Commission announces action plan for implementation and enforcement of Single Market rules

Among a number of promising actions proposed in the plan, three stand out as particularly relevant and potentially beneficial for the technology sectors we represent: 

With Action 1 we are pleased to see that the Commission will develop several guidelines on Union law applying to the digital economy (including for cybersecurity), the Product Liability Directive, the Blue Guide on the implementation of EU harmonised rules and on the responsibility of economic operators under the Market Surveillance Regulation. Indeed, we believe that effective guidance could support the technology industries in meeting the expectations of policymakers without the need for further regulatory change in these areas. 

Action 5 proposes building capacity with financial incentives and technical support for national market surveillance authorities under the Multiannual Financial Programme; while Action 16 puts forward a proposal for the development of labelling and traceability systems such as QR codes for the digital submission of compliance information for imported industrial products. On this last point, however, Orgalim would recommend that these systems be applied across the board to all products placed on the Single Market, including domestically produced products.

This action plan can go a long way towards the Commission’s objective – fully shared by the technology industries – of “allowing the Single Market to propel our business”. Equally important in this regard will be to address the parallel issue of governance in the European standardisation system, where technology companies are currently facing undue administrative burden. Joining forces with 20 co-signatories, our recent statement on this issue seeks to start a new dialogue between industry and policymakers. Together with the action proposed for implementation and enforcement of Single Market rules, there will be much ground for engagement in the months ahead.