The new rules to see EU citizens better informed about major threats posed by industrial plants in their immediate vicinity, entered into force on the 13 of August 2012. The new Directive obliges Member States to draw up emergency plans for areas surrounding industrial installations where very large quantities of dangerous substances are to be found.

The 'Seveso III Directive' is a technical update of the Seveso Directive, a key instrument in industrial risk management, which is being adapted to reflect recent changes in the international and European classification of chemicals. The Directive obliges Member States to draw up emergency plans for areas surrounding industrial installations where very large quantities of dangerous substances are to be found, among other measures. In Mars 2012, the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States endorsed the compromise text previously agreed by the Council and the Parliament to tighten the requirements of the Seveso directive.

In addition to the technical updates to take account of changes in EU chemicals classification, better access for citizens to information about risks resulting from activities of nearby industrial installations, and about how to behave in the event of an accident will be provided; this will also increase confidence in the functioning of these companies. Moreover, it sets up more effective rules on participation, by the public concerned, in land-use planning projects related to Seveso plants; access to justice for citizens who have not been granted appropriate access to information or participation; and stricter standards for inspections of establishments to ensure more effective enforcement of safety rules.

The Directive covers around 10,000 fixed industrial sites using or storing dangerous substances in large quantities, mainly in the chemicals, petrochemicals, storage, and metal refining sectors. Member States will have to apply these rules as from 1 June 2015, which is also the date when the new chemicals classification legislation becomes fully applicable in Europe.