Euralarm calls for pragmatic reforms to EU standardisation regulation
While broadly supportive of the initiative to improve the functioning of the Single Market, Euralarm cautions that any changes must deliver real improvements in efficiency without compromising the technical quality and integrity of harmonised standards. Download the position paper via the button below.
The key proposals from Euralarm include:
- Accelerating standard development: simplify and shorten procedural stages, such as eliminating pre-adoption translations and modifying vote requirements, while preserving stakeholder consensus.
- Mandating digital tools: encourage wider use of digital drafting platforms like the IEC’s Online Standardisation Development tool to enhance efficiency.
- Improving legal alignment: deploy legal experts within standardisation technical committees to strengthen the legal robustness of draft standards.
- Enhancing stakeholder balance: improve participation from Market Surveillance Authorities and consumer organisations without delaying the development timeline.
- Re-evaluating legal mechanisms: rethink the current dependency on Presumption of Conformity (PoC), especially for well-established regulations, to reduce legal risks without compromising market safety.
- Reinforcing global alignment: promote closer alignment between European and international standards to reassert Europe’s leadership in global standard-setting.
Euralarm concludes that while Regulation 1025/2012 remains fundamentally fit for purpose, practical improvements are necessary and achievable. Any reform efforts should focus on outcomes that genuinely simplify procedures, accelerate timelines, and strengthen Europe’s safety and competitiveness—without compromising the quality of the standards that underpin them.
The organisation remains open for dialogue with the European Commission, standardisation bodies, and other stakeholders to further elaborate on its proposals and assist in shaping a more efficient and effective standardisation framework.
