On 9 February 2026, the European Commission adopted new measures under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), covering two key areas: The available derogations for the ban on destroying unsold clothing, accessories, and footwear. The disclosure requirements on unsold consumer goods, which are already in force for large companies and will extend to medium sized companies in 2030.
The Product Risk Radar is our online content hub for the latest important legal developments in product regulatory and liability risk affecting the UK and EU (including some specific content for Germany). Through our hub, we will post regular updates to help you navigate this increasingly challenging landscape.
The EU has finalized measures to simplify and delay the application of key sustainability regulations, providing businesses with greater clarity and planning certainty. The changes follow the Omnibus package introduced earlier in 2025 and include amendments to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and related frameworks. The EU Parliament approved the amendments, and EFRAG released revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) to streamline reporting obligations. Updates to the EU Taxonomy, adopted in July 2025, will apply from January 2026, and targeted simplifications and delays to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) were also endorsed.
In brief President Trump has issued an Executive Order (the Order) directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to launch investigations into the U.S. food sector, focusing on potential price-fixing, other forms of criminal collusion, and non-criminal anticompetitive conduct. The Order creates new Food Supply Chain…
On 4 December 2025, the European Commission introduced the Market Integration & Supervision (MIS) Package to strengthen EU financial market integration.
Key points:
• Direct ESMA oversight of major financial entities and cryptoasset service providers.
• Harmonized rules by converting key directives into regulations for consistent application.
• Goal: Improve market integrity, investor protection, and reduce fragmentation.
Implementation will take several years, with no immediate changes expected.
On 23 September 2025, the EU Environment Commissioner proposed delaying the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by another year due to IT system challenges. Originally set for 30 December 2025, the compliance deadline may be extended to 30 December 2026. The delay aims to reduce uncertainty for authorities and stakeholders and ensure the IT infrastructure can handle operational demands. Further discussions among EU institutions are expected before a formal announcement.
On 20 November 2025, the European Commission proposed major changes to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) to simplify disclosures and strengthen investor protection. The new framework introduces three product categories—Transition, Sustainable, and ESG Basics—each requiring a 70% investment commitment and exclusion of harmful industries. Simplified two-page templates will replace current disclosure rules, and entity-level obligations like principal adverse impacts are removed.
Only products in these categories may use sustainability-related terms in marketing. Taxonomy disclosures become optional, with a 15% safe harbor for aligned assets. Application is expected 18 months after adoption, likely in 2028, marking a significant shift toward clearer, stricter sustainability standards.
On 23 September 2025, the EU Environment Commissioner proposed delaying the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by another year due to IT system challenges. Originally set for 30 December 2025, the compliance deadline may be extended to 30 December 2026. The delay aims to reduce uncertainty for authorities and stakeholders and ensure the IT infrastructure can handle operational demands. Further discussions among EU institutions are expected before a formal announcement.
The European Supervisory Authorities report steady improvement in principal adverse impact (PAI) disclosures under the SFDR, especially among larger financial groups. However, disclosures often lack quantifiable actions, and “non-consideration” statements remain generic. The ESAs recommend clearer, shorter, and machine-readable disclosures, more proportional requirements, and less frequent reporting to enhance quality and relevance. Further regulatory guidance may follow to address persistent shortcomings.
Until recently, the EU lacked a specific framework governing green claims. A new Directive aiming at “empowering consumers for the green transition” supplements the existing rules on unfair commercial practices to include a new harmonized regime for green claims, applicable from September 2026. Businesses should carefully consider how this new regime will impact their upcoming commercial communications, including voluntary environmental reports and climate targets, to mitigate legal and reputational risks.