Review of Recent EU Legal Acts
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/49
This regulation amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2223 to update the rules for the operation of the central repository for reporting and statistics. The key change involves incorporating statistical data from newer regulations, specifically Regulations (EU) 2021/1134 and (EU) 2025/12. This ensures the central repository effectively provides cross-system statistical data and analytical reporting for policy, operational, and data quality purposes. It also specifies which countries are bound by it and which are not, concerning the Schengen acquis.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/48
This amending regulation updates the list of data sources for the central repository by including statistical data from Regulations (EU) 2024/1358, (EU) 2024/982 and (EU) 2025/13. This ensures the central repository fulfills its role in providing cross-system statistical data and analytical reporting. The amendments also introduce new reporting requirements related to Eurodac, advance passenger information, and data exchange for police cooperation.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/425
This regulation amends Annexes V and XIV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404, updating the lists of third countries, territories, or zones authorized for the entry into the Union of consignments of poultry, germinal products of poultry, and fresh meat of poultry and game birds. The changes respond to new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the United States and updated information from Canada and the United Kingdom regarding earlier HPAI outbreaks. It either re-authorizes or suspends the entry of poultry and related products based on specific zones within these countries, effective immediately.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/367
This regulation amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2030, which originally granted Union authorization to Pal Hygiene Products Limited for the biocidal product family “PAL IPA PRODUCT FAMILY.” The new regulation introduces administrative changes, including adding trade names and updating the manufacturing location and manufacturer’s address. These changes do not affect the original conditions of the authorization. The updated Annex provides a consolidated summary of product characteristics, including authorized uses, risk mitigation measures, and instructions for safe disposal.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/318
This regulation amends existing regulations concerning the entry of certain animal products into the European Union. Specifically, it updates model certificates for products of domestic solipeds (horses, asses, and their crossbreeds) intended for human consumption and for certain categories of equine animals. The amendments ensure that the certificates reflect prohibitions on the administration of certain substances to these animals, aligning with existing EU directives. A transitional period until 12 December 2026 is provided for the continued use of older certificate versions.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/366
This regulation initiates the registration of imports of sodium benzoate originating in the People’s Republic of China. This action is a preliminary step in an anti-dumping investigation, potentially leading to the imposition of anti-dumping duties. The registration allows for the potential retroactive application of anti-dumping duties if the ongoing investigation concludes that such measures are warranted.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/415
This regulation amends Regulation (EC) No 2533/98 to modernize the legal framework for statistical data collection by the European Central Bank (ECB). It enhances data sharing among authorities, reduces the reporting burden on businesses, adapts to digital transformation and recent economic developments, clarifies definitions, updates rules on data confidentiality, and aligns sanctions for non-compliance with statistical reporting requirements. It also revises the confidentiality regime to allow the ECB and national central banks to use and share confidential statistical information for ESCB tasks.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/…
This regulation amends Regulation (EU) No 582/2011 to integrate on-board fuel and energy consumption monitoring (OBFCM) into the emissions type-approval process for heavy-duty vehicles. It links emissions type-approval with OBFCM compliance, introduces new emissions approval characters for vehicles equipped with OBFCM devices, and ensures OBFCM device accuracy through on-road testing. Deadlines are set for national authorities to stop accepting certificates of conformity for vehicles not complying with the new OBFCM requirements.
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/49 of 11 December 2025 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2223 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2019/817 of the European Parliament and of the Council with detailed rules on the operation of the central repository for reporting and statistics
This Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/49 amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2223, which supplements Regulation (EU) 2019/817. The main goal is to update the rules for the operation of the central repository for reporting and statistics by incorporating statistical data derived from Regulations (EU) 2021/1134 and (EU) 2025/12. This ensures that the central repository can effectively provide cross-system statistical data and analytical reporting for policy, operational, and data quality purposes. The regulation also specifies which countries are bound by it and which are not, particularly concerning the Schengen acquis.
The structure of the act involves amendments to specific articles within Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2223. Article 1 modifies the definition of “statistical data” to include data from newer regulations. Article 2 is amended to include new provisions regarding the statistics necessary for technical reports on system functioning and adds new reporting requirements related to the Visa Information System (VIS) and advance passenger information. Article 6 is updated to reflect the regulations under which access to the central repository is granted and managed.
The most important provisions for practical use include the expanded definition of statistical data, which now encompasses data from Regulations (EU) 2024/982, (EU) 2024/1358, (EU) 2025/12, and (EU) 2025/13. The inclusion of statistics necessary for preparing technical reports on system functioning and the detailed reporting requirements for the Visa Information System (VIS) and advance passenger information are also crucial. These changes ensure more comprehensive data collection and reporting, which are essential for monitoring and improving the interoperability of EU information systems.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/48 of 11 December 2025 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2222 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2019/818 of the European Parliament and of the Council with detailed rules on the operation of the central repository for reporting and statistics
This Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/48 amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2222, which sets out detailed rules for the operation of the central repository for reporting and statistics related to EU information systems. The amending regulation updates the list of data sources for the central repository to include statistical data from recently adopted regulations: (EU) 2024/1358, (EU) 2024/982 and (EU) 2025/13. These changes ensure that the central repository can fulfill its role in providing cross-system statistical data and analytical reporting.
The structure of the amending regulation is straightforward. Article 1 details the amendments to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2222, modifying the definition of “statistical data” and adding new reporting requirements. Article 2 specifies the date of entry into force. The main changes involve updating Article 1 of the original regulation to include references to new regulations and expanding Article 2 to include new reporting obligations related to Eurodac, advance passenger information, and data exchange for police cooperation.
The most important provision for users is the updated list of statistical data sources in Article 1(1), which now includes Regulations (EU) 2024/982, (EU) 2024/1358, (EU) 2025/12 and (EU) 2025/13. Additionally, the amendments to Article 2, particularly the insertion of paragraph 3a and the additions to paragraph 5, outline new reporting requirements for the central repository, including technical functioning of systems, statistics related to Eurodac, advance passenger information, and customizable reports for data exchange in police cooperation. These changes ensure comprehensive data collection and reporting across various EU information systems.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/425 of 19 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) 2026/425 amends Annexes V and XIV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404, which list third countries, territories, or zones authorized for the entry into the Union of consignments of poultry, germinal products of poultry, and fresh meat of poultry and game birds. The regulation responds to new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the United States and updated information from Canada and the United Kingdom regarding earlier HPAI outbreaks.
The regulation modifies the entries for Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States in Annexes V and XIV of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404. Specifically, it updates the zones within Canada and the United Kingdom from which the entry of poultry and related products into the Union is re-authorized, following the implementation of stamping-out policies and completion of cleaning and disinfection. It also suspends the entry into the Union of poultry and related products from specific zones in the United States due to recent HPAI outbreaks. These changes are reflected in the tables within Section B of Part 1 of Annex V and Section B of Part 1 of Annex XIV.
The most important provisions for users are the updated lists of zones in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States from which the entry of poultry, germinal products, and fresh meat of poultry and game birds into the EU is either re-authorized or suspended. Businesses involved in the import or export of these products need to be aware of the specific zones listed in the amended annexes to ensure compliance with EU animal health regulations. The regulation enters into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, making these changes effective immediately.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/367 of 19 February 2026 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2030 as regards administrative changes to the Union authorisation of the biocidal product family PAL IPA PRODUCT FAMILY
This is a description of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/367, which amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2030. The original regulation granted Union authorization to Pal Hygiene Products Limited for the biocidal product family “PAL IPA PRODUCT FAMILY.” The new regulation introduces administrative changes, including adding trade names and updating the manufacturing location and manufacturer’s address. These changes do not affect the original conditions of the authorization.
The structure of the act is straightforward. It consists of a preamble that explains the reasons for the amendment, followed by two articles. Article 1 replaces the annex of the original regulation with a new text containing the updated summary of product characteristics. Article 2 states that the regulation will enter into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The annex contains detailed information about the product family, including administrative information, composition, hazard and precautionary statements, authorized uses, directions for use, and trade names.
The most important provision is the updated Annex, which provides a consolidated summary of product characteristics for the “PAL IPA PRODUCT FAMILY”. This includes critical information such as the authorized uses of the product, risk mitigation measures, and instructions for safe disposal. The addition of trade names like “Sirafan Alco Wipes” and “Pal Tech Precision 70% IPA Wipes” is also significant for users and distributors.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/318 of 12 February 2026 amending Annex III to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2235 and Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/403 as regards model certificates for entry into the Union of consignments of certain products of domestic solipeds origin intended for human consumption and certain categories of equine animals
This is a description of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/318.
This regulation amends existing regulations concerning the entry of certain animal products into the European Union. Specifically, it updates model certificates for products of domestic solipeds (horses, asses, and their crossbreeds) intended for human consumption and for certain categories of equine animals. The amendments ensure that the certificates reflect prohibitions on the administration of certain substances to these animals, aligning with existing EU directives. The regulation also provides a transitional period to allow for the continued use of older versions of the certificates.
The regulation amends Annex III to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2235 and Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/403. These annexes contain model animal health/official certificates for the entry into the Union of certain products of domestic solipeds origin intended for human consumption (specifically model certificates ‘EQU’, ‘MP-PREP’, ‘MPNT’ and ‘MPST’) and certain categories of equine animals (specifically model certificates ‘EQUI-X’ and ‘EQUI-Y’). The key change involves amending the public health attestation sections of these certificates to explicitly reflect the prohibitions outlined in Council Directive 96/22/EC regarding the administration of certain substances to these animals. The regulation also provides for a transitional period, until 12 December 2026, during which certificates issued under the previous regulations will still be accepted, provided they were issued no later than 12 September 2026.
The most important provision is the updated health attestation in the model certificates, specifically point II.1.7 in model EQU and point II.1.11 in models MP-PREP, MPNT and MPST, as well as point II.6 in models EQUI-X and EQUI-Y. These points now explicitly require certification that the animals have not been administered substances prohibited under Council Directive 96/22/EC. This ensures that imported animal products comply with EU standards regarding animal welfare and public health. The transitional period is also important, as it allows businesses time to adapt to the new certification requirements without disrupting trade.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/366 of 19 February 2026 making imports of sodium benzoate originating in the People’s Republic of China subject to registration
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/366 initiates the registration of imports of sodium benzoate originating in the People’s Republic of China. This action is a preliminary step in an anti-dumping investigation, potentially leading to the imposition of anti-dumping duties. The regulation ensures that if duties are imposed following the investigation, they can be applied retroactively to the registered imports, provided the necessary conditions are met.
The regulation consists of a preamble outlining the reasons for the registration and two articles. Article 1 directs customs authorities to register imports of sodium benzoate, specifying the product’s customs and statistics number, chemical abstracts service number, and CN code. It also states that the registration will expire nine months after the regulation’s entry into force. Article 2 stipulates that the regulation will take effect the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and confirms that the regulation is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. This regulation does not introduce changes compared to previous versions, as it is a new implementing regulation.
The most important provision is Article 1, which mandates the registration of sodium benzoate imports from China. This registration is critical because it allows for the potential retroactive application of anti-dumping duties if the ongoing investigation concludes that such measures are warranted. Businesses importing sodium benzoate from China should be aware of this registration requirement and its potential financial implications.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/415 of 16 December 2025 amending Regulation (EC) No 2533/98 concerning the collection of statistical information by the European Central Bank
This Council Regulation (EU) 2026/415 amends Regulation (EC) No 2533/98, which concerns the collection of statistical information by the European Central Bank (ECB). The amending regulation aims to modernize the legal framework for statistical data collection, enhance data sharing among authorities, and reduce the reporting burden on businesses, while adapting to digital transformation and recent economic developments. It also clarifies definitions, updates rules on data confidentiality, and aligns sanctions for non-compliance with statistical reporting requirements.
The regulation is structured around amendments to the existing Regulation (EC) No 2533/98. These amendments include:
* **Revised Definitions:** Updates and introduces new definitions such as “sharing,” “other legitimate party,” and “core reference data” to reflect current realities and the digital environment.
* **Reporting Population:** Clarifies the scope of the reference reporting population, ensuring that even certain credit institutions classified outside the ‘financial corporations’ sector are included.
* **Data Collection:** Empowers the ECB to collect statistical information from reporting agents on their controlled entities and branches to streamline reporting and align with supervisory practices.
* **Cooperation:** Mandates the ECB to consider the potential use of statistical information for prudential supervision and to leverage information from other Union bodies to minimize the reporting burden.
* **Sanctions:** Updates the limits and conditions for imposing sanctions on reporting agents to ensure sufficient deterrence.
* **Data Protection and Sharing:** Revises the confidentiality regime to allow the ECB and national central banks to use and share confidential statistical information for ESCB tasks, with provisions for sharing with other authorities and researchers under specific conditions.
* **Access to Administrative Data**: Allows national central banks and the ECB to access, use and integrate, free of charge, administrative data from relevant sources within their respective public administration systems.
Key provisions that are most important for practical use include:
* **Article 1(1)(c):** Defines “sharing,” “other legitimate party,” and “core reference data,” which are crucial for understanding the scope of data usage and exchange permitted under the regulation.
* **Article 1(2):** Modifies Article 2 of the original regulation to clarify the reference reporting population, which determines who is obligated to report statistical information to the ECB.
* **Article 1(6):** Replaces Article 8 of the original regulation, detailing the protection, use, and sharing of confidential statistical information collected by the ESCB, including conditions for sharing with other entities and researchers.
* **Article 1(8):** Replaces Article 8c of the original regulation, which ensures that the Regulation applies without prejudice to Regulations (EU) 2016/679 and 2018/1725 on the protection of personal data.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/361 of 19 February 2026 amending Regulation (EU) No 582/2011 as regards the emissions type-approval of heavy-duty vehicles with on-board fuel and energy consumption monitoring devices
This regulation amends Regulation (EU) No 582/2011 to integrate on-board fuel and energy consumption monitoring (OBFCM) into the emissions type-approval process for heavy-duty vehicles. It aims to link emissions type-approval with OBFCM compliance, introduce new emissions approval characters for vehicles equipped with OBFCM devices, and ensure the accuracy of OBFCM devices through on-road testing. The regulation also clarifies responsibilities for on-board mass monitoring (OBMM) and ensures that necessary fuel consumption and emissions data from portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS) tests are recorded to assess OBFCM device accuracy.
The regulation modifies Articles 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, and 17a of Regulation (EU) No 582/2011, and amends Annexes I, II, and VI. Key changes include adding paragraphs to Article 3 to ensure manufacturers meet the requirements of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2161 for vehicle and engine type-approvals, unless they declare the vehicles/engines will not be registered/placed on the market after specified dates. It also adds points to Articles 6, 8, and 10, making compliance with Article 2 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2161 a requirement for EU type-approval, with similar exceptions. Article 13 is updated to include OBFCM and OBMM verification testing in the remedial measures plan. Article 17a sets deadlines for national authorities to consider certificates of conformity invalid for vehicles not complying with the amended regulation, prohibiting their registration and market availability. Annex I is amended to update the EC type-approval number composition, while Annex II adds requirements for recording odometer readings, vehicle mass, and OBFCM data during PEMS tests. Annex VI is updated to include information about instantaneous and averaged OBFCM values in the test report.
The most important provisions for practical use are the deadlines set in Article 17a, which specify when national authorities must stop accepting certificates of conformity for vehicles not complying with the new OBFCM requirements. Specifically, from July 1, 2027, new vehicles in the scope of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2161 must comply with these amendments. Additionally, from May 28, 2029, this requirement extends to all new vehicles and engines, with exceptions for replacement engines and those from small-volume manufacturers. These deadlines are crucial for manufacturers to ensure their vehicles meet the updated standards to avoid market access restrictions.
