Brussels, 21 May 2025
The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) warmly welcomes today’s publication of the European Commission’s new Single Market Strategy, which sets a clear direction for a more harmonised, simplified, and business-friendly EU internal market.
FESI is particularly encouraged to see fragmented labelling requirements and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes identified among the “Terrible Ten” barriers the Strategy commits to dismantling. These have long posed significant challenges to both large brands and SMEs in the sporting goods sector, creating administrative complexity, unnecessary waste, and obstacles to scaling sustainable practices across borders.
“The recognition of packaging, labelling and EPR fragmentation as major market barriers is a direct reflection of the concerns our industry has raised for years,” said Jérôme Pero, Secretary General of FESI. “Today’s Strategy is a step in the right direction – we now want to see those words turned into action.”
The Strategy’s proposed harmonisation of labelling rules through digital solutions such as QR codes and the Digital Product Passport, as well as the commitment to simplify and streamline EPR schemes via a digital one-stop shop, represent clear and concrete responses to FESI’s recent recommendations. These changes promise significant relief for businesses—particularly SMEs—struggling with diverging national compliance requirements.
However, FESI also notes with concern that today’s announcement comes just days after the European Commission approved the French Ecoscore system—a move that appears at odds with the Strategy’s stated aim to prevent further regulatory fragmentation.
“We welcome the Strategy’s ambitions, but coherence will be key. Approving national measures like Ecoscore while committing to harmonisation raises questions. We urge the Commission to ensure its own actions do not undermine the goals it has set today,” added Jérôme Pero.
FESI stands ready to support the implementation phase and looks forward to working with the Commission and Member States to ensure fast, effective and enforceable outcomes. The European sporting goods industry—made up predominantly of SMEs—is eager to contribute to a more competitive, sustainable, and truly integrated Single Market.
More information about FESI position and recommendations here.
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About FESI: Founded in 1960 FESI, the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry, is the unique pre-competitive platform representing the interests of the sporting goods industry in Europe, advancing its members’ priorities and promoting initiatives that benefit the sector, EU citizens and the society as a whole. FESI represents the interests of approximately 1.800 sporting goods manufacturers (85% of the European market) through its National Sporting Goods Industry Federations and its directly affiliated member companies. 70-75% of FESI’s membership is made up of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. In total, the European Sporting Goods Industry employs over 700.000 EU citizens and has an annual turnover of some 81 billion euro.
Media contact: Ariane Gatti – FESI Senior Communication & Policy Manager / [email protected] / +32 (0) 2 762 86 48
