APPLiA Europe is calling for a major update to European product legislation, arguing that the proposed European Product Act (EPA) must modernise the Single Market while creating fairer competition for home appliance manufacturers and retailers.
In a policy paper published on 20 April 2026, the European home appliance industry association sets out recommendations aimed at simplifying regulations, improving product safety and adapting legislation to the growing importance of e-commerce, digital product information and the circular economy.
Digital product information and QR codes
One of APPLiA’s key proposals is to modernise the CE marking system by introducing QR code-based digital identification linked to a mandatory EU product registry.
The organisation also wants a single EU QR code covering all relevant regulatory information, rather than manufacturers having to manage multiple codes and different information systems.
APPLiA supports making digital user manuals and Declarations of Conformity the standard, with printed copies available on request.
Greater responsibility for online marketplaces
The paper also calls for online marketplaces to take greater responsibility for products sold through their platforms.
APPLiA believes marketplaces should be recognised as economic operators and share responsibility when non-compliant products are offered for sale.
It also wants stronger cross-border market surveillance to improve enforcement and ensure products entering the European market meet the required safety standards.
Supporting repair and the circular economy
With repair, refurbishment and product life extension becoming increasingly important, APPLiA is calling for clearer rules covering refurbished appliances.
These would include appropriate safety reassessments and clearer responsibilities for businesses involved in selling refurbished products.
Keeping regulation proportionate for manufacturers
APPLiA also wants self-assessment to remain the standard route for demonstrating product conformity in the home appliance sector.
It argues that mandatory third-party assessments should only be introduced where there is clear justification. The organisation also wants harmonised standards to remain voluntary, with alternative technical requirements used only as a last resort.
What it means for the appliance industry
The European Product Act could have significant implications for appliance manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers.
A more consistent approach to product information and digital documentation could reduce administrative complexity, while stronger marketplace accountability could help established manufacturers compete more fairly with products entering Europe through online channels.
For the appliance trade, the challenge will be balancing increasingly demanding sustainability and product safety requirements with practical compliance costs and the need to remain competitive.
APPLiA believes the European Product Act represents an important opportunity to modernise the Single Market and ensure European product legislation is fit for an increasingly digital marketplace.
