The purpose of this report is to explain the meaning and value of harmonized standards as an instrument of legislative policy. It gives details of the existing harmonized standards on environmental management and explains how compliance with these standards gives presumption of compliance with the essential requirements of Directive 94/62 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 1994, relating to packaging and packaging waste. The document is of interest to packaging manufacturers, agents responsible for the placing of packaging in the market, legislator and public administration in this matter.