Commission aims to tackle ‘Terrible Ten’ Single Market barriers by publishing guidance for EU countries on proportionality

On 29 April 2026, the Commission published guidance for EU countries on complying with their notification obligations under the Single Market Transparency Directive (SMTD). This guidance will help to prevent the creation of new barriers in the Single Market, such as those identified as part of the 'Terrible Ten' that make it harder for businesses in the EU to operate and/or increase costs.

Under the Single Market Transparency Directive, EU countries are required to notify draft measures for products and IT services before their adoption to ensure these do not impede the smooth functioning of the Single Market. The guidance provides national authorities in the EU with information on how to apply the principle of proportionality when adopting national measures; that is, how to ensure that new rules are strictly necessary to protect public interests while minimising business burdens. Furthermore, by helping EU countries better implement EU law, the guidance document contributes to the objectives of the Communication on a simpler, clearer and better enforced EU rulebook published earlier this week.

The guidance document is now published and available.