Anyone involved in material and environmental compliance knows the tension: little data, a lot of effort. This is where a new initiative from the European Commission comes in: On July 30, 2025, the initiative to "Simplify administration in the field of environmental law" (Ares(2025)6194267) was published.
The aim is to reduce administrative burdens without undermining environmental and health protection goals. Implementation is to become simpler, more digital and more practical.
What is planned? (Selection of potential measures)
- SCIP: Adjustment of the database
- EPR: Harmonization of proxy obligations and simplification of reporting
- Digitalization of reporting in the areas of circular economy, industrial emissions and waste management
- Overcoming approval problems in connection with environmental audits
- Further measures after reviewing the feedback received
Strong participation - lively debate
The "Call for Evidence" ran from July 22 to September 10, 2025, with over 43,000 responses (as of September 8, 2025): The topic is moving - between the desire for relief (especially for SMEs) and the justified concern that the level of protection must at least be maintained. The Commission is examining environmental legislation in order to identify specific legal acts in which simplification is possible without any loss of quality.
Opportunities for companies
If the Commission is successful with this initiative, there will be clear guidelines for companies
- Less effort, better data quality: standardized, digital processes can avoid duplicate reporting - think of the information requirements for REACH Article 33 and the information on "substances of concern" in the ESPR, Batteries and Packaging Ordinance
- Plannability: Uniform EPR requirements facilitate compliance management in several member states
- Focus on the protection goal: Simplification does not mean relaxation - effective environmental protection remains the benchmark.
What should companies do now?
- Monitor developments and pool internal contacts (SCIP, EPR, reporting)
- Strengthen the database: Make substance, article and supplier data centralized and auditable - regardless of the future reporting channel
- Analyze processes: Where do data losses occur? How can data from supply chain communication and master data be efficiently prepared for digitalization?
- Optimize communication with the supply chain to obtain evidence and promote timeliness
Conclusion: Reducing bureaucracy and achieving environmental goals - this is feasible if simplifications are implemented intelligently. We are following the next steps and will be happy to support you with classification and preparation.
Do you have questions about other details of the REACH Regulation? We will be happy to provide you with further support. Simply send us an e-mail with your question or use our contact form.
Material compliance management not only includes ensuring compliance with legal requirements and standards with regard to the materials used in products, but also stands for the monitoring and control of all substances used in the production process.
Rely on well thought-out material compliance management at an early stage - for legally compliant products, secure supply chains and sustainable business success.
Find out more at → "Material compliance in business practice".
Author's note
This article has been machine translated into English.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RoHS, EU Directive 2011/65/EU aims to limit the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. It specifies how hazardous substances may be used in electrical appliances and electronic components and placed on the market.
