliament of 13 May 1998 (O] C 167, 1.6.1998, p. 118), confirmed on 6 May 1999, Council Common Position of 11 November 1999 (O] C 25, 28.1.2000, p. 1) and Decision of the European Parliament of 15 March 2000 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Council Decision of 29 June 2000. (% O] L 99, 11.4.1992, p. 1. (10) on products with a potential for reducing environmental impact when viewed through its entire life-cycle, and should provide information on the environmental char- acteristics of labelled products. For the acceptance by the general public of the Community eco-label award system it is essential that environmental NGOs and consumer organisations play an important role and are actively involved in the devel- opment and setting of criteria for Community eco-labels. It is necessary to explain to consumers that the eco-label represents those products which have the potential to reduce certain negative environmental impacts, as compared with other products in the same product group, without prejudice to regulatory requirements applicable to products at a Community or a national level. The scope of the Scheme should include products and environmental factors which are of interest from the point of view both of the internal market and of the environment; for the purpose of this Regulation, prod- ucts should also include services. The procedural and methodological approach for setting eco-label criteria should be updated in the light of scientific and technical progress and of the experience gained in this area, to ensure consistency with relevant internationally recognised standards which are evolving in this area. The principles for establishing the selectivity level of the eco-label should be clarified, in order to facilitate consis- tent and effective implementation of the Scheme. The eco-label should include simple, accurate, non- deceptive and scientifically based information on the key environmental aspects which are considered in the award of the label, in order to enable consumers to make informed choices.