News & briefings on European standards testing related product regulations



Latest reports: January 2021

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	Current news highlights covered in our analytical reports:

Corona virus: a year-end review: what chances of recovery in 2021? All products: labelling rules reaffirmed Cyber-security: weaknesses in EU programmes recognised in new strategy Energy efficiency of buildings: new method for measuring readiness for smart technology Electrical products: standards updated for safety and EMC EU - UK trade: a last-gasp agreement with pitfalls ahead Global free trade negotiations by the EU: climate action to be a mandatory chapter Testing and certification: standards for independent bodies updated Single-use plastics: new marking requirements Safety of toys: new requirements and restrictions on allergens Child-care products: new list of standards Mutual recognition within the EU of national product safety standards: more details of how it will work Agricultural pesticides: a fresh defeat for opponents of glyphosate Organic foods: COVID leads to temporary exemptions from food production standards, and postponement of implementation of revised regulations Foods: EU floats idea for new label indicating high standards of animal welfare Nanomaterials: consumer pressure for better information Tattoo inks: new list of banned substances Chemicals: alarming percentages of non-compliance with REACH registration requirements Transport of dangerous goods: EU accepts latest international conventions in domestic traffic Counterfeit goods: annual EU report shows few changes in patterns EU environmental auditing scheme: new guidance for retail sector *Eco-label* criteria updated for 3 sectors Consumer redress processes updated to include digital economy Batteries: a proposed, new regulation on sustainable batteries Pharmaceuticals: a new EU strategy

Single Market Ventures is a business development consultancy, based in Brussels and working in Europe, North America and east Asia.

The company’s core specialisation is in reporting, assessing, and managing the impact of harmonisation and mutual recognition of standards, tests and related policies on cross-border trade in goods and services. We have over 20 years of experience in the field, which plays a major role in efforts to achieve a barrier-free, level playing-field in international trade. The practical implications for business take precedence in our work, and we also cover wider issues of business development and strategy that they raise. We serve both government and private-sector clients.

Renewable energy (see right) is a current example of the application of our expertise.

	Our Services

	Services include factual reporting, research, analysis, and individually-tailored practical advice on policy or business development. Clients are welcome to start at any of those levels. Many have gone through all in sequence: 1) please tell us what’s happening (in a particular field); 2) give us an analysis of its significance; and then 3) advise us on how we should best respond to optimise our own policies and programmes. We offer a single, core multi-client, multi-sectoral service: the Europe-link Information Service on EU Product Approvals. It concentrates on EU-level harmonisation or mutual recognition of specifications, conformity assessment, technical regulations and related policies, in both established and new sectors of trade. Client-specific work is a natural complement, and can have a regional or global scope. Work may be within our core specialisation, or use that specialisation as a springboard to broader opportunities for business development. We provide advice on how to respond to policies and programmes which drive new markets or change present ones. We examine the full range of external issues relevant to development, including market activity, opportunities for new ventures, and strategic partnerships. We do not undertake lobbying assignments. Click here for MORE DETAILS and for concrete EXAMPLES of our services.

[ Legal Declaration ]

Solar Rooftops in South-East Asia- A window of opportunity for finance?