The CECE Technical Commission (TC) and its Project Teams met in Brussels from 23–26 March 2026 for the first Technical Week of the year, with Omnibus packages and regulatory alignment high on the agenda.
A key moment in the week came during the Technical Commission meeting, which included a Brexit update from Dale Camsell (CEA senior technical lead). He highlighted opportunities for continued UK–EU alignment on standardisation and pointed to London’s zero-emission zones as a practical example of how policy can support decarbonisation across the sector.
Across the sessions, Omnibus initiatives dominated discussions, particularly around simplifying overlapping legislation covering environmental, digital and machinery requirements. Members stressed the need to avoid duplication and ensure new rules remain workable for manufacturers.
Electrification discussions focused on the OEM Roundtable’s recommendations for voluntary standards, with a clear message that solutions must work in real operating conditions. Interoperability and the practical constraints of machine design remain key challenges, alongside a longer-term push towards formal standardisation.
Environmental topics centred on the Environmental Omnibus (Omnibus VIII), including updates to the EU Batteries Regulation, Battery Passport requirements and Extended Producer Responsibility schemes. The proposed PFAS restriction under REACH also remains a major concern, with CECE preparing its response to the current ECHA consultation. Questions were also raised around the growing complexity of Digital Product Passports.
On the digital side, the Digital Omnibus package is aiming to simplify rules across data, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Members reviewed progress on the Data Act and Cyber Resilience Act, with particular attention on the need for sector-specific guidance. CECE continues to support efforts to align AI requirements with existing machinery safety rules.
Machinery discussions focused on implementation of the Machinery Regulation, ongoing guidance work and industry concerns around timing. CECE is continuing its advocacy to align certain requirements with the Cyber Resilience Act to avoid duplicate testing and additional cost. The formal citation of EN 474-1 was welcomed as a positive step forward.
Looking ahead, further regulatory developments are expected later this year, including revisions to the New Legislative Framework and related legislation.
The next CECE Technical Week will take place from 15–18 June 2026.
Read the full story here: Omnibus Packages take center stage at first CECE Technical Week of 2026
