The CJEU on the of “Free Access” to ISO Standards in EU Law

Abstract

Reference: Case C-155/24, Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit and Others v Stichting Rookpreventie Jeugd [2026] EU:C:2026:327 Headnote: Based on the principle of the rule of law set out in Article 2 TEU, international standards referenced in an EU legislative act, being binding, must be freely accessible via a system that is “general, effective, without charge and non-discriminatory.” The costs for setting up such a system must be borne by the European Union. Legislation: Article 4(1) Directive 2014/40 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products and repealing Directive 2001/37/EC .