Strengthening the EU Market by Addressing Harmonisation, Compliance, Procurement, and Standardisation Gaps
The European Commission unveiled the 'Strategy for making the Single Market simple, seamless and strong' alongside its Omnibus proposal. While the Strategy points in the right direction in some areas, it falls short of delivering concrete actions in others. Our main points are as follows.
“Harmonised rules are crucial for eliminating regulatory fragmentation, reducing the administrative burden and ensuring fair competition. For a well-functioning single market, it is also essential that these rules are effectively enforced both online and offline. To support the growth of European industry, European businesses also need harmonised and timely standards, and, for the quality and sustainability of products, to be rewarded in public procurement. The proposal to digitalise the declarations of conformity and other product documentation is a welcomed step to ease burdens on European manufacturers.” said Elena Scaroni, Secretary General of LightingEurope.
Addressing the lack of product compliance online for a well-functioning Single Market
The Strategy rightly points at the issue of non-compliant products flooding the EU market, especially through online sales channels. In our most recent online mystery shopper exercise, all products tested in an accredited laboratory against relevant safety standards failed to comply with EU rules. “Products entering the EU market must comply with all EU requirements. We welcome the announced revision of the New Legislative Framework. We call for ambitious revision of the Market Surveillance Regulation that will recognise online marketplaces as economic operators,” stressed Marion Ebel, Director of Corporate Affairs.
Non-Price Criteria in Public Procurement Directive review
“We welcome the upcoming revision of the Public Procurement Directive and the objective to go beyond the ‘lowest price’ approach. We must reward performance, quality and sustainability”, added Marion Ebel.
Harmonised Standards
“While a revision of the Standardisation Regulation is welcomed, it is fundamental to address the implementation flaws that have slowed standardisation and limited harmonisation. The current system in which external consultants comment international draft standards documents has slowed development, led to discrepancies between European and international standards and ultimately delayed and hampered harmonisation”, Elena Scaroni concluded.
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