The EU’s new standardisation rules 2026: impact on businesses
In October 2026, the European Commission presented a proposal to update the European Union’s standardisation rules. The changes may affect Estonian manufacturers, technology companies, product developers and exporters in the future. Businesses can provide feedback on the proposal until 9 December 2026.
Why is the European Union changing the standardisation rules?
On the European Union’s single market, common technical standards help ensure the safety, compatibility and consistent quality of products. They also support businesses operating in different Member States: for certain products, compliance with requirements set out in EU legislation can be demonstrated by following harmonised standards.
The European standardisation system is currently governed by Regulation (EL) No 1025/2012. The European Commission wants to modernise the system so that standards can be developed in step with technological progress and market needs. The new regulation proposal is still going through the legislative process: the rules have not yet entered into force.
What might change under the new rules?
1. Faster development of standards
Technologies are changing rapidly, but preparing standards can take a long time. The aim of the reform is to make the standardisation framework more efficient and up to date.
2. Better involvement of small businesses
Participating in the development of standards requires time and specialist knowledge. The Commission wants to improve opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises and other stakeholders to have their say in the process.
3. Better access to standards
The proposal also addresses access to standards and the operation and financing of the European standardisation system. This issue is particularly important for businesses that need to keep track of harmonised standards.
4. A more digital and flexible framework
One general objective is to make the standardisation system better suited to new technologies and rapidly developing industries.
Who might be affected by the changes in Estonia?
Changes to the standardisation system will not affect only large industrial companies. They may also have an impact on the day-to-day operations of smaller businesses.
- Manufacturers: standards may affect testing, product documentation and conformity assessment.
- Technology and electronics companies: up-to-date technical standards support the development of new solutions.
- Manufacturers of construction materials and equipment: in certain product groups, standards play an important role in demonstrating performance or compliance with requirements.
- Exporters: common standards can make it easier to offer products in several EU countries.
- Start-ups: better opportunities to participate would help them take standardisation into account earlier when developing new solutions.
Important: this is a legislative proposal, not an obligation that has already entered into force. Not all standards are automatically mandatory; requirements depend on the specific product and applicable legislation.
Why does this matter for Estonian businesses?
If a company is developing a new product or wants to start selling it in several European Union countries, it should identify early on which laws and standards are relevant. If the required standard is completed late or is difficult to find, this can make product development and market launch more costly and time-consuming.
It is important for businesses that standards are clear, up to date, and take into account the experience of smaller market participants when they are developed. The current feedback round provides an opportunity to share views on precisely these issues.
How can a company express its opinion?
On the European Commission's online platform, Have Your Say, you can read the proposal and related documents and submit feedback. Estonian companies and business organisations can also express their views.
In your feedback, it is worth describing specific experiences, for example:
- which standards have been difficult to find or use;
- whether the cost or availability of standards creates problems for a small business;
- whether a standard for a product is missing or outdated;
- what changes would help bring a product to the European market more quickly.
Read the proposal for the regulation and share your company's experience.
Feedback deadline: 9 December 2026.
What can businesses do now?
First, it is worth reviewing which EU legislation and technical standards apply to the company’s current or developing products. If necessary, you can get more information about standards from the Estonian Centre for Standardisation and Accreditation (EVS).
It is also worth following the further progress of the draft regulation. Only after the final legal act has been adopted can it be said with certainty which changes will take effect and when.
Summary
Euroopa Liidu standardimise reeglite läbivaatamine võib tulevikus mõjutada seda, kui kiiresti uued standardid valmivad ja kui hõlpsasti ettevõtted neid kasutada saavad. Eesti tootjate, arendajate ja eksportijate jaoks on praegu peamine võimalus tutvuda ettepanekuga ning esitada oma tagasiside 9. detsembriks 2026.
European Commission – European standards
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