MEPs pave way for simplifying and digitalising EU product compliance

“Digital by default” approach for product documentation, while keeping paper options where needed

Digitalised EU declarations of conformity (DoC) via a single document

“Common specifications” to prove compliance with EU rules exceptionally when harmonised standards are missing

On Tuesday, Internal Market MEPs adopted two proposals aimed at promoting the use of digital formats to simplify reporting requirements, while safeguarding consumer rights.

The simplification package promotes the use of digital formats for product information, such as declarations of conformity, instructions, and contact details. It also streamlines communication between economic operators and authorities, while reinforcing the EU’s ability to adopt common specifications in exceptional circumstances, when harmonised standards are unavailable or insufficient. By updating a wide range of existing product legislation, the proposal paves the way for fully digital product compliance across the single market, enhancing efficiency, transparency and regulatory consistency across sectors.

Common specifications

The proposals introduce “common specifications” that the Commission can adopt exceptionally as a legally recognised fallback option to demonstrate the compliance with EU rules of a product, device, service, process or system, when no harmonised standards exist or those that do are insufficient.

In its amendments Parliament strengthens coherence across EU legislation, while avoiding unnecessary administrative duplication for companies and introducing new oversight mechanisms. It also specifies that the Commission’s exclusive right to adopt common specifications is only temporary, pending the entry into force of the revised standardisation framework.

From paper to digital

Supporting the Commission’s “digital by default” principle, the original proposal removes mandatory paper-based requirements in EU product legislation. This aims to encourage public authorities to modernise administrative processes and support a paper-free single market based on interoperable data and the “once-only” principle.

Key measures include the digitalisation of the EU declaration of conformity (DoC), mandatory electronic exchanges between economic operators and competent authorities, and the introduction of a direct ‘digital contact’ for economic operators. The latter enables consumers and competent authorities to reach operators directly (e.g. via email or contact form), without the need for registration, data sharing or the downloading of special apps. It excludes auto-replies, chatbots and phone lines, add MEPs.

MEPs specify that product instructions may be provided in electronic format, except for safety information, which should be available on paper or marked on the product. They underline that all consumers, including people with disabilities, elderly people and those without regular digital access, must be able to exercise their rights effectively. Therefore manufacturers should provide accessible ways to request paper information, including by phone.

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Ahead of the committee vote rapporteur Reinier van Lanschot (Greens/EFA, NL) said: “Parliament’s mandate is a win for companies - more digitalisation means lower costs and easier communication with authorities. It is also a win for consumers - who will receive less paper when buying a product, while vulnerable consumers will still benefit from high protection. And, it is a win for the planet - moving towards digital will save millions of trees in the coming years.

Most importantly, it is a win for Europe’s strategic autonomy - we are on the brink of a new world order with high geopolitical tension and the Parliament had the courage today to lead by example in making sure Europe is prepared to step up if the international standardisation system were to be paralysed [...] We need a strong Europe that is not subject to blackmail.”

Next steps

The Internal Market and Consumer Protection committee adopted the amending directives on digitalisation and common specifications by 44 votes to 2, and with 1 abstentions, and the amending regulations by 45 votes in favour, 2 against and with 1 abstentions.

Council adopted its position in September 2025. Once Parliament endorses the negotiation mandate during the March plenary session, the co-legislators can start negotiations.