EU Legislation

UEIL monitors and participates in the decision-making process on several EU policy and regulatory initiatives, including the areas of competition, waste management, chemicals, health, etc.

UEIL has closely followed the developments in relation to the EC Commission’s pending review of the EC Law that regulates the conditions for the distribution of vehicles and spare parts (including lubricants) in the EU (Block Exemption Regulation 1400/2002).
UEIL has played an important in the consultation for the adoption of a revised Block Exemption Regulation for motor vehicle distribution and repair.
Please see here to get further information on the FAQ on purchase and use of lubricants within the EU.

As part of the Commission's modern industrial policy, the CARS 21 (Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st century) process, which was initially launched in 2005, aims to make recommendations for the short-, medium-, and long-term public policy and regulatory framework of the European automotive industry. This framework enhances global competitiveness and employment, while sustaining further progress in safety and environmental performance at a price affordable to the consumer. UEIL is closely following the discussions in the CARS 21 group: the latter is expected to come out with some policy recommendations by the end of the summer 2011, and will start a second round of discussions as of September 2011. For further information on this group or on UEIL’s paper, please contact UEIL using our contact form

In the last years, UEIL has monitored the REACH implementation process, offering support to its members especially through the Health, Safety & Environment Committee. The main aims of REACH are to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, the promotion of alternative test methods, the free circulation of substances on the internal market and enhancing competitiveness and innovation.

To know more about EU legislation impacting the Lubricants industry please see also:

• New Block Exemption regulation and Commission Guidelines, May 2010
• http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/chemicals/reach/index_en.htm
• http://guidance.echa.europa.eu/
• http://echa.europa.eu/reach_en.asp
• http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/chemicals/