European Materials Handling Federation
FEM
The FEM mission is to represent the technical, economic and political interests of the industry, and communicate with the European institutions on its concerns and needs.
ID: 24068881115-97
Lobbying Activity
Meeting with Inge Bernaerts (Director Competition) and
15 Jan 2026 · FEM represents the producers of material handling equipment such as cranes, lifting equipment, industrial trucks, etc. FEM wanted to discuss the competitiveness challenges currently facing its member companies and to discuss potential remedies.
Meeting with Barbara Bonvissuto (Director Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)
15 Jan 2026 · Introduction of FEM – European Materials handling Federation - and exchange of views on sector challenges
Meeting with Gabriela Tschirkova (Cabinet of Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis)
15 Jan 2026 · Competitiveness challenges of the materials handling sector
Response to Omnibus Regulation Aligning product legislation with the digital age
3 Sept 2025
FEM, the European Materials Handling Federation, welcomes the European Commissions proposal for an Omnibus Regulation Aligning product legislation with the digital age. The initiative is a significant step forward the modernisation of EU product legislation and simplification of compliance procedures. However, we would like to express our concerns regarding the proposed amendments to the Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 concerning batteries and waste batteries as regards the digitalisation of the instruction and safety information for stationary battery energy storage systems, and the Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on machinery as regards end-user request of instructions or safety information in paper format. Please find attached our recommendations for more details.
Read full responseResponse to Rationalisation of reporting obligations
19 Dec 2023
FEM fully endorses this proposed Directive that amends Directive 2000/14/EC by deleting Articles 16 and 20(1), point (a). We have consistently observed that the reporting requirements outlined in these articles impose significant administrative and financial burdens on manufacturers within our sector. The process of complying with these requirements demands substantial resources, both in terms of manpower and financial investment. This not only diverts valuable resources from more productive and innovative activities but also places an unnecessary strain on the operational efficiency of our member organisations. The proposed deletion of these articles represents a forward-thinking approach to regulatory reform. It aligns with the broader objectives of the European Union to create a more streamlined, efficient, and innovation-friendly business environment. Moreover, the simplification of these administrative processes will allow manufacturers to concentrate on more impactful and meaningful compliance activities. In conclusion, FEM appreciates the opportunity to participate in this public consultation and strongly supports the proposed amendment to Directive 2000/14/EC. We believe this change will bring about a more conducive environment for growth and innovation in the materials handling sector.
Read full responseResponse to Update of the methods of measurement of airborne noise emitted by equipment for use outdoors
1 Jun 2023
FEM welcomes the alignment of the noise measurement standards between the Outdoor Noise Directive 2000/14/EC (OND) and the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and is deeply appreciative of the European Commission for incorporating a significant number of our recommendations into the draft Delegated Regulation's development phase. Given that we do not have additional recommendations to provide to the European Commission, after having analysed the last version of the revised Annex III Delegated Act, our contribution below consists of a statement we provided to the European Commission back in August last year, on the equipment category covering standards related to lift trucks. Please refer to the full statement attached.
Read full responseMeeting with Alin Mituța (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Bundesverband deutscher Banken e.V. and Alibaba
11 Jul 2022 · Data Act
Response to Data Act (including the review of the Directive 96/9/EC on the legal protection of databases)
13 May 2022
FEM welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to foster the EU data economy. The transition of the EU to a data-driven economy will generate a considerably positive impact on the future growth and competitiveness of European industries. Materials handling equipment in operation has already become smart. Sensors and other devices make it possible to monitor the activity and performance of equipment and also perform some services remotely, such as maintenance and repair. Materials handling equipment consequently generates a substantial quantity of industrial data. Data has now become an essential innovation driver, and our companies have generally embraced the digital revolution, while some are even driving it.
While supporting the objectives of the proposed Data Act, FEM believes that some of its provisions would disproportionately limit the potential for our companies to use data to drive their innovation and competitiveness. A data-driven economy cannot function efficiently without a legal framework that stimulates a competitive data market. FEM therefore suggests a number of modifications.
You can find the FEM position paper including main positions on the Data Act attached. We are currently working on a more detailed position paper, which will be finalised in the summer.
Read full response13 Apr 2022
FEM would like to provide feedback on the documents of the public consultation regarding the Delegated Regulation:
"Amending Annexes I, II, IV and V to Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the technical requirements for vehicles produced in unlimited series, vehicles produced in small series, fully automated vehicles produced in small series and special purpose vehicles, and as regards software update".
FEM supports the timely Commission draft regulation proposal and strongly welcomes the proposed transitional provisions for Special Purpose Vehicles, which mobile crane manufacturers need to adapt their many different mobile cranes.
Regarding Annex II, Part III, Appendix 5 Mobile Cranes, item G6 (‘cranckase [sic] emissions’), FEM still has one major concern:
Item: G6
Subject: Crankcase emissions
Regulatory Act: Regulation (EC) No 595/2009
Draft Delegated Regulation: X (i. e. full application of the regulatory act, see Appendix 1)
FEM recommendation item G6: X Alternatively, Regulation (EU) 2016/1628 may apply
Comment/Justification:
In mobile cranes engines acc. regulation (EC) No 595/2009 are not used. Remark should be identical to G3, G4, and G9 to G12 in order to allow use of Regulation (EU) 2016/1628.
Please let us know if you have any additional questions or need for further information.
Read full responseMeeting with David Cormand (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Orgalim – Europe's Technology Industries and
5 Oct 2021 · Machinery regulation
Response to Revision of the Machinery Directive
9 Aug 2021
FEM (European Materials Handling Federation) considers the Machinery Directive as one of the most important pieces of legislation for material handling manufacturers. Not only has it provided the highest level of machinery safety in the world, but it has also enabled the material handling industry to continue innovating, thriving and taking the lead in many segments.
In this context, FEM industry’s very first priority is to ensure that the future Regulation maintains such a balance between safety and innovation whilst offering the necessary predictability for manufacturers and users alike. With this in mind, FEM would like to put forward its position on the Machinery Regulation proposal which can be found in attachment.
Read full responseResponse to Modernising the EU’s batteries legislation
9 Jul 2020
FEM represents European manufacturers of materials handling, lifting and storage equipment. Our members produce equipment that enables the movement, storage, control and protection of materials, goods and products.
FEM welcomes the European Commission’s inception impact assessment on the modernisation of EU rules on batteries. This roadmap lists the current issues the future legislation will address, providing visibility on the possible future regulatory landscape.
The materials handling industry covers various types of equipment, both stationary and mobile, which are all professional equipment. The batteries used by FEM equipment currently fall under the “industrial batteries” categorisation.
We strongly support the current batteries classification based on the intended use of the battery. We acknowledge that for other products the distinction between portable and industrial batteries can be challenging to draw and that options such as weight thresholds are being considered. We caution against introducing weight thresholds as an indicator to differentiate between battery categories as this could arbitrarily change the classification of some existing lightweight industrial batteries. This would pose challenges for companies in the B2B industries who already have defined existing responsibilities and provide services for the collection and treatment of batteries.
We strongly support the European Commission’s objective to develop more sustainable batteries in Europe. Our companies are committed to deliver even more sustainable products. Indeed, sustainability has become a key part of our companies’ business strategy, showing that more than ever it is essential to adapt to new challenges. We believe however that any requirements as regards the design, durability or recyclability of batteries would be more suitably addressed under standardisation.
Similarly, in order to provide information to waste treatment operators and recyclers, we believe that any new measures such as colour-coding schemes should align with existing standards, most notably EN IEC 62902 Secondary cells and batteries - Marking symbols for identification of their chemistry.
As regards the end of life treatment, FEM members already engage in extended producer responsibility practices by either providing services for the proper collection and treatment of batteries or providing information on proper disposal according to national rules.
Lastly, it is our understanding that sustainability requirements such as the introduction of a Product Environmental Footprint declaration, or sustainable sourcing will address mainly the batteries used in passenger vehicles and would not target non-road mobile machinery used in professional applications. Should these considerations change, we welcome the opportunity to provide more detailed input on these measures.
Read full responseResponse to Revision of the Machinery Directive
8 Feb 2019
FEM (the European Materials Handling Federation) would like to provide its contribution to the inception impact assessment on the revision of the Machinery Directive. More details can be found in the attachment.
Read full response20 Jul 2018
Please find in attachment the FEM input on the proposal for a Regulation complementing EU type approval legislation in view of BREXIT preparedness.
Read full responseResponse to Proposal for a Regulation on Enforcement and Compliance in the Single Market for Goods (Goods package)
16 Mar 2018
Please find attached the FEM input on the Commission proposal for a Regulation on enforcement and compliance in the Single Market for Goods.
Read full responseResponse to Noise emission by outdoor equipment
18 Dec 2017
FEM is the European federation representing manufacturers of materials handling, lifting and storage equipment. Several types of FEM equipment are affected by the Outdoor Noise Directive (2000/14/EC), notably industrial trucks, mobile elevating work platforms, cranes & lifting equipment, hoists and conveyor belts.
First, FEM would like to thank the European Commission for the opportunity to provide feedback on the ‘inception impact assessment’. Since the Outdoor Noise Directive (OND) impacts the materials handling industry, FEM would like to share its views on the future of this legislation.
FEM supports a full revision of the OND, including the alignment with the New Legislative Framework, conversion into a regulation and substantial amendments to the legal act (‘Policy option 3’).
The alignment with the New Legislative Framework and conversion into a regulation (‘Policy option 2’) are a positive step forward. However, further substantial changes are necessary to address shortcomings identified in the inception impact assessment.
Indeed, FEM calls for a change in the conformity assessment procedure: self-certification should be enabled for all equipment types (both Article 12 and Article 13). This will reduce the administrative burden, the time required to place new equipment on the market, as well as costs for manufacturers and, consequently, for end-users.
In addition, FEM supports adapting the noise measurement methods (also called ‘test codes’) to refer to European or international standards. Measurement methods should also be removed from the main body of the legal act to facilitate the update according to technological progress.
We also support the withdrawal of the current database and reporting obligation (Article 16) to reduce the administrative burden for both the industry and the European Commission. This could be replaced by indication of the noise level in sales literature.
Although certain provisions must be improved, the current OND scope and noise limits should be maintained for materials handling, lifting and storage equipment. This is of the utmost necessity to protect the competitiveness of the European industry on external markets and its world leader position.
In fact, the noise aspect is addressed only in a few countries outside Europe. In addition, the noise emission of machinery is not a key purchase criterion. Therefore, low noise requirements in Europe provide no competitive advantage. It should be noted that nearly 50% of our production value goes to exports outside the EU and our trade balance is largely positive (+€16bn in 2016).
However, we acknowledge that modifying the test codes for specific equipment will impact the measured noise limit value. Therefore, the latter should be revised to preserve the stringency level in line with the current legislation.
Finally, we support maintaining the current noise marking that has been implemented for around 15 years. Any modification will lead to unnecessary confusion amongst manufacturers and consumers and additional costs.
Read full responseResponse to Ecodesign requirements for electronic displays
18 Jan 2017
FEM is the European federation representing manufacturers of materials handling, lifting and storage equipment.
Several types of FEM equipment will be impacted by the Ecodesign regulation on electronic displays as currently drafted. Indeed, electronic displays are integrated into various types of materials handling, lifting and storage equipment, notably industrial trucks, including electrical warehouse trucks, mobile elevating work platforms, and intralogistic systems equipment, including stacker cranes. Therefore, FEM would like to provide its views on the draft Ecodesign regulation on electronic displays in the context of the public consultation.
First, the Ecodesign Directive (Article 15.4(b)) requires that an assessment be carried out to consider impacts on the environment, consumers, manufacturers, innovation, costs and benefits. This impact assessment has not been done for a vast range of equipment affected by the current scope, including materials handling, lifting and storage equipment.
In addition, the Ecodesign Directive (Article 15.4(d)) requires an appropriate consultation with stakeholders during the preparation of a draft implementing measure. Product manufacturers integrating displays into other equipment, such as FEM members, have not been contacted and the present consultation is, in our view, insufficient.
Therefore all displays integrated, or intended to be integrated, into other products should be excluded. We suggest amending Article 1.5 of the draft regulation by a derogation for “all displays integrated into or intended to be integrated into other products, except TVs and computer monitors”.
We believe that displays “intended to be integrated into” should benefit from a similar exclusion as that which applies to integrated displays. This is necessary to ensure fair treatment of displays placed on the EU market prior to their integration. Otherwise, the regulation may result in market distortions, notably between equipment manufactured in the EU and imported equipment.
Our concerns on the need to exclude displays “intended to be integrated into” also arise in the current Article 1.4. The regulation should also exempt displays “intended to be integrated into” industrial machinery (Article 1.4(f)) and equipment whose main function is status display or control and function activation (Article 1.4(g)).
As far as resource efficiency requirements are concerned, the current draft regulation raises uncertainties on the share of obligations, notably for displays integrated into other products. It is unclear which requirements should be fulfilled by display manufacturers and equipment manufacturers.
Finally, allowing only the use of double-sided adhesive tape to seal some components, such as batteries and display panels, inside the electronic display is far too intrusive and prescriptive. Such a requirement could negatively impact the functionality of the product, notably in harsh environment, and industry’s competitiveness. This conflicts with the criteria for Ecodesign implementation measures, provided in Article 15.5 of the Ecodesign Directive, such as not imposing negative impact on industry’s competitiveness and proprietary technology on manufacturers.
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