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Consumer Package: win-win potential for consumers and SMEs

22 March 2023
by smeunited -- last modified 22 March 2023

SMEunited welcomes today's adoption of the Consumer Package by the European Commission. The Package includes two Directives: on Green Claims and on the Right to Repair. With improvements based on the Think Small First principle in the legislative process, these initiatives can bring benefits for both consumers and businesses.


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"We absolutely support the European Commission in fighting greenwashing," said SMEunited President Petri Salminen, "however, the Directive on Green Claims should enable small and medium enterprises to market environmentally friendly products instead of creating disproportionate barriers."

Petri Salminen expressed the concern that well-meant legislation might easily result in a competitive disadvantage for SMEs. Given that the proposal for a Directive will require companies making green claims to assess their environmental impact following certain standards, the SMEunited President stresses that measures have to be put in place by the time the legislation enters into force to make the process concrete and feasible for SMEs to be able to substantiate their green claims. Moreover, guidance should be provided to SMEs in case of poorly substantiated claims instead of directly applying sanctions.

Concerning the Right to Repair, VĂ©ronique Willems, SMEunited Secretary General, underlined: "We must offer legal certainty and planning stability to facilitate SMEs' activities". The proposal seeks to extend the life of goods by promoting and incentivising their repair, as well as improving sustainable product design. SMEunited sees a need for further improvements of the proposed Directive, such as creating a uniform European right of redress for the final seller and ensuring the availability of spare parts for independent repairers.

SMEunited is the association of Crafts and SMEs in Europe with around 70 member organisations from over 30 European countries. SMEunited represents national cross-sectoral Craft and SME federations, European SME branch organisations and associate members. Combined, we represent more than 12 million enterprises with around 55 million employees across Europe. SMEunited is also a recognised employers' organisation and European Social Partner. SMEunited was formally known as UEAPME.

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