Parliament's economic committee has approved changes to the Law on Technical Requirements for Products in the second reading. The changes are meant to get goods needed in a crisis onto the market faster, so they do not run short and consumers stay protected.

In mid-October, parliament passed the bill in the first reading with 137 votes in favour and none against. Fourteen MPs abstained.

Where it began: MPs back faster market access for goods in a crisis in first reading

The Council of Ministers submitted the bill. It brings Directive (EU) 2024/2749 into Bulgarian law, and it also provides for the application of Regulation (EU) 2024/2748. Together, the two acts amend 15 directives and regulations that Bulgaria has already adopted under the same law.

The new rules apply when the usual checks of whether a product meets requirements cannot be done within the normal time limits. In that case, the notified bodies that carry out these checks will deal with applications for such goods first.

Once a product is shown to meet the essential safety requirements, the head of the State Agency for Metrological and Technical Surveillance will be able to allow it onto the market. He will also recognise approvals issued in other EU countries.

Manufacturers will confirm that their products comply with their own declaration, and on their own responsibility.

The changes also provide for tougher market surveillance, tracing of goods and the option to impose restrictive measures.