Brief summary of compliance changes that could impact manufacturers in 2026.
We understand how potentially daunting and time-consuming staying up-to-date on regulatory compliance changes can be, so to help, we have summarised some of the relevant key changes coming into force in 2026:
Ecodesign & Energy Labelling (Product Sustainability)
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation 2024/1781 (ESPR) replaces the old Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC with broader sustainability criteria (durability, repairability, recyclability).
The Regulation has been in place since July 2024 and full implementation is phased from December 2026 through to 2030. By July 2026 set up for the Digital Product Passport registry will be in place and from July 2026 the destruction of unsold consumer products listed in Annex VII shall be prohibited.
Impact: Manufacturers of electrical equipment and white goods (defined in Article 79) will need to consider the new changes and requirements with the transition period ending in December 2026.
Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, read more.
Battery Regulation
This Regulation (EU 2023/1542) came into force in February 2024 with aims to minimise the carbon footprint and harmful substances and are collected, reused and recycled to a high degree.
This Regulation amends the old Directive 2009/98/EC on waste management and Regulation EU 2019/1020 on market surveillance. Repealing Directive 2006/66/EC on battery disposal.
Impact: For manufacturers of batteries, or products containing batteries, designing to the new obligations is recommended before it is applicable in Feb 2027. From August 2026, understanding the new labelling and marking requirements.
Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, read more.
Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
This Regulation (EU 2024/2847) came into force in 2024 with aims to ensure digital products and services are secure by design, resilient against cyber threats and are capable to providing continuing protection throughout their lifecycle. It affects the majority of products embedded with digital elements (hardware /+ software).
The Regulation applies fully from 11 Dec 2027, however conformity assessments, the use of Notified Bodies and Notification requirements (Articles 35-50) apply from 11 June 2026. And reporting obligations of manufacturers (Article 14) applies from September 2026.
Impact: Manufacturers with new products should already be following design requirements and will be required to conduct and keep updated comprehensive risk assessments and must exercise due diligence when integrating any third-party components/ services.
Cyber Resilience Act (EU) 2024/2847, read more here.
Cosmetic Products Regulation
In January 2026, the Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) 1223/2009) has adopted measures, which details changes to Annex II, III, IV and V.
These measures focus on ingredient safety and stricter thresholds for labelling and banning 4-MBC UV filters, which shall apply from July 2026, with other changes such as CMR-related restrictions coming into force in August 2026 and formaldehyde related rules transitioning period ending in 2027.
Impact: Cosmetic manufacturers must update labels, safety assessments, and technical documentation (such as, Product Information Files) to meet new labelling and ingredient disclosure timelines. Keeping up to date on the restricted substances and allergen labelling requirements is key.
Fragrance Allergens in cosmetic products, read here for amending Regulation (2023/1545).
Use of Certain Substances in cosmetic products amending Regulation (2026/78).
Machinery Directive to Regulation Transition
Machinery Regulation (EU 2023/1230) replaces the old Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) and modernises safety requirements.
The new Regulation takes full effect in January 2027, but conformity assessment and implementation activities in 2026 will be significant as the Regulation phase-in accelerates.
Impact: Manufacturers should be ready for shifting requirements such as the new references and procedures for old 2006/42/EC Annex IV machines (new EU 2023/1230 Annex 1 machines), substantial modifications and with increased considerations to Digital and Software technology incoming.
Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, read here.
Toy Directive to Regulation Transition
The new Toy Safety Regulation (EU 2025/2509) was adopted in November 2025. The new Regulation will take full affect in August 2030, understanding the key changes and starting compliance preparation now is advised.
Impact: Manufacturers will need to undertake more comprehensive assessments with attention to stricter rules regarding chemical risks and ‘connected’ toys, clearer compliance roles and responsibilities on economic operators and mandatory traceability with the use of Digital Product Passports (DPP).