This Week in Healthcare — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Union Customs Code overhaul adopted; authorisations for biocidal products and feed additives; avian influenza emergency zones updated; Japan joins Horizon Europe.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Union Customs Code overhaul adopted; authorisations for biocidal products and feed additives; avian influenza emergency zones updated; Japan joins Horizon Europe.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission proposes measures to strengthen fair labour mobility and digitalise qualification recognition
The European Commission adopted the Fair Labour Mobility package on 14 September 2026, introducing legislative proposals to guarantee clear social rights across the EU workforce, including healthcare and qualification recognition. The package features new regulations on the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS), a Skills Portability Act, reinforcement of the European Labour Authority (ELA), and directives on professional qualifications and third-country nationals. Digitalisation will enable social security and health documents to be issued and verified online, with integration into the EU Digital Identity Wallet. The Commission estimates these measures could deliver €6 billion in benefits by 2040 through faster recognition and reduced administrative costs for businesses, healthcare providers, and authorities. The proposals respond to EU leaders’ calls to enhance worker mobility and address skills shortages, and will be phased in following adoption by the European Parliament and the Council.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 establishes Union Customs Code and creates European Union Customs Authority
Regulation (EU) 2026/2108, adopted on 16 September 2026 (CELEX: 32026R2108), replaces Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 and overhauls the Union Customs Code, establishing the European Union Customs Authority and the EU Customs Data Hub. The regulation introduces new digital processes for customs supervision, risk management, and market surveillance, including requirements for healthcare products and medical devices. The code sets harmonised rules for the movement of goods, data sharing among authorities, and protection of public health and safety at EU borders. Provisions related to distance sales and the Customs Authority will apply from July 2028.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2061 authorises narasin and diclazuril (Interban) as feed additive for chickens
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2061 of 17 September 2026 (CELEX: 32026R2061) authorises a preparation of narasin and diclazuril (Interban) as a feed additive for chickens for fattening and reared for laying, held by Elanco GmbH. The regulation follows a favourable EFSA opinion (EFSA Journal 2026;24:e9963) on safety for target species, consumers, and the environment. The additive is classified as a coccidiostat and histomonostat; monitoring for resistance and user protection measures are required.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2074 authorises Bacillus subtilis DSM 33862 and Lentilactobacillus buchneri DSM 12856 as feed additive
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2074 of 17 September 2026 (CELEX: 32026R2074) authorises a preparation of Bacillus subtilis DSM 33862 and Lentilactobacillus buchneri DSM 12856 as a feed additive for all animal species. Classified as a technological additive and acidity regulator, the additive was found by EFSA (EFSA Journal 2026;24:e9876) to be safe for animals, consumers, and the environment, with risks for users addressed by protective measures.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2109 amends emergency zones for highly pathogenic avian influenza in France
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2109 of 17 September 2026 (CELEX: 32026D2109) updates the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447, revising protection and surveillance zones in France following new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Maine-et-Loire. The decision, adopted under Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, adapts emergency measures to reflect the current epidemiological situation.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2042 grants Union authorisation for OXTERIL® 350 VHP biocidal product
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2042 of 11 September 2026 (CELEX: 32026R2042) authorises OXTERIL® 350 VHP, containing hydrogen peroxide, for product-types 2 and 4, under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012. The decision is based on the European Chemicals Agency's opinion and aligns the expiry date with the related reference product family.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2050 grants Union authorisation for Hydrogen peroxide biocidal product family
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2050 of 11 September 2026 (CELEX: 32026R2050) grants Union authorisation to MELLERUD CHEMIE GMBH for the Hydrogen peroxide biocidal product family for product-types 2 and 4. The authorisation, valid from 4 October 2026 until 31 January 2036, is based on the assessment of the related reference product.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2051 grants Union authorisation for Hydrogen peroxide product family P&G
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2051 of 11 September 2026 (CELEX: 32026R2051) grants Union authorisation to Procter & Gamble Services Company NV for the Hydrogen peroxide product family P&G for product-type 2. The expiry aligns with the related reference product family.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2054 grants Union authorisation for Hydrogen peroxides biocides family
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2054 of 11 September 2026 (CELEX: 32026R2054) authorises ILR GmbH's Hydrogen peroxides biocides family for product-types 2 and 4, under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012. The authorisation is valid from 4 October 2026 until 31 January 2036.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2053 grants Union authorisation for Glutaraldehyde formulations
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2053 of 10 September 2026 (CELEX: 32026R2053) grants Union authorisation to Solenis Switzerland GmbH for Glutaraldehyde formulations for product-types 6, 11, and 12. The authorisation, valid from 4 October 2026 until 30 September 2030, is based on the ECHA's assessment.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2044 amends authorisation of Sure Lactic Family biocidal product
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2044 of 11 September 2026 (CELEX: 32026R2044) amends the authorisation for the Sure Lactic Family biocidal product family, updating administrative changes as notified by Diversey Europe Operations B.V. and endorsed by the European Chemicals Agency.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2046 amends authorisation for SOPUROXID biocidal product family
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2046 of 14 September 2026 (CELEX: 32026R2046) introduces administrative and minor changes to the Union authorisation for the SOPUROXID biocidal product family, following a review by the European Chemicals Agency.
EU Council
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2065 enables Japan's participation in Union programmes, including Horizon Europe
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2065 of 14 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026D2065) authorises the signing and provisional application of the Agreement between the EU and the Government of Japan on participation in Union programmes. The agreement establishes terms for Japan's association to Pillar II of Horizon Europe, enabling Japanese entities to participate in research and innovation projects.
What We're Reading This Week
- All your docs in one app? New EU e-wallet could solve admin issues: The EU is developing a unified digital wallet to streamline access to personal documents and simplify administrative processes.
- Video. US push to cut drug prices could mean longer waits for European patients: Efforts to lower U.S. drug prices may prompt pharmaceutical companies to delay new medicine launches in Europe.
- Video. Increase in air pollution takes a toll on your sleep: Rising air pollution levels are linked to poorer sleep quality and increased sleep disturbances, according to recent studies.
- Video. Mental health: Deaths by suicide see a small decline in the EU: Suicide rates across the EU have slightly decreased, signaling possible progress in mental health efforts and prevention strategies.
