Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck reportedly wants to suspend the German Supply Chain Duty of Care Act. The CDU/CSU parliamentary group is even calling for the Supply Chain Act to be repealed for German companies. The president of the supervisory authority BAFA is to be replaced. Companies and politicians are preparing for the EU Supply Chain…

In the selected case, "advertising with self-evident facts" and outdated energy labels posed two risks for warning letters.

Producers must affix warnings in the specified languages and inform other stakeholders about product conformity. Importers must inform manufacturers and authorities of any suspected risks. A digital product passport is to be introduced that can be checked by border control authorities.

The European market is flooded with battery-powered DIY and professional tools whose batteries and charger connections can be used for other devices of the same brand, but not for devices of other brands. In the view of the ÖDP, this is harmful to users and the environment.

The EU Supply Chain Directive (CSDDD / CS3D) has been adopted. It comes into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

All types of goods that are placed on the market in the EU are affected. The new regulation includes a direct ban on the destruction of unsold textiles and shoes. Other products could follow.

Germany has signalled its support for an end to the 150-euro regulation at European level. The flood of parcels from Asia is now to be countered at European level.

There is a general obligation to register if you place textiles on the Dutch market. This obligation also applies to non-Dutch producers when selling directly to end users.

As part of the new EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, the new Battery Law Implementation Act (BattDG) replaces the previous Battery Act (BattG). All battery producers must participate in a producer responsibility organisation and producer responsibility will be introduced for all battery categories. Take-back scheme operators must provide an…

The option of returning an old appliance without having to buy a new one at the same time is to be extended to all appliances with an edge length of up to 50 centimetres (previously 25 centimetres). Protection against fire risks from incorrectly disposed or damaged batteries is to be improved.

Flower pots used in horticultural production will no longer be considered sales packaging in future. The licence fees for participation in a dual system will no longer apply.

Recent attempts to pause or completely abolish the German Supply Chain Act have failed in the Legal Affairs Committee and the Economic Affairs Committee.

For secondary packaging, transport packaging and packaging for e-commerce, the proportion of empty space may not exceed 50%. Producers must use lighter packaging with less volume.

If necessary, small and medium-sized enterprises must be supported in complying with the new obligations. A network of supervisory authorities carries out investigations. Companies that do not comply with the rules will be penalised. The consequences can include being named and shamed or fines of up to 5% of global net turnover.

In particular, the draft provides for stricter rules on retail returns. Retailers must provide information about return options at the point of sale. Sanctions are envisaged in the event of non-compliance.

Producers must repair common household products such as washing machines, hoovers and even smartphones that are technically repairable under EU law even after the statutory warranty has expired. The list of product categories can be extended at any time. Consumers can borrow a replacement appliance during the repair period.

This affects, for example, wired rechargeable mobile phones and similar technical devices such as tablets, eBook readers, digital cameras, etc. In future, charging interfaces must be able to be charged via a standardised charging connection. Devices must also be sold without a new charger.

The President has decided to suspend the reopening of the selection procedures for the position of SME Envoy until after the European elections.

The PPWR regulation will be presented to the plenary of the EU Parliament in its second session from 22 April to 25 April in Strasbourg.

The aim is to provide an overview of the obligations relating to the requirements of the new Ecodesign Framework Regulation, the repair index and which solutions you need to offer your customers.

If you are the producer or importer of your products, you must draw up and sign a declaration of conformity.

Answers to the questions: What is the Digital Product Passport? What data should be included? When must batteries have a battery passport? What information does the battery passport contain?