Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulations 2026.

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulations 2026 establish a framework for the environmental sustainability of products placed on the market or put into service in Gibraltar. Made under the Treaty on Gibraltar and the European Union Act 2026, the Regulations implement obligations arising from Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 on ecodesign for sustainable products. They apply broadly to physical goods, including components and intermediate products, while excluding specified categories such as food, feed, medicinal products, living organisms, certain vehicles, and products intended solely for defence or national security purposes. The Regulations establish principles governing product durability, reliability, repairability, recyclability, resource efficiency, environmental footprint, carbon footprint, and the prevention of premature obsolescence. Products subject to specific ecodesign measures may be required to meet performance and information requirements and to be accompanied by a digital product passport containing standardised information concerning sustainability characteristics, substances of concern, repairability, environmental performance, and other relevant data. The Regulations prescribe requirements for data accessibility, interoperability, traceability, security, and long-term availability of digital product passport information. They also regulate product labelling, prohibit misleading labels, and establish obligations for manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers, fulfilment service providers, and online marketplaces. Particular emphasis is placed on importers, who are designated as the principal gatekeepers for product compliance in Gibraltar's import-based economy. Products covered by the regime must undergo conformity assessment procedures, be supported by technical documentation, and bear CE marking where required. The Regulations further introduce measures aimed at promoting circular economy objectives and effective market oversight. Economic operators are required to take reasonable measures to prevent the destruction of unsold consumer products and must disclose information regarding discarded products. The destruction of specified categories of apparel, clothing accessories, and footwear is subject to prohibition, subject to limited derogations. The framework establishes powers for market surveillance authorities to conduct inspections, require corrective action, withdraw or recall non-compliant products, and impose penalties. Consumer redress provisions assign liability for damage resulting from non-compliant products, while separate provisions support small and medium-sized enterprises through awareness, technical assistance, training, and financial support measures. The Regulations also provide for green public procurement requirements, recognition of self-regulation measures, cooperation with EU and UK authorities, periodic review of the regulatory framework, and the continued alignment of Gibraltar's product sustainability regime with future developments in EU ecodesign legislation.