EU Better Regulation Framework Call for Evidence Signals Q2 2026 Reform

Why The Commission Is Reopening Better Regulation

The Commission describes its better regulation system as internationally recognised, but argues that the current toolkit can be too complex for today’s policymaking pace. Evaluations, fitness checks, and impact assessments remain essential for evidence-based proposals, yet the Commission says it must also be able to act swiftly in volatile geopolitical and economic conditions.

For regulated sectors such as chemicals, where policy shifts can cascade from upstream substances to downstream products, timing and clarity matter. Faster decision-making can reduce uncertainty, but it can also shorten the runway for compliance planning if consultation and assessment stages are tightened.

Smarter Consultations And Less Stakeholder Fatigue

The document notes that stakeholders may be contacted repeatedly via multiple channels, including public consultations, targeted surveys, expert groups, implementation dialogues, and reality checks. This repeated engagement can contribute to stakeholder fatigue and reduce the usefulness of responses. The Commission references calls for a “once-only” approach to gathering essential information and signals interest in better matching consultation tools to the nature of an initiative, whether highly technical or more general.

What To Watch For Across The Value Chain

If consultation processes become more targeted, companies may see fewer broad questionnaires and more focused requests for evidence. That raises the importance of traceable data on substance uses, exposure scenarios, substitution options, and cost impacts, not only for manufacturers but also for formulators, importers, distributors, and product brands.

Simplicity By Design For Clearer EU Rules

A third pillar is “simplicity by design”, aiming for legislation that is clearer, easier to implement and transpose, more enforceable, and less burdensome. The Commission highlights choices of legal instruments and approaches, as well as digital-ready policymaking and standard clauses, as areas for reflection.

Summary

The Commission’s call for evidence on the EU Better Regulation Framework points to reforms that prioritise proportionality, smarter consultations, and simpler rules, with a Communication planned for Q2 2026. For chemicals and manufacturing stakeholders, the direction of travel suggests tighter timelines for policy signals and a premium on high-quality, reuseable evidence across the supply chain.