Before the introduction of the New Approach (q.v.), product regulation in the European Community was pursued on a sectoral basis, through detailed directives laying down the technical specifications for certain categories of products, often combined with horizontal rules addressing general issues common to all categories. The most obvious difference between the New Approach and the Sectoral Approach is that, under the latter, sectors are not regulated through a common model. Thus, regulation of each sector follows an ad hoc pattern, and specific infrastructures are necessary to support and implement the specific regulatory framework of each sector (1). In certain product areas, especially food and medicines, as well as products which are potentially hazardous but are in general use, such as motor vehicles, the old approach of full harmonization is still considered the more appropriate. This legislation also establishes rigorous testing and certification requirements, as well as market surveillance measures in some cases (2).