Industrieverband Schneid- und Haushaltwaren

IVSH

Der Industrieverband Schneid- und Haushaltwaren ist ein Bundesverband und in seiner Rolle als legitime und einzige, allgemeine Interessenvertretung der deutschen Schneid- und Haushaltwarenindustrie wichtiger Gesprächspartner von Politik und Wirtschaft.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Michael Wimmer (Director Secretariat-General)

12 Dec 2025 · Exchange of views on simplification and better regulation

Response to Food and Feed Safety Simplification Omnibus

12 Oct 2025

The Industrieverband Schneid- und Haushaltwaren e.V. (IVSH) welcomes the European Commissions initiative to simplify and streamline food and feed safety legislation through the current Omnibus process. While we recognize that not all of the following points in our attached position paper fall directly within the scope of this initiative, we nonetheless wish to highlight them as important considerations for future regulatory development and potential extension of the scope of the omnibus (as we see strong evidence for doing so) particularly in the context of the long-awaited revision of Framework Regulation 1935/2004 on Food Contact Materials (FCMs).
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Response to Adjustment of the obligation to surrender CBAM certificates to take account of ETS free allowances phase-out

22 Sept 2025

As IVSH we welcome the Commissions initiative regarding CBAM certificates and adjustements. However, we would like to emphasize once again a key point from our previous input on the downstream extension: For CBAM to achieve its climate and competitiveness objectives, it is essential to fully include downstream goods such as cookware, cutlery, and other metal-intensive household products. Excluding these products creates a risk of carbon leakage, distorts competition, and undermines both environmental and economic goals. Only by covering downstream goods can CBAM ensure a level playing field and prevent the relocation of value-added production outside the EU. For further details and concrete recommendations, please refer to our attached position paper (joint position with FEC). Attachment: IVSH/FEC Position Paper CBAM Downstream (August 2025)
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Response to Carbon price paid in a third country under the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM)

22 Sept 2025

As IVSH we welcome the Commissions initiative to set rules for converting third-country carbon prices into CBAM certificates. However, we would like to emphasize once again a key point from our previous input on the downstream extension: For CBAM to achieve its climate and competitiveness objectives, it is essential to fully include downstream goods such as cookware, cutlery, and other metal-intensive household products. Excluding these products creates a risk of carbon leakage, distorts competition, and undermines both environmental and economic goals. Only by covering downstream goods can CBAM ensure a level playing field and prevent the relocation of value-added production outside the EU. For further details and concrete recommendations, please refer to our attached position paper (joint position with FEC). Attachment: IVSH/FEC Position Paper CBAM Downstream (August 2025)
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Response to Digital Fairness Act

22 Sept 2025

Der Industrieverband Schneid- und Haushaltwaren (IVSH) begrüßt die Konsultation zum Digital Fairness Act (DFA). Der Verband betont die Notwendigkeit, die Rolle und Versäumnisse großer Online-Plattformen im Warenverkehr und bei Verbraucherprodukten stärker zu adressieren. Der DFA sollte sich auf die Durchsetzung von Verbraucherschutz und -rechten konzentrieren und gleichzeitig verhältnismäßige Vorgaben für europäische KMU sicherstellen. Weitere Informationen finden Sie im Anhang des Dokuments.
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Response to Consumer Agenda 2025-2030 and Action Plan on Consumers in the Single Market

28 Aug 2025

Der Industrieverband Schneid- und Haushaltwaren vertritt - als allgemeine und einzige Interessenvertretung der deutschen Schneid- und Haushaltswarenindustrie - nahezu alle Unternehmen der Branche (die für zehntausende Arbeitsplätze und Umsätze in Milliardenhöhe stehen) und versteht sich als zeitgemäße, konstruktive und effiziente Plattform zur Bündelung und Fokussierung der Interessen, Themen und Potenziale unserer Branche. Die Schneid- und Haushaltswarenindustrie ist ein unverzichtbarer Bestandteil der deutschen Wirtschaft und des Alltages von Abermillionen. Unsere Produkte bereichern den Alltag, bringen Menschen zusammen und stehen für Qualität, Tradition und Innovation Made in Germany. Bitte finden Sie unsere Stellungnahme zur Verbraucheragenda 2025-2030 anbei.
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Response to Extension of the scope of the carbon border adjustment mechanism to downstream products and anti-circumvention measures

15 Aug 2025

FEC and IVSH generally support the EUs CBAM mechanism but warn that the current CBAM design creates major competitive distortions. Excluding downstream products in our sector (e.g., cookware, cutlery, household goods with >70% metal content) risks carbon leakage, production shifts, and job losses. Key recommendations: Extend CBAM scope to eleven priority customs codes for downstream products in our sector to ensure fairness and impact. Introduce export compensation (e.g., inward processing or full retrocession of CBAM certificates). Implement anti-circumvention measures (to prevent misreporting, customs code manipulation, and resource shuffling). Align timelines for CBAM extension, phase-out of free allowances, and export rules. These steps are essential to ensure fair competition, protect climate objectives, and maintain EU industrial capacity and competitiveness and avoid the beforementioned negative implications. See full details in the attached document.
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Response to Burden reduction and simplification for competitiveness of small mid-cap enterprises - Omnibus Regulation

7 Jul 2025

The IVSH represents the interests of manufacturers of cutlery, household, kitchenware and bodycare products in Germany and the Austria and Switzerland, with a strong focus on consumer safety, regulatory compliance, and innovation. The sector plays a vital role in the European single market, ensuring safe and sustainable products for everyday use while contributing significantly to employment (in Germany alone roughly 25.000) and economic value creation (total turnover in Germany 4-8 billions). In the context of the ongoing consultation on the European Commissions proposal to amend Directive (EU) 2016/679, (EU) 2016/1036, (EU) 2016/1037, (EU) 2017/1129, (EU) 2023/1542 und (EU) 2024/573 , plus resp. related legislation to extend certain SME-specific relief measures to small mid-cap enterprises (SMCs), IVSH would like to contribute its position. We strongly support the Commissions objective to reduce regulatory burdens and facilitate the growth of enterprises that have outgrown the SME definition. The proposed directive is a welcome step toward a more proportionate and innovation-friendly regulatory framework. At the same time, we wish to highlight a key concern: even if SMCs are formally exempted from certain obligations, they may still face indirect compliance burdens through their role in the supply chains of larger companies. This issue must be addressed more forcefully to ensure that relief is not only formal but also functional. Our detailed assessment and recommendations are outlined in the attached position paper. We remain available for further dialogue and thank you for considering our input.
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Response to Burden reduction and simplification for competitiveness of small mid-cap enterprises - Omnibus Directive

25 Jun 2025

In the context of the ongoing consultation on the European Commissions proposal to amend Directive 2014/65/EU and 2022/2557, plus resp. related legislation to extend certain SME-specific relief measures to small mid-cap enterprises (SMCs), IVSH would like to contribute its position. We strongly support the Commissions objective to reduce regulatory burdens and facilitate the growth of enterprises that have outgrown the SME definition. The proposed directive is a welcome step toward a more proportionate and innovation-friendly regulatory framework. At the same time, we wish to highlight a key concern: even if SMCs are formally exempted from certain obligations, they may still face indirect compliance burdens through their role in the supply chains of larger companies. This issue must be addressed more forcefully to ensure that relief is not only formal but also functional. Our detailed assessment and recommendations are outlined in the attached position paper. We remain available for further dialogue and thank you for considering our input.
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Response to Omnibus Directive Aligning product legislation with the digital age

25 Jun 2025

On behalf of the Industrieverband Schneid- und Haushaltwaren e.V. (IVSH) and in cooperation with the Federation of the European Cookware and Cutlery Industries (FEC), we are pleased to submit our joint position paper on the Digital Product Passport (DPP) / digital product information in the context of the ongoing consultation on the Omnibus Regulation initiatives. Please find our position paper attached. We welcome the Commissions ambition to enhance sustainability and transparency and strongly welcome the Commissions efforts to reduce burecratic burdens through the omnibus legislation - esp. for SME. However, we would like to stress a critical prerequisite for its success: the DPP/digital information on products framework must be built on efficient core standards that ensure interoperability while allowing for sector-specific implementation and needs. A one-size-fits-all approach is not feasible given the diversity of product categories and regulatory environments across industries. Our sector composed largely of SMEs faces significant challenges due to overlapping and sometimes contradictory requirements (e.g. GPSR, Regulation 1935/2004, MDR, EcoDesign, EUDR, etc.). These redundancies create disproportionate burdens, especially for smaller businesses and an overreaching complexity. The initiative must therefore more strongly be designed to reduce complexity, not add to it. Here we call for a overall harmonization (for effective and lean standards, no gold-plating) of existing various redundancies and reducement of complexity. An option might be a phased / staged approach towards digital product information (see attachment). Even important: Manufacturers should determine the suitable format of information based on the nature of the product and targeted end-users/customers, taking into account the intended use in each individual case and applying state of the art technology for information transfers. Making product information in digital form available via the internet, for example by scanning a QR code, should be accepted as state of the art. Our key recommendations: Minimal viable standards: Define only essential, cross-sectoral requirements at EU level, while enabling sectors to develop tailored solutions, for example through their associations. Phased implementation: Introduce the DPP gradually to allow time for technical and regulatory adaptation, especially for SMEs. Support for SMEs: Ensure the system is cost-effective, user-friendly, and avoids unnecessary bureaucracy. Integration/Harmonization with existing regulations: Use the DPP as a tool to streamline and harmonize compliance, not duplicate it. Protection of trade secrets: Safeguard sensitive business information through clear access controls and digital rights management. Level playing field: Ensure that non-EU actors are held to the same standards to avoid competitive disadvantages for European companies. We remain committed to constructive dialogue and collaboration with EU institutions to ensure that the DPP becomes a practical, efficient, and innovation-friendly tool for all stakeholders.
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Response to Omnibus Regulation Aligning product legislation with the digital age

25 Jun 2025

On behalf of the Industrieverband Schneid- und Haushaltwaren e.V. (IVSH) and in cooperation wit the Federation of the European Cookware and Cutlery Industries (FEC), we are pleased to submit our joint position paper on the Digital Product Passport (DPP) / digital product information in the context of the ongoing consultation on the Omnibus Regulation initiatives. Please find our position paper attached. We welcome the Commissions ambition to enhance sustainability and transparency and strongly welcome the Commissions efforts to reduce burecratic burdens through the omnibus legislation - esp. for SME. However, we would like to stress a critical prerequisite for its success: the DPP/digital information on products framework must be built on efficient core standards that ensure interoperability while allowing for sector-specific implementation and needs. A one-size-fits-all approach is not feasible given the diversity of product categories and regulatory environments across industries. Our sectorcomposed largely of SMEsfaces significant challenges due to overlapping and sometimes contradictory requirements (e.g. GPSR, Regulation 1935/2004, MDR, EcoDesign, EUDR, etc.). These redundancies create disproportionate burdens, especially for smaller businesses and an overreaching complexity. The initiative must therefore more strongly be designed to reduce complexity, not add to it. Here we call for a overall harmonization (for effetive and leand standards, no gold-plating) of exinting variuos redundancies and reducement of complexity. An option mitght be a phased / staged apporach towards digital product information (see attchement). Even important: Manufacturers should determine the suitable format of information based on the nature of the product and targeted end-users/customers, taking into account the intended use in each individual case and applying state of the art technology for information transfers. Making product information in digital form available via the internet, for example by scanning a QR code, should be accepted as state of the art. Our key recommendations: Minimal viable standards: Define only essential, cross-sectoral requirements at EU level, while enabling sectors to develop tailored solutions, for example through their associations. Phased implementation: Introduce the DPP gradually to allow time for technical and regulatory adaptation, especially for SMEs. Support for SMEs: Ensure the system is cost-effective, user-friendly, and avoids unnecessary bureaucracy. Integration/Harmonization with existing regulations: Use the DPP as a tool to streamline and harmonize compliance, not duplicate it. Protection of trade secrets: Safeguard sensitive business information through clear access controls and digital rights management. Level playing field: Ensure that non-EU actors are held to the same standards to avoid competitive disadvantages for European companies. We remain committed to constructive dialogue and collaboration with EU institutions to ensure that the DPP becomes a practical, efficient, and innovation-friendly tool for all stakeholders.
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Response to Delegated Regulation amending Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 (EU Deforestation Regulation)

5 May 2025

We appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed revision of Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). We would like to highlight a contradiction in the formulations regarding rattan, bamboo, etc., between the two documents published in the consultation. Additionally, we suggest several key points to simplify the regulation and introduce a no-risk category, particularly concerning the quantity and origin of products. 1. Simplification of the EUDR: The current EUDR framework is complex and imposes significant burdens on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially those offering/producing a wide range of products / household goods. Simplifying the regulatory requirements will facilitate better compliance and enforcement, ultimately contributing to the regulation's objectives more efficiently. SMEs often lack the resources to navigate the still overcomplex regulations of EUDR without significant costs, and a streamlined approach would alleviate their administrative and financial burdens. Furthermore, we believe that the EUDR would benefit from an omnibus approach, similar to other regulatory frameworks. While the intentions behind the EUDR are fundamentally good, the implementation has resulted in a (still) bureaucratic nightmare. The focus must be on clear responsibilities and possible punitive actions, not on process micro-management and an overcomplex system of DSS etc. - also redundancies to other regulations (like PPWR, CSRD, CSDDD, etc.) must be addressed. 2. Introduction of a No-Risk Category and solid adopted Benchmarking: We strongly propose the introduction of a no-risk category within the EUDR. This category would apply to products that meet specific criteria, ensuring they pose minimal risk of contributing to deforestation. The criteria for this category should include: Quantity-Based Focus: Similar to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the EUDR should focus on quantities of relevance when looking into product groups and end products. This approach will streamline the regulation by concentrating on significant quantities that have a substantial impact on deforestation, rather than minor quantities that may not warrant the same level of scrutiny. Origin-Based Focus: Products originating from regions with robust deforestation controls, such as wood sourced from within the EU or other countries, should be classified under a new no-risk category. This classification acknowledges the stringent environmental standards and sustainable forestry practices already in place within the EU, reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens on these products. 3. Responsibilities of First Importers: We strongly recommend that the obligations under the EUDR be consistently applied only to the first importers and traders of materials. This approach ensures that the responsibility for compliance is clearly defined and manageable, preventing unnecessary duplication of efforts and reducing the regulatory burden on downstream operators. By focusing on first importers and first-hand traders, the regulation can more effectively target the initial entry point of materials / products into the EU market whereas wood outside of the EU is used and where the risk of deforestation is most significant.
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Response to Implementing regulation of regulation 2023/2411 on geographical indications for craft and industrial products

15 Apr 2025

Unsere Stellungnahme erfolgt in enger Abstimmung mit der Bergischen IHK als Inhaberin der Marke Solingen im Bereich der Schneidwaren. Wir als IVSH sind die deutsche, bundesweite Vertretung der Schneid- und Haushaltswarenindustrie. Der Entwurf schafft eine ergänzende Regelung basierend auf den Öffnungsklauseln der Verordnung (EU) 2023/2411. Allerdings weicht der Entwurf in seiner Systematik von der Verordnung ab, was die Zuordnung der Regelungen erschwert. Es ist wünschenswert, dass die Begriffe im Entwurf deckungsgleich mit denen der Verordnung sind, um Klarheit zu schaffen. Der Entwurf regelt sinnvoll das Zusammenspiel zwischen der Arbeit des EUIPO und der nationalen Behörden. Das Interesse, übermäßig umfangreiche Anträge zu vermeiden, ist nachvollziehbar. Dann darf sich aber aus den umsetzenden Regelungen des Entwurfs - vor allem mit Blick auf das single document - keine zukünftige Beanstandung des Amtes der Art ergeben, es seien zu wenige Informationen vorgelegt worden. Die geographische Herkunftsangabe Solingen genießt Bestandsschutz und ist von essentieller Bedeutung für unsere Industrie. Der Entwurf sollte Lösungen für bestehende Herkunftsangaben bieten der Schutz muss weiterhin gewährleistet bleiben. Es wäre mit Blick auf die unter der Bezeichnung Solingen geführten Erzeugnisse eine zu starke Einschränkung, wenn sich dadurch ein Vielfaches an Gebühren ergeben würde. Es sollte vielmehr für bereits bestehende Herkunftsangaben eine pauschale Gebühr anfallen, auch wenn im Ergebnis wegen des gewachsenen Bestandes eine Aufteilung auf mehrere Registrierungen erfolgen muss. Denn letztlich zwingt der europäische Gesetzgeber über Artikel 70 der Verordnung die bereits bestehenden Herkunftsangaben faktisch in den europäischen Rechtsrahmen. Eine Aufteilung der geographischen Herkunftsangabe auf mehrere europäische Registrierungen sollte möglich sein, ohne dass dadurch hohe Gebühren entstehen. Eine pauschale Gebühr für bestehende Herkunftsangaben wäre sinnvoll. Die Registrierung sollte auch für kleine und mittelständisch geprägte Produzentengruppen möglich sein. Bei den Regelungen zu den Produktspezifikationen weicht der Wortlaut der Vorschriften des Entwurfs vom Wortlaut der Vorschriften der Verordnung ab. Erwägungsgrund 75 der Verordnung eröffnet die Möglichkeit zu Festlegungen über die Form der Produktspezifikation. Der Entwurf geht aber darüber hinaus und regelt sachlich-inhaltlich, dass die Produzenten ihre Lieferketten dokumentieren müssen (Art. 8). Das halten wir in der Pauschalität für nicht erforderlich. Es sollte vielmehr den Produzentengruppen überlassen werden, welche Anforderungen an die Nachweise sie verlangen. Diese Anforderungen können in die jeweiligen Spezifikationen aufgenommen werden. Die Registrierung sollte auch für kleine und mittelständisch geprägte Produzentengruppen möglich sein. Die Dokumentation von Lieferketten ist nicht zwingend nötig für die Registrierung einer Herkunftsangabe. Die Antragsteller können die wesentlichen Herstellungsschritte und die Eigenschaften der Produkte selber festlegen. Die Erzeugergruppen sollten selber bestimmen, anhand welcher Merkmale ihre Produkte verifiziert werden können. Geschäftsgeheimnisse sollten respektiert werden. Der Entwurf sollte den Charakter der geographischen Herkunftsangaben als wirtschaftliche Ressource für die Produzenten ausgestalten und ein vernünftiges Gleichgewicht zwischen Rechten und Pflichten der Produzenten schaffen. Allgemein ist kritisch anzumerken, dass sämtliche Verfahren schlank und effizient und im Sinne einer möglichst geringen bürokratischen Belastungen auszugestalten sind. Es sollte den Erzeugern ermöglicht werden, sich mit einem vernünftigem finanziellen Aufwand zu Produzentengruppen zusammenschließen zu können und einheitlich am Markt aufzutreten. Hier ist Transparenz hinsichtlich der laufenden Kosten der Marktüberwachung nötig.
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Response to Evaluation of the Public Procurement Directives

18 Feb 2025

Insights and feedback from our members and companies show that especially SME and mid-caps from the EU still face considerable hurdles and obstacles (due to the overall complexity of the process) when participating public procurement imitatives. Overall, the process of participation of SME & mid-caps should be analyzed and simplified. Furthermore "buy European" approaches should be strengthened wherever possible, especially in sensitive areas and in the regard of consumer goods.
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Response to Single Market Strategy 2025

31 Jan 2025

The Industrieverband Schneid- und Haushaltwaren (IVSH) represents the interests of the German and beyond manufacturers of cutting and household goods, a sector known for its strong traditions, high-quality craftsmanship and excellence, and innovative capabilities. Our industry is an integral part of the European market, contributing to employment, economic growth, and the maintenance of high product standards. Many of our members are SMEs that rely on a well-functioning, efficient and harmonized internal market to remain competitive. We welcome and support the European Commissions initiative to further develop the Single Market. While significant progress has been made since its inception, companies still face substantial barriers that hinder efficiency and competitiveness. These obstacles particularly affect SMEs, which often lack the resources to navigate complex regulatory frameworks across multiple member states. A streamlined, harmonized, and modernized Single Market is crucial for fostering economic growth and innovation. Please find our specific recommendations in the file attached.
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Response to Digital Product Passport (DPP) service providers

4 Dec 2024

The Industrieverband Schneid- und Haushaltwaren e.V. (IVSH) in general welcomes the Commission's initiative to implement the Digital Product Passport (DPP) as part of the new EcoDesign Regulation - if designed and executed well. As the representative body of our industry, we recognize the positive potential of this initiative to advance sustainability, improve supply chain transparency, and hopefully streamline compliance processes - not to add up more burdens. The DPP holds significant promise for fostering better communication with market partners, increasing transparency for consumers, and enabling efficient data exchange with authorities. When executed in a practical, synergetic and user-friendly manner, it has the potential to generate substantial synergies across these domains. Interoperable and Open Standards: To maximize effectiveness, we emphasize the importance of establishing interoperable, open standards that allow for sector-wide solutions. This approach will ensure that the DPP remains adaptable to the diverse needs of various industries while avoiding unnecessary fragmentation. Role of Associations: Industry associations should be empowered and legally enabled (within the following framework) to facilitate, provide tailored and certify solutions, such as developing sector-specific standards and implementation tools. This inclusion would enhance the practical usability of the DPP for specialized sectors like ours and would make the implementation more smoothly. Support for SMEs: It is critical to design the DPP system with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) special needs and painpoints in mind. Solutions should be cost-efficient and straightforward easy to implement, ensuring that SMEs can comply without disproportionate administrative or financial burdens. This also strongly applies the the general outlet/design of the new EcoDesign regulations - we need to have easy and reduced complexity fpr SME and mid-caps. The AAS "verwaltungsschale" and requirements of mechanical engineering are not per se transferable or fitting to/for consumer goods industry and SME. Synergy with Existing Regulations: The DPP presents a unique opportunity to reduce redundancies and bureaucratic burdens / reporting requirements by integrating requirements from related regulations, such as the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and many more. By harmonizing data collection and reporting frameworks ("data hub"), the Commission hast to streamline processes and reduce the compliance workload for businesses by using synergies. Long-Term Efficiency Gains: We urge the Commission to actively prioritize the elimination of duplicative reporting obligations. A cohesive system that aligns with existing regulatory requirements will enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase uptake across industries. In best case the DPP will be able to reduce these burdens by reducing or eliminating double standards and reporting obligations. We strongly encourage the COMM to specifically set up a task force to identify these potentials and considers those from the very beginning / design of the DPP. Ensuring a Competitive Market for Solutions: It is crucial to avoid favoring specific technical providers in the design and implementation of the DPP. A competitive and open market for solutions will stimulate innovation and provide businesses with the flexibility to choose the most suitable options. IVSH is committed to supporting the objectives of the DPP initiative and stands ready to collaborate in its development. By addressing the considerations outlined above, the DPP can become an important component to shape our industrial future. Without addressing these issues it might become another burden for competitivness. We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this important initiative and look forward to engaging further in its implementation.
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