▪︎ Ecodesign Regulation
Ecodesign Regulation:
What matters now
On December 22, 2023, the EU member states adopted the new Ecodesign Regulation. In future, only products that are recyclable in addition to other properties such as durability and energy efficiency will be placed on the market.
Contents of the regulation
Among other things, the regulation provides for the introduction of chemicals as a separate product category and the definition of ecodesign requirements for them. These requirements cover the entire life cycle of a product, including the extent to which it can be reused. Accordingly, a substance of concern exists if it "has a negative impact on the reuse and recycling of materials in the product in which it is contained".
Impending flood of substances of concern
According to this very general definition, around 12,000 of the 23,000 chemicals registered in the EU are substances of concern. According to the European Chemical Industry Association, there is a risk that many substances will be included in the index across the board, even if they are safe to handle at another level. Industry representatives are therefore calling for a precise definition that also includes the product categories.
The final draft regulation is expected by the middle of this year. Defining the ecodesign requirements for the individual product categories will take until 2027.
Take care of the legal security of your products in good time. If you have any questions about the Ecodesign Regulation and the legal consequences associated with it, please contact us at sales@kft.de.