EU: Discussions about new legislative framework for products for the digital and green transition

 

The EU Parliament is currently discussing new legislative framework for products for the digital and green transition.

Adopted this week by 39 votes in favour, 1 against and 3 abstentions, the Internal Market Committee report proposes revisions to the EU’s New Legislative Framework (NLF) for products to better support the digital and sustainable transition. The focus lies on promoting sustainable business models and consumption patterns, particularly within the circular economy. The report also highlights the need for harmonised definitions and certification schemes for refurbishers and repairers.

A central element is the digital product passport (DPP), which MEPs see as a transformative tool for product compliance and market surveillance. By streamlining information requirements, improving transparency and traceability, and ensuring greater consistency across the single market, the DPP could gradually be introduced for all relevant products—including second-hand items. It would also replace current declarations of conformity and serve as the main carrier of CE marking information.

Durability is identified as a cornerstone of high-quality, long-lasting products. Under the revised NLF and in line with the Ecodesign Regulation, manufacturers would be required to guarantee the availability of spare parts and maintenance services for extended periods, depending on the product category.

The revision should also complement wider EU initiatives such as the right to repair and the Waste Framework Directive, encouraging consumers to shift away from unsustainable consumption. MEPs call on the Commission to address risks tied to fast fashion and ultra-fast fashion business models through stricter conformity assessments and stronger enforcement tools.

The report further stresses the need for harmonised definitions of emerging actors such as “remanufacturers,” “refurbishers,” and “repairers,” to avoid misclassification as manufacturers or importers and the risk of sanctions for non-compliance. MEPs consider the DPP essential for bridging information gaps, giving these actors access to compliance and safety data needed to restore products. They also propose EU-wide certification for refurbishers and repairers to boost consumer confidence in second-hand products and stimulate job creation in the sector.

Effective and consistent enforcement of the Market Surveillance Regulation is another priority. The report calls for stronger operational capacity, better coordination between national and EU authorities, and invites the Commission to examine the creation of an EU Market Surveillance Authority. It also underlines the importance of transparency, efficiency, and consistency in standardisation and conformity assessments across member states.

Background
The NLF, adopted in 2008, was intended to strengthen the internal market for goods by clarifying CE marking, improving market surveillance, enhancing conformity assessments, and creating a toolbox for product legislation.

A 2020 evaluation found the framework effective in reducing divergences and providing greater clarity for stakeholders. However, it recommended updates to respond to digitalisation, complex value chains, remanufacturing, high-quality recycling, and innovations such as the digital product passport and digital CE marking.

To find out more about product compliance in the EU, do not hesitate to contact the Product Compliance Institute.