EU Compliance Outlook 2021

2 Mar 2021

Here is the snapshot of most important developments that we can expect in 2021, by European Union.

EU Batteries Regulation

A proposal for EU batteries laws were published on Dec 2020. This proposal will fully replace replacing the existing directive and mends all aspects of battery design, performance and end of life. It introduces over time innovative new supply chain diligence, labelling, carbon footprint and other new measures.

Its due to take effect from 1 January 2022.

New EU Regulation on Mobile phones and tablets

Commission intent to introduce two new EU-wide regulations – an implementing measure under the Ecodesign Directive, and a delegated act under the Energy Labelling Regulation. This mainly targets on what commission identifies as unnecessary waste and alleged planned obsolescence.

A public consultation to analyze waste management is planned for Q2 of 2021.

EU Machinery directive

A draft for replacing machinery directive with the EU new Machinery regulation is expected to be published in Q1 2021.

RoHS directive evaluation

A Commission report is expected on Q2 2021

REACH SVHC updation

Second set of REACH SVHC candidate updated list is expected on Q3 2021.

E-PRTR (EU Industrial Emissions Directive and European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register)

E-PRTR is to be revised – Expecting a draft text of proposed revisions in Q4 2021.

EU Shipment of Waste Regulation

EU Shipment of waste regulation is about to revised. Its Q2 2021 plans are –

• The Commission is expecting to propose revision to reduce shipments of waste to outside the EU.
• Shipment waste procedures to reflect the objectives of the circular economy and improve enforcement

EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) Revision

• Consultation on current ongoing until early February 2021.
• A formal draft of amendment to EU ETS is expected in the first half of 2021.
• There are proposals to extend the EU ETS to new sectors such as maritime and enhance the regime to align with the EU’s 2050 carbon neutrality objectives.

Action on methane emissions in the energy sector

• Currently, there are no EU-level legislation targeting methane emissions in the energy sector.
• Adoption of the draft text for a new Regulation proposal is planned for Q4 2021.
• The new for methane regulation under consideration involves possible binding rules on the monitoring, reporting and verification of methane emissions, as well as methane emission reduction measures to support the EU’s climate neutrality objectives.

Health and Safety at Work EU Strategic Framework 2021-2027

The new framework aims in maintaining and improving health and safety standards, in the range of new challenges being faced by workplaces, like new ways of working, technological development and digitalisation and COVID-19.

• The ongoing public consultation will remain open until 1 March 2021.
• The new health and safety framework is expected to be finalised in Q2 2021.

EU Regulations on Organic production and labelling its products

The EU has strict monitoring on the of products that are certified and labelled as “organic” in 2021. The upcoming organic legislation is expected to be effective from 1 January 2022, postponed for a year as per EU Commission’s proposal. The new regulation is designed to ensure fair competition for farmers while maintaining consumer trust and preventing fraud.

Medical Devices Regulation

The Medical Devices Regulation will create a stronger, transparent, and sustainable regulatory framework, that improves clinical safety and creates fair market access for manufacturers and healthcare professionals. Following the transition period, on 26 May 2021, the Medical Device Regulation will effective completely.

The corresponding date for application of the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR, Regulation (EU) 2017/746) still remains in May 2022.

Companies involved in manufacturing and supply of products in various industries, need to look out for many more such updates and easily sail through without complications. Talk to one of our global compliance to learn more about how you can stay compliant with upcoming regulations and amendments in 2021.