ECODESIGN FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS REGULATION: IMPACTS ON CZECH BUSINESSES

On July 18, 2024, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation came into effect. This regulation aims to improve product sustainability by establishing requirements for longevity, energy efficiency, repairability, and recyclability. While it does not yet specify detailed requirements, it sets a legal framework for these to be defined through delegated acts by the European Commission, following consultations with manufacturers and stakeholders.

Initially, the regulation will focus on products with significant room for improvement, such as textiles, footwear, furniture, mattresses, tires, cleaning agents, paints, lubricants, chemicals, and materials like iron, steel, and aluminium. Over time, more product categories will be included. Important aspect of the regulation is the introduction of a “digital product passport,” which will consolidate all relevant product information into a single digital format, like a QR code. The regulation also prohibits the destruction of unsold consumer goods, specifically clothing, accessories, and footwear, starting mid-2026, with potential future expansion to other goods based on data from businesses on unsold items.

For Czech businesses, adapting to these new eco-design requirements will be important for maintaining market competitiveness. The Ministry of Industry and Trade will hold a seminar in autumn 2024 to clarify the regulation and guide businesses through the upcoming delegated acts. Details will be available on the Ministry’s website.

Source: European Parliament, Ministry of Industry and Trade of The Czech Republic