On 14 September 2011, the final version of Guidance Document n°7 (GD7) on New Entrants and Closures was published.

According to CEMBUREAU’s analysis, capacity rationalisation is not expressly addressed in the document. The last paragraph of Article 7.1. provides for rationalisation only in respect of changes in the types of products produced, using the same physical production line without any physical change.

In this instance, Member States may decide not to apply the normal rules on partial cessation of operations.