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AIM joins 9 associations to call for a product-specific approach under the first Ecodesign Working Plan and a simple verification process for the reporting of unsold goods

Brussels, 13 February 2025 – AIM, together with 9 other associations calls for a product group-specific approach in the Ecodesign Regulation’s first Working Plan and a simple verification process for reporting unsold goods 

 As the European Commission prepares the first Working Plan under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the implementing measures for disclosing and verifying information on unsold consumer products, AIM joins other 9 associations in calling for: 

1. A product-specific approach to the first Working Plan under the ESPR. Rules should be defined on a product group basis, consistent with the existing Ecodesign Directive’s framework. Ecodesign requirements should be tailored to the specific characteristics of each product group and its value chain. Horizontal requirements covering multiple product groups risk creating vague or ineffective measures, potentially leading to market fragmentation, regulatory uncertainty for businesses and unnecessary duplication of requirements. 

1. A simple verification process for reporting unsold goods, aligned with the EU agenda for competitiveness. To this end, risk-based verification by national competent authorities based on Article 24(2) of the ESPR should be prioritised. This approach will ensure the adoption of a cost-effective system to verify the information provided by economic operators, minimizing unnecessary regulatory burdens. 

 Ahead of the first meeting of the Ecodesign Forum, we urge the European Commission to incorporate these principles into the upcoming implementing legislation to ensure clarity, predictability and feasibility of future requirements. 

 Read the full statements here and here.