Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/244 – Anti-Dumping Duty on High-Pressure Seamless Steel Cylinders from China
The EU is imposing definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of high-pressure seamless steel cylinders (HPSC) from China. These duties, ranging from 57.7% to 90.3% depending on the company, are a response to findings that Chinese HPSC were being dumped on the EU market, causing harm to EU producers. Claims to exclude specific types of cylinders from the duties were rejected, and the duties are conditional upon presentation of valid commercial invoices.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/248 – Recognition of Advanced Electronic Signatures and Seals
This regulation sets out standard formats for advanced electronic signatures and seals that EU Member States must recognize, facilitating cross-border electronic transactions. It requires recognition of specific formats, including XAdES, CAdES, PAdES, and JAdES Baseline Profiles. It also allows for the recognition of alternative formats, provided the Member State where the trust service provider is established offers suitable validation methods. Furthermore, it includes temporary recognition of older formats of electronic signatures and seals created before February 23, 2028.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/281 – Amendments to Annexes V and XIV of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404: Poultry and Meat Imports
Due to recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the EU is modifying its import rules for poultry, germinal products, and fresh meat from Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The regulation suspends imports from specific zones in the United States affected by new outbreaks while re-authorizing entry from zones in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States where the HPAI situation has been resolved. The updated lists of affected zones are crucial for importers to ensure compliance.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/280 – Amendments to Annex I of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594: African Swine Fever
The EU has updated its restricted zones for African swine fever (ASF) in several Member States. This update, modifying Annex I of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, reflects the evolving epidemiological situation of ASF. Businesses involved in the movement of live pigs and pork products need to consult the updated list of restricted zones to ensure compliance with disease control measures. A new outbreak in Latvia resulted in the reclassification of an area from restricted zone II to restricted zone III. There are also general updates to restricted zones in Germany, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Greece, Croatia, and Lithuania.
Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 300/2008: National Quality Control Programmes in Civil Aviation Security
The EU is updating its standards for national quality control programmes in civil aviation security. The updates include the reporting of security incidents and the establishment of confidential reporting systems. It introduces a common framework for gathering, sharing, and analyzing data on aviation security incidents. Member States must report aviation security incidents to relevant authorities within specific deadlines. The regulation also mandates the establishment of internal reporting systems for all personnel, the designation of responsible persons for reporting, and the use of a standardized reporting template.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/245 amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011: Plastic Materials and Articles in Contact with Food
The EU is modifying the list of authorized substances for use in plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. The regulation authorizes the use of phosphorous acid, triphenyl ester, polymer with 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and polypropylene glycol, C10–16 alkyl esters (FCM No 1084); calcium tert-butylphosphonate (FCM No 1089); amines, di-C14-C20-alkyl, oxidised, from hydrogenated vegetable oil (FCM No 1092); wax, rice bran, oxidised (FCM No 1093); 2,2′-oxydiethylamine (FCM No 1094); and wax, rice bran, oxidised, calcium salt (FCM No 1096). Each of these substances has specific restrictions regarding their use, including maximum concentrations, types of food they can contact, and temperature conditions. The regulation also changes the name of the substance amines, bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl) oxidised (FCM No 768) to amines, di-C14-C20-alkyl, oxidised, from hydrogenated tallow and modifies its conditions of use. Additionally, for the substance 2,2′-oxydiethylamine, water must be used for verification of compliance instead of food simulants.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/250: Correction to Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 on Bisphenol A (BPA)
The EU is issuing a correction to Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, which regulates the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials. The corrections address inconsistencies in definitions, prohibitions, transitional provisions, and declaration of compliance requirements. The updated transitional periods in Articles 11 and 12 dictate the timelines for compliance with the new rules for businesses involved in the production and distribution of food contact materials and articles.
Notice concerning the entry into force of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia on the participation of the Republic of Armenia in European Union crisis management operations
The EU-Armenia agreement, which establishes a framework for Armenia’s participation in EU crisis management operations, has entered into force as of January 1, 2026. From this date forward, Armenia and the EU can begin to implement the provisions outlined in the main agreement (OJ L, 2025/1553).
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/244 of 3 February 2026 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty and definitively collecting the provisional duty imposed on imports of high-pressure seamless steel cylinders originating in People’s Republic of China
This is Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/244, which imposes a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of high-pressure seamless steel cylinders (HPSC) originating in the People’s Republic of China. This regulation also finalizes the collection of provisional duties that were previously imposed. The decision follows an anti-dumping investigation initiated in December 2024 after a complaint by Union producers, who alleged that these imports were being dumped on the EU market, causing material injury to the Union industry.
The regulation is structured as follows: It begins by outlining the procedure, including the initiation of the investigation, registration of imports, and imposition of provisional measures. It then defines the product concerned (HPSC) and the like product (those produced within the Union), addressing claims regarding the product scope, such as the inclusion of accumulator shells and empty fire extinguishers. The regulation details the dumping analysis, including the determination of normal value, export price, and dumping margins. It assesses the injury to the Union industry, examining Union consumption, import volumes and prices, and the economic situation of Union producers. The regulation then establishes a causal link between the dumped imports and the injury suffered by the Union industry. Finally, it determines the level of anti-dumping measures, considering the Union interest and the impact on users and consumers.
Key provisions of the regulation include the imposition of definitive anti-dumping duties ranging from 57.7% to 90.3% depending on the company, the rejection of claims to exclude specific types of HPSC from the duties, and the decision not to apply the lesser duty rule due to raw material distortions in China. The regulation also specifies that the individual company duty rates are conditional upon presentation of a valid commercial invoice.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/248 of 2 February 2026 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the formats of advanced electronic signatures and advanced electronic seals to be recognised by public sector bodies and repealing Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1506
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/248 establishes rules for recognizing advanced electronic signatures and seals by public sector bodies within the European Union, repealing Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1506. It aims to facilitate cross-border validation and improve interoperability of electronic transactions by specifying standard formats for advanced electronic signatures and seals. The regulation ensures that Member States can process electronically signed or sealed documents required for online services offered by public sector bodies. It also addresses the validation of alternative signature and seal formats, ensuring comparable requirements and increased trust in validation methods.
The Regulation consists of 6 articles and 2 annexes.
* **Article 1** defines the formats of advanced electronic signatures that Member States must recognise, based on the technical specifications listed in Annex I. It also requires Member States to recognise electronic signatures created before 23 February 2028, which comply with the technical specifications in Annex II.
* **Article 2** outlines the conditions under which Member States must recognise alternative formats of advanced electronic signatures, focusing on the availability and quality of validation methods provided by the Member State where the trust service provider is established.
* **Article 3** mirrors Article 1, but applies to advanced electronic seals, specifying the formats and technical specifications for recognition.
* **Article 4** mirrors Article 2, but applies to advanced electronic seals, outlining the conditions for recognising alternative seal formats based on available validation methods.
* **Article 5** repeals Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1506 and clarifies that references to the repealed Decision should be understood as references to this Regulation.
* **Article 6** specifies the entry into force date of the Regulation and sets a date from which Article 1(1) and Article 3(1) shall apply.
* **Annex I** lists the technical specifications for advanced electronic signatures and seals that Member States must recognise, including XAdES, CAdES, PAdES, and JAdES Baseline Profiles, as well as specifications for associated signature/seal containers.
* **Annex II** lists the technical specifications for advanced electronic signatures and seals created before 23 February 2028, which Member States must recognise, including older versions of XAdES, CAdES, and PAdES Baseline Profiles, and specifications for associated signature/seal containers.
The most important provisions for practical use are those concerning the recognition of specific electronic signature and seal formats (Articles 1 and 3, along with Annex I) and the conditions for recognizing alternative validation methods (Articles 2 and 4). These provisions ensure that public sector bodies across the EU can accept and process electronic signatures and seals, promoting interoperability and cross-border recognition. The temporary recognition of older formats (Annex II) provides a transition period for adapting to the new standards.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/281 of 2 February 2026 amending Annexes V and XIV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 as regards the entries for Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States in the lists of third countries, territories, or zones thereof authorised for the entry into the Union of consignments of poultry and germinal products of poultry, and of fresh meat of poultry and game birds
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/281 amends Annexes V and XIV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404, specifically concerning the lists of third countries authorized for the entry into the Union of poultry, germinal products of poultry, and fresh meat of poultry and game birds. The regulation addresses recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It temporarily suspends the entry of these products from specific zones affected by the new outbreaks in the United States while re-authorizing entry from zones in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States where the HPAI situation has been resolved.
The regulation modifies Annex V, which lists third countries, territories, or zones authorized for the entry of consignments of poultry and germinal products of poultry into the Union, and Annex XIV, which lists those authorized for fresh meat of poultry and game birds. The amendments involve replacing existing entries for Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States in Section B of Part 1 of Annex V and Section B of Part 1 of Annex XIV with updated information regarding specific zones affected by HPAI outbreaks. The regulation adds new zones in the United States where outbreaks have been confirmed, effectively suspending imports from those areas. It also updates the dates and zones for which restrictions are lifted based on new information provided by Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The most important provisions for users are the updated lists of zones within Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States from which the import of poultry, germinal products, and fresh meat is either suspended or re-authorized. Businesses involved in the import of these products need to carefully check these lists to ensure compliance with EU regulations and avoid disruptions in trade. The regulation’s immediate entry into force underscores the urgency of these measures to protect animal and public health within the Union.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/280 of 2 February 2026 amending Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 laying down special disease control measures for African swine fever
Here’s a breakdown of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/280:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
This regulation amends Annex I of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, which outlines special disease control measures for African swine fever (ASF). The amendment involves updating the lists of restricted zones (Zones I, II, and III) within certain Member States due to changes in the epidemiological situation of ASF. This update reflects the need to control the spread of the disease based on recent outbreaks and risk assessments.
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
* **Article 1:** This article directly amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 by replacing its Annex I with the new text provided in the Annex to this regulation.
* **Article 2:** Specifies that the regulation comes into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The Annex contains the updated list of restricted zones I, II and III for African Swine Fever.
Compared to previous versions, this regulation specifically addresses a new outbreak in Latvia, leading to the reclassification of an area from restricted zone II to restricted zone III. It also includes general updates to restricted zones in Germany, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Greece, Croatia, and Lithuania.
**3. Main Provisions for Use:**
* The key provision is the updated list of restricted zones in Annex I. This list is crucial for Member States and stakeholders involved in the movement of live pigs and pork products.
* The changes in zoning status (e.g., from Zone II to Zone III) have direct implications for the disease control measures that must be applied in the affected areas.
* Businesses involved in pig farming, transportation, and processing need to be aware of these updated zones to ensure compliance with the special disease control measures.
* The regulation emphasizes the dynamic nature of the ASF situation, implying that the zoning classifications may be subject to further changes as the epidemiological situation evolves.
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/247 of 2 February 2026 amending Regulation (EC) No 300/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards specifications for national quality control programmes in the field of civil aviation security
This regulation amends Regulation (EC) No 300/2008 regarding national quality control programmes in civil aviation security. The key aim is to update these programmes to reflect evolving international standards, particularly those related to reporting security incidents and establishing confidential reporting systems. It introduces a common framework for gathering, sharing, and analyzing data on aviation security incidents, replacing the fragmented national approaches. The regulation also refines definitions and improves existing provisions, such as inspection frequencies, based on practical experience.
The regulation consists of two articles and two annexes. Article 1 stipulates that Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 300/2008 is replaced entirely by the text provided in the Annex to this new regulation. Article 2 indicates the date of entry into force of the regulation. The new Annex II provides detailed specifications for national quality control programmes, including definitions, powers of the appropriate authority, objectives and content of the national quality control programme, compliance monitoring, methodology, security audits, inspections, tests, surveys, reporting of compliance monitoring activities, common classification of compliance, correction of deficiencies, follow-up activities related to the verification of the correction, availability of auditors, qualification criteria for auditors, powers of auditors, best practices, reporting of compliance monitoring activities to the Commission, and reporting of aviation security occurrences, incidents, acts of unlawful interference and preparatory acts thereto. It also includes five appendices.
The most important provisions for practical use are those concerning the reporting of aviation security occurrences, incidents, acts of unlawful interference, and preparatory acts thereto (Chapter 19 and Appendices IV and V). Starting January 1, 2028, Member States must establish a process for reporting, classifying, processing, storing, protecting, analyzing, and aggregating information on these events. Operators and entities responsible for implementing national civil aviation security programs must report aviation security incidents to relevant authorities within specific deadlines. The regulation also mandates the establishment of internal reporting systems for all personnel, the designation of responsible persons for reporting, and the use of a standardized reporting template.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/245 of 2 February 2026 amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 as regards the authorisation or the conditions of use of several substances
This Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/245 amends Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, which concerns plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. The regulation updates the list of authorized substances that can be used in the production of these plastic materials. It introduces new substances and modifies the conditions of use for some existing ones based on recent scientific opinions from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The regulation consists of two articles and an annex. Article 1 states that Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 is amended in accordance with the Annex to this regulation. Article 2 indicates the date of entry into force of the regulation. The Annex details the specific amendments to Table 1 of Annex I of Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, including replacing an existing entry and adding new entries with specific conditions of use. It also adds a new entry in point 3, Table 3, regarding the use of water for verification of compliance.
The most important provisions of this regulation are the addition of new authorized substances and the modification of the conditions of use for existing ones. Specifically, the regulation authorizes the use of phosphorous acid, triphenyl ester, polymer with 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and polypropylene glycol, C10–16 alkyl esters (FCM No 1084); calcium tert-butylphosphonate (FCM No 1089); amines, di-C14-C20-alkyl, oxidised, from hydrogenated vegetable oil (FCM No 1092); wax, rice bran, oxidised (FCM No 1093); 2,2′-oxydiethylamine (FCM No 1094); and wax, rice bran, oxidised, calcium salt (FCM No 1096). Each of these substances has specific restrictions regarding their use, including maximum concentrations, types of food they can contact, and temperature conditions. The regulation also changes the name of the substance amines, bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl) oxidised (FCM No 768) to amines, di-C14-C20-alkyl, oxidised, from hydrogenated tallow and modifies its conditions of use. Additionally, for the substance 2,2′-oxydiethylamine, water must be used for verification of compliance instead of food simulants.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/250 of 2 February 2026 correcting Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols and bisphenol derivatives with harmonised classification for specific hazardous properties in certain materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, amending Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 and repealing Regulation (EU) 2018/213
This Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/250 serves as a correction to Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, which deals with the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols in materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. The amending regulation addresses inconsistencies and errors within the original text to ensure its correct application. These corrections span across definitions, prohibitions, transitional provisions, and declaration of compliance requirements, providing clarity and legal certainty for businesses and enforcers.
The Regulation consists of two articles. Article 1 lists all corrections made to the original Regulation (EU) 2024/3190. Article 2 states that the Regulation enters into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The corrections include:
* **Recital 18:** Clarifies the transitional period for single-use final food contact articles using varnishes and coatings manufactured with BPA, specifically for packaging used to preserve fruit, vegetables, and processed fishery products.
* **Article 3:** Replaces the original text to remove the inconsistent reference to “BPA and its salts” and to explicitly include the placing on the Union market of food contact materials and articles within the scope of the derogation.
* **Article 9:** Amends paragraph 2 to include “residual BPA” in the context of verifying that food contact materials or articles do not contain or release hazardous substances above specified limits.
* **Article 11:** Replaces the original text to clarify the transitional provisions concerning single-use final food contact articles, specifying the deadlines for first placing on the market for different categories of articles.
* **Article 12:** Amends paragraph 3 to set specific deadlines for repeat-use final food contact articles first placed on the market under different paragraphs of the article.
* **Annex III:** Modifies point 3 to clarify that the declaration of compliance should identify the intermediate food contact material or final food contact article for which the declaration is issued, addressing confidentiality concerns.
The most important provisions for practical use are the corrected transitional periods in Articles 11 and 12, as these dictate the timelines for compliance with the new rules for businesses involved in the production and distribution of food contact materials and articles. Additionally, the clarification in Annex III regarding the declaration of compliance is crucial for ensuring that businesses can accurately and confidently meet their obligations without compromising confidential information.
Notice concerning the date of entry into force of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia establishing a framework for the participation of the Republic of Armenia in European Union crisis management operations
This notice announces the entry into force of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia, which establishes a framework for Armenia’s participation in EU crisis management operations. The agreement allows Armenia to contribute to EU’s efforts in maintaining peace and security. It specifies the conditions and procedures for such participation. The agreement entered into force on January 1, 2026, following the completion of internal procedures by both the EU and Armenia, as stipulated in Article 17(1) of the Agreement.
The notice itself is a short announcement referencing the main agreement. The core of the legal framework is within the Agreement between the EU and Armenia (OJ L, 2025/1553), which is not detailed in this notice. The notice simply states that the agreement is now in effect because both parties have completed their internal ratification processes.
The most important aspect of this notice is the date of entry into force: January 1, 2026. This date marks when the legal framework for Armenia’s participation in EU crisis management operations became operational. From this date forward, Armenia and the EU can begin to implement the provisions outlined in the main agreement (OJ L, 2025/1553).
