Lead story

ANEC call for experts on Circular Economy

ANEC is looking for an ANEC representative to provide us with technical expertise and to defend the consumer interests in standardisation in CEN/TC 473 ‘Circular Economy’. The new expert would provide additional support to the current ANEC Representative, in the following subgroups:

• CEN/TC 473/WG 3 ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’
• CEN/TC 473/WG 4 ‘Circular Business Models’

If you believe you could contribute to this work, please send an up-to-date CV and letter of motivation (both in English) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  by 14 November 2025.

Read the full call.

Horizontal

World Standards Day 2025

On 9 October 2025, ANEC, ECOS and CEN-CENELEC jointly hosted a webinar entitled “The Importance of an Inclusive Standardisation System” to mark the upcoming World Standards Day on 14 October. The online event brought together participants from a wide audience to reflect on how inclusiveness both strengthens the standardisation process and contributes to achieving sustainable development.

The theme of this year’s World Standards Day focused on Sustainable Development Goal 17, Partnerships for the Goals, showing how collaboration lies at the heart of standardisation and drives progress toward shared sustainable development goals. The webinar explored the role of inclusiveness in standardisation, provided an overview of stakeholder participation in the European system, and featured case studies illustrating the valuable contributions of consumer and environmental organisations.

CEN and CENELEC set the scene by elaborating what is an inclusive system and what this means within the context of European standardisation. ANEC presented case studies on the accessibility of the built environment, and on sustainability standards related to environmental statements and programmes for products, as well as circular design. ECOS showcased examples of sustainability standards focusing on fishing gear and cement, demonstrating how inclusive participation can improve the environmental ambition and real-world impact of standards.

The event offered a meaningful opportunity for dialogue among experts, civil society representatives and standardisation bodies, reinforcing the shared commitment to a more open and participatory system.

The webinar recording and presentations are available on the CEN-CENELEC website.

EP adopts report on NLF revision

On 20 October, the plenary session of the European Parliament (EP) adopted a report from its Internal Market & Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) on a New Legislative Framework (NLF) for Products that will be fit for the digital and sustainable transition. The Rapporteur for the report was David Cormand MEP. ANEC was pleased to see the report aligns with its views on several key aspects.

With the revision of Regulation (EU) 1025/2012 - the Standardisation Regulation - planned, a revision of the New Legislative Framework (including its rules on market surveillance) is expected to lead to a “European Product Act”. This idea is the culmination of the results of several public consultations hosted by the European Commission (EC) during the past year to which ANEC has contributed.

Child Safety 

ANEC critical of revised standard for activity toys

In October, CEN adopted EN 71-8 ‘Safety of toys - Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use’. ANEC had submitted a Not-Favourable Opinion.

ANEC was active in the revision of EN 71-8:2018 which takes into account the provisions of the Standardisation Request (SReq) for toy safety, M/589.

During the Enquiry, ANEC submitted comments and a Not-Favourable Opinion. The principal reasons for our Opinion were

• the need for a barrier for a free height of fall above 600mm (instead of 1000mm), in line with EN 1176 for playground equipment;
• lowering the height limit of allowed head and neck entrapment from 600mm to 100mm;
• the need to protect children below 3 years of age against access to the blower of inflatable activity toys.

During the consideration of comments, the first two points were postponed for a “future revision”. Most of our other comments were not accepted or only partly accepted. As a result, ANEC maintained its Not-Favourable Opinion during the Formal Vote on FprEN 71-8.

The SReq M/589 ‘Toys’ clearly states that:

“The revision of EN 71-8 shall include... (c) requirements for barriers linked to the free height of fall in order to ensure consistency between EN 71-8 and other related standards, such as EN 1176.”

We regret that the new EN 71-8 does not fulfil this requirement. In addition, it is not logical that, for inflatable activity toys, the height is 760mm (aligned with the ISO standard), while the general height is still 1000mm for other activity toys.

Accessibility

Launch of Enquiry on prEN 301 549

The launch of the Enquiry on prEN 301 549, ‘Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services’, has been approved by CEN/CLC/ETSI/JWG eAccessibility (eAcc).

ANEC raised negative comments on the draft, particularly concerning the need to align section 8.3 on access to the built environment with the work of CEN-CLC JTC 11. These concerns were echoed by several other members of the technical body, while the European Disability Forum (EDF) also expressed disagreement with the launch of the Formal Vote.

The next steps will be the Enquiry ballot, with the expectation that the CEN-CLC JTC 11 text on section 8.3 concerning access to the built environment will be included, as supported by ANEC.

Digital Society

ANEC replies on Digital Omnibus

In September, ANEC replied to the EC Call for Evidence on the Digital Omnibus (part of the Digital Package on Simplification).

ANEC stressed its opposition to any postponement of the EU AI Act’s applicability in response to delays in developing Harmonised Standards for high-risk AI systems.

Delaying enforcement would undermine the purpose and credibility of the AI Act, which aims to address immediate risks to safety, fundamental rights, and public trust in artificial intelligence. These risks exist today.

Harmonised Standards are voluntary tools, not prerequisites for compliance. The Act already provides clear principles and obligations that companies can act on. As ANEC notes, businesses are used to adapting to evolving regulatory environments and should not wait for supporting standards before taking responsibility.

ANEC also warns that any delay would weaken the EU’s global leadership in AI governance, sending the wrong signal about Europe’s commitment to responsible innovation. The AI Act’s timelines must be respected. Standards should complement, not postpone, the enforcement of core obligations.

Read our position in full.

Domestic Appliances

ANEC DOMAP WG meets in Berlin

The ANEC Domestic Appliances (DOMAP) Working Group convened in Berlin at the premises of the DIN Consumer Council for its annual meeting on 30 September and 1 October. As in previous years, the gathering was held in conjunction with the ANEC Sustainability Working Group meeting, fostering valuable cross-collaboration between the two expert groups.

The meeting brought together consumer representatives and technical experts from across Europe to discuss current and emerging issues related to the safety, performance, sustainability and accessibility of electrical appliances, gas appliances and machinery. Topics included ongoing standardisation work, the integration of sustainability principles in product design, and updates on European regulatory developments affecting household appliances.

Participants exchanged insights on how consumer interests can best be represented in technical committees and standardisation processes, ensuring that product standards continue to reflect the needs and expectations of European consumers - particularly regarding durability, repairability, and energy efficiency.

ANEC extends its warm thanks to DIN Consumer Council for their generous hospitality and excellent organisation of the meetings. The joint session with the ANEC Sustainability WG once again proved highly valuable, reinforcing the link between appliance safety, performance, and environmental responsibility - core principles of ANEC’s mission to ensure a safer, more sustainable world for consumers.

Standard for CO detectors to be revised

ANEC welcomes the decision of the CENELEC Technical Board (CLC/BT) at its October meeting to give the green light for the revision of EN 50291-1, the standard for carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in domestic premises.

The revision of the standard was requested by ANEC noting:

• the activation levels in EN 50291-1 are far too high and above the safe levels for human exposure to CO as recommended by the WHO.  
• the standard does not sufficiently protect against CO poisoning in relation to instructions and warnings.

A draft decision from CENELEC TC 216 ‘Gas detectors’ for a New Work Item Proposal to revise EN 50291-1 failed the 5-member rule for the development of a standard. The TC therefore asked CLC BT for a derogation to this rule. This request failed due to the disagreement of one CENELEC member.

Nevertheless, following further background provided by some CENELEC TC 216 members, the CLC BT accepted the derogation to 5-member rule.  

As there is scientific evidence suggesting a link between chronic, low-level carbon monoxide exposure and an increased risk of both dementia and Parkinson's disease, it is of utmost importance to revise the standard. ANEC plans to be active in the revision.

Postscript

As accidents involving carbon monoxide (CO) are more common during the colder months, ANEC has again reminded consumers through social media never to use a charcoal barbecue indoors as a heating source because of the very real risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Consumer Safety International (CSI) and ANEC awareness campaign on CO.  

Chemicals

Packaging - ANEC responds to ECHA call

During October, we submitted a reply to the ECHA Call for Evidence for Substances in packaging and packaging waste.

Packaging materials often contain chemical substances that may pose risks to consumer health and the environment. As the European consumer voice in standardisation, ANEC supports strong EU action to eliminate hazardous chemicals from packaging, especially those used in food contact materials and reusable formats.

We welcome the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) for its:

• Restrictions on harmful substances, including PFAS in food contact packaging.
• Binding reuse targets and measures to reduce overpackaging.
• Requirements on deposit return systems for plastic and metal beverage containers.
• Clear recyclability and recycled content requirements, helping ensure packaging is safe and sustainable.

In our paper, we include a summary of chemical tests performed by consumer organisations on packaging and packaging components in order to provide ECHA with additional, independent evidence on hazardous chemicals. Tackling these substances is vital for the successful implementation of the PPWR, ensuring consumer trust and safeguarding both public health and the environment.

Beyond this, ANEC continues to advocate transparent chemical content, precautionary recycling, and a comprehensive EU framework that protects consumers from toxic exposures across all packaging types.

Services

ANEC on consumer safety in building renovation

On 3 October, ANEC participated in the high-level event “Mind the EPBD Harmonization Gap!” organised by the Slovenian Business & Research Association (SBRA) and FRISSBE at the University Foundation in Brussels. The half-day conference brought together experts from research, policy, and industry to address the emerging fire safety challenges.

ANEC Lead Programme Manager, Michela Vuerich, emphasised the vital need to integrate consumer protection into the evolving regulatory landscape. Her intervention focused on the need for harmonised fire statistics and our call to create a pan-European accidents & injuries database. She also referred to the need to promote fire safety education for citizens and professionals.

Michela also highlighted ANEC’s call to institutions to raise awareness of new risks, such as fires caused by lithium batteries in vehicles and the increased electrification of homes. She concluded by supporting the organisers’ call for research investments to face new challenges and ensure that energy efficiency and safety go hand in hand.

ANEC will also bring the consumer voice at the 2025 European Fire Safety Week that is held between 3 and 7 November.

Keeping European postal services reliable and inclusive

On 14 October, the 6th ERGP Stakeholders Forum in Brussels brought together postal sector stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting the future of postal services. The European Regulators Group for Postal Services (ERGP) focused on the postal sector's limits, competitiveness, the ERGP Mid-Term Strategy for 2026-28, and the essential Universal Service Obligation (USO).

Representatives from ANEC, including Herbert Weißensteiner and Michela Vuerich, engaged with the EC and other stakeholders. We emphasised the importance of maintaining the USO, advocating for delivery frequency not to fall below two days per week, especially for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities and those living in remote areas.

A THUAS applied research study for ANEC identified the need for legislative revisions to define terms such as 'vulnerable consumer' and 'affordability' and suggested that e-commerce sellers should also ensure universal service.

The meeting emphasised enhancing consumer rights, and adapting the postal sector to the e-commerce landscape, while ensuring accessibility and reliability. The EC viewed the postal network as an asset for Member States and discussions will continue in preparation for the European Delivery Act. ANEC is preparing its contribution to the Commission's Call for Evidence.