LPG appliances: the Commission will not publish references to EN 17476 and EN 497 after objections by Sweden and Germany — no requirements for a flame supervision device, operation at low temperature or on a sloping surface
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1750 of 20 July 2026, published on 21 July, finds that the harmonised standards EN 17476:2021 as amended by A1:2022 (LPG vapour pressure appliances incorporating a horizontal cartridge in the chassis) and EN 497:2022 (multi-purpose boiling burners for outdoor use) do not meet the essential requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/426, so their references are not published in the Official Journal of the EU.
- Sweden raised a formal objection against EN 17476 on 30 January 2023: the standard contains no requirements ensuring safe operation of the appliance at low temperature or on a slightly sloping surface, although for outdoor heating appliances such use is reasonably foreseeable. Germany (13 March 2023) pointed out, among other things, insufficient requirements for adjustment devices that interrupt the gas supply in order to extinguish flames, the risk of parts being reassembled incorrectly after cleaning and the absence of a flame supervision device on appliances other than heaters.
- Germany also argued that the standard does not distinguish between printed and adhesive markings, risking their damage or loss, and that the burner and cartridge compartment should be shielded against radiant heat. Regarding EN 497, Germany (12 April 2023) objected to the absence of requirements for a flame supervision device: gas may keep flowing after the flame goes out or accumulate before delayed ignition, risking an explosion and burns.
- The Gas Appliances Committee discussed the objections on 17 October 2025. The Commission concluded that EN 17476 does not meet points 1.1, 1.2, 1.3(a), 1.4, 2, 3.2.2 and 3.4.1 of Annex I to Regulation 2016/426, and EN 497 does not meet points 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 3.2.2 and 3.2.3. These points require, among other things, safe operation in normal use, consideration of reasonably foreseeable use, limiting gas release so that unburnt gas does not accumulate, and stable combustion without unacceptable concentrations of harmful substances in the combustion products.
- The presumption of conformity under Article 13 of Regulation 2016/426 applies only to appliances manufactured in accordance with standards whose references have been published in the Official Journal. CEN and CENELEC drew up both standards in the review requested by Decision C(2023) 4789 of 20 July 2023; Decision 2026/1750 entered into force on the third day after publication, i.e. on 24 July 2026.