Distinction between directives and laws

The term Law describes something set down, something established. In the true sense of the word a law is an established set of rules. That's why the legislative process is also described as law-making – as opposed to jurisdiction. Law in the material sense is every legal norm.

A directive is a commercial regulation that is binding. It is not law however. A directive is published by an organisation. It is legally authorised and has a scope that can be sanctioned in industrial law, for example.

EU directives under European Union law represent a special case. The EU obliges its member states to achieve a certain objective. EU directives are not directives in the original sense of the word. In fact they are directed at national legislators within the EU. These are called upon to incorporate the directives into national law.

Most countries have binding regulations for making plant and machinery safe. Safe machinery plays a part in increasing the motivation and productivity of staff.

Find out more about the key safety-related legal principles in:

• America
• Asia
• Europe
• Oceania

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