The Pressure Equipment Directive (97/23/EC) was adopted by the European Parliament and the European Council in May 1997. It initially came into force on the 29^th November 1999. From 29 May 2002 the PED became obligatory throughout the EU.

The directive provides for an adequate legislative framework on European level for equipment subject to a pressure hazard, together with the directives related to Simple Pressure Vessels (87/404/EC), Transportable Pressure Equipment (99/36/EC) and Aerosol Dispensers (75/324/EEC).

 Further information on pressure equipment can also be found on the Commission's enterprise website.