EU Circular Economy Act (2025): Compliance Updates for Manufacturers

A trio of policy shifts across Egypt, Israel, and the European Union are now reshaping the regulatory landscape for electronics, energy, and sustainability. Here’s what’s happening and what your compliance team needs to do next.

🇪🇬 Egypt ES 8604-2: EV Charging Cable Testing Standard (IEC 62893-2)

Original Regulation:

This Egyptian Standard ES: 8604-2 outlines the test methods for electrical cables with extruded insulation and sheathing, having a rated voltage of up to 0.6/1 kV (AC) or up to 1500 V DC.

These cables are intended for flexible applications under extreme power supply conditions, specifically between the power supply point or charging station and the Electric Vehicle (EV).

It is important to note that this draft standard is technically identical to IEC 62893-2/2017. Producers and importers are updated on any amendments to Egyptian standards through the publication of administrative orders in the official gazette.

Status: Active enforcement

The effective date will be the day after publication in the Official Gazette. All manufacturers trading AC/DC products in Egypt must comply with the new standard.

Learn more here

📌 What This Means for Manufacturers

• Audit existing AC/DC cable stock and designs intended for Egyptian markets to ensure they meet ES 8604-2 specifications.
• Align testing and certification procedures with IEC 62893-2/2017, as technical equivalence is recognized.
• Assign local regulatory liaison to monitor future changes via the Egyptian Official Gazette.

🇮🇱 Israel SI 60335-2-27: Mandatory Safety Standard for Skin-Exposing Devices

Original Regulation:

All requirements of the current Israel Standard, SI 60335 Part 2.27, which pertains to electrical appliances that expose the skin to optical radiation, shall be considered mandatory.

This declaration supports the goal for compulsory standardization aimed at protecting public health. This standard adopts the International Standard IEC 60335-2-27 – Edition 6.0: 2019-05, with a few necessary national deviations noted in the Hebrew section of the standard. For the final date, comments open until November 9, 2025.

Status: In effect

Manufacturers of devices that expose skin to optical radiation must follow the process and implement the requirements.

Learn more here

📌 What This Means for Manufacturers

• Products such as tanning devices or cosmetic skin equipment must undergo compliance reviews aligned with SI 60335.
• Review and implement all national deviations listed in the Hebrew annex — these are legally binding.
• Participate in the comment window by 9 November 2025 to influence implementation or clarify ambiguities.

🇪🇺 EU Circular Economy Act (Circular Economy Law): Consultation Deadline 6 Nov 2025

Original Regulation:

The Commission launched a public consultation and Call for Evidence regarding the upcoming Circular Economy Law on August 1st. This law aims to accelerate the transition to a more circular economy by enhancing the EU’s economic security, resilience, competitiveness, and decarbonization efforts.

Expected to come into force in 2026, the regulation seeks to establish a Single Market for secondary raw materials, increase the supply of high-quality recycled materials, and boost demand for these materials within the EU.

Additionally, this consultation will ensure that the Circular Economy Law aligns with key EU initiatives, including the Competitiveness Compass, the Single Market Strategy, the Steel and Metals Action Plan, and the recent Eco-Design Regulation for Sustainable Products, as well as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and the Critical Raw Materials Act.

Status: Active enforcement

All stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the online consultation using the "Have Your Say" portal. The feedback period is open until 6 November 2025.

Learn more here

📌 What This Means for Manufacturers

• Map which product lines rely on or produce secondary raw materials and identify potential impact from market harmonization.
• Evaluate supply chain and R&D readiness for increased demand and quality thresholds for recycled inputs.
• Mobilize internal sustainability and compliance teams to submit feedback by 6 November 2025 via the consultation portal.

✅ Looking to stay ahead of product compliance regulations across markets? EcoComply tracks regulatory change in real time and translates it into actionable steps for your team, across energy, environment, and electronic product categories.

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