News & briefings on European standards testing related product regulations



Latest reports: May 2017

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	Current news highlights covered in our analytical reports:

RAPEX product safety report for 2016 issued Electrical products: updates to ROHS directive 5G products: new rules for standards-essential patents outlined, to ensure they do not block programmes for 5G interoperability Machinery: first steps towards regulation of robots Medical devices: new regulations published. Implementation starts in 2020 Energy labelling: revised ground-rules approved Brexit: first EU agency starts planning Toys: limit values for lead and phenols reduced Chemicals: 1) increase in number of chemical substances which must be labelled as toxic; 2) substances listed for evaluation in update to EU Rolling Action Plan, and 2020 target set for completion of evaluation of all substances of very high concern; 3) new restrictions on phthalates to be discussed; 4) more substances of very high concern listed; 5) stronger compliance checks on technical dossiers.; 6) exposure limits at workplace reviewed and updated, with carcinogenic substances a priority; 7) extensive updates of test methods Automotive vehicles: electric vehicles and other quiet vehicles to be obliged to produce noise as a warning to visually impaired road users. Food contact materials: more substances approved for use in plastics Cosmetics: new restrictions proposed on 3 preservatives Data protection: new regulation for electronic communications Standards updates: radio equipment, fireworks, ISO 9000 / ISO 14000, construction products, recreational craft. Trade with USA: no new free trade deal but extended mutual recognition of conformity assessment in pharmaceuticals and electrical products

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.

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