Policy Updates

On 17 December, the European Commission published a package of legislative proposals and implementing acts related to CBAM, including the proposal to extend the scope to a large number of downstream products.

The ongoing European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) study on repairability does not cover HVACR products but gives some idea of what the future might hold.

At the Ecodesign Forum of 24 November, the European Commission presented methodologies for setting sustainability requirements under the ESPR. These will complement the Methodology for Ecodesign of Energy-related Products (MEErP).

The European Commission recently opened the 4-week feedback period on the draft Decision to exempt pallet wrappings or straps from the 100% reuse requirements established in Article 29(2) and (3) of Regulation (EU) 2025/40.

The amendment to the Fans Regulation was published on 08 December 2025. It corrects the date of application of requirements for embedded fans and introduces technical improvements, including the definition of ‘inherent speed’. 

The public consultation on Ecodesign and Energy Labelling requirements for commercial refrigeration opened on 04 December 2025.

On 28 November 2025, several Draft Act initiatives on Ecodesign and Energy Labelling for space and combination heaters, and for water heaters and tanks were published for feedback on the European Commission’s ‘Have your say’ portal.

ECHA held a webinar in preparation for the SEAC public consultation on the PFAS restriction proposal. The webinar and slides are now available on the ECHA website.

The European Commission has abandoned the heat pumps action plan to accelerate roll-out across the EU.

The European Commission plans to include local space heaters in Annex II of the Directive promoting the repair of goods.

The European Commission opened a call for evidence as well as a public consultation on the Advanced Materials Act. Input can be provided until 13 January 2026.

The European Commission unveiled its 2026 work programme, which outlines a series of actions to help build a more sovereign and independent Europe.