Global Compliance in Focus: Key Takeaways from JTLM 2026

For 36 years, the Joint Technical Liaison Meeting (JTLM) has helped provide product compliance professionals in the non-road equipment manufacturing industry with the requisite knowledge they need to help their respective organizations maintain market access around the world.  

AEM was proud to host the 2026 edition of the event, held June 2-4, in Dallas, Texas, which offered an in-person forum for various trade associations to share their thoughts and perspectives on issues of common concern for non-road equipment manufacturers and "compare notes" regarding standards and regulatory activities happening in their respective regions. 

What follows is the first in a four-part series of AEM Industry Advisor articles that highlight some of the key details of presentations and discussions from the 36th edition of the JTLM. In addition, AEM will release a resource document in the days ahead that will provide a comprehensive look at the industry issues covered at last month's JTLM.

European Union 

EU Omnibus Simplification Package

European trade association Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE) updated on the EU Omnibus simplification packages intended to reduce regulatory burden and adjust major compliance timelines. Expected packages would affect the Machinery Regulation, AI Act, Batteries Regulation, Data Act, GDPR, and Waste Framework Directive, including delayed battery due diligence and possible repeal of the SCIP database. 

Machinery Regulation 

The EU Machinery Regulation applies from Jan. 20, 2027, but Commission guidance and harmonized standards remain under development, with first outputs expected in 2026. Industry priorities include practical interpretation of requirements on seating, vibration, digital instructions, cybersecurity, autonomy, and substantial modifications, while CECE continues to seek pragmatic Omnibus IV amendments and clear transition rules. 

Non-Road Mobile Machinery Road Circulation Regulation 

(EU) 2025/14 creates EU road-circulation approval rules for new self-propelled non-road mobile machinery designed for 6-40 km/h public-road use, applying from Jan. 29, 2028. Manufacturers may use EU type approval, EU individual approval, or national rules during the transition through Jan. 29, 2036, while industry engages on delegated and implementing acts covering technical requirements, testing, and approval documentation. 

EU Batteries Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542)

The  EU Batteries Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542) covers the full battery lifecycle, began general application on Aug. 18, 2024, and phases in requirements through 2036. Key obligations include carbon-footprint declarations, labelling, battery passports, QR-code access, removability, recycled content, durability, waste management, and due diligence, with CECE engaging on implementing acts, delegated acts, and Omnibus IV simplification. 

EU F-gas Regulation 

The revised EU F-gas Regulation, (EU) 2024/573, supports Green Deal climate objectives and replaces (EU) No. 517/2014. Recent implementing acts address reporting, labelling, registry requirements, certification, training, test equipment, laboratory equipment, and declaration-of-conformity verification, including Implementing (EU) 2025/2155 with a new Declaration of Conformity template. 

EU Deforestation Regulation 

(EU) 2025/2650 simplifies the EU Deforestation Regulation and postpones most applications to Dec. 30, 2026, with an additional extension for micro and small operators. The rules apply to products linked to commodities such as coffee, cocoa, palm oil, soya, cattle, rubber, and wood, with due diligence responsibility focused mainly on the first operator placing products on the EU market. 

United Kingdom 

UK Regulatory Update 

The UK updated on post-Brexit product regulation, including the Product Regulation and Metrology Act published in July 2025 and continued CE recognition for machinery placed on the GB market. Key issues include EU Machinery Regulation application in Northern Ireland from Jan. 20, 2027, GB machinery safety updates for UKCA-marked products, outdoor noise changes, POPs, PFAS, HFC phasedown, product safety, market surveillance, and possible UK treatment of EU digital, battery, and road-circulation rules. 

North America  

U.S. Regulatory Update 

AEM provided an update on U.S. EPA climate, emissions, chemical, and reporting actions, including greenhouse gas standards, GHGRP, HFC technology transitions, TSCA risk procedures, PFAS reporting, and NMP regulation. AEM is focused on preserving workable compliance pathways for controlled occupational uses, monitoring OSHA's powered industrial truck design-standard update, and managing divergence between U.S. and global requirements. 

In the United States, AEM is focused on preserving workable compliance pathways for controlled occupational uses, monitoring OSHA's powered industrial truck design-standard update, and managing divergence between U.S. and global requirements. 

Canada Regulatory Update 

Canada shared an update on Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety Code, especially mining-equipment provisions in Part 36, where AEM participated in the Mining Technical Working Group. Proposed updates would align requirements with newer standards, but AEM flagged concerns with fully loaded brake testing under CSA M424.3:22 and duplicative CSA or ASME approval requirements for pressure equipment already covered by Canadian Registration Number rules. 

U.S. Autonomy, Cybersecurity, and Technology Updates 

AEM is advancing autonomous equipment symbols, cybersecurity vulnerability coordination, and engagement on EU Machinery Regulation concerns. Key work includes draft symbols for autonomous machines and worksite planning, a voluntary CNA launch planned for Jan. 1, 2027, and coordination with European associations on machinery requirements affecting restraint systems, rescue equipment, overhead powerlines, and guidance clarity. 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of AEM's JTLM summary, set to be featured in the July 20 edition of the AEM Industry Advisor.

About the JTLM

The JTLM consists of various global trade associations (AEM from the United States, CCMA from China, CECE from the European Union, CMEIG from Australia, ICEMA from India, KOCEMA from Korea, and CEMA from Japan) presenting and exchanging information on current and ongoing legislative, compliance, and standards activities worldwide.

For more than three decades, members and staff from the aforementioned associations have gathered in-person to promote:

• Reduction of technical barriers to trade
• Harmonization of product-oriented legislation, regulations, and standards in areas such as safety, environment, health, and product quality, as well as testing and certification of products
• The development and announcement of clear, effective, and reasonable legislation, regulation, and standards

For addition information on AEM Safety & Product Leadership activities, contact AEM's Jason Malcore at [email protected].