Who we are

EDRA/GHIN represents a global network of home improvement retailers, made up of independent stores, SMEs and multinational groups. We are a collaborative community, whose primary purpose is to promote the competitiveness and sustainability of the retail market and ensure the sector’s voice is heard in the EU policy debate.

Our organisation is a hub for advocacy, knowledge exchange and networking, representing a sector that interacts directly with thousands of suppliers in Europe and overseas, and millions of consumers, both professional and households. 

The EDRA Brussels office is headed by our Director of European Affairs - Alisdair Gray: gray@edra-ghin.org

 EDRA: Brussels and EU Affairs in 2025

1. EDRA successfully paused the Late Payment debate despite the Commission’s continued efforts to advance the proposal. With a majority of EU governments opposed to the 30 day plan, EDRA is predicting no significant changes in 2026 and thanks to our members for contributing to our campaign.

2. Working with our technical experts and the Commission, EDRA obtained a two year delay to implementation of the EU Batteries Regulation which mandates stringent due diligence policies for imports. While the delay is good news, we recommend putting in place data collection and supply chain mapping from now, as robust systems will need to be in place.

3. To everyone’s relief, the EU Deforestation Regulation has been postponed for a further 12 months to 30 December 2026. Lawmakers listened and not only agreed to delay but also requested further simplifications. EDRA will be contributing to an EU review in Q1 particularly around collecting due diligence numbers for each and every wood source.

4. Throughout the year, EDRA has been calling for action on non EU platforms that openly flout EU product safety and environmental rules. EU governments have finally acted, and starting in 2026 the €150 customs duty exemption will be abolished. An interim solution could see a €2 administrative fee from Q2 2026 ahead of a full customs reform in 2028.

5. EDRA fed our views into the consultation on the extension of CBAM to downstream products, with a legislative proposal expected in 2026. Products primarily made of steel or aluminium are impacted.  EDRA supports lowering the CO₂ footprint of products but the real challenge is obtaining supplier data and extension risks repeating the same problems that retailers currently face.

6. The EU has agreed on changes to CSRD & CSDDD after a year of debate. Reporting will only apply to companies with +1,000 employees and €450 million turnover, while companies with +5,000 employees and €1.5 billion turnover are covered by due diligence. Gone are CO2 reduction transition plans and liability for impacts on human rights or ecosystems.

So what to expect in 2026?

If 2025 was about unpicking due diligence rules, 2026 looks to be about new rules on chemicals and dangerous substances. A possible total ban on PFAS by the end of the year, with bans on packaging, cosmetics and textiles taking place earlier. A legislative proposal reviewing REACH is also expected by mid 2026 as well as a new Circular Economy Plan which aims to boost demand for recycled goods will also follow.

For EDRA we will keep up the pressure on Late Payment, and work to further simplify the EU Deforestation Regulation for our members.

A New Approach for

2024-29

Since Covid, home improvement retailers have faced a series of challenges to the supply chain, mounting inflation, rising energy prices, the transition toward increased digitalisation and sustainable practices, all of which combine to squeeze margins and profitability.

However, retailers approach these challenges as opportunities to move their businesses into the new normal; by investing in technology and digital transformation, reskilling and developing new sustainability practices and product assortments. They do this while remaining dedicated to offering affordable prices to customers.

All of the work that has gone into developing sustainability and digital frameworks was vital and retailers made an important contribution to shaping them. These new measures, while essential, will also bring with them numerous burdens and require massive investment and resources.

Better understanding of the complexity of global supply chains and the cumulative effects of policies on the retail sector would have a positive effect on the competitiveness and the resilience of the sector. In this regard, we also very much welcome the Retail Transition Pathway of the European Commission.

The Green Deal has seen unprecedented changes to the EU acquis since 2019. Business now needs space to breathe, and we call on policy makers to focus on implementation and proper enforcement of the rules, rather than generating new initiatives.

Retailers welcome the Green Deal now being in place, but it needs to be delivered. Policymakers can help retailers comply with the many new rules in place, by ensuring a level playing field at European level and a business-friendly regulatory culture in Brussels.

A change in the regulatory culture: stronger cooperation between industry and public authorities is essential, with policymakers leveraging industrial expertise to foster competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Priorities  

Preserving single market principles essential for competitiveness and green and digital transition. This involves cutting red tape, removing trade barriers, and fostering a business-friendly environment.

A change in the regulatory culture in Brussels can go further. Built on stronger cooperation between industry and public authorities, with policymakers leveraging business expertise to foster competitiveness.

Maintaining openness and growth as fundamental components of the EU’s trade policy.

The Horizon Europe programme should do more to enhance collaboration between business, research, and education.

Address the skills shortage through strategic partnerships and policies that bolster vocational training, education, and lifelong learning.

Position Papers

Late Payments in Commercial Transactions

SME Relief Package