Standards are technical specifications for products, services, or processes that help ensure safety, quality, interoperability, and easier access to the EU market. In the EU, the use of standards is usually voluntarily. Standards become harmonised when cited in the Official Journal of the EU. They translate EU legal requirements into common technical specifications and provide a presumption of conformity..
The current framework for European standardisation is set out in Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 on European standardisation. In 6 October 2026, the European Commission proposed a revision of this system in order to make it faster, more accessible, and better coordinated.
Commission proposes Regulation to accelerate standards development and improve EU competitiveness
The new Standardisation Regulation has several key objectives:
- Standards could be developed faster. By simplifying procedures and bringing in broader expertise, the EU aims to shorten the standard-development process from around six years to four years. A more efficient system could also reduce compliance-related costs for businesses.
- More stakeholders will have a voice. The new framework is intended to ensure better representation of SMEs, civil society, academia and public authorities throughout the standardisation process.
- Harmonised standards will be easier to access. Standards supporting EU legislation and policies will be made available free of charge. In response to recent European Court of Justice rulings, the Commission also intends to establish repositories providing access to standards that form part of EU law.
- The EU aims to strengthen its global influence. The changes are designed to improve coordination of the EU’s international standardisation strategy. This will be supported by the proposed creation of an Expert Centre on European Standardisation.
The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union will analyse the proposed measures before their adoption, publication in the Official Journal of the EU and entry into force.
Any questions? Contact PRODlaw Team here or at prodlaw@obelis.net.
References:
European Commission (2026). Factsheet – New Standardisation Regulation. Retrieved on 08/10/2026.
European Commission (2026). Commission adopts proposal to accelerate standards development and improve EU competitiveness. Retrieved on 08/10/2026.
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