Observed Signal · Nov 4, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: Retail-News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
EU Simplification Plans: HDE Demands Net Relief
The German Retail Association (HDE) has responded to the European Commission's 2027 work programme, welcoming planned simplifications and the withdrawal of the Green Claims Directive and the Payment Delay Regulation. While supporting measures to boost competitiveness, deepen the single market, and reduce bureaucracy, the HDE warns that new regulations could offset these gains. The association insists on measuring the actual reduction in administrative burden, factoring in new regulatory requirements. It supports the Omnibus packages, review of digital law, and actions against territorial supply restrictions and gold-plating. However, it flags risks from the Digital Fairness Act, Quality Jobs Act, and potential UTP directive revision. The HDE also calls for harmonising the EU Battery Regulation with the CSDDD supply chain directive to avoid conflicting requirements. Overall, the HDE emphasises that success depends on practical implementation and verifiable net relief for businesses.
EU regulatory changes affect retailers but not directly AdTech; relevant for e-commerce and cross-border trade.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- The European Commission published its 2027 work programme on November 4, 2026.
- The HDE welcomes the withdrawal of the Green Claims Directive and the Payment Delay Regulation.
- The HDE calls for measuring actual administrative burden reduction, considering new regulations.
- The HDE warns of new burdens from the Digital Fairness Act, Quality Jobs Act, and UTP directive revision.
- The HDE urges harmonising the EU Battery Regulation with the CSDDD supply chain directive.
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
HDE Urges Faster Retail Reforms
The German Retail Federation (Handelsverband Deutschland, HDE) has called on the federal government to rapidly implement previously agreed reforms to relieve retailers from rising labour, energy and bureaucracy costs. Ahead of a government cabinet retreat, HDE President Alexander von Preen warned that weak consumer sentiment is preventing a sustained recovery for the sector and urged measures that produce tangible, fast effects for companies and households. The association specifically asked for protection of mini-jobs (around 800,000 mini-jobbers in retail), lower labour costs, tax consideration for sole proprietors and a prompt reduction of the electricity tax for all companies.
HDE Demands Fair Fee Model for Digital Euro
Ahead of a vote in the EU Parliament committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, the German retail association Handelsverband Deutschland (HDE) urged changes to the fee/cost model for the planned digital euro. The HDE warned that an unattractive or burdensome fee structure could hinder merchant acceptance of the digital euro, with smaller retailers particularly at risk of being disproportionately affected. The article was published by Lebensmittelzeitung on 2026-06-22 and authored by Marco Kitzmann.
DIHK and HDE Demand Stricter Controls on Third-Country Online Trade
The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) and the German Retail Federation (HDE) have published a 10-point program calling for more rigorous enforcement of existing regulations in cross-border e-commerce from non-EU countries. They highlight that nearly six billion small shipments worth under 150 euros enter the EU annually, overwhelming control systems. The associations propose risk-based inspections, specialized taskforces, a central digital reporting office, automated web crawlers to monitor online offers, and stronger use of fulfillment center checks and test purchases. They also urge stricter application of the Digital Services Act (DSA) against large platforms, improved Safety Gate alerts, and promotion of the Import One-Stop-Shop (IOSS) for VAT. The goal is to create a level playing field for EU and non-EU sellers without adding bureaucratic burdens.
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