This Week in Construction & Housing — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Decisions on biocidal product use for cultural heritage; new standards for pressure equipment; anti-dumping registration for glass beads; folpet and MIT expiry postponed.
September 28, 2026 to October 04, 2026
Decisions on biocidal product use for cultural heritage; new standards for pressure equipment; anti-dumping registration for glass beads; folpet and MIT expiry postponed.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
New harmonised standards for pressure equipment adopted under Directive 2014/68/EU
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2211 of 1 October 2026 amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/165 regarding harmonised standards for refrigerating systems, heat pumps, LPG equipment, cryogenic vessels, and welding and brazing. The changes support Directive 2014/68/EU and include updates to standards such as EN 10253-2:2021+A1:2025 and EN 12953-2:2025. Revised standards are listed in Annex I, with some older versions withdrawn to ensure consistency. The revised standards confer presumption of conformity under Directive 2014/68/EU, with certain transitional arrangements for manufacturers. The Decision enters into force on publication, with some provisions applying from 2 April 2028.
Imports of glass beads from China subject to anti-dumping registration
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2162 of 29 September 2026 makes imports of solid glass microspheres (glass beads) from China subject to registration. This follows the initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding announced on 16 July 2026 (OJ C/2026/3713). The measure covers glass beads not exceeding 2 mm in diameter under specified CN codes and will allow retroactive levy of anti-dumping duties if imposed. Registration is set for nine months, and any future liability will depend on the investigation's findings, with dumping margins estimated at 77.48% for the reference period.
Slovakia authorised to use ethylene oxide biocides for cultural heritage protection
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2153 of 28 September 2026 allows Slovakia to authorise biocidal products containing ethylene oxide for protecting cultural heritage, including archives, until 31 July 2031. The derogation under Article 55(3) of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 follows Slovakia's submission citing lack of effective alternatives and essential need for ethylene oxide in controlling biological contamination. The decision specifies safety and environmental controls for use in specialised facilities.
Italy granted permission to authorise sulfuryl fluoride biocides for heritage wood structures
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2142 of 25 September 2026 enables Italy to authorise the use of the biocidal product 'Vikane' (containing sulfuryl fluoride) for large-scale, non-movable cultural heritage objects with wooden parts, until 30 September 2031. The derogation is based on Article 55(3) of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, following Italy's application. Sulfuryl fluoride is considered essential for treating wood-boring insect infestations where alternatives are unsuitable for large structures.
Poland allowed ethylene oxide biocides for cultural heritage protection
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2146 of 25 September 2026 grants Poland authorisation to use biocidal products containing ethylene oxide for protecting cultural heritage, including archives, until 31 July 2031. The measure is granted under Article 55(3) of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 due to lack of effective alternatives for mass decontamination and preservation of valuable collections.
Expiry date of folpet approval for biocidal product-type 9 postponed to 2029
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2151 of 25 September 2026 postpones the expiry date of folpet approval for use in biocidal products of product-type 9 to 31 March 2029. The decision is based on delays in evaluation and ensures continued approval while the renewal application is considered. No postponement is made for product-type 7, whose approval expires on 30 September 2026.
Expiry date of 2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one approval for biocidal product-type 13 postponed to 2029
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2127 of 24 September 2026 postpones the expiry date of 2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one approval for use in biocidal products of product-type 13 to 31 March 2029. The postponement reflects delays in the evaluation process, particularly regarding developmental neurotoxicity data.
