The upcoming “European Product Law” aims to deeply modernize the European Union’s single market, with a particularly significant impact on the household appliances sector. The proposal addresses key issues such as e-commerce, connectivity, and the circular economy, with the goal of strengthening the free movement of goods and fair competition in the digital era.
For the household appliances industry, effective product regulation is a fundamental prerequisite for the proper functioning of the single market. In this context, the outcome of the new legislation is considered strategic by industry stakeholders.
The European association for the sector, APPLiA, has submitted a series of recommendations to the European Commission aimed at strengthening the integrity of the CE marking and simplifying the EU New Legislative Framework.
Among the main proposals is the transformation of the CE mark into a digital identifier based on a QR code, linked to a mandatory European product register. According to APPLiA, the regulation should provide a single European QR code for each product, capable of gathering all regulatory obligations, avoiding the proliferation of parallel information systems.
The association also calls for a case-by-case impact assessment before introducing broad obligations related to the Product Digital Passport. Another key point concerns the digitalisation of documentation: user manuals and declarations of conformity should be available in digital format by default, with consumers having the option to request a paper version.
On the safety side, a revision of circular economy rules is proposed, with new mandatory checks for refurbished products and greater clarity on operators’ responsibilities to protect consumers. Online marketplaces would also be recognised as full economic operators, with co-liability for the sale of non-compliant products on their platforms.
Greater oversight and new responsibilities
The document proposes strengthening the role of the authorised representative, who would become a legally responsible entity also in court proceedings, rather than merely a formal contact point. It also introduces the concept of a “deemed importer” within the market surveillance system, to strengthen accountability in distance selling. Among the structural proposals is also the creation of a dedicated European market surveillance authority, tasked with ensuring uniform and cross-border enforcement.
On compliance, APPLiA reiterates that self-assessment should remain the standard procedure for household appliances, while third-party certification should only be required in duly justified cases.
The reform aims to make the European single market more digital, coherent, and competitive, while also strengthening product safety and consumer protection, with a particular focus on the dynamics of the household appliances sector.
The industrial world and the supply chain for household appliances and consumer electronics will meet at the next edition of Applitech, the only trade fair of its kind in Europe, which will take place from 10 to 12 November 2027 at Bologna Exhibition Center, featuring a rich conference program.