CECE experts delve into the new requirements for NRMM road-approval at the November Technical Week

The PT Engine group reviewed its upcoming priorities and identified two key focus areas for position papers: one on retrofitting and another on Low Emission Zones (LEZs). Members received a detailed report on the recent GEME meeting, where it was noted that a co-decision is expected to incorporate hydrogen as a reference fuel under the current Stage V regulation. The group will closely monitor this development. The Fuels Matrix remains an ongoing project. Members are encouraged to share updates on national initiatives, while work will continue to monitor new developments and expand the existing data on fuel options. Finally, the Low Emission Zones file has been updated with input from The Netherlands, Finland, and Spain.

The PT 3R meeting kicked off with an update on the revised F-Gases Regulation. The group was reported on the state of play of the implementing acts already published, as well as those planned by the European Commission to date. On the Batteries Regulation, members were informed of the next steps of the implementation process: the exchange of views mainly focused on CECE contributions to the Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) activities preliminary to the adoption of the announced delegated acts. Following CECE accreditation to ECHA, PT 3R was informed of the opportunities linked to the potential CECE participation in the ECHA’s Committees meetings as occasional observers. In addition, the ECHA progress update on PFAS restriction was analysed. In relation to the ESPR, PT 3R was informed of the tentative timeline for the publication of the Commission’s Working Plan, and the new potential product categories identified under the JRC final study. In addition, PT 3R members were reported on the latest developments registered on the regulations on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Deforestation.

PT Data experts reconvened in November to take stock of the CECE activities for the implementation of the key digital regulations recently published in the EU’s Official Journal. The exchange of views mainly revolved around the state of play of the CECE works for the development of the Data Act implementation guidance for the industry (to be published by March 2025). The first batch of deliverables elaborated within the CECE ad-hoc group responsible for the project (led by Orgalim) were presented and discussed during the meeting. Members were also reported on the CECE assessment of the final text of the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which will enter into force on 10^th December 2024. In addition, the group was reported on the latest developments in relation to Artificial Intelligence: the AI Act entered into force in August this year, and the Commission’s implementation guidelines on the ‘AI system’ definition are expected before the regulation starts applying in August 2026.

PT Machinery meeting covered key updates on the Machinery Regulation (MR). Members reviewed progress on the Draft Standardization Request, citations of harmonised standards under both the Machinery Directive and MR, and recent developments following the Malamud Case. Work on the MR guidance continues, with CECE, Orgalim, and other industries focusing on Protection against Corruption and Seating. The European Commission shared that outreach to stakeholders and Member States has started, though administrative tasks are still being finalised, and the editorial group is yet to be launched. Concerns were raised about the 3.5.4 Operational Performance Level (OPL), which the industry feel does not reflect the state-of-the-art. On the topic of Substantial Modification, CECE plans to revisit this crucial issue in 2025, particularly focusing on the practical implications for manufacturers’ obligations. Discussions on the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) centred on interpreting interconnected equipment in the ongoing guide revision. CECE will also keep a close eye on the Evaluation of the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) and Simple Pressure Vessels Directives. Members welcomed Orgalim's upcoming work on Guide-C13, based on talks at the recent PED expert group meeting.

During a dedicated session of the Technical Commission, members received a comprehensive presentation on the recently published Study on Technical Requirements for the Road Approval of Non-Road Mobile Machinery. The study, conducted by FKA-TRL on behalf of the European Commission, will play a key role in shaping the future technical requirements under the NRMM Regulation.

During the November meeting of the Technical Commission, TC members were updated on the schedule of the 2025 Joint Technical Liaison Meeting (JTLM) hosted in Europe, based on the rotation system. The next JTLM will take place on 2^nd-4^th April 2025, in Innsbruck (Austria).  Official invitations and registration form will be distributed in the coming weeks. Concerning trade policy, the TC was reported on the still persisting issues encountered by CECE members while exporting to Türkiye. The discussion mainly centered on the official English translations of the Turkish framework on import controls.

The TC meeting concluded with the briefing on the UK’s approach to product legislation post Brexit delivered by Dale Camsell (CEA). The session touched upon the indefinite extension of CE marking recognition for certain EU requirements relating to goods which was officially published and entered into force on 1^st October 2024. The Brexit update also covered the relevant consultations launched by the UK government and currently open, including corresponding CEA activities.

The next CECE Technical Week will take place in Brussels from 10^th to 13^th March 2025.