Everyone needs a framework in which digital consumer info works.
In her State of the Union address on 16 September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for Europe to complete the Single Market by the end of next year and urged all levels of government to reduce administrative burdens, calling for a “pact against gold-plating.”
We agree with the President on these points. And taking a more coherent approach to product information is one tangible way to address them.
The upcoming European Product Act provides a timely legislative opportunity to establish a coherent and interoperable framework for digital product information across EU product legislation.
A digital information framework would be useful for consumers, practical for businesses and fit for the digital age.
The way consumers access product information is changing. At the same time, businesses across Europe are facing a growing patchwork of requirements, stemming from different pieces of EU legislation and divergent national implementation. The European Product Act is an excellent opportunity to buck that trend and carry out simplification in practice.
Digital tools offer an opportunity to give consumers more information, in more languages and in more accessible formats, while reducing unnecessary information on physical packaging. At the same time, a more coherent approach can reduce complexity and costs for businesses.
It’s a win-win.
Today, Detergents Europe, as part of the Digital Consumer Information Alliance representing 21 trade associations across several sectors, is launching its new joint manifesto with concrete recommendations for a digital transition for consumer information.
In it, we set out concrete recommendations for a digital transition for consumer information, including:
- One Product, One EU Data Carrier
- Interoperability and machine-readable data
- Technological neutrality that leaves room for innovation
- Digitalisation of certain mandatory information
- Proportionate implementation and sufficient transition periods
- Avoiding further fragmentation through divergent national approaches
A coherent approach to digital consumer information would benefit consumers and businesses alike, making information more accessible and adaptable, while supporting legal certainty, innovation and the free movement of goods.
President von der Leyen has underlined that Europe is serious about completing the Single Market and reducing unnecessary regulatory complexity. Digital consumer information should be part of the solution.
We look forward to working with policymakers and other stakeholders to make this happen.
Read and download the full manifesto below.
