The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), effective from July 2024, broadens Ecodesign policies to cover a wider range of products, promoting sustainability throughout their life cycle. This report presents a methodology to integrate ESPR impact assessment requirements into the preparatory study phase, streamlining policy development.
Building on the existing MEErP framework and aligned with the Better Regulation Toolbox, the approach provides structured guidance on environmental, economic, and social impact assessments. It focuses on data collection, stakeholder engagement, and international trade considerations to ensure a smooth transition between preparatory studies and impact assessments. This alignment reduces duplication, optimises resources, and improves regulatory coherence.
While preparatory studies assess the technical and economic feasibility of initiatives, impact assessments analyse regulatory proposals’ wider impacts and political aspects, including proportionality and monitoring mechanisms. Traditionally sequential, better coordination between these studies can enhance efficiency and decision-making.
Key areas for improved alignment include coordinated data collection, reusable analytical tools, stakeholder feedback integration, and anticipating impact assessment needs during preparatory studies.
This report offers best practices and recommendations to support ESPR preparatory studies, highlighting how a coordinated approach can reduce duplication, conserve resources, and maintain high scientific and regulatory standards, thereby accelerating ESPR implementation.
ARCIPOWSKA Aleksandra;
BLANCO PEREZ Sara;
2026-01-12
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC142690
978-92-68-34226-8 (online),
1831-9424 (online),
EUR 40545,
OP KJ-01-25-587-EN-N (online),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC142690,
10.2760/1182290 (online),
