Restoring the level playing field in retail

Key recommendations

1. Establish EU framework for enforcement authorities to collaborate and coordinate activities across enforcement domains at national and EU level.
2. Create a permanent Commission Task Force against Unfair Competition from third country operators with a clear mandate, which is transparent, involves all relevant DGs
   and stakeholders.
3. Include Enforceability in EU Impact Assessments. Ensure that the enforceability of new EU rules is systematically assessed during legislative impact assessments, especially regarding non-EU traders and marketplaces.
4. Expand the Commission's investigative powers across different legislation to initiate or take over investigations when certain criteria are met, for example, multiple Member States are affected, and develop digital enforcement tools and data-sharing mechanisms.
5. Swiftly start the review of the CPC Regulation, strengthening the CPC framework to improve cross-border enforcement, transparency, and collaboration, and leveraging technology for efficient action against rogue traders. (see Joint Statement by BEUC, BusinessEurope and EuroCommerce).
6. Introduce an EU instrument to limit or restrict Union market access, especially for third-country traders and marketplaces in cases of persistent and serious non-compliance.
7. Create a system of certified Authorised Representatives to ensure accountability, traceability, and enforceability, especially for non-EU products & explore extending their obligations.
8. Swiftly finalise the review of the EU Customs Reform Package.
9. Streamline Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes across the EU via a digital one-stop shop to reduce administrative burdens and ensure fair contributions.
10. Deploy the Digital Product Passport (DPP), increasing product compliance, supporting enforcement, ensuring interoperability with EU systems, and facilitating automatic compliance checks, while avoiding burdens on SMEs.