Here’s a summary of the EU legal acts you provided:
Directive (EU) 2026/706 amending Directive 2014/32/EU on measuring instruments:
Directive (EU) 2026/706 revises existing rules for measuring instruments to keep pace with technology. It broadens the scope of Directive 2014/32/EU to include measuring systems for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and compressed gas dispensers. It also addresses the needs of thermal energy meters for cooling and adapts requirements for electricity and gas meters to handle direct current, hydrogen, and other alternative fuel gases. Member States have until April 10, 2028, to implement the directive, with application starting October 10, 2028. The Directive updates several annexes, including introducing new requirements for EVSE and compressed gas dispensers in Annexes Va and VIIa, respectively. These changes ensure that new measuring systems are accurate and reliable and reflects shift to alternative fuels.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/615 cancelling the PGI ‘Colline Pescaresi’:
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/615 officially cancels the registration of the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) ‘Colline Pescaresi’. This decision follows a request from Italy, with no objections received during the publication period. As a result, the name ‘Colline Pescaresi’ loses its protected status, meaning it can no longer be exclusively used for products originating from the specific geographical area under specific production standards.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/604 cancelling the PGI ‘Colline Frentane’:
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/604 mirrors the previous regulation, but for the ‘Colline Frentane’ Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Following a request from Italy and the absence of any objections, the Commission has cancelled the registration of this PGI. Consequently, the name ‘Colline Frentane’ no longer benefits from EU protection, and producers can no longer market their products under this protected designation.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/700 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2651:
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/700 is an update to the administrative details regarding the Union authorization of the biocidal product family “Taski-Room Care-Suma Family based on Lactic Acid.” The key change involves updating the address of both the authorization holder and the product’s manufacturer. The regulation replaces the entire annex of the original regulation to incorporate these changes, along with minor editorial and layout adjustments. The authorized uses and instructions for safe and effective use of the product remain a critical part of the regulation.
Regulation (EU) 2026/697 on cooperation between enforcement authorities:
Regulation (EU) 2026/697 establishes a framework for increased cooperation between enforcement authorities in Member States to combat unfair trading practices within the agricultural and food supply chain, as defined in Directive (EU) 2019/633. The regulation sets out rules for cross-border cooperation, including information sharing, conducting investigations, and enforcing decisions. This aims to strengthen the position of agricultural suppliers against buyers with imbalanced bargaining power and addresses unfair practices involving entities both within and outside the EU.
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Directive (EU) 2026/706 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2026 amending Directive 2014/32/EU as regards measuring systems for electric vehicle supply equipment and compressed gas dispensers, and electricity, gas and thermal energy meters (Text with EEA relevance)
Here’s a breakdown of Directive (EU) 2026/706:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
Directive (EU) 2026/706 amends Directive 2014/32/EU to update regulations for measuring instruments, ensuring they keep pace with technological advancements. The changes primarily focus on expanding the scope of the original directive to include measuring systems for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and compressed gas dispensers. It also addresses the need for thermal energy meters suitable for cooling applications and adapts requirements for electricity and gas meters to accommodate direct current, hydrogen, and other alternative fuel gases. The goal is to guarantee the proper functioning of the internal market while providing a high level of consumer protection.
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
This Directive modifies Directive 2014/32/EU by:
* **Article 1:** Details the specific amendments to Directive 2014/32/EU, including changes to Article 2(1) and Annexes I, IV, V, and VI, and the insertion of new Annexes Va and VIIa.
* **Article 2:** Introduces transitional provisions, allowing the continued use and placing on the market of measuring instruments compliant with the previous Directive 2014/32/EU under certain conditions and deadlines.
* **Article 3:** Mandates Member States to adopt and publish the measures necessary to comply with this Directive by April 10, 2028, and to apply those measures from October 10, 2028.
* **Article 4:** Allows conformity assessment bodies to be notified and to issue certificates under the amended Directive before October 10, 2028.
* **Article 5:** States that the Directive will enter into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
* **Article 6:** Addresses the Directive to the Member States.
**Key Changes and Additions:**
* **Annex I:** Modifies general definitions and essential requirements to accommodate new types of measuring instruments, particularly EVSE and compressed gas dispensers.
* **Annex IV:** Renames and updates requirements for gas meters and conversion devices, including provisions for hydrogen and other fuel gases, as well as gas calorific value determining devices and energy conversion devices.
* **Annex V:** Updates requirements for active electrical energy meters, including those measuring direct current.
* **Annex Va:** Introduces new essential requirements for measuring systems for EVSE, irrespective of their intended application.
* **Annex VI:** Amends requirements for thermal energy meters to include those used for cooling applications.
* **Annex VIIa:** Introduces new essential requirements for measuring systems for compressed gas dispensers.
**3. Main Provisions Important for Use:**
* **Scope Expansion:** The inclusion of EVSE and compressed gas dispensers within the scope of Directive 2014/32/EU means that these systems must now meet specific essential requirements to ensure accuracy and reliability.
* **Transitional Arrangements:** The transitional provisions in Article 2 are crucial for manufacturers and economic operators. They allow for a period of adjustment to the new requirements, enabling the continued sale and use of instruments compliant with the older standards.
* **Essential Requirements for New Instruments:** Annexes Va and VIIa outline the specific requirements for EVSE and compressed gas dispensers, respectively. These requirements cover aspects such as accuracy, rated operating conditions, permissible effects of disturbances, and units of measurement.
* **Adaptation to New Technologies:** The amendments to Annexes IV and V reflect the growing use of alternative fuel gases and direct current in energy measurement, ensuring that measuring instruments are suitable for these applications.
* **Deadlines for Implementation:** Member States must transpose this Directive into national law by April 10, 2028, and apply these measures from October 10, 2028. Businesses need to be aware of these deadlines to ensure compliance.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/615 of 19 March 2026 cancelling the registration of the protected geographical indication Colline Pescaresi (PGI)
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/615 cancels the registration of the protected geographical indication (PGI) ‘Colline Pescaresi’. The cancellation was requested by Italy and published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Since no opposition was received, the Commission has adopted this regulation to remove ‘Colline Pescaresi’ from the Union register of geographical indications.
The structure of the act is very simple. It consists of a preamble outlining the legal basis and the reasons for the cancellation, followed by two articles. Article 1 stipulates the cancellation of the registration of the name ‘Colline Pescaresi’ (PGI). Article 2 states that the regulation will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. This regulation is based on Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, which replaced Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.
The most important provision is Article 1, which effectively removes the protected status of the geographical indication ‘Colline Pescaresi’. This means that the name ‘Colline Pescaresi’ can no longer be exclusively used for products originating from that specific geographical area and meeting specific production standards.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/604 of 19 March 2026 cancelling the registration of the protected geographical indication Colline Frentane (PGI)
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/604 cancels the registration of the protected geographical indication (PGI) ‘Colline Frentane’. The cancellation was requested by Italy and published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Since no opposition was received, the Commission has adopted this regulation to remove the name ‘Colline Frentane’ from the Union register of geographical indications.
The regulation consists of a preamble outlining the legal basis and the reasons for the cancellation, followed by two articles. Article 1 stipulates the cancellation of the registration of the name ‘Colline Frentane’ (PGI). Article 2 specifies that the regulation will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and confirms that it is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. This regulation is based on Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, which governs geographical indications for various products, and repeals Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012.
The most important provision is Article 1, which directly cancels the registration of the ‘Colline Frentane’ PGI. This means that the product name ‘Colline Frentane’ will no longer be protected under the EU’s geographical indication scheme, and producers will no longer be able to market their products under this protected name.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/700 of 4 March 2026 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2651 as regards administrative changes to the Union authorisation of the biocidal product family Taski-Room Care-Suma Family based on Lactic Acid
This is a description of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/700, which amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2651. The main purpose of this amendment is to update the administrative information related to the Union authorisation of the biocidal product family “Taski-Room Care-Suma Family based on Lactic Acid”. The changes concern the address of the authorisation holder and the biocidal product manufacturer. The regulation replaces the annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2651 in its entirety to reflect these administrative changes and to incorporate minor editorial and layout updates.
The structure of the regulation is simple. It contains two articles: Article 1 replaces the annex of the previous regulation with a new text containing the updated Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC), and Article 2 specifies the date of entry into force of the regulation. The annex itself is highly structured, providing detailed information about the biocidal product family, including administrative information, product composition, hazard statements, precautionary statements, authorized uses, and general directions for use. Compared to the previous version, the main changes are in the administrative details of the authorisation holder and manufacturer, as well as some formatting adjustments.
The most important provisions for users of the biocidal product family are those related to the authorized uses and the corresponding instructions for use, risk mitigation measures, and first aid instructions. These sections provide detailed guidance on how to use the product safely and effectively in various settings, including areas with and without food contact, and in veterinary hygiene. Users should pay close attention to the specified dilution rates, contact times, and personal protective equipment requirements to ensure both efficacy and safety.
Regulation (EU) 2026/697 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2026 on cooperation among enforcement authorities responsible for the enforcement of Directive (EU) 2019/633 on unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain
This Regulation (EU) 2026/697 aims to enhance cooperation among enforcement authorities in Member States to combat unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply chain, as outlined in Directive (EU) 2019/633. It establishes uniform rules for cross-border cooperation, enabling authorities to share information, conduct investigations, and enforce decisions more effectively when dealing with unfair practices that span multiple Member States or involve entities outside the EU. The Regulation seeks to ensure a fairer standard of living for the agricultural community by strengthening the position of suppliers against buyers with imbalanced bargaining power.
The Regulation is structured into eight chapters, covering introductory provisions, resources and confidentiality, mutual assistance mechanisms, voluntary cooperation, investigation and enforcement mechanisms for widespread unfair trading practices with a cross-border dimension, cooperation in relation to suppliers or buyers established outside the Union, procedural provisions, and final provisions. It details the scope of application, definitions, and general principles of cooperation. Key provisions include mechanisms for requesting information and investigative measures, enforcing decisions imposing fines or penalties, and coordinating actions against widespread unfair trading practices. It also addresses cooperation with non-EU entities and sets out reporting obligations for both Member States and the Commission.
Several provisions are particularly important for practical application. The mutual assistance mechanism (Chapter III) outlines the procedures for enforcement authorities to request and provide assistance to each other, including timelines for responding to requests and conditions for refusing assistance. The provisions on coordinated actions (Chapter V) establish a framework for addressing widespread unfair trading practices involving multiple Member States, including the designation of a coordinator and the sharing of information. Additionally, the rules on cooperation with suppliers or buyers established outside the Union (Chapter VI) are crucial for ensuring that unfair practices involving non-EU entities can be effectively addressed.
