Are you keeping pace with the EU's standardisation agenda? The European Commission has recently published its 2025 annual Union work programme for European standardisation, outlining key areas that will affect product compliance across multiple industries.
Why this matters for your business
The Commission's annual work programme identifies strategic priorities for European standardisation that directly impact manufacturers and traders. These standards help ensure that your products remain competitive globally while meeting essential safety, security, health, and environmental requirements.
The 2025 policy priorities
The Commission has highlighted six standardisation actions as policy priorities for 2025:
Bio-materials and bio-based products
This initiative aims to enhance sustainability, circularity, and resource efficiency. Suppose your company manufactures or trades in biomaterials or wood-derived products. In that case, you'll need to monitor upcoming standards that preserve biodiversity while supporting the modernisation of the EU industrial base.
Critical raw materials for EV batteries
For those in the electric vehicle supply chain, new standards will promote sustainable sourcing practices for minerals and materials used in battery production. These standards will also support more efficient recycling markets, increasing the availability of quality secondary raw materials and enhancing strategic autonomy for European industry.
Qualification of small modular reactor materials
Companies in the nuclear energy sector should prepare for new standards covering materials and coolants used in small modular reactors. These standards aim to enhance safety, foster innovation, and support the EU's net-zero objectives.
EU trusted data framework
The Commission has reiterated its 2024 priority on establishing a trusted data framework to support the implementation of the Data Act. This will affect how businesses manage, share, and secure data across the EU market.
European digital identity wallet
Following amendments to relevant regulations, the Commission continues to prioritise establishing a framework for a European Digital Identity wallet. This will impact authentication and identity verification processes for products and services.
Quantum technology and post-quantum cryptography
This action positions the EU as a leader in quantum technology and Post-Quantum Cryptography standards. It aims to align fragmented EU efforts and strengthen links between standardisation, research, and innovation to enhance competitiveness and security.
What you need to do now
To maintain market access and compliance with EU requirements, manufacturers and traders should:
- Review your product portfolio against these priority areas to identify potential compliance requirements
- Engage with relevant industry associations to stay informed of standard development
- Participate in public consultations when new standards are proposed
- Begin planning for potential changes to materials, processes, or documentation
- Consider how these standardisation priorities might create new market opportunities
How Alura Group can support you
As these new standards develop throughout 2025, our Product Compliance Manager platform will provide timely updates and practical guidance tailored to your product categories. We'll help you navigate these changes efficiently, ensuring your compliance strategy remains robust and forward-looking.
Don't let standardisation developments catch you off guard. Contact our expert team today to discuss how these priorities might affect your business and what proactive steps you can take.
Source: Commission Notice C/2025/1818 - The 2025 annual Union work programme for European standardisation
