Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/693 of 19 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Modified regulation | Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1695 |
| Publication | 15 April 2026 |
| Entry into force | 19 March 2026 |
| Affected parties | Manufacturers, importers and distributors of products subject to technical testing in the EU |
| Category | European Regulation |
| Year | 2026 |
| Official source | CELEX:32026R0693 — EUR-Lex |
Manufacturers, importers and distributors of products subject to technical testing in the EU have new rules of the game as of 19 March 2026. The Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/693 modifies Regulation (EU) 2023/1695 on three axes: new technical testing specifications, a series of reduced specifications and transitional measures to facilitate adaptation.
The change is not cosmetic. Any company that must verify the technical conformity of its products under the framework of Regulation 2023/1695 must review its testing and verification procedures to ensure they remain valid under the new requirements.
What does this regulation establish?
Regulation (EU) 2026/693 introduces three blocks of changes to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1695:
| Block of change | What it implies |
|---|---|
| New technical testing specifications | Update of the technical methods and criteria that must be applied when conducting product testing. Companies must review whether their current procedures remain compliant. |
| Reduced specifications | For certain product categories or manufacturers, simplified testing requirements are established. They can result in a reduction in administrative burden and verification costs. |
| Transitional measures | Deadlines and conditions are established so that economic operators can progressively adapt to the new requirements without interrupting their activities. |
The modified regulation, Regulation (EU) 2023/1695, already established the framework for product testing in the EU. The new regulation does not repeal it, but rather updates and complements it with the three elements described.
Economic and operational impact
The impact varies depending on the company profile and the products it markets:
- Companies with products in reduced specification categories: can benefit from a real simplification of testing, with consequent savings in laboratory costs, certification time and internal compliance resources.
- Companies with products outside those categories: must update their testing procedures to comply with the new technical specifications. This may involve adaptation costs: protocol review, new testing, technical documentation updates.
- Importers and distributors: must verify that products they introduce or market in the EU market comply with the new specifications, especially if their suppliers or manufacturers are outside the EU and may not be aware of the changes.
Transitional measures are the key element for managing short-term operational impact: they allow continued operation under the previous rules for a certain period, but that period has a limit. Ignoring it is equivalent to assuming the risk of non-compliance once the deadline expires.
Who does it affect?
- Manufacturers of products subject to technical testing in the EU under the framework of Regulation (EU) 2023/1695
- Importers who introduce into the European market products that must pass technical conformity testing
- Distributors who market products subject to these tests and are responsible for verifying their conformity
- Regulatory compliance officers in industrial, consumer or technology companies with products in the EU market
- Quality and certification departments that manage product testing and verification processes
- Product advisors and consultants who assist companies in certification processes for the European market
Practical example
A Spanish manufacturer of electronic equipment that currently conducts its conformity testing under Regulation (EU) 2023/1695 must first check whether its product category is included in the new reduced specifications.
If its product falls into that category, it can benefit from a simplified testing process, which can result in fewer laboratory tests, less technical documentation required and, consequently, lower certification costs and time.
If its product does not fall into that category, it must review whether the testing methods it currently applies remain valid under the new technical specifications. If they are not, it must update its protocols before the transitional periods established in the regulation expire, to avoid being in a situation of non-compliance and to prevent its products from being withdrawn from the market or blocked at customs.
What should companies do now?
- Identify if their products are affected: review whether the products they manufacture, import or distribute are subject to Regulation (EU) 2023/1695 and therefore within the scope of the modifications introduced by Regulation (EU) 2026/693.
- Check if reduced specifications apply: analyze whether any of their products or product lines fall into the categories that can benefit from simplified testing requirements, to take advantage of potential savings.
- Review current testing procedures: compare the testing methods in use with the new technical specifications to detect any deviations that need to be corrected.
- Identify and schedule transitional deadlines: locate in the regulation text the specific deadlines for transitional measures and transfer them to the internal compliance calendar to avoid surprises.
- Update technical documentation: once the necessary changes are confirmed, update technical files, declarations of conformity and testing records to reflect compliance with the new specifications.
- Communicate changes to suppliers and partners: if working with manufacturers outside the EU or with external testing laboratories, inform them of the new requirements to ensure that testing performed is valid under the new framework.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly does Regulation EU 2026/693 modify?
It modifies Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1695, incorporating new technical specifications on product testing, reduced specifications for certain categories and transitional measures to facilitate progressive adaptation without interruptions.
When does Regulation EU 2026/693 enter into force?
The entry into force date is 19 March 2026, although its official publication took place on 15 April 2026.
What are reduced specifications and what advantage do they offer?
Reduced specifications are simplified testing requirements applicable to certain product categories or manufacturers. They can result in a reduction in administrative burden and verification costs for companies that meet the criteria to benefit from them.
What deadline do companies have to adapt to the new requirements?
The regulation establishes specific transitional measures to allow progressive adaptation. Compliance officers must analyze those specific deadlines in the official regulation text.