Self-regulation for machine tools

What is Self-Regulation?

The Ecodesign Directive recognizes self-regulation by industry as an alternative to binding legislation. Self-regulation, which can be based on voluntary agreements, is a valid alternative as long as it delivers the policy objectives set out in the legislation faster and in a less costly manner than mandatory requirements.

At EU level, voluntary agreements are concluded between the European Commission and European industry represented by federations. Industry commits itself by an agreement to achieve the policy objectives laid down in the legislation through self-imposed measures. Credible monitoring and reporting mechanisms must prove the trustworthiness of the methodology it uses.

Self-regulation is a substitute to EU legislation which imposes mandatory requirements on industry. However, it does not alter or dilute the policy objectives fixed by the legislator. It offers an alternative method to industry, which is more flexible and cost-effective, to achieve pre-determined environmental performance objectives.

CECIMO Self-Regulatory Initiative (SRI)

Background

Based on the mandate delivered by the CECIMO General Assembly representing National Machine Tool Associations and their members, CECIMO proposed a Self-Regulatory Initiative to the Consultation Forum. The implementation plan prepared by CECIMO was welcomed by the European Commission which gave the green light to CECIMO to elaborate further on the methodology.

European Commission’s Product Group Study related to the ecodesign of Machine Tools

In the meantime, the Commission mandated a preparatory study to identify and recommend ways to improve the environmental performance of machine tools throughout their lifetime at their design phase, based on the European Commission Methodology for Ecodesign of Energy-using Products (MEEuP).

The Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM and Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionsanlagen und Konstruktionstechnik (IPK) will conduct this EC Product Group Study related to the Ecodesign of Machine Tools. The study will explore whether ecodesign requirements (mandatory requirements) should apply to machine tools and if so, which requirements are appropriate. The Commission has requested that the consultant works closely with CECIMO. Stakeholders can follow the progress made in this study on the website set up for this purpose and can participate in the consultation process. More information can be found on the Eco Machine Tools website.

Next steps

The information provided by the study will be used to prepare for subsequent phases, including undertaking an impact assessment on policy options and to prepare a paper for the Consultation Forum. Those phases are to be carried out by the European Commission.

The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2011. In the meantime, CECIMO will further elaborate the methodology proposed for the implementation of the SRI.

The European Commission will finally decide whether the machine tool industry is to be regulated by mandatory requirements or self-regulation.