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February 2025

ANEC Webinar

ANEC Webinar - Sustainable lifestyles & Consumer products

ANEC invites you to a public webinar on Sustainable lifestyles & Consumer products, taking place on 11 March 2025 (10:30-11:45 CET).

The webinar is inspired by this year’s theme of the World Consumer Rights Day and celebrates the transition to a sustainable consumer lifestyle.

Together we will explore:

• The Ecodesign standards and their added value for consumers with Boštjan Okorn - Chairperson of both ANEC Sustainability WG and ANEC Traffic & Mobility WG
• If refurbished products are the new way forward, with Olivia Brown - Policy Officer, Euroconsumers
• And how all this ties up into a sustainable way of living, with ANEC’ s sustainability senior experts - Michela Vuerich and Isabel Lopez.

Moderation and closing words will be led by Chiara Giovannini, Deputy Director-General of ANEC.

Please register at this this link. We look forward to welcoming you!

Lead story

Consumers are the backbone of the economy

ANEC President, Dermott Jewell, and Deputy Director-General, Chiara Giovannini, joined the third meeting of the European Commission's High-Level Forum on Standardisation (HLFS) on 29 January 2025.

In his intervention, Dermott highlighted a significant milestone: EU household expenditure in 2023 accounted for 52.1% of GDP, a figure that signals a recovery to near pre-pandemic levels. Dermott emphasised that this statistic is a clear reminder of the essential contribution of consumers to Europe’s economy. Their spending drives prosperity, while their trust and confidence fuel sustainable growth.

"Consumers are the backbone of Europe’s economy," Dermott noted, highlighting the need for European legislation and standardisation frameworks to reflect consumers and consumer rights. He added that the European Standardisation System’s unique strength comes from bringing together a wide range of stakeholders: businesses, governments, civil society, and consumer representatives into a collaborative dialogue. This approach delivers standards are not only economically relevant, but also socially fair and adaptable to the needs of all Europeans.

"Inclusiveness is not just a principle," he stressed. "It is a necessity for building a fairer, more resilient, and prosperous Europe."

Read the full transcript of Dermott Jewell's intervention at the meeting.

Horizontal

ANEC hosts ETSI 3SI roundtable

ANEC hosted the 20th meeting of the ETSI 3SI (Strategy for Standardisation and Innovation) roundtable on 20 January 2025, bringing together the Annex III organisations, the ETSI leadership and the European Commission.

The meeting marked the formal transition of the ETSI 3SI Advocate role from John Ketchell to Rusnė Juozapaitienė.

All at the roundtable thanked John for championing inclusiveness in standardisation, so promoting broader accessibility to stakeholders and their participation. His work and dedication over the past years has provided a firm foundation on which Rusnė can build.

Child Safety

ANEC intervenes on waterslide standards

During the revision of the CEN standards for waterslides (EN 1069-1 and EN 1069-2), which currently address only waterslides in swimming pools, ANEC highlighted the growing use of waterslides on lakes and beaches. We stressed that the scope of the standards should be changed in order to reflect their contemporary use and further elements considered as part of the revision. We are pleased our request was accepted by CEN/TC 136/WG3.

Standards on toy safety

In January, ANEC commented on several (final) draft standards on toy safety.
We supported the standards during the Formal Votes on FprEN 71-15 'Safety of toys - Part 15: Formamide in foam toy materials (content)' and EN 71-2:2020/FprA1 ‘Safety of toys - Part 2: Flammability’.

Unfortunately, we had to submit a Not-Favourable Opinion during the Enquiry on prEN 71-8 ‘Safety of toys - Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use’. We see the need for a barrier for a free height of fall above 760mm (instead of 1000 mm), in line with ISO 8124-4 ‘Activity toys’, and better requirements to guard against entrapment in openings below 600mm.

We abstained to the Enquiry on prEN 71-1 'Safety of toys - Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties'. Although we agree with many of the changes in the revision, we want to see the definition of food-imitating toys changed.

Finally, we replied to the Enquiry on prEN 71-5 ‘Safety of toys - Part 5: Chemical toys (sets) other than experimental sets’, asking for inclusion of requirements on fragrances, borate and labelling for slime kits.

Accessibility

EN 17999 on Accessible Systems for Living Independently approved

 We are pleased to announce that the European standard EN 17999 ‘Accessible Systems for Living Independently – Requirements and Recommendations’ has been adopted following a unanimous vote of the CEN members.

The standard should be published after editorial comments from Austria and Ireland are reviewed. The adoption represents a key milestone in promoting accessible, independent-living solutions across Europe.

Evaluation of the Lifts Directive

As cities grow and multi-storey buildings come to dominate urban landscapes, the need for safe and accessible vertical transport becomes ever more critical. Lifts are essential for inclusive urban living, yet persistent issues such as poor maintenance, high upgrade costs, and inadequate accessibility prevent them from fully serving their purpose.

Against this background, ANEC has published a position paper addressing key challenges related to lifts and offering solutions to ensure they meet the needs of all consumers, particularly persons with disabilities and older people.

The EC has started to assess whether the Lifts Directive (2014/33/EU) is still fit for purpose. Based on the conclusions of this evaluation, the Commission will decide whether the Directive needs to be revised. ANEC stresses that the evaluation needs to prioritise consumer safety, reliability, and universal access.

Read ANEC Position on the Evaluation of the Lifts Directive.

Digital Society

SReqs adopted on CRA and Wireless Charging

The EC has adopted two important Standardisation Requests (SReqs) in the digital sector: one related to the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA); the other on wireless charging technology. ANEC supported the adoption of both SReqs, stressing the importance of both of these to consumer interests.

With the growing prevalence of digital devices in daily life, ensuring robust cybersecurity has become a priority for policymakers and consumers. The CRA aims to set new standards that enhance the security of connected products throughout their lifecycle, from design to disposal. This includes addressing vulnerabilities, improving software updates, and making sure manufacturers take responsibility to mitigate cybersecurity risks. ANEC wants tougher cybersecurity standards, but also user-friendly security features and transparency.

As wireless charging becomes more widespread, particularly in mobile devices and electric vehicles, there is a growing need to ensure interoperability, efficiency, and safety. The new SReq focuses on developing standards that promote compatibility across devices, reduce energy losses, and enhance user convenience. By supporting this initiative, ANEC aims to ensure that consumers can confidently adopt wireless charging solutions that are safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly.

Restricted citation of Cybersecurity Standards

On 28 January 2025, the EC published Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/138 regarding the citation of cybersecurity-related standards under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). This concerns the CEN-CENELEC ENs on cybersecurity aspects for consumer products (EN 18031-1, 2, and 3) approved last summer. Read the full text of the decision.

Despite this approval, the standards received a negative assessment from the HAS Consultant.

The Consultant’s feedback echoed earlier concerns raised by ANEC, resulting in restrictions on how the standards are cited. The EC has also issued a non-binding guidance document to clarify the restrictions. These limitations highlight which parts of the standards do not provide a presumption of conformity and hence do not offer legal certainty.

Although the restrictions do not fully address all of our concerns, this development signals the EC’s recognition of areas requiring further improvement. The obligations under the delegated act of the RED on cybersecurity and privacy will take effect on 1 August 2025.

AI Action Summit

The AI Summit was held on 10-11 February 2025 in Paris under the patronage of President Macron. The Summit hosted high-level discussions on the future of AI in Europe and globally. More details on this vent are available here.

Ahead of the summit, ANEC signed an opinion piece on Global AI governance: taking action with civil society, joining forces with 43 civil society organisations seeking the greater inclusiveness of civil society in the policy and standardisation processes revolving around AI.

ANEC is active in the drafting of AI standards in the WGs under CEN-CENELEC/JTC 21. This work follows the adoption of an SReq launched after publication of the AI Act. A standard addressing trustworthiness is a first draft under discussion. If you want to know more and ANEC’s position, check our latest factsheet here.

Domestic appliances

Final SReq Machinery adopted

ANEC welcomes the positive opinion of the EC Committee on Standards (CoS) on the final draft SReq ‘Machinery’. As most of our previous comments were taken into account by the EC in this latest version, as an observer in the CoS, ANEC supported the adoption of the SReq. We also supported the CEN-CENELEC to approve the SReq.

Sustainability

PPWR enters into force

ANEC welcomed the publication of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation in the Official Journal on 22 January. The PPWR entered into force on 11 February and becomes applicable from 12 August 2026.

This publication marks a significant step toward reducing packaging waste across Europe and promoting more sustainable production and consumption. We look forward to its implementation and the positive impact it will have on consumers.

Although recognising the benefits and improvements the PPWR brings, we acknowledge the compromises and exemptions in the text we addressed in ANEC reaction to the European Parliament vote last year. Nevertheless, the revision introduces important enhancements to previous packaging rules. The recording of a stakeholder event held in December 2024 is available on the EC website and provides a thorough overview of the requirements and how they will apply.

EC high-level meeting on Circular Economy

On 23 January, ANEC joined representatives from the EC, Member States and various interest groups in a meeting of the EC's Circular Economy Directors. This meeting served as a platform to discuss the EC's 2024-2029 mandate and implementation of the upcoming Circular Economy Act. Key discussions included the roll-out of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the upcoming EU Bioeconomy Strategy, and the objectives of the Directors' group responsible for Circular Economy initiatives.

Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, Director of Circular Economy at DG ENV, emphasised the importance of collaboration with Member States to align national activities with the EU's Circular Economy agenda. He outlined the focus on enforcement and development of essential initiatives, including the Circular Economy Act and the Clean Industrial Deal. Member States expressed their support and shared their recommendations.

Michela Vuerich, representing ANEC, welcomed the EC’s plans and supportive feedback from Member States. She reinforced the significance of advancing legislative initiatives to enhance Ecodesign, resource efficiency, and waste reduction where ANEC is also involved, both through involvement in policy and standardisation work. She referred to ANEC’s involvement in European and international standardisation efforts on Circular Economy, ensuring alignment with EU legislation. She also hinted at the important EU goal of achieving a zero-pollution ambition through revision of REACH and PFAS restrictions.

ISO standard on Circular Economy

ISO/TC 323 ‘Circular economy’ has completed work on ISO 59040:2025 ‘Circular economy - Product circularity data sheet’. ANEC participated in the drafting of the standard which outlines how to create and use a Product Circularity Data Sheet (PCDS) in order to share information on the circular economy aspects of products. We especially welcome that the standard includes the consumer/acquirer relationship we sought.

The standard provides guidelines for organisations of any type or size to complete a PCDS, ensuring they can exchange information without revealing confidential business details. It also includes instructions on managing and sharing PCDS templates, helping organisations report on product circularity effectively. Although a PCDS can provide information to feed a Digital Product Passport (DPP), the PCDS is not a DPP.

ISO/TC 323 survey on Circular Economy

ISO/TC 323 has launched a survey that runs from 4 February to 4 April 2025 to gather comments and experiences on three international standards it developed in recent years:

• ISO 59004 ‘Vocabulary, principles and guidance for implementation’
• ISO 59010 ‘Guidance on the transition of business models and value networks’
• ISO 59020 ‘Measuring and assessing circularity performance’

ANEC was involved in the drafting of these standards and contributed to them with a view to strengthening requirements relevant to consumer protection, such as the transparency of data quality and assumptions. We also addressed the uncertainties presented by the sustainability assessment proposed.

We will reply to the survey and also continue our involvement at both the international and European level, the latter through CEN/TC 473 ‘Circular economy’.

The survey is on line through the LinkedIn page of ISO TC 323 and is open to all interested parties. 

Ecodesign

Ecodesign & Energy Labelling rules for TVs

ANEC answered the EC’s public consultation on the review of Ecodesign & Energy Labelling rules for electronic displays, including TVs.

The consultation covered scope, the requirements for energy efficiency, durability, repair, reuse and recycling. The review is ahead of an expected revision which will aim to update the present rules where improvements can be made to the energy efficiency requirements, and extend the scope to include more material efficiency and circular economy aspects.

Services

Why Choice Matters

ANEC is pleased to confirm the renewal of the Keep Me Posted EU (KMPEU) campaign, marked by an event hosted by MEP Everding in the European Parliament(EP) on 4 February. It saw the launch of the KMPEU Report: "Why Choice Matters”. The report is available for download on the campaign website. It explores challenges faced by the individuals and communities in Europe most at risk of exclusion due to the removal of postal services and push towards digital-only communication. Testimonials collected from the ANEC network have been included in the report and more will be published on the campaign website.

ANEC Lead Programme Manager, Michela Vuerich, represented the consumer perspective during the panel discussion at the EP entitled “Marginalisation in Europe – The Hidden Cost of Digital-Only Communication”. Michela emphasised the importance of maintaining the choice for consumers on how they receive information, especially related to administrative and healthcare documents, in line with the partners supporting the KMPEU campaign. We find it important to preserve and strengthen:

• The Universal Service Obligation to prevent risk of isolation in a digital world.
• The right to choose between digital and paper communication without penalty.
• Compliance with web accessibility standards to ensure inclusive access to digital information.
• The role of standards in promoting inclusive services, enhancing consumer satisfaction, and improving complaint resolution.
• The essential social role of postal services in connecting communities.

We encourage readers who wish to support the campaign and sign the KMPEU Manifesto to express their interest through the KMPEU campaign website.

No-one reads the small print !

Accessing services or buying something online? Most people just tick the box for Terms and Conditions, regardless of whether they read them. “T & Cs” are just too long and boring. We all know we ought to read the “small print” but very few consumers do.

ANEC participates in the ISO committee, ISO/PC 335 on ‘Online Terms & Conditions’. It is developing ISO 21800 ‘Guidelines for organizations to increase consumer understanding of online terms and conditions’ The new standard is intended to give guidance to websites, platforms and suppliers on making their “T & Cs” more straightforward and easier to understand, so encouraging consumers to read them before hitting the ‘pay now’ button.

The draft is out for DIS - Draft International Standard - consultation now. Whether you are a consumer, industry professional, or advocate for fair digital practices, please share this news and contact your national ISO member to share your comments or suggestions.

ANEC governance

New GA Portugease member

Elsa Agante (Deco Proteste) has been appointed Portuguese member of the ANEC General Assembly, succeeding Vitor Machado. We congratulate Elsa on her appointment.

The complete list of ANEC members can be found here.

In memoriam

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Anne Smith in January. She was 88. Our thoughts go to her family and friends.

Anne played a crucial role in shaping safety standards through her work with ANEC and its predecessor, SECO. From our earliest days, Anne was a dedicated advocate for consumer protection, focusing on child safety.

Anne Smith (L) with ANEC Senior Manager, Tania Vandenberghe

Her professional journey began at the Consumers’ Association in the UK (now known as Which? after its magazine) where she worked in the testing division. Her work there laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to improving standards and ensuring consumer safety.

Anne’s efforts, both within the British Standards Institution (BSI) and ANEC, included pioneering hazard-based standards as an approach that focused on identifying and addressing potential risks. This method influenced the development of many regulations and guidelines. She served as the (co-)chair of ANEC’s Child Safety Working Group for 20 years, playing a key role in improving safety standards for children’s products and their environments. On her retirement from ANEC, she was made Chair Emerita of the Child Safety WG. Nevertheless, Anne remained engaged with the standards community, and continued to advise ANEC as needed.

Anne’s work has had a lasting impact, making products and practices safer for consumers across Europe. Her dedication to improving standards has helped protect countless lives, leaving behind a strong and valuable legacy.

News from ANEC member countries

CECU Wins AI Act Implementation Grant (Spain)

CECU was recently awarded an AI Act Implementation Grant from the European AI and Society Fund. They will use this to finance a study on the implementation, participation, and transparency of Fundamental Rights Impact Assessments (FRIAs) under Article 27 of the AI Act.

The study will focus on the financial and insurance sectors, as they are the only private actors obligated to conduct FRIAs. The results will be used to develop an advocacy strategy in Spain and contribute to the efforts of other civil society organizations in Europe, in order to strengthen the effectiveness of FRIAs and prevent them from becoming mere checklists or standardised templates.

John Wood wins award (United Kingdom)

John Wood, an ANEC expert from the UK, received the 2024 award for ‘Dedication to the Consumer Cause’ from Julie Hunter, Chair of the BSI Consumer & Public Interest Network (CPIN).

John recently completed a programme of advice for a BSI committee on consumer issues related to Technology Enabled Care. He has just started work on Brain Computer Interfaces, a rapidly developing area where the electrical activity of the brain is used to control computers and prosthetics directly. John has also been representing ANEC on security-related standards.