Single Market for Products 2.0

The European Product Act (EPA) is a vital step in the further development and strengthening of the European single market for products. From ZVEI's perspective, the EPA should be designed as a horizontal regulatory instrument that is clearly structured, enforceable and innovation-friendly.

ZVEI’s key demands at a glance:

• EPA as a legislative package: Combining NLF and market surveillance, with standardisation as a separate legal act for greater coherence and less double regulation.
• A horizontal regulatory framework: Uniform definitions, obligations and procedures; amendments to existing legal acts via omnibus legislation.
• Strong manufacturer responsibility: Strengthening the manufacturer’s self-declaration and eliminating unnecessary third-party obligations.
• Enforceable legal framework: Mandatory enforcement check: 'No new laws without enforceability'.
• Promoting the circular economy through horizontal spare parts rule based on the “repair as produced” principle
• Digital product passport: Horizontal, interoperable and technology-neutral, introduced gradually.
• Ensuring accreditation: Uniform high European quality standards without fragmentation into voluntary and regulatory
• Effective market surveillance: Stronger EU coordination and clearly designated responsible economic actors within the EU.

The complete ZVEI position paper on the European Product Act (EPA) is available to download here.