Entry into Force
Definition
Entry into force is the date on which a European Union legal act becomes legally binding as part of Union law, normally on a date stated in the act itself or on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Expanded Explanation
Entry into force and application are different events. An act that has entered into force exists in law and can support further steps, such as the adoption of delegated acts. Its substantive obligations may nevertheless only bite from a later application date, and different provisions of the same act can apply from different dates.
Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 illustrates the pattern. The framework is in force, but the concrete Digital Product Passport requirements for most product groups arrive through delegated acts, each with its own dates.
The test for any obligation is therefore three-part: has the act entered into force, has the applicable date been reached, and does a product-specific measure apply to this product.
Why It Matters
Confusing the two dates is the most common error in regulatory planning. It produces either premature spending or a missed deadline, depending on which way the mistake runs.
Legal and Regulatory Context
Article 297 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union governs publication and entry into force of Union acts.
Relationship to Adjacent Concepts
Entry into force precedes the application date; a transition period is the gap the legislator leaves between them.
Common Misconceptions
Not necessarily. Many provisions apply from a later date set in the act, and product-specific duties may wait for a delegated act.
Related Terms
Related Knowledge Base Articles
Related Articles
- Working Plan
- Authorised Representative
- Conformity Assessment
- Corrective Action
- EU Declaration of Conformity
- Harmonised Standard
- Market Surveillance
- Market Surveillance Authority
See Also
References
- Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Article 297: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A12012E%2FTXT
- Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 establishing a framework for ecodesign requirements: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1781/oj
About This Article
tieback Knowledge is a continuously maintained reference library covering Digital Product Passports, product traceability, product compliance and related regulations. Articles are reviewed regularly as legislation, standards and implementation guidance evolve.