Following the European Commission's recent introduction of measures aimed at reducing regulatory and administrative burdens on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe) has responded with a statement. The measures include provisions for paperless reporting and digital product information.
CCIA Europe has expressed support for the Commission's acknowledgment that digital tools can alleviate unnecessary regulatory friction while advancing the EU's sustainability objectives. According to CCIA Europe, making digital delivery of product information the default is a significant step forward, potentially reducing waste, enhancing access to information, and boosting competitiveness within the EU.
Leonardo Veneziani, CCIA Europe's Sustainability Manager, stated: "The Commission is right to promote digital product information to cut red tape and reduce environmental impact. Defaulting to digital formats like QR codes or smart labels is a practical win for companies, consumers, and the climate. But to truly unlock this potential, the benefits of digital documentation must be extended to all companies – not just SMEs."
Veneziani also noted concerns regarding safety-related information being excluded from this approach: "However, it remains unclear why certain safety-related information is excluded from this digital-by-default approach. Allowing electronic access – alongside printed instructions – would improve access to up-to-date safety instructions. A more innovation-friendly approach is needed to better reflect today’s digital habits, sustainability objectives, and simplification efforts."
Furthermore, CCIA Europe supports developing a Digital Product Passport (DPP) but emphasizes that it should be decentralized and adaptable for businesses of all sizes. "A rigid or overly centralised DPP system risks becoming a burden, not a solution," Veneziani remarked.
Highlighting the importance of digital product policy in achieving a modern circular economy, Veneziani concluded: "These proposals are promising, but success depends on the technical details. Ambition must be matched by practical, workable implementation and operational reality."
CCIA Europe anticipates further work by the Commission on revising the New Legislative Framework and plans to offer insights ensuring proposed solutions are both practical and timely.