CECE Gearing Up for 2024: First Quarterly Technical Meetings

The Technical Week started with the meeting of PT Engine Emissions & Alternative Fuels where the PT continued its in-depth review of recast Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD), following the inter-institutional agreement reached in February 2024. The same PT was also introduced to the work on ‘Reducing emissions from non-road mobile machinery’ presented by the Dutch Government as part of UNECE Working Party on Pollution and Energy during its 90th session.

Afterwards, PT Electrification pursued its thorough comparison of Electrical Vehicles machine specifications in addition to discussing Decarbonisation initiatives in the UK: first and foremost, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Open Call for Evidence on Decarbonisation of Non-Road Mobile Machinery.

PT 3R extensively discussed the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and its implications for Original Equipment Manufacturers of construction equipment. On ESPR, the PT was informed of the timeline for implementation of the DPP, soon after the CIRPASS project final event. The PT seized this meeting opportunity to closely analyse the ESPR text of the inter-institutional agreement reached in December 2023. Regarding the digital battery passport, the PT reviewed the multiple ongoing standardisation initiatives. On Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation, the PT took a closer look on the provisions relating to the due diligence requirements.

With regard to PT Data, the discussion mainly revolved around the CECE engagement in the development of an industry common guidance for the implementation of the Data Act regulation. The group was informed of the state of play of the project, which is currently deployed under the PT Data leadership, in conjunction with Orgalim. Members were also reported on the latest institutional developments in relation to the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Indeed, the delays registered in the formal adoption of the CRA legal text will have an impact on the date of publication in the EU Official Journal, which is now expected in Q4 2024 (tbc). In addition, an update on the legislative process and tentative timeline for the publication of the Artificial Intelligence Act was discussed, including relevant information on the next steps foreseen.

In a productive exchange focused on navigating the evolving landscape of machinery regulations and standardisation, the PT Machinery meeting addressed key outcomes from the last Sector Forum, with a central focus on harmonisation. Discussions tackled the legal framework for referencing official OJEU citations and the interplay between CEN, CENELEC, and ISO. The group also successfully identified key questions and suggestions for the upcoming machinery expert group meeting in April. Progress was also made on the application guide, with CECE members actively working on industry interpretations for the supervisory function and protection against corruption. Next steps involve contributing to interpretations of key new EHSR in the machinery regulation, such as seating and self-evolving behaviour. The meeting also addressed the topic of the recent "Right to Know" judgement, planning the steps to further analyse its implications. Finally, an update on the current status of the Product Liability Directive was provided.

The PT Road Circulation meeting kept members busy discussing the latest on the (new) Regulation on Non-road Mobile Machinery (NRMM). A key focus was the recently agreed-upon provisional deal from February. Members discussed the details while discussing the next CECE advocacy actions. The ongoing Fka/TRL study (under article 15) was also on the agenda, with attendees highlighting the importance of following how it defines key requirements. Looking ahead, members learned about a CECE event at the upcoming Intermat exhibition on April 26th. This event will bring together industry representatives and EU officials to discuss the new regulation and its future implications. Finally, the meeting also explored the growing importance of electric drive machinery.

The PT Noise group met to discuss the state of play of the revision of Annex III in the Outdoor Noise Directive (OND). With the European Parliament and Council currently scrutinising the amended text, publication is expected—unless there are objections—around April 19. CECE members also applauded the recent initiative to eliminate Article 16 of the OND, as this will streamline reporting burdens for manufacturers. Electric drive machines and methods for calculating engine power in electric construction equipment were also on the agenda. However, CECE decided to put these discussions on hold until after the EP election and the formation of the new EC mandate. This pause will allow for a strategic reassessment and potential collaboration with sister associations. Finally, the group eagerly awaits news on the UK's approach to noise, and they'll dive into it as soon as details become available.

During a tailored session of the Technical Commission (TC) meeting, Mr Maxime Castes (EHS Manager at EUROBAT), and Ms Olga Karline Henkele (Associate Manager at Kellen Europe) were invited to an exchange of views with CECE members on the Batteries & Waste Batteries regulation. The presentation delivered by EUROBAT representatives mainly focused on the Battery Passport and due diligence requirements while the implementation of Batteries Regulation is accelerating. During the following Q&A Session, CECE members interacted with the guest speakers.

In addition, TC members were reported on the latest regulatory developments introduced in Türkiye on import inspections. The Technical Commission was informed of the continued dialogue established with the relevant EU institutions with a view to obtaining clarifications on the persistent issues encountered by CECE member companies while exporting machinery products to Türkiye.
The March TC quarterly meeting concluded with an update on the UK’s approach to product marking post Brexit. The session touched upon the recent announcements made by the UK Government on the extension of the continued CE marking recognition for 21 product regulations falling under the competence of UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). The Brexit session also covered designated standards.

The next technical week will take place in Brussels from 17^th to 20^th June 2024.